DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing is willing to provide the space for a therapeutic freestyle drumming circle to meet on the second Thursday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. 

This activity is open to cancer survivors, caregivers and anyone affected by cancer as a way to promote fun, support and participation.

As an organizer, I am seeking donations of drums, kettle drums, doumbeks, djembes, shamanic hoop drums, bongos, percussion equipment, etc.

Please call if you have a drum to donate to ascertain its appropriateness for the drumming circle and to arrange for a pickup. If you prefer, you can drop off your donation at the Patrick Dempsey Center to receive a donation receipt.

The first drumming circle will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, on the fifth floor of the center. Please call 207-795-8250 to register to attend. Bring your own drum if you’ve got one. — Nel Bernard, 207-312-9955, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In your Aug. 4 column, someone asked if there are any organizations that help offenders getting out of jail or prison to find a job, housing, etc. 

You had mentioned Calvin Dube, director of Cell-to-Street Ministry, P.O. Box 631, Lewiston, ME 04243-0631.

There are some other resources:

* Maine Department of Labor Career Center(s), 5 Mollison Way, Lewiston, ME 04240, 800-741-2991.

* Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Vocational Rehab, Auburn, ME 04210, 800-482-7517.

* General Assistance, 27 Pine St., Lewiston, 207-784-2951, or 45 Spring St., Auburn, 207-333-6600.

* Volunteers of America, 33 Booth Drive, Belfast, ME 04915, 207-338-9992.

* Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, 13 Goodwill Drive, Belfast, ME 04915, 207-338-8363.

I’m sure there are other local offices of the above around the state.

Upon my release in January 2015 I plan to expand Cell-to-Street Ministry’s services to the just-released to the Rockland area to start, then into the Midcoast region.

An Internet search of re-entry programs/services might turn up more. Respectfully. — Ken Joon Deph, Maine Correctional Center, Windham

ANSWER: Your list was quite complete, but the Web did provide the Maine Department of Corrections, Central Office, 25 Tyson Drive, 3rd Floor, State House Station 111, Augusta, ME 04333, 207-287-2711, www.maine.gov/corrections/index.html, as a source for additional assistance.

There is also a specific program for women, the Women’s Reentry Center, at the address above.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was wondering if there was a post in your obituaries of a Lawrence “Larry” Ward Sr. recently or in archive? — Dennis Foss, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots didn’t find one. But it’s a fairly common name. A middle initial would be helpful. You can search anytime by going to sunjournal.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I wrote you about getting a wood swing a while back (June 18, July 7). You gave me the name and number of Russ on Route 202 in Greene (207-946-4721).

He had never made one like what I wanted, but I had him go look at the one at my cousin’s house and after a few weeks it was all made and delivered to me, very reasonable and sturdy.

If any readers are interested, he’ll make one for you also. Just call and go see him. — L.G., Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thanks to Louise (Aug. 12), I have what I was looking for: Dr. Lawrence and my denture records. Thanks to you and Louise for such a quick response. — Betsy, South Paris

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 [email protected].