DEAR SUN SPOTS: Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin has an urgent need for volunteers to serve as tutors and English conversation partners to work with the many new adult students who need work on their education and their English speaking skills.

A 10-hour tutor training workshop is planned for two consecutive days — from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 28 and 29 — at USM/LA College, 51 Westminster St., Lewiston.

A two-hour English conversation partners virtual training is also planned for March, with the date to be set so it fits the participants’ schedules.

We are looking for tutors with a variety of skills, but have a particular need for those who are comfortable teaching beginners, and those who speak at least some Spanish, Portuguese or French. 

If 21 or older, have at least a 12th grade reading level and are patient, organized and a good listener, you can be a literacy volunteer. Registration is required.

For more information, call 207-753-6658 or email literacy@literacyvolunteersandro.org.

Details can also be found at www.literacyvolunteersandro.org. — No name, no town

ANSWER: Being a literary volunteer can be an amazing experience. I hope Sun Spots readers will seriously consider this opportunity to help others in a meaningful way. Consider how challenging it must be to struggle with speaking and reading the English language.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for quotes on installing solar panels on my roof. Can anyone recommend a good company? — April, no town

ANSWER: It would be wonderful to get some good recommendations from fellow Sun Spotters. Meanwhile, have you checked out the solar vendor listing on the Efficiency Maine website?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am wondering if anyone out there subscribes to YouTube TV. Also, I do not see WCSH listed on the local channels.

Another thing I want to know: I am an avid football fan and am wondering about games that are available without having to pay the huge fees for the NFL package. I have DIRECTV and really like the NFL network that comes with its lineup. Any feedback will be appreciated. — Dawn, no town

ANSWER: Can readers with this specific TV experience help Dawn out with her questions?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Jacqueline, who misses her Virginia quilt shops (Sun Spots, March 6) made her inquiry at the perfect time. April is Maine Shop Hop month. All the info is at www.maineshophop.com/home. The locations of 25 shops in Maine are listed with a map. There are discounts, prizes, and treats; plus a good excuse to go exploring in some small towns.

My favorite shops closest to Lewiston are Oxford Mill End on Route 26 in Oxford, Sew Orchid on Maine Street in Norway and Calico Basket in Windham. If you are in Freeport to shop, there is also Cotton Weeds on Main Street, near L.L.Bean. — Cilla, Poland

ANSWER: That sounds fun. Independently owned quilts shops of Maine invite their customers to spend the month of April hopping from shop to shop. Customers print out passports and have them stamped at each shop. There are goodie bags, in-store drawings, demonstrations and more.

At the end of the month, shoppers send in their completed passport and are eligible for prizes.

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 will not use it if you ask. Please include your telephone 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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