DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Franco Center has a wonderful group of volunteers, but we’re in need of more to help with upcoming events.

On July 14 and 15, the Franco Center will hold an Open House with free admission, tours and activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We need greeters to guide people through the building.

On Oct.19, 20 and 21 we will host our indoor Fright Night Walk and need volunteers to help set up the scary scenes in our basement, as well as costumed actors to play the roles of ghoulish characters. This takes place during the day and night, and volunteers can select their time slots.

On Dec. 15 and 16, we will hold our Sights and Sounds of Christmas Variety and Light show. We need performers, greeters, ushers and more. All volunteers can sign up or ask questions of Susan at 689-2000 or email boxoffice@francocenter.org. — Denise, no town

ANSWER: The center is at 46 Cedar St. in Lewiston. Events are open to the public and people don’t need to belong to a club or be of a specific heritage to attend.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the June 8 Sun Spots, I can recommend” by Rhonda Massingham Hart. It’s a good primer on deer behavior, likes and dislikes.

In addition to that, I can attest to two denuded rhodies last winter, including one that we tried to protect with netting. The deer have sharp hooves! At least once a summer they destroy my lovely hostas, tall phlox, and just about anything that isn’t currently flowering, such as irises, daylilies and Asiatic lilies …it’s crazy. At times, they’ve also “pruned” the arborvitae.

I tried a holly bush years ago but the deer ate it right down to the ground. One winter they stripped all the bark off some young apple trees and we had to pull the trees out.

Deer will eat any young tree twigs they can reach by standing on their hind feet. We have two acres with heavy woods on two sides and cannot afford to fence in our yard. It’s a struggle, but I’ve managed to keep some colorful foliage around our home although I’ve given up on my vegetable garden. There were just too many tasty things. I’ve got some perennial herbs in the garden now, but they get eaten, too. At least those grow back.

Don’t forget all the deer poop around that makes it look like Santa stabled his crew in your yard. Good luck! — Diana, Poland

ANSWER: Thanks for the book recommendation. It sounds like you have quite the situation in your neck of the woods.

Readers, let’s hear about all your tips and tricks concerning keeping deer out of your gardens and flower beds. I, too, have had deer nibbling on the holly bushes by the front door but I’ve been fortunate in that they leave my herb gardens alone. I have a lot of chives and garlic growing amongst the other herbs and it seems to help.

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