DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Minot Historical Society will meet in the Event Barn at Hemond’s Motor Cross, 695 Woodman Hill Road in Minot, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 5 p.m.

Our guest speaker will be Peter Geiger, editor emeritus of the acclaimed Farmers’ Almanac. The almanac, of Lewiston, … offers readers long-range weather predictions, humor, fun facts, and valuable advice on cooking, fishing, conservation and much more. Bring your almanac for Peter’s autograph. All are invited to join us. — Sylvia, Norway

ANSWER: I love this and I’m sure it will be a well-attended event. According to Wikipedia, poet, astronomer, and teacher David Young held the post of editor for 34 years, beginning when he and publisher Jacob Mann first founded The Almanac Publishing Company in Morristown, New Jersey. Following Young’s death in 1852, astronomer Samuel Hart Wright became editor.

In 1933, Ray Geiger took over and began what became the longest-running editorship in the almanac history. In 1994, Ray’s son Peter became editor. Sandi Duncan is now managing editor with him.

In 1997, an online version was created. The almanac has over 1.2 million followers on Facebook, and is also on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and other social media sites. You can also read plenty of great information and subscribe to daily emails here: www.almanac.com.

You can purchase the publication from their web site, most grocery stores, hardware stores, independent bookstores, Agway, BJ’s, Tractor Supply, Cabela’s, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Walmart. For more specific details on purchasing, go to www.almanac.com/wheretobuy.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Are there any churches or other groups accepting items for upcoming garage sales/fairs that you are aware of? I look forward to reading your column every day just as my mom did. — Crystal, no town

ANSWER: I’m sure there are, so let’s put your request out into Sun Spots Land and see who responds. Meanwhile, you may want to consider donating items to nonprofits such as The Drop-in Center at 121 Mill St. in Auburn. They always need men’s and women’s clothing and shoes and outdoor/camping supplies. The facility is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The number is  241-1849.

If you have an abundance of Christmas items, Fairbanks Union Church at 583 Fairbanks Road in Farmington collects anything for Christmas from ornaments, trees, wreaths, linens, lights, dishes, and both inside and outside decorations year-round. The funds go toward their mission work. Call 491-4017, 778-2420, or 778-3808.

Andwell Hospice Thrift Store at 245 Center St., Suite 2, in Auburn (312-5092), Loaves and Fishes Hidden Treasures at 850 Lisbon St. in Lewiston, and Kaydenz Kitchen at 551 Lincoln St. in Lewiston (577-7942) all take clothing and household wares in good condition. The Last Sheaf, Building Material  Exchange, at 102 Lisbon St. in Lisbon, which is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon (407-4002), takes building supplies.

There are many others, but this gives you some food for thought and I hope other readers will add to the list of possibilities.

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].