DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Auburn Community Concert Band will present an evening of patriotic music at Festival Plaza on Main Street in downtown Auburn on Wednesday, July 1. It is free and will take place from 7- 8:30 p.m. It may be the only such patriotic-themed band concert of its kind taking place anywhere in Central Maine commemorating the Independence Day holiday.

Attendees should bring their own lawn chairs and are advised to arrive well before the 7 p.m. start time, as the largest audience of the summer is anticipated. 

Ample free parking will be available in the municipal garage across the street from the plaza. Portable toilets will be located alongside the parking garage, and Auburn’s Age Friendly group will be onsite selling a large assortment of refreshments. In case of inclement weather,  visit www.auburncommunityband for concert status. — Milt, Auburn

ANSWER: This sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? And I appreciate the arduous work of all the individuals involved in creating such a special event. Community spirit is so important, now more than ever, so let’s come together with joy and celebration for an evening of music in the lovely Festival Plaza. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Trinity Episcopal Church, 247 Bates St. in Lewiston, will open its doors Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. in July and August so members of the community can walk the labyrinth, or simply sit quietly in our lovely space. 

Walking the labyrinth is a meditative practice that people from many religious traditions use as a way of bringing inner peace and clarity. For more information, contact [email protected]. — Jane, Lewiston

ANSWER: I’m happy to spread the word about this beautiful practice and will be sure to come myself. Walking the spiral of the labyrinth over and over is such a calming experience and one that has brought me peace many times. 

Readers, if you know of any other churches or places where a labyrinth is open to the public, please share the information. 

If you have the space in your yard to create your own outdoor labyrinth, there are so many ways to do it. You can use crushed stone or shells, pea gravel, marble chips, or mulch to name just a few materials for creating a spiral. Or simply mow a spiral pattern into your lawn then add borders with shrubs, herbs such as lavender, and flowers as time and finances allow. Perhaps you can even add a water feature and some chimes. 

There are plenty of ideas on the internet or talk with a landscaper or folks at your local garden center. I just thought of something else — in the wintertime, you could even carve out a labyrinth in the snow! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’d like to thank Ellie for sharing her incredible Rhubarb Streusel Muffin Recipe (June 7 Sun Spots). 

They were incredible, and I rate them a 10-plus. This recipe is definitely a keeper. I made them for friends and they begged for the recipe, so muffins are being happily baked in Sunspots Land. — Louise, Lewiston

ANSWER: I made these muffins for my granddaughters and they loved them too. I’m going to try them again with some raspberries added! 

I really do love it when readers share their recipes so please keep a good thing going! 

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].