Dear Sun Spots, I purchased gift certificates for ski passes last year for Lost Valley but unfortunately didn’t get to use them all. They have an expiration date of April 2007. Could you please find out if they would still honor them. Thank you. – A.J. Auburn.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Connie King at Lost Valley, who says if they were Ski Bucks they never expire. She also says that they’re good for anything on the mountain: lift tickets, rentals, retail (ski shop) snack bar or lounge. They come in $5, $10 or $20 denominations and while there may be an expiration date on them, Lost Valley does accept them.

Should you have a yellow certificate that notes it’s good for one all-day lift ticket, those are given as fundraising donations and do expire. Connie says she would be happy to chat with you and you’re more than welcome to call her. You can reach her at 784-1561. Just ask for Connie.

You and other skiing enthusiasts might also be interested in noting that thanks to all the recent snowstorms, Lost Valley is now open for the season. Check out the Web site, www.lostvalleyski.com, for upcoming events and programs.

Dear Sun Spots: Twenty years ago my son and I used to go to coin collectors meetings every Monday night at the YMCA in Auburn. Collectors would put items up for sale and trading was also allowed. Do they still have such meetings elsewhere and where and what times are they held? – Back Into Collecting in Livermore Falls.

Answer: Unfortunately, Sun Spots has not been able to locate any and hopes that there are fellow collectors out there who might be able to assist you here.

Dear Sun Spots: This is in response to the reader with the denim dilemma featured in Tuesday’s Column: May I suggest your reader check out their local consignment shop. Wears and Wares Consignment Shop in Farmington offers a great selection of gently used clothing, including jeans. They just may have what you’re looking for! – Used Clothing Shopper, Farmington.

Answer: Great idea Used Clothing Shopper! Sun Spots has also lucked out in consignment shops as well as Goodwill stores. A little searching and you’d be amazed at what you can find. Oftentimes, you’ll also find it new at a price that can’t be beaten!

Dear Sun Spots: Enjoy reading your column everyday. Was especially interested in the column of Dec. 19 regarding the widow seeking veteran’s ID card.

As a retired member of the U.S. Navy and also of the Veterans Administration, I might be able to clarify some issues.

Most spouses of retired veterans are entitled to a U.S. Uniformed Services ID card. This entitles them to entrance onto military bases in order to utilize the commissary, base PX or exchange as well as some other benefits.

The health card referred to is the one for the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). The DEERS Card identifies folks who are eligible to utilize the TRICARE health care system of the military services.

NAS Brunswick has been the contact point for both cards.

The Veterans Affairs Office at Togus can provide where ID cards may be obtained by calling 1-800-827-1000. – Alan Elze, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: This is in response to the Dec. 19 inquiry where your reader was seeking a military ID card: This widow is looking for a DEERS card. As a widow she can now get a non-expiring card at Brunswick NAS, Kittery Naval Base,and possibly the Coast Guard Base in Portland. She could check Army or National Guard locations also as some can issue these cards. – Walt, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a big bag of yarn to be given away. Contact me at 784-4224. – Barbara, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Thank you for putting my item in the Dec. 19 paper. I heard from a lady that said you could recycle cards at the transfer station in Mexico. They can be placed in with the cardboard, like cereal boxes if anyone is interested. Thanks again. – Frances and Dale, No Town.

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). 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 posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].