DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am writing on behalf of the Friends of The Maine Wildlife Park. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that donates volunteer hours and raises money in support of animal upkeep at The Maine Wildlife Park.

Our target opening date is April 15 and we are seeking volunteers to staff the Snack Shack and Gatehouse for the fast approaching 2022 season. More information and volunteer applications are available on the Maine Wildlife Park website under the volunteer tab.

If volunteering is not an option, another way to support the park is to donate through the website (https://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife-park/index.html) under the Funding tab or the Friends of the Park tab. We also accept checks made out to Friends of The Maine Wildlife Park, PO Box 1231, Gray, ME 04039.  Any support will be greatly appreciated. —  No name, no town

ANSWER: The park at 56 Game Farm Road is home to over 30 species of Maine wildlife that cannot be returned to their natural habitats. Some are there because they were injured or orphaned, and others because they are dependent on humans – raised, sometimes illegally, in captivity.

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife game wardens and biologists team up to make the best of these situations by bringing the animals to the park where they can live safely in naturalized exhibits and receive the specialized care they need from the park’s gamekeepers.

To contact park personnel directly, call 822-6460 or send an email to mainewildlifepark@mainegov.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like an address to send a box of yarn for donation. I would love to send along what I have to an organization that can use it. — Gayle, no town

ANSWER: When you have yarn to donate, please send along information such as how much you have, the type of yarn, and the colors. Some places aren’t selective about the yarn and some are, for various reasons. For example, SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope), a program of Catholic Charities in Auburn, has a need for colorful 4-ply yarn in good condition. For more information, call 1-800-781-8550.

Recently, another nonprofit only wanted purple yarn.

I’d like to update my list so if you are involved with a nonprofit that needs yarn, please send me the specifics and we’ll get the word out right away.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone have a recipe for maple cookies? I’d like something simple. — Doris, no town

ANSWER: There are so many recipes to choose from so I hope readers share their favorites. Here’s an easy one:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup brown sugar. Add 1 egg, 1 cup maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until well blended. Sift together 4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons baking soda. Stir into mixture until well-blended. Shape into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar. Place on parchment paper-lined cookie sheets about 2 inches apart and flatten slightly with a fork. Bake 8 to 10 minutes and cool on a wire rack. The recipe makes about five dozen cookies.

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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