Dear Sun Spots: The Foster Grandparent Program is accepting new volunteer applications.

Training is scheduled for June 20 and 21 when 50 of our volunteers will gather for intensive training and fun at the Laura E. Richards Elementary School in Gardiner.

Training topics will include Staying Safe at Home, Why Children Act Out and Keeping Our Cool When They Do, Avoiding Barriers and Building a Great Relationship with Kids and English Language Learners/Diversity.

Our volunteers are over the age of 60 and dedicate between 15 and 40 hours a week sharing their experience and wisdom with children who need a little extra love and attention.

They meet in public and non-profit settings.

In return, foster grandparents receive a small hourly stipend, holiday and earned time, help with transportation, training and the company and appreciation of children and the facilities where they volunteer.

The Penquis CAP Foster Grandparent program has approximately 85 seniors serving at sites throughout its 14-county service area.

For more information on how to become a volunteer for the Foster Grandparent call 973-3684 or 1-800-215-4942 or e-mail us at gdorman@penquiscap.org.

The Foster Grandparent Program is sponsored by Penquis CAP and the Corporation for National and Community Service. – Gary Dorman, director, No Town.


Dear Sun Spots: Tri-County Mental Health Services is looking for used furniture such as couches, twin, full, and queen size mattresses, kitchen tables and chairs, recliners and rockers to help our mental health clients establish independent living.

In the last nine months, we have helped 17 individuals create a home.

Our grateful thanks to all of you who provided furnishings, and thank you to the area landlord who donates storage space.

Please keep in mind volunteers are limited.

Please call Angela Plourde at 740-5289 or 783-9141, ext: 317 to coordinate a pick-up.

A letter confirming your donation will be given upon request.

Thanks so much. – Tina in Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a lot of odds and ends of craft items given to me by a friend who had lost his mother a few years ago.

I would like to donate some of the items I’ve not used. I would like to donate them to a worthy cause.

If anyone knows of one, please contact me. I can be reached at 777-4623. – Judy K., Auburn.

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