DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston-Auburn Optimist Club, the Tri-Town Optimist Club, and the Gray-New Gloucester Optimist Club are each sponsoring an essay contest on the topic “How my Acts of Service Help Me Understand what my Community Means to Me. ” 

Each club winner will win $100 and advance to the district contest, where the $2,500 scholarship will be awarded. Contest essays are due to the Optimist Club by Feb. 10. 

For an application and set of rules, contact any Optimist Club member by calling 783-5269 or emailing [email protected]. To learn more about our Optimist Clubs, please visit our national website at https://optimist.org/ . — George, Auburn

ANSWER: What a great opportunity! Maine’s Optimist Clubs focus on youth development and community service, sharing the international mission of bringing out the best in young people through positive projects such as sports, mentoring and fundraising. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The United Methodist Church of Auburn, 439 Park Ave., will hold its bean supper Saturday, Jan. 17, at 5 pm.

The menu includes baked beans, casseroles, hot dogs, cole slaw, breads, beverages and home-made pies. 

Musical entertainment will be provided by the Park Avenue Pickers and will begin at 4:30 p.m. For additional information, contact the church office at 782-3972. — Steve, Minot

ANSWER: I’m glad those suppers are still going on. We need community gatherings more than ever and suppers like these are an opportunity to be in the company  of others. And there will be pie!  

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was just reading Sun Spots and saw the inquiry about the soda can pop-tops. Another really great place to take these is to Mr. Drew and His Animals Too in Poland. He collects them there in a huge fish tank. I’m sure he uses them in the best way to support any number of things he does with all his creatures. — Laura, no town

ANSWER: Mr. Drew is at 1395 Maine St. in Poland and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On the Facebook page, it says: “We are where Natural Science Meets Community.
A Natural Science Hands-on Museum and Exotic Rescue/Reptile Zoo. We take in what the Humane Society will not.” I love that! 

For more information, call 713-0165 or go to the Facebook page https://tinyurl.com/bdsw3e76

Here is the link to the Amazon Wish List: https://tinyurl.com/y6tf4acn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Over the last few years, I have accumulated eight large grocery bags filled with dried pine cones. I am willing to give them away for free. If interested, contact me at 784-8933 .— Chris, no town

ANSWER: Fire starters! Crafts! Birdseed-suet receptacles, and more! Let us know what happens to your collection. 

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].