DEAR SUN SPOTS: Maine will have a new license plate soon. I love the old state of Maine flag for its simplicity, although I also love chickadees.

What exactly does this mean for us? The article I saw in Sunday’s paper said we will not incur any additional costs, but how do we make the switch? Will it take place only when we purchase a new vehicle? Can we make the switch beforehand, and if so, how?

Are we able to hold on to our chickadee plates if we have one? I have such an easy number to remember that I hate to part with it. — Lou, Lewiston

ANSWER: According to the maine.gov website (https://www.maine.gov/), the plan is to issue the new plates to Mainers as they register their vehicles between March 2025 and the end of February 2026. I also read an update that the license replacements at time of registration will begin “no later than May 2025.” The chickadee plates are being replaced and I’m sure you’ll get used to your new license plate in no time.

Another factoid: if motorists choose to, they can opt for a plain plate with no artwork.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Snowshoe Club on Waldo Street in Rumford will hold a craft fair Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are renting tables to crafters for $25 each, plus $5 extra if you need electricity. Please bring your own electrical cord. For more information, call Anita at 207-369-0205. — Nancy, Rumford

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have refinished a wooden chair that once had a caned seat. Due to the cost of caning, I want to have a fiberboard replacement seat for this chair, but those online are quite expensive or out of stock. If anyone has a new seat or one in good condition they would like to sell for a reasonable price, I’m interested. — Mary, no town

ANSWER: These fiberboard chair seats can be found with attractive patterns and can be stained to match the chair. Many are made of a composition of leather and wood fibers, and can simply be cut with scissors to fit your chair.

Just in case a Sun Spotter doesn’t respond to your request, this website may have what you’re looking for: https://www.caneandbasket.com/. The prices are reasonable.

 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for a mason. Do you have anyone in your Rolodex? — Mel, no town

ANSWER: I got a recommendation recently for Zachary Wilson at NXT Level Masonry. He specializes in brick, block, and stone restoration. You can call or text him at 207-754-1341 or email him at zacharymwilson11@icloud.com.

Readers, if you have other masonry contractors to recommend, you know what to do!

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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