DEAR SUN SPOTS: There is a small bird that keeps flying into my kitchen window. It happens in the morning and afternoon hours. Have you ever heard of this?

—No name, no town

ANSWER: I haven’t, but I’m wondering if something on your windowsill or in your kitchen is drawing the bird’s attention. It might be helpful to know what kind of bird it is, too.

I recommend that you call the Audubon Society in Falmouth at 207-781-2330. They may be able to shed some light on the subject.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I sent Sun Spots an announcement about an event for our nonprofit but it wasn’t printed. How come?

—Linda, Lewiston

ANSWER: This is a really good time to remind people how the column works. First of all, I attempt to write ahead by a week or more so please be sure to send the announcement for your event in at least two weeks ahead of time. Sometimes I can’t print letters simply because the event has gone by.

If you are just inviting people to come to your event, those notes should go to Community News at communitynews@sunjournal.com. If you are looking for donations, table rentals for a yard sale, volunteers for your event, or have other requests I will print those in Sun Spots.

If you are having a private yard sale, you need to take out a classified ad.

Also, I don’t print negative letters about companies or organizations. If you are having an issue over a doctor’s bill; or a store clerk was rude to you; or you have had a disagreement with your child’s teacher, that all needs to be worked out with the parties involved.

If you aren’t a nonprofit and are looking for items, you must offer to pay for it unless it’s something people would generally recycle.

All letters must be signed and have a phone number or email address. I won’t include your name if you ask me not to, but if you are, for example, giving away yarn or books, your first name and phone number need to be printed in the column so people can reach you.

I receive dozens of letters every week and make every effort to answer them as soon as possible. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out who can help with the answer and sometimes it takes a while for my resources to respond.

Lastly, I also print thank yous to Good Samaritans and other “bright spots” that I feel have a Sun Spots theme. (See below.)

DEAR SUN SPOTS: When I came home today, someone surprised me with a pretty blue vase with flowers in it at my door.

When I was a child and visited my grandmother I picked wildflowers on my way and brought them to her. She was always so pleased and put them in a vase on her kitchen table. My thought is, why just give flowers on birthdays, holidays, and at the grave? Whoever you are, many thanks for the lovely gift.

—Heidi, Wilton

ANSWER: How easy it is to be the ray of sunshine in someone else’s life by sharing a simple gift. I invite all my readers to do a little something for someone today. It could make all the difference!

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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