DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is an unusual request, but it is also of imminent importance. My disabled husband and I are waiting to go to a senior living center (in fact we have had our names on the St. Mary’s Residence waiting list for more than 25 months). We are also in the process of selling our house.

We have some very good prospects at this time, but we are aware of what the chances are that the house’s sale would happen when there is no opening at St. Mary’s. In the event that this situation happens, we will be in need of temporary shelter.

We would need space in the L-A area that would be handicapped accessible. We would also need an open-end agreement that would allow us to take advantage of any opening at St. Mary’s. Anyone who can help us with this situation, please call me. — Claire Gosselin, 784-7892, jgosselin91948@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: One option that might be viable for a month or two would be long-term residence hotels, which offer lower rates for those who will be staying longer than the typical few days or week. Business travelers often use them, but Sun Spots’ niece recently stayed in one when she accepted a job in Denver but had no place to live yet. She makes very little money with AmeriCorps, but still managed.

This is also a slow time of year for leisure travel, so you might be able to get a pretty good off-season deal, along with a senior discount.

Another advantage is that they are fully furnished, down to dishes in the kitchenette, which would save you the hassle of moving all your belongings twice. You can just put what you are taking to St. Mary’s in storage.

Readers will also undoubtedly have some suggestions, or perhaps offers.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My wife belongs to a group of women who meet occasionally to go kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, etc. Although I am not the athletic type and do not hunt and fish, I do enjoy hiking, canoeing and camping. I am wondering if Sun Spots or any of her readers know of any groups of men in the Lewiston-Auburn area that get together occasionally to participate in casual, nonathletic, outdoor activities. — Dave, drmicm@yahoo.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not know of any specifically male organized groups, but perhaps someone will invite you to join their group of friends or you will meet like-minded men through this inquiry letter.

If your outings do not have to be male only, you might consider the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club (www.moac.org, 775-6622). The introductory paragraph on their website says:

“MOAC is an all-volunteer member organization. Members organize and lead all trips and activities from beginner to expert. Our outdoor activities range from peaceful and relaxing to challenging and full of excitement. From the extremes of winter camping, ice/rock climbing, strenuous hiking, mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, to the gentle sail, walk or snowshoe, MOAC has something to offer everyone. We are a diverse group with members of all ages and experience. Join MOAC to challenge yourself, share your outdoor skills and meet other outdoor adventurers”

Sun Spots’ friend and colleague Carl had great times and made good friends after joining, although she hopes you don’t emulate all his activities, such as falling off the Carter Notch side of Wildcat Mountain (near Mount Washington) on one adventure.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a new HP95 color cartridge that I would like to donate to a nonprofit organization that has an HP printer that utilizes this cartridge. Please contact me at sctet@fairpoint.net. Thank you. — Stan, No Town

VETERANS PARK MEMORIAL STONES: In her March 14 answer to a query about the memorial stones at Veterans Park, Sun Spots gave Maurice Dutil’s name as a contact person. She has been informed that Maurice is recuperating from a medical problem and is not taking calls or visits concerning the stones. All requests and applications should be sent to the L & A Veterans Council, P.O. Box 2316, Lewiston ME 04241. There are about 50 spaces left on stone No. 25, the final stone in the current design.

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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