DEAR SUN SPOTS: You have been very helpful to me in the past, so here I am again.
I need someone who has a chestnut tree who would be willing to part with some, as I need them for a project I am trying to work on.
Also, there was a letter in Sun Spots for needy people to get help with eyeglasses from the Lions Club. How does one go about finding out more about it?
Third, is there anyone one who helps a disabled person rake leaves? I really need help. I am trying but cannot keep up.
I can be reached at 946-7040. Thank you very much for your help and great column. — No Name, Greene
ANSWER: Sun Spots tracked down Sandra Tassinari, who is in charge of the eyeglass committee for the Auburn Lions. She told Sun Spots that her particular group is currently out of funds for the program, but that doesn’t mean other Lions groups, which fund their own programs, are, too.
Sandra said that if you call her at 783-7300 and leave your name and address, that she will mail you an application for the program. Or, alternatively, you can stop by VIP Eyes in Auburn to fill out an application. The applications for other regions will be sent to district offices for forwarding to the appropriate club.
The Auburn Lions are always open to donations. In addition to eyeglasses (please don’t include the cases; they are thrown out), they accept hearing aids, cell phones, items for homeless teens and, of course, cash.
Sandra also shared what happens to the glasses you donate. The lenses are removed and shipped overseas (she is unsure what happens to them there), then the frames are refurbished in preparation for new prescriptions. Sandra said it is frustrating when they have to turn people away from the program because the need is so great.
As for your question about raking, there are local groups, such as the Boy Scouts, who do such good deeds. Perhaps one of them will contact you or the column.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I bought a 7-inch plate at a yard sale recently. Its finish is crackled, but I was taken with its blackberry design and uneven gold-trimmed edge.
On the back it says “Gold” and “Compliments of Lewiston Journal, Lewiston, Maine.” Printed upside-down is N.C. Co. over the initials E.L.O.
Thanks for any information you can provide about this charming little plate. — No Name, No Town
ANSWER: Once upon a time, it was very common for businesses to give away “premiums” such as your plate. The plate was probably given to a customer for signing up for a subscription to the Sun Journal, much like the bank might give you a toaster for opening a checking account.
(You might recall that commemorative plates were very popular in the middle part of the last century.)
Premiums seem to have mostly disappeared. Sun Spots speculates that customers are more focused on low prices and good deals.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for being a constant supporter of our need for the Hospice and Bereavement Volunteer programs at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice. We are currently seeking grocery and visiting volunteers.
Grocery volunteers pick up and deliver groceries to homebound patients. Visiting volunteers provide companionship and support to patients recovering from surgery or illness.
We have two four-hour training classes scheduled. The first is Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Harper Room at Stephen’s Memorial Hospital.
The second is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the AHCH Office in Wilton.
To preregister, please call AHCH Volunteer Services at 777-7740 or 1-800-482-7412. — Polly Robinson, recruiter, volunteer services
DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have a Dell computer monitor to give away. It’s the old style 17-inch black. Call 783-2324 after 2 p.m. — No Name via e-mail
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