DEAR SUN SPOTS: Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin will offer in-person tutor training. The 10-hour workshop will be held June 15 and 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College at 51 Westminster St. in Lewiston.

We also have a need for English Conversation Partners and will holding a two-hour virtual training in June, with the date to be determined to fit the schedule of the participants.

We have many adults waiting for help who are requesting in-person lessons and have a critical need to work on their education to improve their lives. If you are age 21 or older, have at least a 12th grade reading level, are patient, organized, and a good listener, you can be a Literacy Volunteer. Registration is required.

For information call 753-6658, or email literacy@literacyvolunteersandro.org. Details can also be found on our website at http://www.literacyvolunteersandro.org –Tahlia, director of Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin, Lewiston

ANSWER: This training is coming right up and I know it’s a busy time of year but if you have a desire to help, please reach out to the organization.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is a reminder that the New Auburn Social Club Scholarship Committee is hosting a Vendors/Crafters Sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot at 7 Second St., adjacent to Anniversary Park in New Auburn.

There will be raffles and food available for purchase. Live music will be provided by the First Chair Writers from noon until 2 p.m. — Mike, Auburn

ANSWER: I hope the weather is great for your event and that you have a big crowd in attendance!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My neighbor and I are having a terrible time with deer coming into our yards and eating everything we plant. We have decided to do some research and from here on out, only plant bushes and flowers that deer don’t like! Can you help us out? I feel like we are “cheating” by asking you to do the upfront work. I hope you don’t mind! — Sarah, no town

ANSWER: That’s what I’m here for, Sarah! Deer don’t like plants with aromatic foliage, such as rosemary, garlic, chives, sage, oregano, catmint, mint, ornamental salvias and lavender. Also, flowers like peonies and bearded irises, are just “stinky” to deer. They won’t bother daffodils, foxgloves, black-eyed Susans, or poppies. Geraniums are a safe bet, too. Think of anything that has a strong scent.

Deer won’t bother tall plants such as yews, hollies, and boxwoods or anything spiny, fuzzy, or too textural so consider that when you make your choices.

You may also want to try adding coffee grounds to your flower beds. My mom swore by that and cinnamon. She would pick up garbage bags of spent coffee grounds at Starbucks and buy cheap cinnamon at the Dollar Store to sprinkle it all over. She was always at war with the deer, rabbits and squirrels!

I have heard human hair works as a deterrent but if you have smooth-textured tasty plants such as hostas, day lilies, and tulips, the deer will find a way to get to them.

Any area greenhouse can help you further, but hopefully this gives you a good start. Readers, let us know your tried and true tips!

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.