DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anywhere to recycle/donate spent vegetable oil for use as a biofuel? As it stands now in Lisbon, all used vegetable oil goes into the trash. — Kris Kucera, k2maine@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots found one source in the state: Maine Standard Biofuels (mainestandardbiofuels.com). She talked to Mark, who said they are willing to take used vegetable oil — in a closed container — during regular business hours Monday through Saturday. You can find them at 51 Ingersoll Drive, Portland, 878-3001.

They also sell biofuel diesel, which is local and a renewable resource, at a pump for those who would like to try it instead of the petroleum-based version. The current price is $3.75 a gallon.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for all your answers. I picked up some playing cards at a yard sale. They have a stamp on them that says U.S. Internal Revenue Service on them? What was this and when did it end? Thanks. — Marion Hall, Hebron

ANSWER: Sun Spots cannot be sure if she is right on this or not — perhaps older readers will remember more and help out — but she thinks they may be tax stamps to raise money. According to Wikipedia, this kind of stamp was often used to raise money for wars, and Sun Spots found many examples of playing cards with tax stamps on eBay and some were dated in the 1940s, so perhaps they were used during World War II? Without more information and a thorough description of the cards, it’s difficult to be sure.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The annual enrollment period for both the Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and the Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) has moved to a new period. It will now run from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

This is an opportunity for consumers currently enrolled in Medicare Part C or D to review their plans to ensure the plan they are in can meet their needs for the following year. Plans can change premiums, deductibles, co-pays and drug formularies for the new year starting Jan. 1.

SeniorsPlus, your local area agency on aging, can help consumers compare current plans against all available plans to help in making informed decisions. Appointments can be scheduled by calling SeniorsPlus at 795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241.

Also, on a different topic in response to your Aug. 20 column, I wanted to mention that SeniorsPlus does not assist consumers with their yearly IRS income taxes but can direct them to various facilities that do.

We do, however, assist with the Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent Refund “Circuit Breaker” program. Appointments for these can be scheduled by calling SeniorsPlus at 795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241.

Thank you for the tremendous service you provide our communities; it is truly appreciated. — Roland Bussiere, Medicare specialist, rbussiere@seniorsplus.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have what I call a teddy bear tree. It is shaped like a Christmas tree, approximately six feet tall and has 99 stuffed bears attached to it. It is on a revolving stand.

I believe it would make a good addition to a nursing home day room or for some other organization. It is free to anyone who is interested. Please call 784-1223. Thank you. — Joan Colvin, E7bob@aol.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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