DEAR SUN SPOTS: Clover Health Care at 440 Minot Ave. in Auburn will host program featuring a thoughtful and compassionate conversation about the changing needs of seniors. Titled, “How Do You Know? Is It Time to Start the Conversation?” it will be presented Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 2-3 p.m.

From how the right support can help them maintain independence and dignity, to understanding how and when to make significant life decisions that are right for them and their families, this program aims to ease the anxiety that can come with initiating the conversation. 

The program will be presented by Britta Means, LPN, clinical home care specialist for Centerwell Home Health, and Michael Longfellow, Gentiva Hospice liaison. Seating is limited so RSVP to 344-3835.

ANSWER: All families need help with this topic and it will be great information to have to start off the new year. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I know you have posted the answer in the past but I didn’t write it down. Please let me and the other readers know what organizations in the Lewiston-Auburn area use old greeting cards. — Cathy, no town 

ANSWER: Perhaps an artist will want to use your cards for a creative project. Or you could ask the activities director at a nearby assisted living facility or children’s center if they could use them. 

You can also contact the SHAREcenter to see if they can use them. According to its Facebook page, it will be open after Jan. 1 (following the school calendar). Located at Market Place Mall, 675 Main St., in Lewiston, the SHAREcenter is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

SHAREcenter’s  mission is to rescue reusable resources by  collecting items that businesses, colleges, schools and the public no longer need and provide them to members for use in their programs. SHAREcenter serves schools and nonprofits. These groups pay a nominal annual membership fee. All members of these organizations can then come gather items that have been rescued to supplement their programs.

Rescued materials collected and organized include, but are not limited to, art and craft supplies, office supplies, new clothing, school supplies, and science, technology, engineering, arts and math materials. Office and school furniture is also available. 

There is an accepted donation list and a wish list on the website at https://www.sharecenterme.org/. 

And while we’re talking about the SHAREcenter, they are always happy to have volunteers come in and assist with the many essential tasks that keep the organization running. Some jobs include, but are not limited to, shelving donations in the store, assisting shoppers, receiving and sorting donations, organizing and labeling shelves, helping members load their materials, and assisting with special events.

If you would like to become a part of the volunteer team email the SHAREcenter staff at [email protected]  or call 312-3810 during open hours. 

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].