DEAR SUN SPOTS: Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin is offering in-person tutor training. The 10-hour workshop will be held on consecutive Saturdays, Feb. 4 and 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Auburn Public Library at 49 Spring St.

We have many adults waiting for help, either through in-person or virtual lessons. If you are age 21 or older, have at least a 12th grade reading level, are patient, organized and a good listener, you can be a literacy volunteer.

Registration is required. For information call 753-6658, or email literacy@literacyvolunteersandro.org. Details can also be found on our website at http://www.literacyvolunteersandro.org. – Tahlia, no town

ANSWER: If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity to give back to the community, this is for you. Being a literacy volunteer is such a rewarding experience where you can not only share your knowledge with others but provide a constant presence and a listening ear to someone who could really use your kind assistance. Please consider giving your time.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My family and friends have been going to Minot Avenue Family Medicine for years where we’ve always had great service. The staff there is always very helpful.

In every practice I know doctors retire or move on to other things, but right now there are no primary care doctors at this facility and no other providers seem to be taking new patients. The office staff said that they will take care of their patients’ needs like mediation refills and some medical issues.

They are hoping that they will get some doctors in the office soon, but is this facility going to close? Any help would be appreciated.

I want to wish you a wonderful year and thank for all the work you do. You are a great source of information. — No name, no town

ANSWER: I called the practice and spoke with a very nice representative. You are right, there are no full-time practitioners there and the practice is recruiting new doctors. The office is not planning on closing. If you call them (795-8475) you can get assistance in finding a new provider through their new patient intake team. Someone will do their best to assist you in finding a new doctor in your area. The practice is not going to leave you high and dry; they will help you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone know why the Building Materials Exchange in Lisbon has closed temporarily? — Jan, no town

ANSWER: Last fall, the executive director, Dave Zimmerman, who has been with the organization for over 20 years, announced he was moving on. The nonprofit building materials discount store offering new, used and salvaged building materials to members and the public began its search for a new executive director and posted a job description on Facebook.

In November, it was announced that Building Materials Exchange would be closed from Thanksgiving until Feb. 1, 2023. The announcement on Facebooks states, “It is our hope the BME will reopen stronger and better than before. Please do not attempt product donations at this time. Thank you for your patronage and hope to see you in the future!

There have been no updates since but if any readers can share news about this nonprofit, let us know!

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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