DEAR SUN SPOTS: What happened to Route 136 in Durham? After months of construction, it looks like they moved the road back from the river only about 50 feet, and they cut down all of the trees along the riverbank for more than a mile. Don’t the trees help to stabilize the riverbank and prevent erosion? How is this helping the problem? — Marcia Richards, mjr5217@hotmail.com
ANSWER: Sun Spots started her inquiries with Shawn Bennett, road commissioner for Durham and Pownal. He provided some information but referred her to the engineers at the Maine Department of Transportation. Denis at MDOT provided the following explanation:
”The department’s goal with this project was to have a long-term fix for the roadway and to stabilize the slope. There are numerous areas along the riverbank where the river has undercut the existing tree-lined slope. Driving by, it does look like a nice stabilized slope with tree growth, but actually there were spots where the slope was undercut by the river by up to eight feet, exposing the roadway to rotational failure.
“In order to correct this, the slope needed to be cleared of all trees and laid back and stabilized. We have completed the first phase, which was to move the roadway away from the river.
“The next phase of work consists of removing the steep undercut embankment and setting heavy rip rap stones at a flatter angle to better protect the slope from future storm events. This work will continue until March or so.
“In the spring we will be doing some planting along the top of the slope.”
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a local history buff. I enjoyed your Dec. 2 article “A very Peck’s Christmas.” I was wondering if Sun Spots could find out how many years Leroy Frank played Santa Claus at Peck’s Department Store. — David Tedford, Poland Spring
ANSWER: According to the archives maintained by Museum L-A, Frank started portraying Santa at Peck’s in 1968 and then worked every holiday season until the store closed in 1982. That’s 14 years of Christmas wishes and healthy hugs.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Love your column. I read it every day, so for the first time I am writing you.
I recall reading in the past that there are groups that would take the cover off old Christmas cards. I have three years’ worth and would be willing to ship them. — Shannon Wheeler, 689-8961
ANSWER: ANSWER: The charity St. Jude’s Ranch for Children is indeed still accepting those cards as well as selling the resulting product. You can read all about the program at http://tinyurl.com/8ab2tsg
Some of the rules are:
* All types of greeting cards, including Christmas are used.
* Only the card front can be used (please check to be sure the back side is clear of any writing, etc.)
* They cannot accept Hallmark, Disney or American Greeting cards.
* The 5- by 7-inch size or smaller is preferred.
Mail donations to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Recycled Card Program, 100 St. Jude’s St., Boulder City, NV 89005
After refurbishing the cards, they sell the recycled cards at 10 for $10. To shop, visit them online, write to the address above or call 877-977-SJRC (7572).
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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