DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m a volunteer with Rebuilding Together Lewiston/Auburn and am wondering if you could help us with our project of finding homes to renovate this year. This nonprofit organization is supported entirely by contributions of time, labor, materials and money. We are dedicated to repairing homes of those who, due to financial hardship, age, and/or disability, cannot do the work themselves. Skilled and unskilled volunteers, alongside able-bodied members of the recipient’s family and friends, complete the repairs at no cost to the homeowner.

The work is conducted one weekend a year. This year’s Rebuilding Day is May 16. We will be accepting house applications until March 31. Applications can be found on our website at: www.rebuildingtogetherla.org. You can also contact us at [email protected] and request one to be sent via mail. Skilled and unskilled volunteers are also needed. If you would like to volunteer, please contact us through the email address above. — Shanna, Lewiston

ANSWER: I’m happy to help spread the word. If you or someone you know needs home repairs and would qualify for this program, or if you are willing to spend one weekend in May using your time and skills to benefit someone in need, please respond to this request. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I pass the former Liberty Mutual building on outer Lisbon Street daily and see that it’s being demolished. I’m wondering what they’re going to do with the site once it’s cleared. Hopefully, it’ll be used for housing. — John, no town

ANSWER: I agree with you on your hope that the site will be used for much-needed housing. To answer your question, according to a caption on an aerial photograph taken by staff photographer Russ Dillingham and published on Jan. 8 in the Sun Journal, plans haven’t been announced yet regarding how this location will be developed. 

The structure is owned by Lewiston Liberty LLC and was last occupied by SPI Global USA. Gendron Realty LLC is the entity that applied for the demolition permit. 

I’m sure we’ll hear about what’s happening once everything is settled. In the meantime, you can check in with the city planning board or the economic and community development department for any possible updates. Go to the city website at https://www.lewistonmaine.gov/ or call 207-513-3000.

For Sun Spotters who want to be more involved in what’s happening in town and want to share your ideas and concerns to help shape Lewiston’s future, there are two public planning sessions: Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 6-8 p.m. at the Senior Room in the Lewiston Armory, 65 Central Ave., and Thursday, Feb. 26, from 6-8 p.m. at the cafeteria at Longley Elementary School, 145 Birch St. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information regarding these meetings, contact the Economic & Community Development Office at 513-3126.

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 [email protected].