DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Seventh-fay Adventist Fellowship Church Women’s Group, CALM (Caring and Loving Ministry) is looking for someone who has a washer and dryer in good condition to donate to our ministry. Every month we have a giveaway of clothes, footwear, and other items. We would like to wash the clothes before we set them up to give away. Please contact Geri Parlin at 500-9102.

— Lizette, Turner

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Russell Park Rehabilitation and Living Center has craft tables available for its annual Christmas Craft Fair on Oct. 27 and 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $15 per table with the rental proceeds going toward the Residents Activity Fund. If you would like to reserve a table for our craft fair, please call Fern St. Claire, activity director, for more information at 786-0691 ext. 101.

— Lori, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We need volunteers! The Androscoggin Volunteer Administrators are hosting a Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 10 s.m. to 1 p.m. at SeniorsPlus in Lewiston. This event is free to the public and will feature local volunteer opportunities from organizations including SeniorsPlus, SEARCH, CMMC, Beacon Hospice and Girl Scouts. Stop by SeniorsPlus at 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston any time from 10-1 on Oct. 3 to learn more about volunteer opportunities in Androscoggin County.

— Kim, no town

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DEAR SUN SPOTS: When I call 911, does my location automatically come up?

— No name, no town

ANSWER: With 75 percent of 911 calls being made by cellphones, it’s more difficult for 911 to know precisely where you are. Cell towers and Wi-Fi calling may give 911 dispatchers only a general location, or may come up with your home address when you might not even be home. It’s always important that you give the dispatcher your location.

Katie at the Lewiston-Auburn 911 Center offers other information, dispelling some myths about using 911: For instance, people may think if they accidentally call 911, they’ll get in trouble. The fact of the matter is that people do occasionally call by accident. You won’t get yelled at. If this happens, the important thing is to not hang up! If you do, the dispatcher will try to call you back and verify that you’re not in any danger. It’s easier for everyone if you stay on the line and tell the dispatcher it was an accident. You’ll be asked a few questions to verify that you’re not in danger.

You also may wonder how a dispatcher can send help while they’re asking a million questions. Actually, the person answering your call is not necessarily the same one sending help. There are four to six dispatchers in the 911 Center at all times so while you’re talking to one dispatcher, another dispatcher is taking that information and giving it to the appropriate responders. Answer all of the questions to the best of your ability and rest assured that help is on the way.

For nonemergencies, please use these numbers for the L-A center: 784-6421 and 784-7331.

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.

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