The Franco Center is able to provide this program free of charge through a grant from the French American Cultural Exchange. Marie Emmons, a native of Nantes, France, teaches French with games, songs, and crafts. Children improve their French while they are having fun! Participants can park for free in the Centreville Garage; parking validation is available at Children’s Desk. All Library programs are free, but space in the French Club is limited and parents are encouraged to call the Children’s Room at 207-513-3133 to register.

HI SUN SPOTS: Volunteers in every town in Maine are needed to count the homeless from Wednesday to Friday, Jan. 27 to 29. To volunteer, call Jerry D. at 207-783-4663 ext. 228 or email jdewitt@tcmhs.org. 

Last year we had volunteers in every county. This year our goal is to have a volunteer in every town in Maine. If you are unable to make the training dates, the material will be available online and through myself. Thank you for helping us count the homeless in Maine.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Once again we are so impressed with the number of people who made the 15th Annual Community Christmas Dinner at the American Legion Hall in Livermore Falls a success.

Our numbers were a bit lower this year than last, but the joy in the hall was contagious. Between those who ate with us, those who came to get meals to go and those who had meals delivered, we served close to 100 people.

We had a young boy who spent all day with us making us smile. The list of those who provided turkeys, hams, potatoes, squash, pies and cookies is long, and I can’t begin to name all of them; we are so grateful for your help.

For those who came to assist Christmas Day from decorating the hall to paring veggies, cooking them, serving and cleaning up and delivering the meals, our heartfelt thanks. Jarden Plastic Solutions supplied us with all of our plastic-ware, and the extras were left at the hall for the American Legion to use on its fund raising suppers.

Our helpers came from the tri-town area, Wilton and Farmington. So very many of these people have been with us every year and some came to help as soon as they learned we had been doing this.

We thank all of you for the gift of your time on this special day. May God bless you in the upcoming year. — Yours truly, Karen Mitchell, Fayette, and Pam Newton, Jay.

DEAR SUNSPOTS: I work for a non-profit and am looking for cookie cutters for upcoming projects.  I will gladly pick up any donations! I can be reached at 207-576-5586. Thank you Sun Spots for  helping people to  reach out to the community! Your service in invaluable!  — Staff at Social Learning Center, Lewiston.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.