DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m collecting the presidential gold dollar coins. Rainbow Credit Union on Main Street gave them up. Where can I go now? Thank you. — Pauline, Lewiston

ANSWER: Unfortunately, few people share your interest. Because not enough people were collecting or using these coins, more than a billion dollars worth of them ended up sitting in U.S. Treasury vaults.

The cost of minting and then storing the unwanted coins was brought to the government’s attention by the Planet Money team on National Public Radio last year (http://tinyurl.com/3ef4yp3). As the Planet Money team noted, there are not a lot of fans for Millard Fillmore and other less-well-known presidents, and people say they don’t like using dollar coins because they are too heavy.

So in December the U.S. Treasury announced it was suspending production of most of the coins, with just a small number produced for collectors such as yourself. The next coin, Chester A. Arthur, will be out this spring.

At the U.S. Mint website it says any financial institution should be able to get the coins. Ask the manager of your credit union if he will order them for you. If not, you might try visiting a large commercial bank.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A few weeks ago (Feb. 6) the Sun Journal ran an article about the bog off of Farewell Street. They showed what looked like a walking path into the bog. Where is the entrance to this path? — Roger Gagne, [email protected]

ANSWER: Reporter Scott Taylor, who wrote that story, did not know the answer but was kind enough to find it for Sun Spots. He consulted Lewiston Director of Public Works Dave Jones, who said the city has an elevated walkway that goes into the bog at the end of the Russell Street Extension, with parking available.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to tell you about a good, kind person at the Hannaford supermarket on Spring Street.

On Feb. 13 I was checking out when a gentleman, a complete stranger, was behind me in line purchasing several floral bouquets. The lady bagger and I commented on how beautiful they were and how lucky someone was to get these flowers.

As I was walking away, the gentleman said: “Here, dear,” and handed me a bouquet. I was stunned and asked if he was sure, and he said, “Oh, yes, I’m sure. Happy Valentine.”

I just want to say thank you again to this gentleman. You made my day. — Vi, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The L&A Veterans Council is once again looking for your help reminding all those would like their veterans’ names on the next memorial stone to be installed on May 26 (Memorial Day weekend).

Those needing applications, please call Maurice at 784-1206, Bert at 786-2305 or Joe at 786-0488. The cost is $35.

Time is getting short, as it takes a while to process the application and line up the engraving.

Applications should be mailed to L&A Veterans Council, P.O. Box 2316, Lewiston, ME 04241.

This is also a reminder for those who have received applications but haven’t returned them yet. For more information, call me. — Maurice Dutil, vice chairman, 784-1206

DEAR SUN SPOTS: With regards to the inquiry posted on Feb. 29 seeking professional orthotic specialists; New England Brace Co has been providing orthotics and prosthetics to the L-A community for more than 50 years. We are located at 217 Main St., Lewiston, 786-0101. — Diane Bonneau, office manager, [email protected]

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 [email protected].