DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Woman’s Literary Union is looking for volunteers who like to sew or knit to help us in making doll clothes for the tea we hold in the spring for little girls and their dolls, along with moms, grams, aunts, sisters, and friends.

As well as dressing and acting like “little ladies,” having refreshments and being entertained in the “Land of Oz,” they have a chance to buy clothes, quilts and accessories for their dolls. The new 18-inch American Girl doll Saige will be raffled. Call or email for information on raffle tickets.

This year we are in need of a little help. We are having sewing sessions at the WLU clubhouse at 19 Elm St. in Auburn on March 9 and 23 and April 6 and 20, starting at 10 a.m. There will be lots of fabric and patterns from which to choose.

This year’s tea, “Over the Rainbow,” will be held on April 27 and 28, and reservation forms may be downloaded from our website, www.womansliteraryunion.org. For more information you may email us at womansliteraryunion@gmail.com or call me at 783-9485.

Thank you, Sun Spots, for all you do for the readership of the Sun Journal. — Cathy Westleigh, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the letter about propane delivery and price (Feb. 28), I buy propane, and I changed the company I use to Blanchard’s Cash Fuel in Turner, 225-3588.

I was paying twice the price the price that I am paying right now. They came and changed the two tanks for me at no charge. It has been two years, and I am very happy and pleased.

I should have done it before. Call Derek and you will be very glad you did. — C.R. via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots suspects that, thanks to your endorsement, Derek will have to get help answering the phone.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Services, known in Androscoggin County as SACC, is offering a new support group for women who have experienced sexual abuse and sexual assault, whether as children or adults, recently or in the past.

The group will meet weekly in Lewiston, and there is no cost to attend. The dates and times of the meetings will be based on the availability of participants.

Making the choice to talk with others who have gone through the trauma of sexual assault is not an easy decision. Sometimes survivors don’t realize the extent to which sexual assault has impacted their lives until they start putting the pieces together with the help of a support group.

Often survivors of sexual assault blame themselves in some way, feel ashamed to say anything, have been threatened to remain silent, or think they won’t be believed. Many survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault are affected by depression, anxiety, fears, ongoing flashbacks, difficulty trusting others, alcohol and drug use, sleeping problems, self harm and misdirected anger. Talking with other survivors assists in letting go of self blame and shame, finding one’s voice and using healthier coping skills in daily living.

The group will use the book “The Courage to Heal” by Laura Davis as the basis for discussions. Books will be provided to participants. Many survivors of sexual assault who have participated in SACC support groups note that the group was a significant positive step towards taking their life back and moving forward in the healing process.

One survivor said, “To look into the eyes of others who understand what it means to be sexually assaulted, be believed, share one another’s pain, and growth, ask questions, and be given options to grow and heal is a life-changing experience.”

Anyone interested in becoming part of the new women’s support group can contact the SACC office at 784-5272. — Marty McIntyre, director@sapars.org

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). Please include your phone number. 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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link