DEAR SUN SPOTS: Franklin Health in Farmington has announced the launch of a new Parkinson’s Support Group, offering a welcoming space for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers to connect, share and support one another.

Meetings will be held the second Monday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon at the Stanley Building, 130 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington, ME 04938. The first meeting will be on Monday, April 13.

The group will be facilitated by Franklin speech-language pathologist and certified Speak OUT! provider Taylor Antanavich.

Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but no one has to face it alone. This support group aims to create a sense of community where participants can exchange experiences, learn practical strategies, and build meaningful connections with others who understand their journey. Caregivers are not only welcome but encouraged to attend.

“Connecting with others who truly understand what you’re going through can make a powerful difference,” said Antanavich. “This group is about creating a supportive environment where people feel heard, empowered, and less alone.”

For more information or to ask questions, please contact Taylor Antanavich at 779-2620. — Ryan, Farmington

ANSWER: Having caring, knowledgeable group support when living with a challenging diagnosis can make such a positive difference and even be life-changing. I do hope that people affected by this illness will take advantage of the program. Thank you, Taylor, for providing the expertise and safe space.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston-Auburn Community Forest Board is working to establish groves of chestnut trees at Chestnut Park in Auburn and Franklin Pasture in Lewiston. American chestnut trees were eliminated as a thriving species in the eastern forest by the chestnut blight in the early 20th century.

LACFB is looking for old pictures of chestnut trees in L-A, with special focus near Chestnut Park in Auburn. Any help is much appreciated. — David, no town

ANSWER: This is very cool! Please let our readers know if you need any other assistance with this. Be sure to check the Sun Journal archives for photos as well as Maine Memory Network, city records, and library archives. 

According to Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Maine has 12 breeding orchards and seven seed orchards of chestnut trees in Searsport, Phippsburg, Winthrop, Hartland and Stetson. 

For those readers who want more information on restoring American chestnut trees in Maine and other locales, there are plenty of resources. Here are some websites to check out: Maine Public Radio (https://www.mainepublic.org/2025-06-26/restoring-the-american-chestnut), and MOFGA (https://www.mofga.org/stories/community/the-legendary-american-chestnut/). 

Readers, if you have more information to share, let me know! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Montello Heights at 550 College St. is having its Spring Craft Fair, Bake Sale and Garage Sale on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is open to the public. — Chris, Lewiston

ANSWER: This sounds like a fun time and a great way to support the folks at Montello Heights as they hold their traditional spring event.

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].