DEAR SUN SPOTS: Greater Androscoggin Humane Society (GAHS) is very excited to announce two upcoming special events.

On Sunday, Aug. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., we are having our first-ever Barks & Brews Festival in collaboration with Baxter Outdoors and sponsored by Maine Steamer Trunk Company. GAHS is at 55 Strawberry Ave. in Lewiston, with parking at Hahnel Bros. parking lot, 46 Strawberry Ave.

Bring your family and canine companions for an exciting day featuring face painting, live music, activities, vendors and much more. We’ll have live music by Jody Boys, the ladies of L/A Taco on site, and a beer tent featuring Baxter Brewing Co. wristbands for 21+ guests provided upon entry. This is a free admission event, so come join the fun.

GAHS will hold the 2024 Golden Awards at the Royal Oak Room in Lewiston at 1 Bates St. on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5 until 9 p.m. This event will honor some extraordinary individuals who help advance our mission of creating a compassionate and humane community for all animals.

We are looking forward to an amazing evening filled with the awards presentation, a silent auction, a delicious dinner with Grazi To Go, and fantastic entertainment including a performance by our special guest, Julia Gagnon of American Idol.

Get your tickets now at https://gahumane.org/goldenpawawards/. We can’t wait to see you there! — Shannon, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Enjoy a musical afternoon at Mexico Congregational Church, UCC (“Green Church”), 163 Main St. on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m.

This promises to be entertaining and inspiring, with hymns and special music. Gail Dorr will accompany a truly ecumenical choir, with members from four area churches. There will be performances by Ukuleles of Weld and musicians from Shorey Chapel, as well as a humorous skit by Rev. John Hogue and Veronica Hogue. A freewill offering will benefit the Green Church flood Recovery Fund.

Light refreshments and a social time will follow. If you have any questions, please call the church at 207-364-8603 and leave a message. — Carol Mexico

ANSWER: What a variety of talents — doesn’t this sound fun?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Pleasant St. Drop-in Center located at 169 Pleasant St. in Auburn (the Unitarian Universalist Church Vestry) is open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We have volunteers to accept donations from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, and from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. We wish to thank community members for their continued support. — Virginia, Auburn

ANSWER: These hours are a bit of a change but please know that items are still needed. For updates, go to the organization’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/716529479663868. Recently, it was posted that body wipes, backpacks (or other luggage), tissue packets, sealable baggies of all sizes (snack, sandwich, quart, and gallon), sleeping bags, toothpaste, deodorant, and Q-tip’s are needed.

There is also an Amazon Wish List with basic items that are sold in bulk at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2NQD7D8H6L6H7?ref_=wl_fv_le&fbclid=IwY2xjawEh1JNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeZJ8huYspbpO3_jGPbuXd5WJMrQnvtJCiF76p4-vO4Y-bvnBiCBQcA-zw_aem_j-7I3wrihDxgOdtgqdWhHQ Purchasing any of these items for the center is so convenient for the giver and such a big help to those in need.

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 [email protected]