DEAR SUN SPOTS: The United New Auburn Association and Walton School have teamed up to offer a chili/chowder challenge from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at the Walton School. Featuring chili and chowders from our local businesses and community members, this is sure to be a taste-testing extravaganza! Admission is $5 at the door.

Raffle baskets will be offered from local businesses and your entry will give you the chance to vote for New Auburn’s BEST chili and chowder! We are looking for more entrants so if you’d like the chance to win bragging rights and need more information, contact Ken Blais at 207-753-0171.

— Kathy, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Maine’s Mega Yard Sale at the Farmington Fairgrounds is coming soon and we need volunteers. It will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 23.

This is Central Maine’s largest yard sale and we are expecting over 500 shoppers. Now is the time to register and sell your unwanted items, handicrafts or direct sales items. Early-bird registration ends April 30 and booths are assigned on a first-registered, first-serve basis, so don’t wait! Spaces can be reserved for $35 outside or $50 inside. Registration forms can be found online at www.fcanimalshelter.org under the Events tab or are available at the Franklin County Animal Shelter at 550 Industry Rd. in Farmington.

Food items and bottled water will also be sold in the Firemen’s Shack to benefit the shelter. Parking is free, and with just a $1 entry fee for anyone 7 years of age and older, visitors can peruse the items for sale and purchase snacks and beverages. This will be a fun outdoor event for families! Call 207-778-2638 for more information and to volunteer.

— Dory, Farmington

ANSWER: Maine’s Mega Yard Sale is one of the largest fundraisers of the year for the Franklin County Animal Shelter. The summer is a very busy time for the shelter and the proceeds from entrance and vendor registration fees help cover the cost of spaying/neutering, vaccinating, feeding and caring for the many stray cats and dogs brought to the shelter.Please spread the word. That’s what good Sun Spots readers do!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You have helped Rebuilding Together L/A reach out to Lewiston-Auburn and surrounding areas in our appeal to our community members who, for whatever reason, cannot do needed repairs to allow them to live in safe and healthy homes. Once again, we appeal to those that need help, as we are beginning to take applications for our Saturday, April 28, Rebuild Day.

For anyone who would like to assist with our efforts in some way, in the form of a monetary donation for materials, a day of volunteering your time whether it be with a skilled building trade, or just wanting to take part in a worthy cause, you will be rewarded with the knowledge that you have made a difference in the lives of others. Together we can transform our community. Contact Rollie Heckethorn at 207- 344-0007 or email rollie@rebuildingtogetherla.org . You’ll be glad you did!

— Rollie, Auburn

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 also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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