DEAR SUN SPOTS: Lisbon’s annual Moxie Festival will take place July 7-9, and the Lisbon United Methodist Church, 14 School St. in Lisbon Falls, will again participate. From 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 7, we’ll join forces with the Lisbon Library and hold a huge book sale. Hot dogs and strawberry shortcake will also be available. At 9 a.m. Saturday, the book sale will continue and at 10 a.m. the kitchen will open, offering hot dogs and shortcake. Izzy’s Stuffed Zoo & Emporium will also be on site to make stuffed animals. Snacks and plenty of ice-cold Moxie will be available, as well. For more information, call 207-353-8579. Thank you. — No name, Lisbon

ANSWER: The Moxie Festival celebrates the official soft drink of the state of Maine. The “tonic,” which features gentian root extract, was created in 1884 by a Maine native. Its unique taste, often described as both bitter and sweet, was originally marketed as a medicinal “nerve food.” The festival features a parade through downtown Lisbon and Lisbon Falls, fireworks, food, vendors, music and a bass-fishing derby, among other offerings. See the Moxiefest Facebook page for more information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please help us spread the word that the Lisbon Golden Reunion is still happening Aug. 26. We lost our venue when the Ramada Inn announced its closing. Our invitations went out the same day that the city of Lewiston announced its purchase of the Ramada, so we have scrambled and have found that Lost Valley can accommodate us. The date, time and price will remain the same. Please share this information with your friends. The Golden Reunion is for all who graduated from (or attended) Lisbon High School 50 or more years ago. — Nancy, Lisbon

ANSWER: Sun Spots is happy to help spread the word. We are glad you could find another venue with such short notice.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am responding to the request for a recipe for salted herbs. This recipe is from a very dear lady, Aunt Berne. This is the recipe she gave me, probably 30 years ago:

Wash the herbs and let dry before cutting them up very fine with scissors.

1 cup chives 
1 cup parsley
1 cup leeks
1 cup scallions 

Mix all together and add rock salt so herbs are all covered. After mixing well, drain excess liquid, preferably overnight, in clean, well-sterilized jars, with boiling water. Cover tightly.

Aunt Berne was also known as the “Raggedy Ann & Andy Lady” by the many people who knew her and those who were special enough to get one of the hundreds of sets she made with love. — Rose D., Poland

ANSWER: Your aunt was indeed a lovely woman. Thank you for sharing her recipe!

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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