DEAR SUN SPOTS: The next open membership window to join the Auburn Community Concert Band is Sept. 10-17. Membership requirements include owning your own wind instrument, knowing how to read music, and being able to commit to the band’s weekly schedule of Wednesday evening rehearsals and concerts.

This fall, the band is hoping to add some more brass players, particularly tuba players. More information about our band can be found at  AuburnCommunityBand.com. — Milt, band director, Auburn

ANSWER: If you’re looking to gather and make music with like-minded, talented people, this is for you!

The Auburn Community Concert Band is in its 44th season and performs in outdoor summer concerts from mid-June through mid-August on Wednesday evenings. The ensemble includes 50 musicians from several central and western Maine towns.

This year’s free holiday performance will take place Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center at Edward Little High School in Auburn so mark your calendars now! You can also find out more information by contacting  the band director at 782-3917 or [email protected].

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Androscoggin Retired Educators’ Association will meet at  Montello Heights, 55 College St., Lewiston, at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10. Coffee will be available at 10 a.m. so come early to socialize with friends. The cost of the luncheon is $13. Checks should be made out to AREA. Send reservations to Gina Fuller, 36 Elliott Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240. — Elizabeth, no town

ANSWER: Androscoggin Retired Educators’ Association meets five times per year: September, October, November, March and April. Dues are $10 per year for educators, $6 per year for non-educator spouses. Due ares payable in September.

You need not have taught in Androscoggin County, or even in the state of Maine. All educators are welcome: teachers, assistant teachers, educational technicians, librarians, principals, guidance counselors, secretaries and anyone who has worked with children.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin has a goal of raising $500 with our end-of-summer bottle drive. After your family reunion, back to school party, or Labor Day bash, drop off your returnables at Roopers and designate that the total go to Literary Volunteers. You can take your bottles and cans to any of Roopers: 794 Main St. or 694 Sabattus St. in Lewiston, or 545 Minot St. in Auburn.

Every bit helps and we appreciate your support! — No name, no town

ANSWER: I appreciate that Roopers supports this organization and other  community nonprofits. If you’d like to find other ways you can support Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin, including volunteering and more, go to https://www.literacyvolunteersandro.org/ or contact them at [email protected] or 753-6658.

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].