Dear Sun Spots: The Sexual Assault Crisis Center needs volunteers!

We are offering a volunteer training for hot-line advocates this fall. Volunteers are needed to staff all shifts on the Sexual Assault Crisis Center’s 24-hour hot line. SACC advocates are trained to provide support, information and referrals to hot-line callers who have been affected by sexual violence.

The training provides insight and information in the areas of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual assault and the challenges faced by survivors and affected others. Volunteers are taught the various options and resources available for survivors in our community and learn crisis intervention and advocacy skills through training and role plays, with emphasis placed on the importance of self-care.

SACC advocates carry a pager during their hot-line shifts, thus allowing them freedom from being tied to a phone bank. During a hot-line shift, a volunteer may give telephone support, support and accompaniment through medical exams, advocacy with law enforcement personnel and court accompaniment.

Volunteer advocates must be caring and dependable, and over the age of 18. No experience is necessary. A new training session is scheduled to begin soon. To learn more about becoming a SACC advocate, please call Sarah at the SACC office at (207) 784-5272. – Sarah, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: In regards to Pat Northrop’s request in the Oct. 14 Sun Spots column: There are several places in the area to purchase Marian Heath greeting cards. They are sold at the Bethel Foodliner on Main Street in Bethel, Log Cabin Craftworks in Dixfield and the gift shop at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway. I stock up on Marian Heath cards because they are not only beautiful but they are inexpensive. I have visited the company in Wareham, Mass., and I have their catalog. However, they only sell wholesale. I am always looking for more places to buy Marian Heath cards. – C.G., Bethel.

Dear Sun Spots: To No Name, No Town, who would like to get a hold of a manual portable typewriter. I have an electric Sears model in good condition. It needs a new ribbon. No Name can have it at no cost. I can be reached at (207) 778-3612. – Leroy C., Farmington.

Dear Sun Spots: As the holiday season draws near, it is time to think of the people facing problems who won’t be able to provide a warm holiday season for their families.

The Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Committee is accepting donations for needy families in Monmouth. The donations may be money, toys, hats, mittens, canned goods and vegetables. We are not accepting used clothing. The following is a list we could use for teenagers: books, jewelry, perfume, toilet articles, games, puzzles, tapes, stationery and school supplies. Money donations may be mailed directly to Charlene Cunliffe, 292 Academy Road, Monmouth ME 04259, or to the Henry L. Cottrell School, 169 Academy Road, Monmouth, ME 04259. Other donations may be left at the school office.

If possible, the committee would like contributions on or before Dec. 1. Your anticipated help is very much appreciated. Your donation will make the holidays happier for a lot of people. – Cottrell-Taylor Christmas Basket Committee, Monmouth.

Dear Sun Spots: St. Joseph’s Church in Dixfield is having its annual fair on Nov. 20. We are looking for any crafters interested in renting a table there. For more info, call Yvonne at 562-8202 or Doreen at 562-8586. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: In reply to the lady looking for Stanley Products (Oct. 14 column): They can also be found at Chuck’s Corner, 699 Sabattus St., Lewiston, ME 04240, (207) 784-8176. We are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sat. and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. We also carry Watkins and Fuller Brush. – Janice McDonald, Lewiston.

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