Dear Sun Spots: There are so many children who come into the care of the Department of Health and Human Services’ program, A Family for ME, here in Maine. They are often in need of so much, and there is little to nothing for them. So I have opened my heart and house even more to do as much as I can for these children who are going through a tough time. Following my March Sun Spots inquiry, donations have been overwhelming, and to this day I continue to get calls from those wanting to help. Since you posted the item, other newspapers have contacted me and have done articles on what I’m doing which has created even more donations. You all are the reason that I am able to help many children in the foster care system so they can have a little hope, and I thank you all from my heart. I appreciate it greatly.

We will be holding a special open house and donation collection day Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 287 Campground Road, Livermore Falls.

Please see our complete list of items needed: clothing (from infants to young adult), miscellaneous children’s items (from infants to young adult), toys (from infants to young adult), games, arts and crafts (from infants to young adults), books, coloring books, crayons, school supplies, backpacks, new toothbrushes, combs, hair brushes, deodorant, perfume, cologne, etc… new Pampers, wipes, bottles, baby wash, shampoo, lotion etc. Car seats, strollers, pack and play, walkers, new hair accessories, plastic bins, traveling bags, suitcases, clean boxes, bedroom furniture, frames, headboards, cribs, dressers, bookcases and more. All items must be in good, clean and safe condition.

All donations will go and help children in need. Please help me! I may be reached at home 897-2872, cell 577-8457, work 353-5369, or at 287 Campground Road, Livermore Falls, ME 04254. – Melanie Rounds, Livermore Falls.

Dear Sun Spots: I have written to you about this before, but really didn’t get the response I wanted. I grow a lot of flowers and would like to learn flower arranging just for my own pleasure as well as sharing bouquets with family, friends, and co-workers. I would like to take floral design classes but cannot find any offered in the area. I have checked at the local colleges, adult education classes, and online. Where do people who work in florist shops get their training? Can you list any schools or colleges or even private parties that would offer such a class? I would be willing to go to classes in Augusta as well as Lewiston and Auburn. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: According to Southern Maine Community College’s Web site, www. smccme.edu they offer an introduction to floral design. The course is described as covering elements, principles and techniques of floral design. Topics include working with fresh, dried and permanent material. Classes will include hands-on design work. Classes will also cover the daily practices of a traditional floral shop. This course will prepare students for a part-time or full-time career in the floral industry, including sales, design and merchandising. This course is an elective in the Horticulture program. Contact SMCC Enrollment Services Department at 741-5800 or toll free at 1-877-282-2182 for more details.

In the meantime, Sun Spots also contacted Dube Florists & here in Lewiston. They kindly noted you should consider contact Rittners School of Floral Design at 345 Marlborough Street, Boston, MA 02115, 617-267-3824, online at www.floralschool.com. If you have any questions regarding Rittners Floral School, please contact Steve Rittner via e-mail at stevrt@tiac.net. Rittners offers day and evening classes as well as five week concentrated courses. In addition, Dube also notes many of the adult education courses here locally include basic floral arranging that would be a good start for you. Sun Spots also notes that the Gray-New Gloucester Adult Education is offering a fall class in dried silk flower arrangements Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The cost for each class is $29 and includes materials. Classes include bow making and hand-tied bows, decorating grapevine wreaths, decorating silk holiday wreaths and designing and making fresh centerpieces.

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