DEAR SUN SPOTS: What kind of outdoor group activities are going on in Androscoggin County? I would like to get out to enjoy the fresh air and meet new people. I’m especially interested in volunteer opportunities. — Gayle, no town

ANSWER: For volunteer opportunities, check out 211 Maine. Simply call 211 or look at their website (https://211maine.org/) where you’ll find listings of nonprofits who you can contact and talk with to see if your interests and schedule match their needs.

Other ideas that come to mind include contacting Lewiston and Auburn’s Recreation Departments to see if they have any outdoor opportunities such as monitoring skating rinks or sledding hills, working with a group to groom trails or pick up litter at parks.

How about being a Big Sister to a young girl who could use a friend and mentor? It’s not necessarily a group activity but you could meet up with other Big Sisters and their charges for a fun day of skating, sledding, hiking, or just having hot chocolate together and enjoying a wintry view. Contact  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine Androscoggin (https://www.bbbsmidmaine.org/, 653-3857).

Do you like to drive? Delivering books or meals to those who are housebound is needed. Lewiston Housing Authority (https://lewistonhousing.org/) is sometimes looking for volunteer delivery drivers. For book delivery opportunities, contact the library in your community.

If you like birds and animals, contact the Audubon Society in Falmouth (https://maineaudubon.org/) to check out what you can help with, or contact a local animal shelter to see if they need dog walkers.

This isn’t a volunteer idea but have you heard of Meet-up (https://www.meetup.com/cities/us/me/lewiston/)? There are many opportunities tuned to many different interests. Check it out!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would you please see if there is someone out there who will clean my recliner? I know you must have had this question a hundred times, but I’m desperate. — No name, Auburn

ANSWER: You may want to reach out to Healthy Homes Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning (http://www.healthyhomesclean.com/, 783-9073); PJM Cleaning & Home Improvement (http://www.healthyhomesclean.com/,  209-4458; Pat’s Carpet Cleaning (786-2039); and Scott Carpet Cleaning Co. (https://www.scottcarpetcleaners.com/), 615-3851.

Readers, if you have any other companies to recommend please let me know. Perhaps a nearby housecleaner with the right equipment such as a steam cleaner can also help.

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