DEAR SUN SPOTS: A few months ago, we put a request in Sun Spots asking for help knitting shawls and had great success with it. We had more than 90 people respond, and it is helping us to keep this program going. We were so thankful for that. Now all of our hospice patients can get this very special gift.

We are hoping to have the same success in recruiting volunteers as we did with the shawl donations. 

Volunteer support has been an integral part of our services for 40 years. The program is widely recognized as one of the most extensive, nonprofit, home-health-care volunteer programs in Maine.

Currently, we are looking for veterans who would be interested in visiting with veterans at the end of life. Included in these visits may be a special pinning ceremony for the patient to recognize him or her for the years of service provided to our country. Our Veteran-to-Veteran program recognizes that veteran volunteers have the unique ability to relate and connect with veteran patients, thereby creating an environment where life review and healing may occur.

We are also looking for volunteers in the Augusta area who would be willing to visit with patients on the hospice unit at the VA Medical Center at Togus.

We have many needs for all of our hospice patients and those under our home care program recovering from such things as an illness or injury. Needs for patients and families include respite for the caregiver, companionship, grocery shopping, transportation to doctors’ appointments and other special needs as requested.

Volunteers are matched with patients in their area, so the travel is limited. Transportation volunteers are reimbursed mileage for bringing patients to doctors’ appointments. Other volunteer opportunities include bereavement, office and Hospice House (kitchen, phones or visiting patients).

The hospice training is 20 hours. We have a class at Maine General in Augusta beginning Feb. 2. Classes at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice in Lewiston begin March 23, while those at Bridgton Hospital, Bridgton start April 14.

The training for general duties is six hours and prepares you to volunteer in the office, provide transportation, grocery shopping, or Hospice House phones/kitchen. Call for training dates.

Training for bereavement is 12 hours at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice and begins Feb. 17.

We have several trainings scheduled and encourage anyone interested to call or email me for more information and to register. — Kathy Baillargeon, volunteer supervisor, 207-795-9586, kathy.baillargeon@ahch.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I wrote a couple of weeks ago in search of a Rebeccah cookbook. I have a couple of old ones, and they have become quite worn over time, so I would like to replace them with a new one. Does anyone know of someone in the Dixfield area who has them for sale?

I know I can get one online, but I would like to buy locally. Thank you! I can be reached at 562-8859. — Eleanor Dunham, ejdunham1@gmail.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots couldn’t find any record of the previous request you referenced, but she is pleased to run this one. The most complete selection of used books Sun Spots knows of is at Artios, 180 Turner St., Auburn, 786-4007.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You have helped me in the past, and I would like to pay it forward. Recently a reader was asking about yellow peas. I was at Shaw’s in Lewiston recently and found both split and whole in the ethnic food area. Keep up the good work. — Jeannie Pelletier, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: To the person who wanted Jean Shepard’s book, go to www.betterchicken.com. I sent for book on Friday, Jan. 2, and it came by mail on Monday the 5th. — Bruce Small, Bowdoin

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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