DEAR SUN SPOTS: With the winter upon us, we are in need of more volunteers to support our seniors who are isolated and lonely during these dark and cold months. Are you searching for a way to make a difference?

We believe that our seniors should receive support and care with dignity and respect, especially when they are isolated and lonely. Since Maine leads the nation with the largest senior population, we have a huge challenge in front of us. In fact, without the love and support from family, friends and caring people like you, we couldn’t provide the support needed for our elderly. With your assistance in volunteering, we can all make a difference in the life of a senior!

You can make a difference by investing a few hours a week to an isolated senior through a friendly visit, a ride to the grocery store or a phone call. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in your community, we have seniors waiting for volunteer support in Auburn, Lewiston, Lisbon, Minot, Poland, Sabattus and Turner. For more information, please contact our Catholic Charities SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew, Courage & Hope) program, 207-784-0157 or [email protected]. — Wendy Russell, Director Catholic Charities SEARCH Program.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know what has happened to Lewiston and no Christmas lights? There aren’t any when I leave Sabattus. I count five places that have any Christmas lights at all. The houses that were always lit up at Christmas are dark. When I was a kid growing up, I used to always love to see the Christmas lights in Lewiston. Everything was always lit up?,? especially the old Peck’s Store.

?I really don’t understand how Lewiston has just shut down the lights. I would really like to know what is going on in Lewiston. I hope the city has a good reason for this, and that the children could enjoy the same as I did when I was a kid. — George Blaisdell, Sabattus.

ANSWER: It sounds like Lewiston used to be a very sparkly and magical place. As far as people decorating their homes, that is a personal choice. Maybe the very cold and stormy weather ?has made it difficult for some this year, and maybe the cost of electricity — along with other expenses at this time of year — is just too much.

As far as the city hanging lights, this is a little easier to understand. With the snow and freezing temperatures in the past few weeks, the public works and recreation departments have been very busy clearing the streets and sidewalks.

?Even as busy as they’ve been, there are lights shining in the city’s parks, on Lisbon Street and along Main Street, among many other places. And, if you drive around the city beyond the corridor to Sabattus, you’ll see all kinds of light displays on homes happily celebrating the holidays.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Recently we had lunch at the LongHorn Steakhouse in Auburn. When it came time to pay for our meal, the waitress informed us that everything had been taken care of. It was a surprise and we want to thank whoever paid for our meal. We appreciate it very much! Thank you. — No name, no town.

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