DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the 10th straight year, Auburn-based Boy Scout Troop 121 will pick up Christmas trees in Lewiston and Auburn. While the cities of Auburn and Lewiston provide several locations for free tree disposal, they no longer collect the trees at curbside.

For a minimum donation of $5, the scouts will pick up Christmas trees Jan. 8 and 9. Trees should not be placed curbside until the morning of Jan. 8. Money raised by this program stays local and goes directly to troop scouting activities.

Troop 121 was created to help give youth with special physical, mental and emotional challenges the opportunity for success in a safe scouting environment that builds character, encourages citizenship, teaches life skills and develops personal fitness.

To request a pickup, send your donation by Jan. 6 to Troop 121, United Methodist Church, 439 Park Ave., Auburn, ME 04210. The troop, in turn, will send you a tag to place on your tree when you place it curbside. For more information about this program or the troop, call 783-0790.

ANSWER: I’m so glad this is happening. Thank you, Boy Scouts, for making it so easy to dispose of the Christmas trees in such a no muss, no fuss manner.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: When out shopping in Auburn, I lost a folder of family pictures which mean a lot to me. If anyone found them please call 345-7055. — Diane, Mechanic Falls

ANSWER: I hope they have been found by now. Please let us know!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would anyone in the Rumford area like a box full of Galaxy Science Fiction magazines? They must be picked up. Call 207-364-2946. — No name, Rumford

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read your column first thing in the morning. I have some VHS tapes and DVDs to give away, Disney and Christmas movies for kids. Goodwill and the Salvation Army will not take them and I hate to throw them out. My phone number is 782-3154. Please leave a message if I’m not home. — Jackie, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m a faithful reader and in answer to the request for good cookies recipes, I have two. The mincemeat cookies are a favorite for the holidays. The banana cookies are very simple. Kids love them and there aren’t eggs in either of them. Both are soft cookies.

Mincemeat cookies: Cream together 1 cup shortening, 1 1/4 cups sugar, and 3 eggs. Add 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 1/2 cups mincemeat. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees on a greased cookie sheet.

Banana Cookies: Mix together 1 cup mashed bananas, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup shortening, 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts if desired. Bake for 12 minutes at 375 degrees on a greased cookie sheet.

ANSWER: These sound very easy! I also appreciate that they don’t include eggs. Like a lot of people, my daughter has an egg allergy so I’m going to pass these recipes on to her. Thank you!

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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