DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Rumford Hospital Auxiliary is seeking items for its Annual Yard Sale that will take place at 209 Lincoln Ave. in Rumford on Saturday, May 9. Popular items include indoor/outdoor furniture, tools, jewelry, toys and puzzles. We are unable to accept large appliances or clothing. It’s a great time to clean out your garage and attic and help support our worthy cause to raise money for much-needed hospital equipment.

Members of the auxiliary will be at the above location to accept donations on Friday, May 1, and Friday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information, please call 364-3648. Thank you for all you do to help keep people informed. — Barbara, Rumford

ANSWER: There’s nothing like a local yard sale fundraiser to motivate people to clean out and sort through all the places in their homes where they stick the things they no longer use. Think of how good it will feel to create some space and pass along those items you have put out of sight and then completely forgotten about. I know because I’ve been it — more than once.

And mark your calendar for the sale. After cleaning out, you’ll have room to put new stuff!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: It’s that time of year again! The Rumford and Mexico historical societies invite you to our Annual Plant Sale, our largest fundraiser of the year. 

The societies will team up at 11 Fifth St. in Mexico for their annual Plant Sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shoppers can look forward to a wide selection of plants, including over 300 potted perennials, annual flowers, vegetable, and herb seedlings, and 15 varieties of tomatoes.

This event is the biggest fundraiser for both societies, and 100% of the proceeds support our annual operating expenses. We hope to see you there! — Nghia Ha, no town 

ANSWER: We’re finally on the other side of this long winter and have a plant sale to look forward to . Isn’t that just the best? Just tapping out the details of this event on my keyboard lifts my spirits. I hope many Sun Spotters will come out to support these two historical societies and take home some beautiful plants. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: St. Catherine of Sienna Church at 32 Paris St. in Norway is hosting its annual Spring Rummage Sale on Saturday, May 23, from 9-11:30 a.m. Shoppers can browse a wide selection of clothing, household items, hand tools, jewelry and linens, all available by donation.

At 11 a.m., a special Fill a Bag for $1 deal will begin, giving bargain hunters a chance to stock up on great finds at an unbeatable price.

Community members are invited to attend and shop while supporting a good cause. Handicapped access to the church hall is available.

Proceeds from the sale will support the church’s free Thanksgiving Dinner, open to everyone in the community. — no name, no town

ANSWER: I love that your church community is still holding this sale. It’s a good one and a great excuse to come to one of my favorite Maine towns! 

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].