DEAR SUN SPOTS: First, I’d like to say thank you for all the calls I’ve been receiving asking if we will be having the Friends of Special Olympics Yard Sale this year.  The answer is yes, absolutely!

The sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at 166 Franklin Road in Jay. We already have had many donations for the sale, but if you haven’t cleaned out your garage, attic, shed or junk drawer yet, please think of donating your new or slightly-used items to our sale. As always, I want to remind everyone that we don’t accept clothing.

If you have any questions, please call 897-2122. We’re looking forward to seeing you all and to having another successful year. Thank you all so much for your continuing support! — Janice, no town

ANSWER: Every time I add another event to the Sun Spots column, it brings me joy! Please donate your no-longer-needed items and attend the sale if you are able.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the reader looking for an orange tabby cat, they can contact Community Cat Advocates. The organization has 73 kittens in foster care so I imagine there must be an orange tabby among them. They can be contacted through their Facebook page. — No name, no town

ANSWER: A Sun Spots reader comes through for us once again! According to the Community Cat Advocates website at communitycatadvocates.com, the organization assists with safely spaying or neutering neighborhood stray and feral cats.  They practice trap-neuter-return, the humane process to trap cats and take them to receive veterinary care, vaccinations and to be neutered. Following their recovery these cats and kittens are adopted to families when possible or returned to their home colony. Trap-neuter-return has been practiced for decades and safely helps control the stray/feral population.

For those who are led to do so there is also an Amazon Wish List on the website that consists of items such as food, health care needs, kitty litter and cleaning supplies.

To reach this organization in Buckfield, call 613-4565.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I know you can help locate the edition of the Sun Journal that had an article about browntail caterpillars. I never thought I would need it, but I sure do now. If I know the date it was in the paper, I can look it up online. — No name, no town

ANSWER: There was a short announcement from the Center for Disease Control in the Sun Journal on May 6 under Community News. The gist of it is a warning to be careful and a number to call for more information.

Maine has answers to frequently asked questions on browntail moths. Call 211 or 874-2211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211. You can also visit maine.gov/dhhs/browntailmoth.

I have found relief from a prescribed spray, consisting of a steroid, an antihistamine and a topical analgesic, which numbs the itch. Contact your health care provider to see if they can refer you to a pharmacy in your area where you can get that if and when needed. You’ll need a prescription and it isn’t covered by most insurances. It costs about $50, but it’s well worth it.

Here are more specifics:

https://www.penbaypilot.com/article/how-stop-infernal-itching-caused-brown-tail-moth-caterpillar/120195

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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