DEAR SUN SPOTS: North Waterford Congregational Church on Route 35 just off Route 118 at 10 Irving Green Road will be holding a public supper on Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 5-6:30 p.m.
The menu includes baked beans, American chop suey, cole slaw, salads, casseroles, brown bread, rolls, beverages and homemade pies. The cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. — Milly, North Waterford
ANSWER: Keep up the good work!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Pleasant Street Drop-in Center at 169 Pleasant St. in Auburn urgently needs men’s underwear in all sizes, all kinds of socks and sneakers, and women’s small and medium underwear.
We also need tampons, brushes, combs, travel-size only shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrushes, tissues, hand sanitizer and deodorant.
Reading glasses of all strengths are also needed. — Angela, Auburn
ANSWER: These specific requests are so very helpful for those readers who want to donate useful items to the center. Please keep your requests coming and I’ll get the word out. Remember, donation hours are 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, and 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Thank you to all who donate and volunteer. The center couldn’t operate and help the unhoused without you.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’ve lived in Maine for a long time and this summer I’m seeing a type of caterpillar that I’ve never noticed before. I’ve had a few of them on my deck. They are about 2 inches long and smaller, and have long white hairs and black horns. I don’t have a computer but I know you can help me identify them. — Sarah, no town
ANSWER: From your description, I believe these are hickory tussock moth caterpillars (Lophocampa caryae). According to https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/documents/hickory_tussock.pdf,
These fuzzy critters feed on a wide array of hardwood trees, having a particular fondness for birch, quaking aspen, basswood and black locust. The caterpillars may strip the occasional tree, but in general do little harm to the forest. They feed when they are young and then wander as they get larger and are frequently encountered on the ground, undergrowth and even climbing up siding.
Hickory tussocks are native insects and are found every year, usually in small numbers. Occasionally the numbers will increase to where they are noticed more. The caterpillars are active and kind of cute. Unfortunately their hairy bodies can cause a rash sometimes.
In the fall the caterpillars will leave their fuzzy gray cocoons in the leaf litter on the ground so be careful because they will potentially cause a rash as well.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was wondering where I could obtain and find the cost of a copy of the Sun Journal’s readers’ recipes, Stirring it up in Maine 2011 Cook book. This cook book was mentioned in the recent “Our Town’s” supplement in the Sun Journal. Thank you for your assistance. — David, Poland
ANSWER: Our editors are checking to see if they can find one for you, David. I was told there are most likely still a few copies hanging around. I’ll update you as soon as I know something.
Meanwhile, if any readers have an extra copy of this collection of reader recipes and would like to share it with a fellow Sun Spotter, let me know.
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].