DEAR SUN SPOTS: The next open membership window to join the Auburn Community Concert Band is Jan. 7-21. Membership requirements are owning your own wind instrument, knowing how to read music, and being able to commit to the band’s weekly schedule of Wednesday evening rehearsals and concerts. 

For the upcoming summer concert season, the band is particularly hoping to add members to our trumpet, trombone, tuba and baritone horn sections. More information about us can be found at  https://www.auburncommunityband.com/. — Milt, Auburn

ANSWER: For those who are interested, rehearsals take place every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at the High Street Congregational Church between High and Pleasant streets in Auburn. The website also states that participants are asked to pay a nominal membership fee each spring. In addition, members are required to purchase a band vest, which is worn at all performances. The current cost for the vest is $25.

For more information, you can email the band Director Milt Simon at [email protected] or call 782-3917. 

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

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: Please tell us again about the nonprofit that picks up used medical supplies, refurbishes them, and gives them to needy countries. I have lost that information. Could you please give publish it again? I have many items to give. — No name, no town

ANSWER: You are most likely thinking of Partners for World Health (https://www.partnersforworldhealth.org/medicalsupplydonations) at 40 Walch Drive in Portland. The organization collects donated medical supplies and equipment from medical facilities (hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, etc.), organizations and individuals. 

Here is the comprehensive list of items they accept: https://tinyurl.com/39s7dpcs.

You can contact the nonprofit at 774-5555 to make an appointment for drop-off. I’m not sure if they do pickup but if you have several things, they may be able to make arrangements on a case-by-case basis. On the website, you’ll see an extensive list of what items they can accept. 

You may also want to consider donating your items to a local entity. Check with your nearby senior center, municipal office, and/or hospital. 

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].