DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is the Woman’s Literary Union having a Prom Gown Giveaway this year? — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: The 13^th Prom Gown Giveaway, a very popular event, is scheduled at the Foss Mansion at 19 Elm St. in Auburn on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Free prom gowns and accessories are given away. And if you have items you would like to donate to the cause, take them to the Franco Center at 46 Cedar St. in Lewiston during box office hours, or contact Denise at 261-5240. For more information about the event, contact Kathy at 402-7591, or email [email protected] or [email protected].

Another opportunity to support the Woman’s Literary Union is to participate in their ongoing campaign to raise funds for the upkeep of the historic Foss Mansion.

Throughout the entire month of March, purchase a Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquet at the Spring Street Hannaford, and the Woman’s Literary Union will receive $1 for every bouquet sold.

It’s a simple way to brighten your day while helping preserve a piece of our community’s history. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: When visiting my friend in Maryland earlier this winter, I went to a church potluck where a delicious salad was served. It had celery, apples, and dates in it as well as cheese and nuts. The dressing was lemony. I thought it was very unusual but also wonderfully tasty. 

I thought it would be easy to track down the recipe but I was wrong — I waited too long to inquire. No one seems to remember and the salad maker has not come forward either. Do you know about this salad? — Gwen, no town

ANSWER: If the recipe is the one I think it is, I agree that it is both unusual and  delicious, as you say. 

I found this recipe and made it for testing purposes and it’s definitely something I’ll make again. I consider it to be a more sophisticated version of a Waldorf salad. Please let me know what you think!

Crunchy Celery Salad: Toss 1 bunch diced celery, 1 bunch finely chopped parsley, 1 peeled and diced European cucumber, 1 diced crisp red apple, and 8-10 pitted chopped Medjool dates in a large bowl. 

For the dressing, in a separate small bowl, stir together until smooth: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 bunch finely chopped dill, juice of 2 large lemons, 1/4 cup avocado or olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 2 teaspoons maple syrup.

Just before serving, add 1 1/2 cups shaved Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup toasted, chopped pecans or walnuts. Add the dressing and toss and toss. This makes 6 servings and can be eaten as is or with added greens. 

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].