Dear Sun Spots: I hope your wonderful column will be able to help me as it has in the past. Is there anyone in the Lewiston-Auburn area that offers real, old-fashioned sleigh rides around Christmastime that are affordable? I am having guests from a few different states this year and thought that would be a fun time for everybody. It will also bring happy memories of Maine in winter. I am also curious as to why the state offices located in the CareerCenter as well as the CareerCenter do not recycle paper. Is this true of all state/city offices? Finally, do they use any paper that has already been recycled? Thank you Sun Journal for having the Sun Spots column in your paper. It is a wonderful resource for the community! – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Hopefully readers will be able to assist you with your first request. In response to your second question, Sun Spots spoke with Mary, a manager at the CareerCenter. She noted that they do recycle much of their paper, but not all of it at the present time. The staff area, which is not in the public area, does recycle. Recycling will be expanded into the public areas in the future. Also, she checked a ream of paper in her office, and they do use recycled paper. In regard to the request about all state and city offices, Sun Spots would have to check with each individual office to see if they recycle. If you are interested in knowing about certain offices, please let us know and we’ll find out for you!

Dear Sun Spots: The season of giving is upon us. As you approach the holidays, please take time to consider the children in our community who can use support in having a happy and meaningful holiday season. Dirigo Place is looking for businesses and individuals to provide contributions toward our Christmas celebration. Dirigo Place is a transitional mental health program for adolescents ages 12 to 17. Many of our residents find the holidays to be a difficult time of the year, and you can be a part of making this Christmas a positive experience they will always remember. Any donation is appreciated.

In the past we have had contributions ranging from sponsorship of a resident’s wish list to monetary donations (from individuals or through workplace donation programs), presents (such as CDs, board games, video games, etc.) and even decorations or food for our holiday party. Think of what might make a teenager’s Christmas meaningful and get creative; every little bit is greatly appreciated and goes a long way toward the joyous sight of a happy child during the holiday season. As one of the programs of the nonprofit agency NFI North Inc., Dirigo Place can provide documentation of a fully tax-deductible donation. For more information or suggestions of how to help out, contact Dean Bugaj at 784-7144. Thank you and happy holidays! – Denise, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: My uncle was in WW II and brought back from the Philippines or Borneo a number of cats-eye shells and a black rock that has a “gold strip” through it. I am curious to know if these things have any value other than sentimental. Who could tell me this? Thank you. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Anyone who may be able to assist, please contact the column.

Dear Sun Spots: The West Auburn School Historical Society is hoping you can help us out once again as you have so graciously in the past. On Saturday, Dec. 6, we will be having an open house at the school (corner of West Auburn Road and Boothby Street) to distribute copies of the book “The History of North and West Auburn” to those who ordered them at our yard sale in August. There will also be copies for sale on those days for anyone who did not preorder a copy. Light refreshments will be served. Thanks for the wonderful service you provide to our communities. – June Spear, West Auburn School Historical Society.

Dear Sun Spots: With regard to the person who wanted to clean their plastic lenses. You can pour rubbing alcohol over them, rub gently and wipe with a Bounty paper towel. This is the only type of paper towel one should use on plastic lenses. Do this every four to six weeks according to Gil Poliquin of Poliquin Center. I use this method and it works very well. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Many thanks for your suggestion.

Dear Sun Spots: The Grieving Children and Teens Program is having its annual holiday program at St. Phillips church in Auburn on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. It will be a potluck from 6 to 7, support groups from 7 to 8 and holiday crafts from 8 to 9. Help-for-the-holidays literature will also be available. – Jake Lariviere, Lewiston.

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). 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 posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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