ANSWER: In addition to responses you may get from Sun Spots readers, these seamstresses were published in response to a similar query in a January column:

* Alice Hilton, Gardiner area, 207-582-3759

* Alterations by Judy, Lewiston, 207-783-6201

* Cecile Giguere, Lewiston, 207-784-3028

* Chez Dorea, Dorea Fortier, Lewiston, 207-333-0755

* Mainly Sewing, Auburn, 207-783-9406

* Nita Brissette, Nita’s Alterations, Turner, 207-212-3766

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am hoping you can dig into your bag of resources to find an answer for me. I have noticed that a lot of white pine trees in the area are turning brown. Could you find out if this is normal? We have a few large white pines on our property that are still green. Is it something to be concerned with? Is there something that can be done about it? Thanks, Dave, No Town.

ANSWER: There are several diseases affecting white pine trees that infect the needles which turn brown and fall off. The Maine Forest Service has been watching this trend which is aggravated by heavy rains. The agency’s entomologist states there is no need to cut down those trees as they are not dead and may recover. You would need to contact a professional arborist to assess your particular trees. For more information, contact the Maine Forest Service at 800-367-0223 or visit www.maine.gov/dacf/ and click on the Forest tab. Go to the Maine Forest Service link where you will find an online form you can fill out to ask questions about your trees. You can also email your questions to allison.m.kanoti@maine.gov.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Safe Voices is holding volunteer training sessions to staff our 24-hour domestic violence helpline. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Once training is complete, volunteers sign up for shifts based on their own schedule and take calls from their home.

For more information, email Staci Beal, volunteer coordinator at: sbeal@safevoices.org. Sessions are as follows and all sessions are mandatory:

Session 1: Monday, July 20 from noon-4 p.m.

Session 2: Tuesday, July 21 from 1-5 p.m.

Session 3: Thursday, July 23 from 3:30-7:45 p.m.

Session 4: Tuesday, July 28 from 1-5 p.m.

Session 5: Thursday, July 30 from 3:30-7 p.m.

Session 6: Friday, July 31 from 1:30-5:15 p.m.

Session 7: Monday, August 3 from noon-4:30 p.m.

Session 8: Tuesday, August 4 from 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Session 9: Thursday, August 6 from 3:30-6 p.m.

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, Oxford and Franklin counties.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

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