DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anywhere in the Lewiston/Auburn area that provides fencing lessons? — No name, Lewiston.

ANSWER: You are right to seek out lessons from an expert because, while there are DVDs and even free online tutorials, getting the proper footing, positions and moves is very important for your success and your safety. 

There is not a club or lessons available to the general public in the Lewiston or Auburn areas that Sun Spots was able to find. There is, however, the Portland Fencing Center at 983 Riverside St. in Portland. They offer beginner fencing classes to learn the basic positions and fundamentals. They even have private lessons available for PFC members. The center can be reached at 207-747-5290 or [email protected].

If anyone has information about a fencing club or someone able to offer fencing lessons in the Lewiston/Auburn area, please write in to Sun Spots.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Interested in speaking up for a Maine foster child? Maine Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is holding its spring training for volunteer advocates from March 7 to 10 in the Augusta area. The four-day training is free. Attendees will learn about all aspects of child advocacy work in order to be certified as a volunteer guardian ad litem for the Maine District Court.

Maine CASAs are community volunteers who are appointed to serve as advocates, called guardians ad litem for children whose parents are involved in a child protection court case. CASAs conduct an investigation and then advise the judge in writing of what they believe is in the child’s best interest. The foundation of the CASA’s work is getting to know the child so he or she can tell the judge what the child wishes.

CASAs come from a wide variety of professional and personal backgrounds and are guided throughout the process by staff attorneys. CASAs bring a unique perspective from their own life and community to their work as a volunteer.

Last year, approximately 350 children involved in a child protection court case had a volunteer CASA who served as the child’s voice in court. Right now, there are more foster children than CASA volunteers. If you have a big heart and are willing to speak up for a Maine child, apply to become a CASA volunteer. You do not need any special training to apply other than having a high school diploma or GED equivalent. You must be over 21. Along with the application, you will also need to provide three references and must complete a background check that includes disclosing any criminal or child protection history.

You can find out more about Maine CASA by visiting our website at www.casaofmaine.org or our Facebook page. For more information about becoming a volunteer, please contact Maine CASA Legal Services Advisor Darren Defoe, Esq. by phone at 207-213-2864, or by e-mail at [email protected].

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 be emailed to [email protected], tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.