DEAR SUN SPOTS: Because I’ve read your recent column about what to do with Christmas trees now that the holidays are over, I want to be sure everyone knows about the conservation project going on at Popham Beach.

I heard this information on Maine Public Radio and I think it’s a wonderful idea. I’ll be taking mine over there.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is using the trees to attempt restore sand dunes flattened by the recent storm.

About 350 Christmas trees need to be placed strategically in four large rows on the part of the beach near the park’s west bathhouse. It’s expected that the line of trees with collect a lot of the sand needed to build up the dunes.

There is a collection point for the trees near that bathhouse. People can bring them there until the end of January. — Chris, Bowdoin

ANSWER: It is a wonderful idea and when I shared this information with family members they were all for making it an outing for us all.

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So now we have some options for dedicating our Christmas trees to a good cause: if you live in Lewison, you can set them curbside (with a special tag) for the Boy Scouts to collect for their yearly fundraiser; you can take your tree to a goat farm or other wildlife sanctuary to be devoured; or you can plop that tree in your truck or tie it to your vehicle rooftop and haul it over to Popham Beach. While there, go for a good brisk walk and if it’s low tide, you may very well find a sand dollar or two.

Another lowkey option is to prop the tree in your backyard for the winter and decorating it with edibles for the birds and squirrels.

Before doing any of those things, keep aside a few cups of pine needles if your tree is still fresh. Tomorrow I’ll share what you can do with those!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: As archivist for my Lewiston High School graduating class of 1961, I have been asked by a classmate from the class of 1962 for information on the classmate/representative tending to that year’s class.

I’m just trying to help another classmate get the information of other classmates from her class. Please let me know by writing to goldenagers@hotmail.com. — Marc, Lewiston

ANSWER: Now that the winter holiday vacation is over, your friend may want to call the administrative offices of LHS to see if they have the information or can direct you to someone who might at 795-4190.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I received a gift certificate for Yvon’s Carwash but I notice they are no longer on Lincoln Street. Are there any other places where this certificate can be redeemed? — David, Auburn

ANSWER: I called the phone number listed on Yvon’s Car Wash Facebook page and spoke with an employee who said gift certificates are honored at Mac’s Supersonic Car Wash at 7 Lincoln St. Please call them at 782-4009 if you have any questions or get information on their web site (http://www.macssupersonicwash.com/).

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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