DEAR SUN SPOTS: Greater Androscoggin Humane Society would love to hear if you know a child or teen who loves animals and can’t do enough to help them.

This is an open call for nominations for a child or teen (under 18 years of age) to be considered for our Future Hero Award to be presented at our Golden Paw Humane Awards on Sept. 14.

Please submit your nominations by April 18. Our committee will narrow the field and nominees will be up for community voting later this spring.

Nominations can be submitted at https://gahumane.org/2023/03/futurehero/.  For information is available at https://gahumane.org/goldenpawawards/. 

We are also seeking sponsors for this event. There is a list of levels of sponsorship on the website. Check the link above and if you’re interested, please contact donna@gahumane.org. — Katie, no town

ANSWER: This event will be held at The Colisee Club, 190 Birch St., Lewiston, and will include food, beverages, a silent auction, comedy, and awards celebrating the people and animals who make the work of Greater Androscoggin Humane Society possible. Tickets will be available soon’ $65 per person if purchased before Aug. 1.

There are so many opportunities to help. Volunteering in several capacities, donating, and educating folks on how to care for pets and what services are available.

I would like to point out that owners should have an emergency plan for their pets in case you become ill or there is a fire, or a natural disaster. The society has a comprehensive list to follow at https://gahumane.org/what-we-do/disaster-preparedness/

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I saw on YouTube that seniors over 64 can get free dental care. I read your column every day and feel that you are trustworthy. I need your opinion as to whether this is a scam. I appreciate your advice. — Cecile, Auburn

ANSWER: I don’t know exactly what video or advertisement you viewed but I would proceed very cautiously. Instead, seek local care you hear about through people you know and check in with Medicare.

Readers, if you have any advice to offer, please chime in.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I also save the newpaper plastic bags until I get five or six then I flatten them out, tie them together, and put them on the inside storm door handle for the carrier to reuse. They always take them. — Beryl, Lisbon

DEAR SUN SPOTS: About the plastic wrappers on the newspapers: I fold them and keep them in a pile, then return them to my carrier because he likes them back.

I also keep the grocery store produce bags to cover dishes of food in the refrigerator. No plastic wrapper goes to waste in my house. — Jackie, Lewiston

ANSWER: Yes, we’re still talking about those newspaper wrappers and other plastic bags that were first written about in the Feb. 10 Sun Spots. It seems that most of the readers I’ve heard from return them to their carrier. Let’s all get on that band wagon and do the same—there is no reason not to do it. Those bags won’t be bugging you and the carriers appreciate not having to buy new ones.

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.