DEAR SUN SPOTS: Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin has an urgent need for volunteers in all of our literacy programs. While tutoring is a big commitment, the rewards are also large, as you help individuals gain skills that can change their lives. Patience, flexibility and compassion are the traits of an effective tutor. Volunteers must be 21 or older with a 12th-grade reading level.


Our next workshop will be held at Auburn Hall on Jan. 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon, with an additional, three-hour session to be announced. Preregistration is required. For information, please call 333-6601 ext. 1321 or check out our Web site at www.literacyvolunteersandro.org. You can make a difference! — Tahlia Chamberlain, executive director


DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Catholic Charities Maine SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage and Hope) program relies almost entirely on the help of volunteers to provide our friendly visiting, telephone reassurance and other services to lonely, isolated older people and those with disabilities throughout Androscoggin County. We have had great success in the past recruiting volunteers though Sun Spots, so we are turning to your column once again for help.


Every year at this time, as winter comes upon us, we see an increased demand for our services. Right now on our waiting list, there are 12 elderly people in the Lewiston, Auburn and Mechanic Falls areas who are quite lonely and would love to receive friendly visits from a caring volunteer. Many of them live alone and have no transportation, so they need help with getting to their appointments or picking up their groceries. Since many of them are lonely in the winter months, a friendly visit each week helps to lift their spirits and helps them feel less isolated.


We provide training and ongoing support for our volunteers. If anyone would like more information about becoming a volunteer with us, or would like to refer an elderly neighbor, friend or relative who could benefit from SEARCH services, please call Wendy Russell, our program director at 784-0157. Thank you for your help in continuing to support and promote our program in the community. — Wendy Russell, program director

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I know you have mentioned it before, but I did not cut out the information. I have a perfectly good winter jacket, but the zipper needs repair. Is there anybody in the L-A area who does this kind of work?

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A few weeks ago there was an article in the Sun Journal about hypnosis. A couple named Dennis and Dawn Jepson in Wilton were mentioned. I cannot find any information online or in the telephone book. How can they be reached? Thank you. — No Name, No Town


ANSWER:
Sun Spots knows of three local seamstresses who do alterations. They are Chez Dorea, 277 Lisbon St., second floor, Lewiston, 333-0755, open Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Cecile Giguere, 1048 Sabattus St., Lot 28, 784-3028; and Anita, 783-7623, pickup and delivery available.

As for the hypnotists, reporter Mark LaFlamme wrote that story. He says you can reach the Jepsons at 645-4633.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston High School photography program is desperately seeking donated working film cameras. The generosity of the community supplying these donations has helped keep our program running. Donated cameras can be manual or automatic point and shoot types. Please contact Sarah Stocker at sstocker@lewistonpublicschools.org or drop off cameras at the front office. Many thanks! — Sarah M. Stocker


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