DEAR SUN SPOTS: Some time back the Citylink bus used to go up Turner Street in Auburn and pick up people at the Auburn Commons apartment complex. But that has since stopped.

My mom is elderly and used to take the bus to the malls and Walmart. Now she has to take a taxi, which is expensive for her as she is low income. She tries to walk there now but is disabled and has a hard time getting up the hill.

Western Maine Transport only takes her for doctor visits. I cannot find any other transportation for her. I am at work all week and cannot assist. She needs the exercise of walking around the malls.

Can you provide readers with some information? I cannot find any assistance. Others in her complex are upset as they also used the bus to go to the malls. — Laurieburton@gwi.net

ANSWER: Sun Spots talked to Marsha Bennett, transit coordinator at the Androscoggin Valley Council of Government, who offered the following via email:

“There is transit service available in Lewiston-Auburn for people with disabilities that may be an option for this individual. As part of L-A’s public transit service, Citylink is required to provide Americans with Disabilities Act complementary paratransit service to individuals with disabilities that prevent them from accessing the fixed route bus system.

“The ADA complementary paratransit service is a curb-to-curb service that picks up and drops off at a persons specified origin and destination. In order to use the service individuals must be certified, their trip origin and destination need to be in the ADA service area, and trips need to be scheduled in advanced. The cost to use the ADA complementary paratransit service is $3 per one-way trip.

“For more information about the ADA complementary paratransit service and to request an application for certification call Western Maine Transportation Services at 777-4563.”

Sun Spots realizes might not completely solve your problem. It’s a dilemma that will be facing many of us as we age and driving becomes not-such-a-good idea (Sun Spots will be especially dangerous as an oldster). Mainers need to put their heads together and come up with ways to help each other get around, especially out in the country. (Sun Spots wishes a pony cart was practical.) 

In Portland, itnportland.org (the national organization is itnAmerica) provides transportation for those over 65 within 15 miles of the city. Once you join ($40 for an individual), rides are available 24 hours a day for $1.50 a mile ($4 pickup fee). This is much cheaper, and safer, than owning a car.

Wouldn’t it be nice if a similar group was operating in your community? Anyone interested in starting such a service can visit itnamerica.org for more information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I can’t seem to find the article on Antigone’s Pizza spotlighting their opening in Lewiston, anywhere. I know it was in fall 2012, and there was a write-up as well as recipes, which I have wanted to try. Any help in finding them would be greatly appreciated. — Deanna, harlie284@aol.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots couldn’t find the story either, but her colleague Corey did. You can read it at sunjournal.com/news/bplus/2012/12/30/eats-new-antigonis-pizza-turner-transplant-gets-wa/1298995.

Note the spelling. Corey said their website shows Antigoni with an “i” on the end, but Sun Spots drives by the restaurant regularly and could have sworn it ended with an “e”, the way you spelled it. One more example of the unreliability of witness testimony. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was wondering you could help me, as you have in the past. Please run this as soon as possible.

A man called here on the morning of Feb. 7 and asked for Gordon. He was sleeping, so I answered. I was wrong, so could the same man call back?

Please, as Gordon said he did have a box missing or stolen years ago. The man named what was in the box, but I won’t say as Gordon can tell him what’s in it. 

Please call back at 353-2025 or 212-8453. Gordon would like to hear from you, and I did not get a phone number or name. Thank you. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not understand this letter, but she can offer a tip for future similar situations. If you want to know the phone number of the last person who called your landline phone, dial *69 after you hang up but before any other calls come in. There is a fee for this service, which used to be 75 cents. It won’t work if the number is unlisted or restricted.

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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