ANSWER: Thank you for asking. The Humane Society of the United States says: “Birds should not be offered many of the foods humans eat. Bread (fresh or stale): provides no real nutritional value for birds; moldy bread can harm birds. Chocolate: toxic to birds, just as it is to dogs and cats (it contains theobromine); never offer birds any foods containing chocolate. Table scraps: some may not be safe or healthy for birds; most table scraps will attract mice or rats.”

Ecosystem Gardening states: “Moldy bread can poison and kill birds, and salmonella is a big concern, too. Bread products mold very quickly when exposed to moisture, which is exactly what we’re doing when we hang our bread product bird “treats” in our gardens. Diseases from moldy bread can cause feather malformations, making the birds unable to fly. Other diseases can also cause respiratory illness and even death.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Alley Cats L/A and the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society will be hosting a huge yard sale Saturday, July 18, at 55 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston. The proceeds from the sale benefit our spay/neuter program for feral, outdoor cats. We need your good stuff! Donate an armful or a truck load! Drop off donations at the Humane Society on July 16 and 17. Call Melanie at 207-784-1553 or GAHS at 207-783-2311 for more information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice is looking for volunteers in the Augusta area for our Home Care program. Our needs are growing in this area and we are looking for caring individuals to help support our homebound patients recovering from an illness or injury. We are looking for volunteers to bring patients to doctor’s appointments, provide respite to caregivers, spend time talking, playing card and other games, or simply being there to show you care. Other needs include grocery shopping and picking up medications for those who don’t have the resources to get these needs met while they are recovering at home. Volunteers are matched with patients in their area, so the travel is limited. Transportation volunteers are reimbursed mileage for bringing patients to doctors’ appointments.

Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice has close to 300 volunteers throughout our many locations. We would love for you to join our team. We would like to encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering or has questions to call Kathy Baillargeon, Volunteer Supervisor at 207-795-9586 or email at kathy.baillargeon@ahch.org. Upcoming training: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (1/2 hour for lunch). Location: Manchester, Maine.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you find out who sings the commercial about not letting your babies grow up to be cowboys? — No Name in Waterford.

ANSWER: You didn’t say what product was being sold in the commercial so Sun Spots is guessing that you are referring to the Volkswagen commercial that has the Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson song “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” playing in the background.

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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