DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are two sisters who went to Governor’s Restaurant in Lewiston recently. When we got our tab to pay, we were told our meal had been paid in full by another customer. We were thrilled and used the money we would have spent on the meal to buy some desserts to take to my sister’s place of employment to share with her co-workers. It made us very happy. Thank you so much to the kind person who took care of our bill. We wanted to let he/she know we paid it forward. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: The restaurant angel has struck again! I’m so glad you were treated to a nice meal and can’t help but wonder what desserts you chose to take home. (The chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting is my personal favorite if anyone wants to know!)

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to thank the woman who stopped to offer help when I pulled over on Route 196 during the recent rainstorm. I was driving home carefully from visiting my husband at his assisted living facility in Brunswick and it was raining hard enough that I thought I would be better off stopping for a few minutes. I put on the vehicle’s hazard lights and almost immediately, the car that had been behind me pulled over too and a woman wearing a purple raincoat jumped out and ran to me, asking if I needed assistance. She was so kind and had been concerned because I was driving so slowly. I only needed to rest for a bit and get my bearings. No one should have been out in that, and I was so glad to get home safe. I sure hope she did too. — Marie, Lisbon Falls

ANSWER: That was a doozy of a storm and I’m glad you’re okay. It’s always better not to go out in that kind of weather, but I understand you wanting to check on your loved one.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Once again we need trivia information. What does it cost an NFL player when he tosses a ball to fans, or keeps the ball for personal memories?

As in the past we humbly await your availability and desire to seek out answers to so many different questions. — Gene, Lewiston

ANSWER: Oh, Gene, you really keep me on my toes. It costs a player about $7,500 (from a November 2021 article) if he throws or kicks a ball into the stands IF it’s perceived as unsportsman-like conduct. The league members do not want fans being injured if they are arguing over who’s going to keep the ball.

All the money collected from fines goes to programs for former players. Fine money does not go to the NFL.

If a player gives a ball to a fan safely by handing it off to someone (not just randomly kicking or throwing the ball into the stands) they are not charged.

And if a player keeps a ball for himself, he isn’t charged for it. The footballs belong to the individual teams so if the player wants to have it as a keepsake for, say, making a touchdown or for another important play, he can ask for it.

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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