DEAR SUN SPOTS: I remember back in the 1930s that there was a monument (a huge stone surrounded by an iron fence) on Gile Mountain in East Auburn that supposedly contained the body of a female. The only name that I knew at that time was “The Green Girl.” She supposedly committed suicide over an unfortunate love affair.

A year ago I tried to find the monument at where I remembered it to be. Is it still there and can it be reached by a public way? It used to be when I was a child that there were no homes at all on the mountain; now there are quite a few. Thanks a lot, Sun Spots. — Hector Creamer, Turner, w2iry@hotmail.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots struck out online. Unfortunately, “green girl” is very common and turns up an extraordinary number of hits, including in fiction. Readers?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m disabled, so I’ll be a senior citizen at age 55. Are there any grants or programs that can help me fix my house? Any kind of help would be appreciated. Thank you. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots had a similar question in January 2010. Her research then turned up help for winterization aid for low-income seniors. There are programs to help those who qualify, including grants and low-interest loans, for those in rural areas meeting income requirements.

The local office for the housing authority, which administers these programs, in Androscoggin, Kennebec, Oxford and Franklin counties is at 254 Goddard Road, Lewiston, ME 04240, 753-9400. You’ll need to call and check to see if you qualify for any assistance.

For those readers with computers, these two websites may prove useful: Guaranteed single-family housing, http://tinyurl.com/3t5h7v7, and online income and property eligibility, http://tinyurl.com/3wzyb4u.

Note, this program is for rural development, so there are parts of cities (primarily Lewiston, Auburn and Augusta) that are not eligible. Also, the income requirements for both programs are HUD-adjusted, which means very low income to qualify.

Another program is offered by a volunteer group, Rebuilding Together Lewiston-Auburn. Each spring the volunteers select some homes from among the applicants. You can pick up an application after Jan. 1 at Remax River Cities, 195 Center St., Auburn, 783-7300.

There may be other programs of which Sun Spots is unaware. She hopes readers will clue her in.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Again I have to thank you for your help in letting everyone know about our senior adult trips. Your column keeps everyone very informed about so many things.

We only have two day-trips left for the season. On Friday, Oct. 7, we are going to New Hampshire by bus, taking a boat ride on Lake Winnipesaukee on Mt. Washington, then taking a train ride on the Little Hobo Railroad. On the train we will be served a great meal from Hart’s Turkey Farm. Cost for the trip is only $85.

On Saturday Nov. 19, we have our annual day trip to Indian Head Resort in New Hampshire by bus. Trip includes a great buffet, free drinks, a chance to meet Santa and have your picture taken, holiday revue show and music for your dancing pleasure. Before you leave, Santa will give you a free gift and your picture. A great day for only $65.

The future major trip in 2012 will be to Branson, Mo., in May. This trip is for five days and will include bus, plane, four nights at the hotel, seven to nine shows, and all breakfasts and dinners, We don’t have a price yet, but if you are interested, please call me so that we can put your name on the waiting list and as soon as we have the price we will call you.

To reserve your space, send a check made out to Meadowview Trips to me at 23 Spofford St. Apt. 454, Lewiston, ME 04240 or call 786-2305. — Bert Dutil badutil32@yahoo.com

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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