DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the past 20 years we have stored a car from September to June with Neil Martin at his Goldenrod Garage in Freeport. Unfortunately, Neil died last October, and we lost a good friend.

We have a camp in Rangeley that we use for the three summer months and our nine-month home in Georgia. We are looking for a barn or garage near the South Portland airport where we can store our car.

When we left our car with Neil last September he informed us that our nine-month storage rate had gone up from the $325 that we had been paying for many years to $395, so that is what we paid. In addition, Neil would deliver our car to the airport when we came in June and would take us to the airport when we left in September. We paid an additional $100 for these pickup and delivery services, even though he only asked for $35 each way.

With this present virus situation, Enterprise, the one car rental company in Farmington, 45 minutes from Rangeley, will not rent a car that would be returned anywhere other than back to them. We would like to continue storing a car near the airport. Can someone make a recommendation or does someone have a place where we could store our vehicle and provide the same pickup and delivery services to help us out? Our contact number is 864-3155. — Jerome, Rangeley

ANSWER: I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend, Neil. The service he provided to you, and probably many others,  sounds amazing and is so needed, especially for all the snowbirds who spend their winters in warmer climes.

I’m putting this out into Sun Spots Land to see if another similar service exists, or if there is an enterprising individual who can help this couple go to and fro and give provide safe and secure, worry-free space for their vehicle. Let us know what happens, Jerome!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: When I look to the northeast each evening, I see the Dipper overhead. Does the Dipper always remain in that position year-round? — Michael, Lewiston

ANSWER: The Big Dipper can always be seen in the northern sky provided that it’s a clear night. The earth’s axis remains pointing in the direction of Polaris (the North Star) for the entire year so in the northern hemisphere (above the equator) we can see the stars and constellations near Polaris such as the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia that seem to rotate around it nightly, all year long.

The Big Dipper keeps its position, but changes appearance over the course of the seasons.

Spring is the season when the Big Dipper is seen highest in the sky — almost at the zenith and upside down as viewed looking north. During the summer, the Big Dipper presents itself with its handle facing upward. In autumn, the Big Dipper is closest to the horizon. During winter, the Big Dipper begins to distance itself from the horizon, presenting the handle facing downwards.

I could write several columns about the Big Dipper but I’ll leave it to you to do some research by starting here: http://www.theskyscrapers.org/getting-to-know-the-big-dipper

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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