DEAR SUN SPOTS: The United Methodist Church of Auburn will offer the Blessing of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at 439 Park Ave., weather permitting. Otherwise, this tradition will be inside the building. 

At 6 p.m., there will be an Ash Wednesday service in the sanctuary. All are welcome to both events. — Wanda, Auburn

ANSWER: Many churches in the area will have services and dispense ashes on the first day of Lent, so if you want to receive ashes, just look up a church near you. You don’t have to be member of a congregation to observe Ash Wednesday.

Catholic, Anglican, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, and other reformed churches all observe Ash Wednesday. These ashes are a symbol of forgiveness and penance. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Knights of Columbus Council 10019 will sponsor an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, Feb. 9, from 1 until 5:30 p.m. at the parish hall of Holy Trinity Church, 67 Frost Hill Ave. in Lisbon Falls. Please call 1-800-733-2767 to make an appointment or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/. — No name, no town

ANSWER: This is a reminder. Please make an appointment if you can and give this gift that can save lives.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A graduate of the Lewiston High School Class of 1945 has recently passed away. She left a scrapbook of mementos of the graduating class, including many news articles from the Sun Journal ranging from engagement, wedding, and funeral notices, and other items. This is an amazing collection. 

If anyone in the Class of 1945 would like to have this scrapbook, I have been given permission to present it to any member of the class who wants it. I can be contacted at [email protected]. — Rollie, no town

ANSWER: This collection would be fascinating to browse through. I don’t think this will happen, but if it goes unclaimed, perhaps the scrapbook could be donated to the high school library or put on display at the historical society so lots of folks could have an opportunity to take a peek. Let us know what happens! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’ve just found out that my 10-year-old male cat, my emotional support animal, has diabetes. I’m disabled and cannot afford the medication for him. He’s been with me since he was a kitten and I’ve done my best to take good care of him. 

I’m not looking for a handout, just recommendations from kind folks who have been in the same boat. Is there a way to get the medication needed on a sliding scale fee or are there nonprofits who can assist me with coupons? — Henry, no town

ANSWER: If you haven’t already, ask your veterinarian about Good Samaritan funds through the office or through a local nonprofit, and check with your local animal shelter for advice and possibly funding. 

There is also an organization called DCIN (Diabetic Cats in Need). that has good information and ways to apply for assistance. The website is https://tinyurl.com/rvb335h2.

Another one is Old Dogs New Digs (https://www.olddogsnewdigs.com/community-assist-program/). They also help kitties in need.

Readers, please offer solutions for Henry and his fur baby. My heart goes out to them. 

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].