ANSWER: As local newspapers have continued their move into the digital world, they are exploring various avenues for advertising — since it is advertising dollars that pay the salaries of reporters and so many other staff who work hard to bring the news to readers like yourself. Some newspapers have hard pay walls in place that require user subscriptions prior to allowing the readers access to any of the online content. The Sun Journal has placed an “overlay” ad space on its website that has an ad appear either on the bottom of the page or on the right hand side of the page as space allows. This ad space is designed to be in view, but not to obscure content. If a reader wants to close the ad, all they need to do is click on the “x” in the ad and it will not serve again for some time, per the user cap.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for the many years of service you have provided for your readers. When the 2016 hockey season ended in May, many people asked me, “Was this Brian Dumoulin from Pittsburgh related to the Rumford, Maine, family?”

Yes.

I skated with his grandfather in 1947, ’48 and ’49 in Rumford with a local group of guys who played hockey on Sunday nights. I’m glad one of our local families have someone we can be proud of. Thanks for all you do to keep us informed. — John, Rumford.

ANSWER: According to news reports, Dumoulin is the first player born in Maine to be part of a NHL championship team. He plays defense for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was born in Biddeford in 1991 and graduated from Biddeford High School before attending Boston College where he, of course, played hockey before joining the NHL.

HELLO SUN SPOTS:  I have three Black & Decker Single Source 18V batteries with charger for anyone who might be able to use them. The string trimmer that used them for is no longer operational, but the batteries have useful life remaining. If anyone can use them, they may call me at (207) 782-5393. —  Janet, No Town.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What do you know about Save-A-Lot stores? Thank you. — John, No Town.

ANSWER: There are 12 Save-A-Lot stores in Maine: Caribou, Presque Isle, Millinocket, Dover-Foxcroft, Brewer, Waterville, Farmington, Lewiston, South Paris, Gorham, Portland and Sanford. The grocery chain has more than 1,300 stores nationwide, and offers up to a 40 percent discount over other grocery chains by promoting its own brands and by finding ways to save money through cost management and efficiency. You might find yourself bagging (or boxing) your own groceries at Save-A-Lot, but that’s just one way the chain is able to save you money. They consider themselves a discount grocery chain and cater to value-seekers.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 sin 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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

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