DEAR SUN SPOTS: I work at the Robert Shand VFW Post 1641 in Rumford. A man came in and said he was related to Robert Shand. He was looking for a picture, medal and poem and said he would stop back, but hasn’t yet. The picture and poem were located. If he would like them he can call the VFW at 369-0302.

— Barbara, Rumford

ANSWER: Writing to Sun Spots is such a great way to connect with people. I hope your visitor to the VFW or someone who might know him sees this!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for sharing information about the Harold Alfond College Challenge. The Finance Authority of Maine is the administrator of the NextGen College Investing Plan and the Harold Alfond College Challenge.  FAME assists the Alfond Scholarship Foundation in administering the Alfond Grant. The Alfond Grant is the $500 Harold Alfond College Challenge grant awarded to all babies born Maine residents on or after Jan. 1, 2013, or Maine resident babies for whom a NextGen College Investing Plan account is opened before their first birthday. Maine babies born between 2009 and 2012 (and 2008 Maine General-born babies) received an Alfond Grant if a NextGen account was opened prior to their first birthday. Children born before 2013 for whom a NextGen account was not opened by the first birthday deadline are no longer eligible for the Alfond Grant. Even if a child is not eligible for the Alfond Grant, families can open a 529 college savings account to save for future higher education expenses. For more information about NextGen, please visit www.NextGenforME.com

— Eva, no town

ANSWER: This is great clarification from FAME as a follow up on the Sun Spots column published on Aug. 7. Very important information here!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: How can I find Lewiston’s building codes for “tiny houses?” What are the rules for a small insulated cottage-type accommodation with a composting washroom, and how open is the city to a simple residence like that?

No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: I so love tiny houses and could wax poetic about them for hours! Instead, I will send you to the experts. I spoke with the city’s building inspector, Gary Campbell, a very nice gentleman who has the complete skinny on all the city and state rules and regs for tiny dwellings. He can give you specific information about the possibility of building the home of your dreams. Gary did say that the minimum size of a dwelling in Lewiston is 300 square feet. If that fits in with your plans, give his office a call for further information — 207-513-3125 will get you straight to the source. AND I’d love to share advice from others who are on the journey of making a tiny home a reality!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to have names and contact numbers of people who clean out garages. My phone number is 207-933-2013. Thank you for this information.

— No name, Monmouth

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 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 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 pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

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