DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have been trying to contact the owner of the Route 4 indoor flea market for weeks. Every time I stop by, the place is closed.

I, along with many other merchandisers, have goods for sale in that flea market. If the doors are closed, of course, there are no sales. I have a telephone number for the shop as well as the owner’s cell phone number, where I have left messages to no avail.

Do you or any of your readers have any information that would be helpful? Thank you. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots doesn’t know anything. Could the market be on a winter hiatus? Readers?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for helping all of us. My topic is senior citizens groups and difference in programs as to what makes one old enough to be a senior citizen. Two former chairmen of local senior groups told me you could join at 50 but not vote until 55.

Are there any printed rules to go by for our seniors? A lot of groups have failed or gone downhill. Some members want to take in younger persons. I can’t imagine why they’d want to partake in our meetings oriented to old age issues such as Medicare and all that entails.

I’d like to hear from other senior groups. Is our only hope of keeping going to admit people under 50? — Marilyn Bachelder, Strong

ANSWER: Sun Spots knows of no rule that crosses all the various groups, official government programs, etc. Even the age for collecting Social Security benefits has changed over the years and will do so again, as people live longer.

Many groups, such as the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons, want to be larger, as the more members they have the more political clout they have. Thus, they consider anyone over 50 eligible for membership.

You are the first reader to express concern about declining participation in senior groups, but other community organizations have noted a decline in membership. This may have more to do with people being busy during the day and preferring to stay home and watch television in the evening than any reflection on the groups themselves.

You might be interested to know that a recent study revealed that while senior citizens watch more television than all other age groups, they showed less enjoyment from doing so. Perhaps talking back to the television, as Sun Spots’ parents do all the time, is not as much fun as talking to real people!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I watch news on Channel 8 everyday and enjoy the top stories at the beginning. My question is: What happened to meteorologist Tom Chisholm? He hasn’t been on in over a month. — C.G., Lewiston

ANSWER: Tom is now back at work after a lengthy recuperation from a moped accident in which he broke 13 bones.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know what is going on with the Biddeford racino. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: The proposed racino passed muster by voters in November but still faces several hurdles. According to a Nov. 3 story in the Portland Press Herald, getting the racino going will require a change in state law as well as an exemption to the limits placed on other gambling enterprises by the passage of the Oxford casino.

According to the same story, there is also resistance from the 41 percent of Biddeford voters opposed to the endeavor, some of whom felt the ballot measure was rushed through after the August announcement from Scarborough Downs of its intention to move to Biddeford.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Nov. 2 a reader inquired about leather repairs. I also repair, clean and condition leather and suede. I also make new linings for jackets, do repairs, buttons, snaps, etc. I have more than 35 years of experience and was formerly Customer Leather Repair and Design in Buckfield. When I moved, I never reopened. I am now starting back up and should be ready for work in January. — Sharon Gagne, Hartford, 388-3369

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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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