DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Optimist Club wants you to join them on Earth Day Weekend, prior to Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, to spend at least one hour walking your neighborhood with family, friends and coworkers, with a trash bag to clear roadside trash while enjoying some fresh air and exercise.

If you are willing to commit to volunteer for this cleanup effort and want to register to win a meal at one of our local community restaurants, please contact any Optimist Club member. Please call 783-5269 or email [email protected] to register to win one of the many restaurant gift certificates to be given to community volunteers. — George, Auburn

ANSWER: I love that you continue to organize this event every year. It always inspires me to join in with my neighborhood efforts too. I hope you have lots of folks helping out.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Delta Kappa Gamma, local Mu Chapter, an international society of retired and current women educators, is providing our Recruitment Grant which is a $1,000 scholarship. This is awarded to a high school senior enrolled in a school of higher education and planning to become a teacher.

This year’s scholarship is available to a student from a school in the central Maine area. Priority will be given to children and grandchildren of DKG members.

Applications can be acquired at area guidance offices or email a request to [email protected]. The student must mail the completed application to me by April 20. — No name, Auburn

ANSWER: Thank you for making this scholarship available to students. We certainly need more good teachers and this is an excellent incentive for those wanting a future in education.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The historical societies of Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland will be holding a joint presentation at the Poland Historical Society at 1231 Maine St. in Poland on Wednesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. The topic of “Narrow Gauge Railroads in Maine” will be presented by Paul Lodge of West Minot, a longtime railroad enthusiast, as well as the first president and charter member of the Great Falls Railroad Club.

Narrow gauge railroads provided passenger and freight services to rural areas of western Maine from the 1880s through 1943. The two foot width between tracks and smaller locomotives were less expensive to build and operate than standard gauge railroads. At one time, there were five narrow gauge railroads hauling logs and lumber from our forests, slate from our quarries, and farm products to and from our cities and towns.

The public is invited to this free event. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call the Poland Historical Society at 998-5268. — David, Auburn

ANSWER: This sounds very interesting. I’ll be sure to give it another plug when the date gets closer. Readers, mark your calendars.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you please tell me when Planet Fitness will be opening in Lewiston by Shaw’s. — Lori, no town

ANSWER: I’ve heard that it will not be until July. If anyone can give us more information, please write in.

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].