DEAR SUN SPOTS: I hope you can help. I’m looking for parenting classes in the Lewiston-Auburn area, not infant/baby classes but 5- to 6-year-olds. I want someplace where parents get together to discuss what their child is doing and help or strategies on how to deal with the child. Maybe with a director who leads the meeting? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Advocates for Children comes to mind. Here are some of the groups listed on their websites and the blurbs (edited for clarity and space) that describe them.

The Nurturing Parenting Programs are evidence-based, family-centered programs designed to build positive, nurturing family skills and behaviors. AFC facilitates programs for parents of infants, toddlers and preschoolers, school-age children (ages 5 to 12), fathers, young parents (under the age of 22), parents and adolescents, and new Mainer families. These programs are authored by Stephen J. Bavolek, Ph.D., a recognized leader in parenting education and child abuse and neglect treatment. Dr. Bavolek has visited Lewiston regularly to conduct NPP facilitator trainings and to collaborate with a team of facilitators to provide NPPs for the Somali/refugee population.

Active Parenting Programs support parents with raising responsible, cooperative children who are prepared to meet the challenges associated with the various stages of life. Parents develop the skills necessary to foster cooperation, responsibility and self-esteem in their children. They also learn positive, nonviolent discipline techniques to avoid power struggles. Developed by Michael H. Popkin, the Active Parenting Programs are evidence-based and range in topics from parenting infants to parenting teens.

Parents and caregivers are invited to attend the Parent Support Group on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at our office. This is a great opportunity to share challenges, successes, network with other families and gather parenting resources. Child care is provided. For more information contact Nancy Reynolds at nreynolds@advocatesforchildren.net.

 You can find Advocates for Children at 124 Canal St., Suite A, Lewiston, ME 04240, 207-783-3990, info@advocatesforchildren.net.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: While watching the “Meridith Vieira Show” on New Year’s Day, two women prepared their special comfort food dishes. One of the dishes included chicken, spices (cumin) and prunes. I wasn’t successful in trying to get the recipe on the website. Maybe a Sun Spots’ reader can help. Thank you. — Sun Spots Fan in Greene

ANSWER: Sun Spots found two places where you can watch the segment again: meredithvieirashow.com/videos/comfort-food-cook-off/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASJYa0Q54ZE

She could not, however, find an actual recipe with precise ingredients. Readers?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a little question or maybe even a little investigation here. A year or so ago Luigi’s in Lewiston tore down the old Graziano’s in Lisbon with the hopes of building a new store. Well here we are and no store.

I love the Luigi’s restaurant and couldn’t wait for it to go in. So what’s the story here? Where is it? Can someone please get us some answers. I’m getting sick and tired of seeing an empty lot here. If they weren’t going to build, then what was the sense of tearing down the old building? — Matt, Lisbon

ANSWER: Sun Spots had this same question last May and still has no news. The restaurant business is a difficult one. Perhaps the owners decided after they bought the land that now was not a good time to launch another store.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding Rebekah cookbooks, the Rebekah Assembly of Maine continues to sell its cookbooks as a fundraiser toward the work of Rebekah Odd Fellowship.

Bertha Wilson is the chairwoman, 263 East Bridge St., Westbrook, ME 04092, 207-854-1298.

There are three different editions available. There is one copy of each cookbook on display in the office at the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Home that has both residential and nursing home care, 85 Caron Lane, Auburn. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 207-786-4616.

Someone in Sumner called the person inquiring about the cookbooks, and she received the cookbooks she was looking for. Your column has helped so many people in so many ways. You might add Bertha’s address to your Rolodex should anyone else inquire about Rebekah cookbooks. — Esther Tucker, Liberty Rebekah Lodge

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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