DEAR SUN SPOTS: I just got home from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles registration. All I wanted are handicap plates, and I had to wait too long.

Could they have a window where one could pick them up easily?

They seem to be terribly understaffed. Only three of six windows open, I believe. Thank you. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots wondered if you could avoid the lines by mailing in your paperwork and found she was correct.

Raphaelle A. Silver, the director of communications at the Office of the Secretary of State, was kind enough to address the issue:

“If the vehicle is currently registered, the person wishing to have handicapped plates can send in a copy of their current registration, along with a completed handicapped placard/plates application. If the person currently has a permanent placard, then they can also submit a note with the registration copy requesting disability plates.

“If the vehicle is not currently registered, then the person will first go to their town office and pay excise tax. Then they can mail in the white and yellow, along with the registration fees, and request DX plates. Plates, stickers and completed registration will be mailed to the customer.

“I know this isn’t a great option since most people want or need their plates right then. Otherwise, they go to the branch to finish the registration and obtain their DX plates.

“It is first come, first served at the branches. Perhaps the customer can ask the branch staff when the least busy time/day is to go.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would it be possible to find a copy of an obituary from September 1980? — Rachel Leighton, rachelmleighton68@gmail.com

ANSWER: If an obituary was placed in the Daily Sun or Evening Journal, with a bit of looking you should be able to find it in the Google archives.

The link for the Sun is http://tinyurl.com/334ehgd; for the Journal it is http://tinyurl.com/2v2uu7x.

You cannot search the archives by simply putting in the name or other term. You will need to know when the obituary appeared and then scroll through. The procedure is very similar to looking at microfiche only it’s online.

One downside is that Google does not offer a printing option. You can get around it, but you need a bit of expertise on the computer. You can read about those workarounds at http://tinyurl.com/3ufnme3 (“Google archive printing possible, not easy”).

Alternatively, you can go to the Lewiston Public Library and print from its microfiche collection of newspapers.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: If your readers are wondering what to do with those cross country skis that no one is using any more, I have a perfect use for them!

The Lewiston Auburn Bill Koch Cross Country Ski Program just finished its fifth year of offering cross country ski instruction to area children. We all had a ball, and as the program grows, we hope to make it easier for kids and parents to develop a love of this great activity that makes even the longest winter a lot more fun.

We could use any cross country ski equipment in decent shape. We will also share appropriate donated equipment with the reinvigorated Auburn Middle School Nordic Ski Team. So any skis, boots and/or poles would be greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in learning more about this program, visit our Facebook page: Lewiston Auburn Bill Koch Ski Club or our website, www.auburnskiassociation.com/LABillKoch/Intro.html

Please email wbcondit@gmail.com with donations or any questions. Thanks! — Whitney Condit, Auburn

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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