DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, from noon to 1 p.m., the Auburn United Methodist Church on Park Avenue will offer the Blessing of Ashes in the parking lot, weather permitting. Otherwise, this tradition will be in the building. 

At 6 p.m., there will be an Ash Wednesday service in the sanctuary. All are welcome to both events. — Wanda, Auburn

ANSWER: Many churches in the area will be having services and dispensing ashes on this first day of Lent, so if you want to participate, just look up a church near you. You don’t have to be member of a congregation to observe Ash Wednesday.

Catholic, Anglican, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, and other reformed churches all observe Ash Wednesday. These ashes are a symbol of forgiveness and penance.  

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What is going on where Scarborough Downs used to be? Are there condos, a business area, and houses. I miss watching the harness racing and wish I had a photo of it. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Scarborough Downs closed in November 2022 and is being redeveloped by Cross Roads Holdings into “The Downs,” a 500-acre mixed-use modern town center development. The project includes a new downtown area with residential housing, commercial spaces, a business district, and recreational facilities. 

The center will include residential units, retail, dining, and an innovation district to attract business.

Photos of harness racing at Scarborough Downs can be found through historical Maine media archives, local photography portfolios, and social media groups dedicated to Maine horse racing history. You may want to contact The Portland Press Herald, the Maine Memory Network, and historical societies. 

What would be really wonderful is if another Sun Spotter had a photo or two of the activities at Scarborough Downs to share with this reader! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is the Dannon company still in business? They had the best yogurt. Did they get bought out? — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Dannon is a part of Danone North America LLC. While the company is known globally as Danone, it has used the “Dannon” name in the U.S. since 1942.

In 2021, the company rebranded and reformulated its Oikos Greek yogurt to boost the brand. So you may see Dannon yogurt as Oikos at the store. Costco and Walmart are listed as sellers of it and I have seen Oikos yogurt in several grocery stores. 

Readers, if you’ve seen Dannon in local grocery stores, please let us know.  

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