DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know what those panels that are above the Maine Turnpike on and off ramps (e.g., Exits 75 and 80) are for? Thanks for always providing such useful information! — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots spoke to Dan Morin, spokesman for the Maine Turnpike Authority (and, coincidentally, an L-A native).

He said that the panels you noticed are for reading E-ZPasses, electronic gizmos you can buy from MTA and mount on your windshield. The system reads your E-ZPass and automatically charges your account, saving you from stopping and paying at the toll.

In addition to being more convenient, E-ZPass saves you money. Dan gave the following example. Say you got on the Turnpike at the Jetport, exit 46. You’d pay $1 to get on. Then, when you got to the barrier toll for Auburn, you’d pay $1.75, or a total of $2.75.

If you had E-ZPass, the panels would read your card note when and where you got on and off and instead of paying $2.75, you’d pay $1.90.

Dan said his boss, MTA Director Peter Mills, puts it this way: E-ZPass allows people to pay by the mile as they would have with the old ticket system.

There are plans to expand the ease of E-ZPass with more open-road tolls. Dan said that in the summer of 2012 there will be a new drive-through toll similar to Hampton, N.H., (no slowing down, just whiz through at regular speed on the highway) at the New Gloucester toll.

Sun Spots has had E-Z Pass for several years and is a big fan. She recently had to take a long trip through the Northeast and didn’t once have to stop and pay a toll, as all the states she visited participate in E-ZPass.

In addition, the system keeps a record of all the fees and where they were charged, so you have a record for business and medical expenses for your taxes.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read Sun Spots faithfully everyday and enjoy it. You have helped so many people.

I am desperate (humiliated). I do not wear my dentures all the time; therefore, I lost my lower denture. Somewhere in Auburn, either Hannaford, or Walmart. It fell out of my pocketbook.

My name is on the inside. A reward is offered for its return. — J.M.L., 240-1812.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Again this year, the Knights of Columbus from the Lisbon Falls, Auburn and Norway councils wish to thank all of your readers and organizations who helped make our third annual Knights Before Christmas Toy Drive a success.

We were able to donate toys to more than 250 children in foster and state care. Without you, this would not have been possible. A heartfelt thank-you to all! — Grand Knight Roger Roy, Council 2358, Lisbon Falls

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I just want to thank everyone for their generosity in responding to my Dec. 22 request for a Holy Family cookbook.

The day it was published I got a phone call, and a very nice woman from Lisbon even delivered it. My mother is truly appreciative of this gift.

I cannot thank you enough for everything that you did for her. Happy new year! — Venise Monto, pamandmimo@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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