Dear Sun Spots: I have just been told that as of October 1, all Social Security numbers will be given to telemarketers by the federal government, because of the new Medicare prescription drug program. Is this true? Please let me know, and if it is, who besides our state representatives should we contact. Thank you. – No Name, No Town.
Answer: This appears to be false. The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers that one should never give their credit card, checking account or Social Security numbers to callers. Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe said Social Security, checking account and credit card numbers should never be given to telemarketers.
For more information, visit Social Security Online at www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp/ or contact them by phone at 1-800-772-1213, and visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Web site at www.medicare.gov/ or contact them by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE.
For information about the marketing guidelines for the Medicare prescription drug benefit, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/media/press/release.asp?Counter1535.
Dear Sun Spots: I enjoy your column. You have helped me in the past. I am now looking for a person in Lewiston, Auburn or surrounding towns who want used greeting cards. I have been sending them to St. Jude but they are overstocked right now. Thanks. – F.C., Dixfield.
Answer: Send your used greeting cards to Linda Carpenter at 145 Howe St., Auburn, Maine 04210.
Dear Sun Spots: We are looking for crafters for the annual holiday fair at Our Lady of the Rosary, High Street, Sabattus. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19. To reserve a table or spot or for more information, phone Connie (207) 375-6951 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. If after hours, please leave a message with your phone number. – Connie in Sabattus.
Dear Sun Spots: We recently had to cut several beautiful white, paper birch trees next to our garage in order to prepare to add a car port. I am an avid craft fair goer in the fall and I have seen many lovely craft items made from white birch. I know this product is limited and so I would like to offer it to a local craftsman just for the taking for use in their crafting. Please call me at (207) 946-7430 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. if you’re interested. – Mary Anne Courbron, Greene.
Dear Sun Spots: I have about 50 or 60 canning jars with wires that I would like to sell if an antique dealer or interested person wants them. Some are pint, quart and two-quart jars. My number is (207) 353-2867. – E.M. Russell, Lisbon.
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