DEAR SUN SPOTS: Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice, a nonprofit organization, is looking for volunteers to support those facing the end of life. Volunteers provide companionship to patients and respite to family members. Volunteers are needed for patients in the home setting, nursing facilities, and in the Hospice House on Stetson Road in Auburn. Along with patient needs, we are looking for greeters for the Hospice House. Greeters spend most of their time answering phones and getting those calls to the appropriate person. Volunteers are asked to give two to four hours per week for one year. All Hospice Volunteers attend 21 hours of training to prepare for this very important role. Classes begin Jan. 15 and will be held in Lewiston, Gardiner, Augusta, Wilton and Farmington. Some classes will include an online component. For more information and to register, contact Kathy Baillargeon, manager of volunteer resources, at 207-777-7740, ext. 1286. You can also email me at kathy.baillargeon@androscoggin.org.
— Kathy, no town
DEAR SUN SPOTS: We will be flying south very soon and need transportation from Auburn to the Portland Jetport. Do you know of any shuttle service or anyone offering this service as we do not want to leave our car at the Jetport the whole time we will be away. Thank you for the great service you provide to our community.
— No name, Auburn
ANSWER: Perhaps a good Samaritan in the Sun Spots community will reach out to offer you a ride. That would be so great! Otherwise, does anyone know whether Uber or Lyft services the Auburn area? There is a shuttle service through airportshuttles.com, but it’s very expensive. Concord Coach Lines also takes passengers to the jetport from L-A. I have used their service to Logan Airport and it was very satisfactory. The number is 1-800-639-3317 or go to www.concordcoachlines.com. Safe travels!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have received 20-plus calendars and have 17 that I would like to give away. Do you have any ideas?
— Ramona, no town
ANSWER: Your calendars may be appreciated by SeniorsPlus and senior living facilities. Librarians may want to have them available to patrons and school classrooms from child care centers through high school can use them, too. Think outside the box. Perhaps these calendars can be a component in a really cool collage!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the Dec. 16 Sun Spots about meat pies, here is a recipe for pork pies from Canada: Place 3 pounds ground pork, two chopped onions, three minced cloves of garlic, 2 teaspoons each pepper and salt, 1 teaspoon each cloves and allspice, and a dash each of thyme and sage in a big pot and fill half way with water. Simmer 30 minutes. Remove fat. Add more seasoning to taste, if needed. Make some mashed potatoes with no milk or butter. Mix in meat and spices. Fill pastry and cover with top crust. Bake for 10 minutes at 425 degrees. Continue to bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 375 degrees. Makes two to three pies. Enjoy!
— No name, no town
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to thank the wonderful lady who paid for my purchase at Hobby Lobby last week. You are a beautiful person.
— No name, no town
ANSWER: Generosity and kindness — it matters so much! Thank you for making me smile!
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