Dear Sun Spots: In the next year, there will be many tremendous opportunities for compassionate people to make a difference by becoming Hospice Volunteers for Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice.

Not only will Hospice Volunteers be able to support terminally ill patients and their families at home, in nursing homes and in other long-term care facilities, there will be unique volunteer opportunities at the AHCH hospice house to open this fall in Auburn. It will be the first hospice house in the state.

This summer, a Hospice Volunteer Training Course is scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, beginning July 12. The 27-hour course will meet at the agency’s office, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston.

Classes cover the hospice philosophy, communications and listening skills, family dynamics, spiritual aspects of dying, grief and bereavement, and additional related topics.

Hospice Volunteers are matched with patients in or near their community. They visit patients regularly, may stay for a few hours so that family members can get some time for themselves, and may meet other special requests. We ask for a time commitment of two to four hours per week.

For more information, please contact me at 795-9581 or 1-800-482-7412. I would like to talk with prospective volunteers before the classes begin.

Thanks very much. I look forward to hearing from you. – Nancy Greene, Volunteer Coordinator, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I am trying to locate a local source for used railroad ties. I am not looking for new ties such as those carried by Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc. Thank you. – Michael Giasson, Auburn.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, one contact Sun Spots located was David Landry at the Rigby Yard in South Portland. However, efforts to contact him via phone to discuss this have been unsuccessful. He’s difficult to reach. You can try by phoning (207) 828-6404. If no answer, I’d try 828-6402.

Dear Sun Spots: I have some 78 RPM records that I would like converted to a CD. Do you know of anyone who does this? Thanks in advance for your help. – Bruna Piccin, Gilead.

Answer: Unfortunately Sun Spots is not aware of any, but perhaps readers out there will be willing to assist you in your search.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to write to Dr. Phil. Could you please provide an address for him? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Write to him at “Dr. Phil Show” at P.O. Box 1902, 5482 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036. To those who have computer access, you can also contact him online at www.drphil.com.

Dear Sun Spots: I have been renovating my circa 1910 home in Lewiston, and I have found many interesting pieces of history in my walls. I am wondering if the historical society might be interested in some of these artifacts:

1880’s wood & coal paper receipts from the Lewiston Wood & Coal Co.

1896 Lewiston High School Play ticket “Imogene”

1896 N.E. Baseball League summer schedule, various other pictures. Thank you. – Kim, No Town.

Answer: Have you contacted the Androscoggin Historical Society? If not, Sun Spots would recommend you do. Contact Michael Lord at the Androscoggin Historical Society, 2 Turner St., Auburn, (207) 784-0586. It is open from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

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 [email protected].