DEAR SUN SPOTS: Literacy Volunteers – Androscoggin has many adults waiting that need to improve their English so they can connect with jobs and manage day-to-day life. Volunteers are needed to serve as one-on-one tutors, as well as English Conversation Partners.

Literacy Volunteers tutors and English conversation partners have helped hundreds of adults gain the skills they needed to improve all aspects of life for themselves and for their families. This is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Tutor training will be held on Oct. 2 and 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at USM/LA College, 51 Westminster St., Lewiston. Our two-hour English conversation partners training will be offered the second week in October, with the date and time to be determined by the participants.

If you are age 21 or older, have at least a 12th grade reading level, are patient, organized, and a good listener, you can be a Literacy Volunteer. Registration is required. For information call 753-6658 (office), or email [email protected]. Details can also be found on our website at http://www.literacyvolunteersandro.org.

Sun Spots, we thank you for your help, as your column has brought us many excellent volunteers over the years. — Tahlia, no town

ANSWER: Volunteering with Literacy Volunteers – Androscoggin is a very rewarding experience. I hope you will consider it, and if you’re already a volunteer with the organization, please share your experience to encourage others who may be thinking of joining the fold.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: As fall rolls in, we Mainers enjoy the last remaining weeks of warmth before winter takes over and we hold on tight until spring.

The coming months are filled with plenty of family, joy, and excitement as we head into the Giving Season, and Bolster Heights is no different. We always receive generous support from the community and families to ensure that our residents have a wonderful holiday, so we trust in the kindness and generosity of our local businesses, and residents’ families for donations of goods and services to support our Christmas celebrations. Each year that we’ve done this, it truly has made the difference in their holiday season. 

I’m sure we all can recall a Christmas season that was less than jolly, and your donations bring much joy to our resident’s lives. If you would be willing to donate to our Christmas celebration this year, please feel free to contact me anytime: Stacey Gagnon, activities director, Bolster Heights Residential Care Facility 26 Bolster St., Auburn Maine 04210, 784-1364.

Have a happy autumn and a joyful holiday season. — Stacey, Auburn

ANSWER: Oh, Boster Heights — we love you so! And we appreciate what you do for the residents. Sun Spotters, you know the drill. Every year Bolster Heights makes this request for their residents and you always come through. We appreciate all who answer the call — be sure to encourage your friends and family to participate, too.

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].