DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please help me. I am getting to that dreaded age and beginning to wonder where I would go if I needed help with my living situation. What can you tell me about assisted living, nursing and boarding homes, and whatever else for people who cannot live at home anymore? Which in Lewiston and Auburn are for- or not-for-profit? I am all alone, a widow with no children, so I know that’s where I’m going. Please answer as soon as possible. Thank you. — No Name, L-A

ANSWER: Sun Spots can sympathize, as she also has no children. But never fear, there are people at SeniorsPlus who can help you figure things out. Sun Spots spoke to John, who said they have an “options counselor,” Valerie Cole, and other volunteers who will help you figure out where you might live when you can no longer stay at home.

John said there are so many variables (financial resources, health needs, pets, etc.) in each person’s situation so there is no way to provide those options in this small space.

If you call SeniorsPlus at 795-4010, they will go over those options with you. If you can’t get to their office, they will come to you. They also do outreach sessions in Franklin and Oxford counties and will work with families as well as seniors.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: When the Sun Journal publishes foreclosure listings do they include all of the listings available at the time? If not, how can one find a comprehensive list of all foreclosures for a certain area? — No Name via email

ANSWER: According to the Sun Journal’s advertising department, those ads are placed by the attorneys for banks or mortgage companies and do not necessarily include all the listings. However, there is a settlement company in the Registry of Deeds building in Augusta that compiles a monthly listing of all foreclosures. That list is not available to the general public, but you can obtain the information by visiting a Realtor.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for a free location to have a meeting for a not-for-profit group, https://www.facebook.com/CentralMaineBeardOs. I am having some trouble. Anyone know where I should look? — Chuck Calabrese, chuck@amainefamily.com, 689-3389

ANSWER: Sun Spots went to the Facebook page Chuck indicated and learned that his group is for bearded and beard-loving men. That information did not help her find him a place to meet. Readers?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I recently purchased a small farm tractor, a Power King economy model. I was told by the seller it was a 1960 model 16 HP Kohler with a three-speed transmission. If anyone has any information on these approximately half-scale workhorse, such as I-E manuals, parts availability, where built and whether they are still made, I would be very appreciative. Thank you. — Ed Podgurski, 109 Ramsdell Road, Farmington, ME 04938, 778-6199

ANSWER: Sun Spots found a couple of websites that might be helpful to you, including the Antique Small Engine Collectors Club (www.asecc.com) and www.simpletractors.com. Many old manuals are also available online for either downloading to your machine or printing out at www.asecc.com/kmanuals.html or sites such as www.asberry.net/Kohler.htm.

If you take this column to your local public library, they can help you navigate to these sites, possibly print out the manuals for you and find more information and photos to help you identify your tractor. Perhaps readers will also be able to help.

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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