DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lisbon Area Christian Outreach Food Pantry (LACO) in Lisbon Falls is holding a food drive, bake sale, and bottle drive at Food City on Route 196 on Friday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. to about 3-4 p.m.

Since we always run out of baked goods, we need bakers to help us out with bread, pies, cakes, cookies, whoopie pies, brownies and fudge. Also bring your cans and bottles for the bottle drive and packaged food for the food drive.

Cash donations are also appreciated. Please make checks payable to LACO Food Pantry. You can drop off your items and checks at Food City on Friday the 3rd or Saturday the 4th, or both days (!) any time after 7 a.m. For donations and food pick-up on Thursday, Oct. 2, please call or text me at 216-3460. Thank you for your support. — Bert, Lisbon Falls

ANSWER: Mark your calendars, save your bottles, collect food donations, and go through your recipes for the bake sale.

LACO is a nonprofit organization run by solely volunteers who provide food, clothing and services for over 40,000 people a year. Everything they do and provide is paid for with donations only. I think that’s quite amazing! Keep up the good work, LACO. And readers, keep being generous. You’re making a difference in our corner of the world.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: University of Southern Maine Occupational Therapy Clinic is offering “A Matter of Balance” class that is award-winning, evidence-based, and designed to manage concerns about falls and increase activity levels.

If you are someone who has a fear of falling and/or has fallen in the past, this class is designed for you. It’s not an exercise class, but there is an exercise component. The class is offered at University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn campus at 51 Westminster St. in Lewiston. It will take place every Monday afternoon and run for eight weeks.

The dates are Monday, Oct. 20, through Monday, Dec. 8, from 1-3 p.m. You need to commit to coming to every session as each class builds upon the prior class. There is no program fee.

If you’re interested, please reach out to Robina O’Rourke, USM clinic coordinator, at email: [email protected] or call 207-753-6677.

ANSWER: These classes are offered from time to time throughout the year and are a valuable addition to offerings for our senior community. Take advantage of this free series before winter comes with its icy sidewalks and snow-covered roads. You’ll gain tips on how to navigate more safely, strengthen your body, and more.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Have the winners of this year’s balloon festival photo contest been announced? I would love to see the photos. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: I’ve been told that all the photos have been sent back to the city. Sun Journal photographer Russ Dillingham has picked his favorites and the mayor is narrowing down the choices. The remainder are going to the website for Reader’s Choice. It seems that things are moving very slowly. Hopefully though, we’ll have the results soon, have the photos to admire and enjoy, and can congratulate the winners. Thank you to all the participants.

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].