DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the recent inquiry about using draft horses for logging, the short answer is yes, draft horses can be used for jobs such as hauling out downed logs.
However, if the logs are truly inaccessible by mechanical means, which often utilizes a winch, they are probably inaccessible for horses as well. There are many qualified horse-loggers in Maine, and most will travel for jobs if the distance is not too far.
If it is an efficient location and the logs are accessible, you may be able to find a horse-logger to help you. Your best bet is to contact local or statewide clubs, such as the Farmers’ Draft Horse, Mule and Pony Club or the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners. — Vicki, Hebron
ANSWER: The contact for the Farmers’ Draft Horse, Mule and Pony Club is Darcy Winslow. She can be reached at 207-583-2204 or belgian1@verizon.net.
The website for MOFGA is https://www.mofga.org/. Email mofga@mofga.org or call 568-4142.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I saw a post on Facebook that if anyone has used clean luggage they could donate it to foster care so children going from home to home don’t have to bring their clothes in plastic bags.
I have two large and two small suitcases and after going to three places, the last Department of Health and Human Services place I visited indicated that the luggage had to be new. I was disappointed that I was not able to donate to this worthy cause, had to make so many different contacts, and no one seemed to know about it. – Annemarie, no town
ANSWER: I do understand — your heart was certainly in the right place. Would you consider other options? Salvation Army and Goodwill will definitely take them, as will the Androscoggin Hospice Thrift Store at 245 Center St. in Auburn, (https://androscoggin.org/get-involved/hospicethriftstore/, 312-5092).
Safe Voices (http://www.safevoices.org/ ) may be another option. The organization provides advocacy for all survivors of domestic abuse and violence, sex trafficking, and sexual exploitation in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties. You can reach the administrative office in Auburn at 795-6744.
Pleasant St. Drop-in Center, an organization that works with the homeless, could also use the luggage for their guests. They provide breakfast, lunch, free clothing, including outerwear, toiletries and critical survival gear such as sleeping bags and tents.
The center is at 129 Pleasant St. in Auburn and is open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can reach them at 241-1849 or email pleasantstreetdropincenter@gmail.com
I have also reached out to Catholic Charities and Maine Needs. Both organizations work with families with children. I will let you all know when I hear back from them.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: On behalf of the Jay Baptist Church, thank you! The public supper was a success and we are so grateful for your assistance in posting it in Sun Spots. You are truly amazing. God bless you always! — Kay, Jay
ANSWER: Just doing my job, ma’am! I feel so appreciated because of your kind words. I know what it’s like to be part of a church congregation and working hard to reach out to the community. Keep up the good work!
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.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
