DEAR SUN SPOTS: Founded in 1885, Greater Androscoggin Humane Society is celebrating 140 years of helping pets and the people who love them. As more families than ever reach out for support, our resources are being stretched thin.

Through the Paws to the Future campaign, the first $70,000 donated will be matched, helping us reach our $140,000 goal. Your gift helps sustain lifesaving care, foster support, the pet food pantry, spay/neuter services, and community wellness clinics.

Please donate today and know your gift will have twice the impact for pets who need us most. Go to https://gahumane.org/future/ for more information, and to https://gahumane.org/give/wish-list/ for our wish list.

Current urgent needs are bleach, dry and wet cat food, cat litter, soft dog treats, resealable 1-gallon storage bags, and brown paper lunch bags. We also use hot dogs, string cheese, cream cheese, meat and veggie broth, and peanut butter (no xylitol) for dog enrichment. We also like to have canned tuna and sardines for cats. — No name, Auburn

ANSWER: Yes, we need to remember our furry friends and help where we can. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I heard that an ALDI grocery store is opening in Maine soon. Do you know where and when? — Crystal, Lewiston 

ANSWER: The latest news is that after months of delays, a division vice president for ALDI told WMTW this past Monday that the company expects its first store in Maine to open in March.

Initially, the discount grocery chain said it planned to open in the former Big Lots store in the Pine Tree Shopping Center on Brighton Avenue in Portland before the end of 2025, but that was pushed back because of “construction shifts.” He added that a specific date and details about celebrations would be released soon.

For those who don’t know, ALDI is headquartered in Germany, and has over 12,500 stores around the world, including more than 2,400 in the U.S.

I’m excited to have an ALDI in our extended neighborhood. There are a couple of these discount grocery stores in New Hampshire and it’s fun to shop there. Don’t forget your quarter for the shopping cart! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are two retired ladies of a certain age who want to thank the customer who paid for our meals at our favorite restaurant this past weekend. We were celebrating my friend’s 80^th birthday and were very surprised by this unexpected kindness! We will definitely pay it forward, sir. You are a gem. — Lisa & Anna, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This past Saturday I was with my family at Governor’s and someone paid for lunch! Thank you so much. I put an extra donation in our church offering basket on Sunday and it felt so good to be able to do it. — Don, no town  

ANSWER: It’s so wonderful to hear about this goodness going on in our corner of the world. Keep it up, Sun Spotters!

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].