DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding vehicle access to Gas Light Park (Jan. 11 Sun Spots), the park was restricted beginning in the summer of 2022.  Pedestrian access has never been restricted, and vehicle parking is available in the small parking lot across from the park at Locust and Lincoln streets.

The park has been subjected to repeated vandalism (with a surge noticed during the pandemic years), along with an increase in abandoned drug paraphernalia and weapons (e.g., handguns and knives), and illegal vehicle maintenance occurring in the parking lot.

These activities appeared to have been tied to vehicles having ready access to the park proper. Since the gates have been installed, Unitil has experienced a notable decrease in all these activities. Currently, there are no plans to reopen the park proper to vehicle access, given the nearby parking lot. — Tom, no town

ANSWER: I really appreciate Thomas J. Murphy, CPEA manager, environmental, health and safety at Unitil, for responding to my email so quickly. The park is at 333 Lincoln St. It really is a shame that this kind of activity has been going on in a park that was meant to be for our enjoyment. Hopefully, this won’t discourage those who want to enjoy and care for the park, and that in the future things will continue to improve.

Thank you to the Sun Spotter who brought this up so I can get word out to those who have wanted to use the park.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the AARP Tax-Aide beginning on Feb. 6 at Sacred Heart Church at 8 Sacred Heart Place in Auburn, call Marty 998-3166 if all you require is help with preparing the Maine Property and Sales Tax Credit return over the telephone — No name, no town

ANSWER: Hopefully, this note clarifies the information in the Jan. 12 Sun Spots!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m writing to see if you or other readers know of anywhere or anyone in the Lewiston-Auburn area that grows African violets for sale. I’ve had no luck with the big-box stores and am wondering if there’s a garden center I’ve missed. Any readers with suggestions can leave me a voicemail at 713-7881. Thank you! — Chris, no town

ANSWER: I’m asking for assistance from my Sun Spotters for this question. Since African violets can be so persnickety, I’m depending on advice from any experts!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We’re blessed more than we realize with the kindness and generosity around us. Thank you to the two people (JD and someone else) at the Greene post office who paid my postage on a package.

And thank you to the group who offered a Thanksgiving lunch and a New Year’s Party at the Auburn Senior Rec Hall. I’m wishing you another successful, healthy, happy New Year. — No name, no town

ANSWER: Gratitude brings even more blessings!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for a Pampered Chef dealer. — No name, no town

ANSWER: You can go to https://www.pamperedchef.com/ and click on “Find a Consultant” then add your ZIP code. Or you can call customer service at 1-888-687-2433.

What I’m hoping for though, is that a consultant sees this and writes in.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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