DEAR SUN SPOTS: Are there services to help pack up household belongings for physically disadvantaged older people?

— Elaine, no town

ANSWER: Call Seniors Plus at 207-795-4010. They are located at 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston and are a tremendously helpful resource for seniors. They have recommendations and referrals for all kinds of services for seniors. Sun Spotters, if you have used such a service in the past, please send in your recommendations.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Auburn Farmers’ Market is seeking new members for the upcoming 2019 growing season. Vendors of all types are welcome to apply. The Farmers’ Market is held every Tuesday evening in the parking lot of Rolly’s Diner, from 4 to 7 p.m. beginning June 4 and finishing the season on Oct. 1.

Our market accepts WIC, credit cards, EBT/SNAP vouchers and participates in the bonus Maine Harvest Dollar program. Incentive programs for seniors are offered to help stretch food dollars even further. If you’d like to join up with a great market, call Kathy Shaw at 207-320-1969 or send an e-mail to Kath@valleyviewfarmme.com for more information.

Happy spring! Thank you, Sun Spots. You’re the best!

— Kathy, no town

ANSWER: The outdoor farmers’ markets that sprout up everywhere are so fantastic! Selling our produce and products within market community benefits everyone and supporting your local farmers and artisans means giving a boost to local businesses and enjoying delicious fresh, healthy food.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you tell me if Connie Cote is still on the air?

— Roger, no town

ANSWER: Connie, who is in her 90s, has indeed retired and listeners of 105.5 FM/1240 AM sure do miss her. She’s delivered her live, French-speaking radio show, “La Revue Francaise,” for 60 years, every Sunday, even during the period of time that she served in the Maine Legislature. Over the years, she has been a force in the L-A community. She began her radio show at the age of 30 and when she turned 90, there was a big celebration at the Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston to recognize her many accomplishments.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is it safe for a dog to lick a person’s face? Will it cause cancer or infection? I want to know!

— No name, no town

ANSWER: Most people survive a dog kissing their face, and a lick from your pooch won’t cause cancer, but keep in mind, dogs’ mouths have bacteria and sometimes parasites that a human’s immune system can’t tolerate. Think about where your dog’s mouth has been and what he may have gotten into during his sniffing around the neighborhood!

A lick on the cheek is one thing but a full-on mouth-to-mouth kiss may leave you with issues you don’t want to contend with, such as salmonella, pasteurella, campylobacter and leptospira, which are just a few of the bacteria dogs may have in their systems from sniffing (and ingesting) animal waste, or from drinking contaminated water from a puddle, stream, or pond. Many dogs carry these pathogens without showing symptoms. They can also carry various parasites.

If you’re going to allow your dog to kiss your face, keep him away from your nose and mouth and wash your face afterwards.

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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