Dear Sun Spots: Would Sun Spots or some of its readers know where
individuals can by U.S. Government Securities, such as Treasury notes,
bills or bonds? I believe they pay a higher rate of interest than
regular savings bonds. Your column is a real fountain of information!
Thank you. — No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: Many thanks to William Denehy, Senior Vice President of Androscoggin Bank, for help with this question. Denehy said that Treasury securities (bills, notes and bonds) can be purchased
using one convenient Web-based account which is part of an application
called TreasuryDirect found on the U.S. Treasury Web site. This method is their
primary retail system. You’ll find more information at www.treasurydirect.gov.

Denehy said you can also choose to buy
marketable securities through a bank, broker or dealer who is a member
in the Commercial Book-Entry System. Sun Spots recommends checking with your personal bank to see if they are a member. Denehy noted that Androscoggin
Bank offers Treasuries as investment options for their trust and investment customers as well as through a third-party brokerage
relationship.

According to the TreasuryDirect Web site, notes are government securities that are issued
with maturities of 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years. They are sold in increments of $100 and are issued in electronic form. Treasury bills are short-term government securities with maturities
ranging from a few days to 52 weeks. They are sold at a discount from
their face value and pay interest only at maturity. They are sold in increments of $100 and are issued in electronic form. Treasury bonds pay interest every six months and mature in 30 years. They exist in either of two formats: as paper certificates (these are older bonds) or as electronic entries in accounts. Today, bonds are issued in electronic form.

Dear Sun Spots: I want to thank you for the help you have given me in the past. And I’m hoping you can help with my present inquiry. A friend gave me a Sudoku game, but there were no instructions with it. It consists of nine gray plastic Sudoku grids and a bunch of plastic squares (blue on one side and white on the other) with numbers on them. I am good at Sudoku, but have no idea how to play this game. If anyone could send me a copy of the instructions I would really appreciate it. Call 782-1958. Thank you. — No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots wonders if there is a brand marking on the game? There are many different types of Sudoku board games on the market and it may help narrow it down for readers if they know the maker of the game. 

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Dear Sun Spots: I have seven containers of material and yarn that I would like to give away to any person or organization that can use it. It’s all in good condition but I will never use it all. Also there’s some stuffing for making stuffed animals, etc. My phone number is 592-1266. — No Name, Winthrop.

Dear Sun Spots: Love your column. I have some rug braiding equipment
to give away including several pieces of wool which have been washed.
Some have been cut into strips. Also, a handmade stand, about three
feet high for holding strips while braiding so you’re not confined to
working at the kitchen table. If interested, call me at 364-3013. —
Marie, Rumford.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a Canadian glider that needs repair. Is there anyone in the Lewiston-Auburn area that repairs them? Always enjoy your column and the advice is super. Thank you. — No Name, 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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com. 


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