DEAR SUN SPOTS: Excelsior Grange of Poland is having its annual Holiday Fair on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the historic Grange Hall at 446 Harris Hill Road. There will be a chili and chowder luncheon available. Members will sponsor tables of crafts, baked goods and the always-popular white elephant items. We’re featuring fresh wreaths for the holidays. Crafters are welcome. Tables are available for $20. Call Sue Verrill at 998-2301 to reserve yours now.

— Claire, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In the Friday, Nov. 10, Sun Spots there was an inquiry about where to donate yarn. The Dempsey Center will take yarn donations to make afghans for patients. Any questions can be emailed to Mary Dempsey at dempseymcmhc.org or you can call her at 795-8259.

— Michelle Small, client services supervisor, Dempsey Center

ANSWER: I had a lovely chat with Mary, co-founder of the Dempsey Center. She was so pleased to share information about ways our readers can donate. It’s important to note that Mary would like to talk with contributors on the phone or correspond with them via email before items are brought in so she can give specifics.

For example, because cancer patients often develop skin sensitivities, the center does not accept yarn made of wool for their afghans and other comfort items such as knitted or crocheted hats. Mary suggested donations of Red Heart four-ply yarn in any size skein and in any color.

The Dempsey Center also has a need for cotton and fleece fabrics to make “chemo caps,” port covers, heart pillows and quilts. “Warm & Natural” cotton batting and premium polyester fiber fill is also needed to make the quilts cozy. For the fiberfill, the quilters use the brand “Poly-fil” from Walmart. It comes in a 10-pound package for about $25.

Tiny safety pins for the different colored ribbons that people wear in support of their loved one with the disease, or just to support cancer research are also on the wish list. If you want to donate ribbon, Mary can give you details when you get in touch with her.

Gift cards to Marden’s, Walmart, Joann Fabrics and Hobby Lobby are also most welcome. There are many other items to donate and other ways to get involved, and I do hope you will!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m searching for a left-handed cookie dough scoop. The ones I see advertised online are just like those for the right hand. The “sweeper” must be on the left of the bowl and move to the right to empty the dough. Any help you can give will be appreciated.

— No name, Westbrook

ANSWER: Pampered Chef sells a great ambidextrous scoop in two different sizes. You can have a look-see at www.pamperedchef.com. There are also easy-to-use cookie scoops at www.kingarthurflour.com in several different sizes. Readers, please chime in if you are a leftie with a great cookie scoop you want to recommend!

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 Journal Facebook page at facebook.com/Sun Journal. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

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