DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have lost a necklace made up of two gold chains with a cross on one and a Miraculous Medal on the other. I lost it Monday, Dec. 13, in the Lewiston-Auburn area, possibly at a parking lot.

Please, if someone has found it, it would mean a great deal to me to have it returned. The medal was a gift from my sister.—Sharlene, Monmouth

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston/Auburn Optimist Club is sponsoring an essay contest open to all eligible students. The contest topic for the 2021-22 school year: “How does an Optimistic Mindset Change My Tomorrow?”

Any youth is eligible who is younger than 19 as of Oct. 1, 2021, and not enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a post-secondary institution in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean. There is no minimum age. The winner of the New England, New York District contest will be awarded a $2,500 scholarship.

Applicants may get more information at www.optimist.org, or contact any member of the local Optimist Club. Maine residents may call 207-783-5269 for information.

The essay contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more-historical perspective. In addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship.—George, no town

ANSWER: This is a wonderful opportunity for students to speak up about their opinions and the world through their writing. I hope there are many submissions and we have a chance to read some of them.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I turn to you again and your wonderful readership.

I live in a 2-year-old house. My basement, which is my quilting area, is semifinished.

I have been having issues with creatures getting in. Earlier in the season, I caught two mice and promptly called pest control. Bait traps were set outside. The foundation was checked and a potential area where the mice could be getting in where the heat pump comes in was sealed.

All was well and I thought the problem was solved until I found that the small indoor traps had been flipped over and the peanut butter had been consumed but there were no critters attached. Just now, I found my quilt wall has been walked upon and the batting chewed up.

I am wondering if anyone in Sun Spots Land has used those sonic repellents inside or has any other solutions.

During isolation last year, I spent days downstairs quilting and now I am afraid to go down there. This is freaking me out. —No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: I feel for you. I’m having issues with red squirrels around here and it is not fun. They got into my shed and completely set up housekeeping.

Keep working with your pest control company and be sure they check around where your water pipes come in. I have also heard mice and other varmints do not like peppermint, so put some essential oil around. Also, eliminate any food source, such as bird feeders, that might be attracting them.

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 [email protected].