DEAR SUN SPOTS: Mark your calendars! The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society (GAHS) Dash For Dogs 5K is at 55 Strawberry Avenue in Lewiston on Sunday, April 27, and we can’t wait to see you there!

This fun-filled event is one of our biggest annual fundraisers. It’s a fantastic way to support our mission of providing shelter, food and medical care to needy pets here in our community. Plus, who doesn’t love a reason to get out of the house after a long Maine winter?

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or prefer a leisurely walk, bring your furry friend and join the fun. There will be prizes to win, too, such as “Best Dressed Pet” and “Top Fundraiser.” Plan to invite your friends and family to cheer you on, too. It’s going to be a party!

Please visit https://gahumane.org/dashfordogs/ to register and let’s make this year’s Dash For Dogs the best one yet! — Shannon, Lewiston

ANSWER: The Dash for Dogs 5K is a popular, yearly event that gives everyone the perfect opportunity to kick off an active spring and summer by getting outside with our canine friends, while raising funds to help needy dogs in the shelter.

The 2024 event was a great success, raising over $14,000 after expenses, to help provide veterinary care, healthy food, tools for enrichment and much more. There were over 225 registrants, volunteers, fans, vendors, and sponsors for this event! The registration fee is $30.

GAHS is also recruiting sponsors for the 2025 Dash. If your business is interested in joining up as a sponsor, email [email protected] or go to https://gahumane.org/dashfordogs/ to get more information. The sign up form is at https://gahumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sponsorship-Form-DashforDogs2025.png.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My mother used to make a delicious pineapple stuffing as a side dish to Easter ham. I never prepared it because it isn’t really all that healthy but now that I’m older, I don’t care so much about calories as I used to.

Do you have the recipe? Or perhaps another reader has it. I believe this “stuffing is of Pennsylvania Dutch origin. — Elaine, no town

ANSWER: Believe it or not, this is one of my favorite foods to have with ham. My sister lived in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, for several years and it was there that I first sampled this unique dish. It has a lot of eggs in it, giving this dish a custardy texture, so hopefully you can find eggs at a good price.

If anyone would like to share their favorite Easter meal recipes, please chime in!

Pineapple Stuffing: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 2 cups sugar. Add 8 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 2 cans (20 ounces each) of drained, crushed pineapple and 3 tablespoons lemon juice.

Cube 10 slices of white bread and fold into the pineapple mixture. Pour into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered, 35-40 minutes, or until set. Makes 12 servings.

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].