DEAR SUN SPOTS: If you have ever wanted to impact the lives of survivors and victims of domestic violence, now is your opportunity. Safe Voices is looking for volunteers to participate in our advocacy training to help us staff our 24-hour helpline.

Safe Voices is a domestic violence resource center that operates in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. Many times the helpline is the first stop for people reaching out for services and is an integral part of the support we offer. 

The next helpline training is scheduled to begin on Monday, Sept. 23. For more information, please contact me. — Kim Preble, kpreble@safevoices.org, 795-6744

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This pertains to the Aug. 12 column responding to a request concerning where scholarships/grants could be found. A couple of possibilities:

In his video series, “Where There’s A Will There’s An A,” Claude Olney of Arizona State University spoke of being on the committee that awarded scholarships at that school. He said that they had to give the money to the best of the worst applicants because there were so few applicants; their applications generally were poorly completed but, legally, the money had to be distributed.

That very much in demand video series was produced in the 1980s, and the situation might be different today, but ASU might be worth checking out, at least.

Closer to home, the Finance Authority of Maine has the Educator from Maine Program (similar to the former Blaine House Scholars Program). According to FAME Director Claude Roy, it provides up to $3,000 per year for students pursuing a career in education, and the person may be a recent high school graduate preparing to attend college, a current undergraduate student or one working on a master’s degree.

This is a loan forgiveness program. For every year the recipient subsequently works in the field of education, part of the loan is written off, which eventually makes it essentially a grant for someone who becomes a career educator.

For information, an interested party may call FAME in Augusta at 207-623-3263 or go to the FAME website, www.famemaine.com. Through the website, one also can find more than 100 legitimate loans, grants and scholarships for many types of career programs. — enhansr@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: When Sun Spots was working her way through college in the early 1980s, the financial aid situation was much brighter than it is now. Tuition was much more in line with the cost of living, too. Her hat is off to anyone who manages this feat today.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does the Sun Journal have any job openings at this time? Thanks. — Justin via email

ANSWER: According to Cathy Rossignol in Human Resources, any available positions are advertised in both the print newspaper and online. Those advertisements will provide all the details of applying. The one exception is newspaper delivery, which is explained in the next question.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was wondering how I would see about a paper route in Auburn. I am not sure if any are available or how to find out. Thank you. — Brian via email

ANSWER: Circulation Director Mike Therriault said that his department has a carrier hotline set up for telephone calls. The number is 784-7045 or 800-482-0759, ext. 3488. You can also contact Earl Barker at 689-2816 or ebarker@sunjournal.com.

You can also email circulation@sunjournal.com.

Potential carriers should know that if hired they will be independent contractors, not employees.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I make macrame jewelry and wondered if any of Sun Spots’ readers would have any buttons they no longer need. I would be more than happy to pick them up. Thanks in advance. Love the column! — Susan, suzyq30s@aol.com, 207-740-5613

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.

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