DEAR SUN SPOTS: It’s been a long winter and I fell and injured my ankle back in January, shortly after moving here from New Hampshire. I haven’t been able to get out much and have been lonely. Now that spring is coming (I hope), and my ankle is healing, I feel better and am ready to make some friends. I can drive now and would like to join some type of group. I am in my 70s and on a limited budget. — Mary, Durham

ANSWER: I’m sorry that you have felt lonely. But as a Sun Spotter, you have access to a wide circle of friends and information. 

If you don’t mind traveling a little, you are surrounded by hubs where there’s plenty to do. Specifically, I’m thinking of SeniorsPlus at 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston (https://seniorsplus.org/, 1-800-427-1241), and in Brunswick, there is People Plus at 35 Union St. (https://peopleplusmaine.org/, 729-0757). 

There are plenty of activities and events at both places. You may even want to look into volunteer opportunities in one or both of those spots. 

There are also ongoing free group activities and events at Lewiston Public Library (https://lplonline.org/), Auburn Public Library (https://www.auburnpubliclibrary.org/), Freeport Community Library (https://freeportlibrary.com/) and at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick (https://curtislibrary.com/). Book clubs, writing groups, informational presentations, workshops, knitting circles, and more are all available to you here. 

Another safe place to meet people is at church. When I moved to Maine many years ago, the first place I made new friends was at the little local church. I was fortunate that I felt welcomed at the first one I visited, but you may want to try a few to get the right fit.

Think about what hobbies you enjoy or would like to sample. Your new home is in a good spot with lots going on just a short distance away. Keep healing, do some exploring, and keep us posted. We care. 

Readers, if you have ideas for Mary, please let us know. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Years ago there was a lady at JC Penny’s who would fit you for the right bra. Do you know of any store that still offers that service? — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Funny you should ask about this. I had a fitting at Macy’s at the Maine Mall in Portland recently and now I’m wishing I had saved the woman’s card. Her name is Doris and she works in the well-stocked intimate apparel department there. She was really helpful and I remember her saying she had been at Macy’s for a long time. The store’s number is 775-5431. You’ll need to call for an appointment. 

Another lingerie shop where you can get a fitting is in Bath at 47 Centre St. Over the Moon is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can book a fitting here: https://www.overthemoonmaine.com/schedule-a-fitting or call 442-9999. This is a beautiful small boutique with over 150 bra sizes and helpful personnel. At either of these stores, you’ll be very well taken care of. 

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