DEAR SUN SPOTS: Safe Voices is looking for volunteers to participate in our advocacy training to help us staff our 24-hour domestic violence helpline.

Many times the helpline is the first stop for people reaching out for services and is an integral part of the support we offer. You can volunteer from home, gain experience in the human services field and give back to your community.

Our winter 2015 training schedule is:

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 3 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 3 to 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 30, 2:45 to 6:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 3 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 4 to 7 p.m.

Certification requires attendance at all six three-hour sessions, which will be held at our Lewiston administration offices.

After completing the training, volunteers can sign up for as many or as few shifts they wish. Calls are taken from home safely and confidentiality. Safe Voices staff are always available as backup/support to our volunteers.

The mission of Safe Voices is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and engage the community in creating social change in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties.

For more information or to sign up, please contact me. — Staci Beal, volunteer and fundraising coordinator, sbeal@safevoices.org, 207-795-6744, ext. 14.

ANSWER: Many readers may know that domestic violence is a topic dear to Gov. Paul LePage’s heart, but might be surprised to find out how many people it affects, possibly someone they know. Everyone fears “stranger crime,” but in reality you are more likely to be harmed by a family member than a stranger. 

According to statistics reported at motherjones.com, 60 percent of all violent injuries in the U.S. between 2005 and 2010 were inflicted by loved ones or acquaintances. And in 2011, 79 percent of murders reported to the FBI (in which the victim-offender relationship was known) were committed by friends, loved ones or acquaintances.

Hotlines such as that offered by Safe Voices are the first line of defense for those who are afraid but don’t know what to do. Once the training is complete, you can help many people without even leaving your home.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I received a package with canceled stamps from Australia and would like to give them to a local stamp collector. The stamps are not old and only two denominations. Call 795-6060. — Annie in L-A.

ANSWER: If no one calls, Sun Spots has the name of two stamp collectors in her Rolodex. She hasn’t heard from them in a while, so she can’t be sure they are still active. If anyone else would like to be added to that list, please let Sun Spots know.

* John N. Moulton, Lisbon Falls, 353-2848

* Julien Gosselin, 784-7892, jgosselin91948@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We wish to send a heartfelt thanks to all the special people who sent me the Shaw’s green stamps. Some people sent more than one batch. I received three batches the week of Dec. 28 that enabled me to get the pour pan, too.

When my grandson took two books in to get the stock pot and lasagna pan, the clerk asked how he accumulated so many stamps, he happily said, “My grandmother collected them for me!” We appreciate you all! — Sincerely, Phyllis and her grandson via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This information is for Gabrielle Demoras (Jan. 1) and other seniors who hesitate to jump into the computer world: There is a course in April 2015 called “Computers for Seniors” for six weeks for $52. I am a senior and can use a computer, but I may take it myself. You are never too old to learn. That course is going to be at Lewiston High School, and the number to call is 795-4141. — virusone@earthlink.net

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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