DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the 11th straight year, Auburn-based Boy Scout Troop 121 will pick up Christmas trees in Lewiston and Auburn. While the cities provide several locations for free tree disposal, they no longer collect the trees at curbside. Some of the trees are donated to local farmers for their goats to consume.

For a minimum donation of $5, scouts will pick up Christmas trees on Jan. 7 and 8. Due to weather and safety concerns, trees should not be placed curbside until the morning of Jan. 7. Money raised stays local and goes directly to troop scouting activities.

Troop 121 was created to help give youth with special physical, mental and emotional challenges the opportunity for success in a safe scouting environment that builds character, encourages citizenship, teaches life skills and develops personal fitness.

To request a pickup, send a donation by Jan. 5 to Troop 121, United Methodist Church, 439 Park Ave., Auburn, ME 04210. The troop will send you a tag to place on your tree when you place it curbside. For more information about this program or the troop, call 783-0790. — Don, no town

ANSWER: This is great! I was wondering just the other day if the trees were going to be picked up this year. I’m sure many people are glad they don’t have to wrangle their tree on their own and let it sit in their backyard until it disintegrates. Let’s support those Boy Scouts. Thank you, Troop 121!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Now that winter has set in and the holidays will be over very soon, remember that the North Waterford Congregational Church has a Puzzle Library open every Monday from 1 to 3 pm. Everyone is welcome to take as many as they want and keep them as long as needed. For more information, call me at 583-2822. — Milly, no town

ANSWER: I love the Puzzle Library and I hope Sun Spotters are taking advantage of this opportunity. Puzzles can be worked on alone and with several people. I was at a library recently where a huge puzzle was set out and patrons sat down, worked on it for a few minutes, then wandered off to choose their books. Everyone likes puzzles!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For Christmas, my son gave me $100 to put toward a nice coffee maker. He doesn’t drink coffee so he can’t give me advice. I was hoping Sun Spotters can give me recommendations on coffee makers that are simple to use. (I am 81.) I don’t want a Keurig or just an ordinary coffee pot. Of course, I like good coffee but want to stay within my budget. Can anyone out there help? — Margie, no town

ANSWER: I would love to hear about people’s recommendations, too. There’s nothing like a great cup of coffee made in your own kitchen and enjoyed in your own cozy home. I hope my readers will respond to this request.

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].