This week I called Dr. Dora Mills, head of Maine’s Center for Disease Control, with a few questions on smokers quitting with help of the state’s tobacco quit line. After I left the Sun Journal number on her pager, Mills called right back, even though she was on vacation, and even though she was skiing with her children at Sugarloaf.

“Wait a minute,” she said, apologizing that she couldn’t hear well. “I have to put this on speaker phone.” Mills said she stopped skiing and took off her helmet to return the call.

This illustrates why Mills is one public official who, in the Sun Journal newsroom, gets high marks from reporters.

Not only does she return calls promptly, Mills offers good information and is patient at explaining details to those of us who are not doctors.

By the way, Mills reported that the ski conditions are “fabulous.”

– Bonnie Washuk
Avoiding identify theft

The state is warning consumers that the rush to redeem gift cards makes this time of year a prime time for identify theft. Lloyd P. LaFountain III, acting commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, recommends no one should carry their Social Security number in their wallet or purse.

Other ways to avoid being an identify theft victim, LaFountain said:

• Shred, Shred, Shred. Open all mail and read carefully. Even what appears to be junk mail – preapproved credit offers, bank statements or utility bills – can contain personal information and should be shredded.

• Never give out personal information or a Social Security number unless you’re sure that the individual or organization is trustworthy.

• If a new account is opened in your name without your permission, immediately contact one of the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. Ask that “fraud alert” be activated.

• Surf safely. Consumers should always use secured Internet networks and frequently update firewall protections. Personal information should be posted rarely, and with caution.

Calling all LHS senior parents

Parents of Lewiston High School seniors are invited to the school’s computer lab Wednesday and Thursday to get help filling out the daunting – but critical – federal financial aid form.

Every high school senior and their parents should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA; even those who think their income may be too high to qualify for financial aid, said Aspirations Coordinator Joan Macri. Sometimes students do qualify, but if the form hasn’t been filled out they won’t get aid, Macri said.

And it’s important the forms be completed in early January, Macri said. Colleges award money on a first-come, first-served basis. Seniors who aren’t sure they’re going to college this fall should also fill out the form. It will make going to college easier if they do end up there in September.

The computer lab will be open from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, and 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3. Seniors and parents will have access to high-speed computers. The government requires the forms be filled out online. Students and parents will also get help. Financial aid officers from Central Maine Community College and Andover College, plus Macri and Stephen Clark, head of the high school’s guidance department, will be there.

Parents need to bring their 2006 income tax information. For more information, go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

– Bonnie Washuk