DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for running my request for help getting rid of two very large maple trees in my yard. The day that ran in Sun Spots, I had three people call to help. In the end, my neighbor’s sons came over and cut them down. Thank you Sun Spots!

The same day that my request ran, I saw that someone was looking for strawberry rhubarb plants. I have 15 of these plants in my garden that I don’t want anymore, and they’re free to anyone who wants to come and dig them up.

My phone number is 207-946-7040 — No name, Greene

DEAR SUN SPOTS: When I saw Sun Spots on May 8, I wanted to tell the story of my flowering crabapple tree that I have had for 56 years. I’m afraid that it’s going to die soon. It looks good on the top part, with new leaves for spring, but a woodpecker has been making big holes in it for a month. The holes are three feet from the ground. I put some burlap all around it and folded it tightly and that seems to have helped. I don’t see any ants or worms but the woodpecker must have found something in it to eat. I’ve never had this trouble before! — No name, Lisbon

ANSWER: That sounds like a good solution! But if you are worried about the overall health of your tree, you could use the help of a licensed arborist. They can diagnose any issues and offer solutions to save your tree. Here are a few businesses that employ licensed arborists in your area:

• Above and Beyond Tree Solutions in Lisbon can be reached by calling 207-402-5036;
• Affordable Tree Service in Lisbon Falls can be reached by calling 207-240-4601; and
• Richard Boucher, 1990 Lisbon Road in Lewiston, can be reached by calling 207-786-3304.

There are many other tree service businesses in the area. To see a complete list, visit www.maine.gov/dacf/php/arborist/ArboristList.shtml.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My mother delighted in playing her Yamaha Electone Organ for family and friends. Now that she has passed, we would like to donate the organ to a church, school or nursing home. The organ and bench are in excellent condition. The items are in Auburn and will need to be picked up.

You may contact Neil Bement at 207-783-7486 for further information or questions. Thank you. — Neil Bement, Auburn.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are looking for a few volunteers who can lift 50 lbs. or more on a regular basis at our food pantry. We pick up food at Good Shepherd Food Bank, Shaw’s and Hannaford every week, and occasionally some other places. We have a tremendous group of volunteers but, unfortunately, our heavy lifters have moved on to jobs. We need people we can depend on to be available on the days to which they commit. If you would like to help those in need of food in your community, please call Ben Dugas at 207-229-1466. Thank you Sun Spots!— Pamela Blake, director Auburn Seventh-day Adventist Food Pantry

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 pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

Copy the Story Link