WLU has 200 prom gowns and dresses to give away free to young women in middle, junior and senior high schools. Bunco is a fun dice game and easy to learn. The afternoon will begin with instruction and practice.

WLU is also seeking clean, not-stained, 48×48-inch tablecloths to fit our standard-size card tables; blank thank-you cards with envelopes; historic early-1900s objects from Lewiston-Auburn’s shoe factories; any memorabilia pertaining to Horatio and Ella Foss or the Foss Mansion for our museum; and volunteers for our spring yard clean-up to be announced.

To volunteer for Bunco or the prom gown giveaway or to donate any of these items, email denisescammon@gmail.com or call 207-753-0931. Organized in 1892, WLU is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to further the intellectual, cultural and educational advancement of its members and the community, and preserve the nationally registered Foss Mansion.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to know why Auburn residents got a letter stating they should go to city hall and register if over 65 years old. Funds might be allocated pending the passing of the Governor’s budget. I live in Lewiston and have not received such a letter. I doubt that Auburn would be the only city to benefit from passing of budget. Thank you very much. — No Name in Lewiston.

ANSWER: On March 20, 2015, the Sun Journal published an article written by reporter Scott Taylor titled, “Lewiston hopes to count seniors in case tax exemptions change,” in which he wrote, “Gov. Paul LePage’s proposed overhaul of the state’s tax system includes big changes to the Homestead Exemption. Currently, property tax payers can claim a $10,000 exemption on their home. That reduces the taxable value of their home, reducing their final tax bill.”

Lewiston city assessor Bill Healey wants Lewiston homeowners who will be 65 before April 1, 2015, to contact the assessor’s office at 207-513-3122.

Also in the article, Taylor wrote, “Proposed tax changes in LePage’s budget would eliminate that exemption for most residents, but double it for senior citizens. Lewiston homeowners older than 65 would qualify for a $484 reduction in their tax bill under the governor’s proposal. Auburn seniors would qualify for a $419 reduction. Homeowners younger than 65 would no longer qualify for the exemption. Healey said an estimated 5,000 Lewiston residents would lose their homestead exemption, based on Census estimates.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are seeking 4-ply yarn for our volunteer knitters. They are in need of yarn of all colors, in good condition, as they are busy knitting hats, mittens, baby items, lap blankets and Afghans, which in turn are given to people of all ages in Androscoggin County. The yarn is donated to our SEARCH program and given out to our knitters as needed. Seek Elderly Alone, Renew, Courage, & Hope is a program of Catholic Charities. We support seniors, aged 60 and older by matching them with community volunteers who provide companionship, help with errands, socialization opportunities, and transportation support.

For more information about donating yarn, or becoming a volunteer with us, please call our office at 784-0157. Thank you for your donations of yarn, it truly helps to support our volunteer knitters program. With gratitude, — Wendy Russell, Program Director, wrussell@ccmaine.org

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