Second, did I also read somewhere that we are supposed to get a 2 percent raise in our Social Security checks, and if so, do you now when? Sure hope I wasn’t dreaming on that one. Thanks for all the good you do for so many people. — No Name, No Town.

ANSWER: You’re not dreaming. On Oct. 28, 2015, the Sun Journal first published an AP article that announced Walgreens’ $9.41 billion purchase of the Rite Aid pharmacy chain. The article stated, “The deal combines the largest and third-largest U.S. drugstore chains, based on store counts.” In fact, those “store counts” are now right around 18,000 worldwide. Nothing much has changed from an outsider’s viewpoint. Each store still maintains their own brand names, for now at least.

Regarding your second question, projections call for a very slight increase (0.2 percent — not quite the full 2 percent you were hoping for) for Social Security benefits recipients next year. The cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) equals a $2 increase on a $1,000 check. The increase would take effect in 2017, and comes after no COLA increase at all in 2016. Analysts’ reports suggest that lower gas prices in 2016 negated the need for an increase. So maybe hold off on any plans extravagant purchases, as you may need to plan carefully how best to use the extra $24 or so a year (depending on what your benefit amount is).

DEAR SUN SPOTS: It’s time for the Edward Little High School 50 Year Reunion. We are still accepting short bios and recent photos (no sunglasses please) of classmates who would like to be represented in the 50th Edward Little High School reunion booklet. It’s going to be a very interesting booklet, full of updates about your classmates. Please send in your information as soon as possible so that we have the time to get your submission into this special 50 year edition. Send to: Anita Poulin, 998 Old Danville Road, Auburn, ME 04210 or email to apgraphicsme@gmail.com. Anita would also like to speak to anyone who would still have high school event pictures such as candid pictures during dances, senior trip, games, clubs, band, glee club etc. Also, anyone who would like to purchase a booklet may contact Anita  by calling (207) 782-5118.

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Turning to our source of information once again / first did i read in the paper that Walgreens has bought out the Rite Aids or was I dreaming / and second, did I also read somewhere that we are supposed to get a 2 % raise in our social security and if so do you now when? Sure hope I wasn’t dreaming on that one. Thanks for all the good you do for so many people.


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