DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you tell me if there will be an increase in Social Security this coming year? — Bev, Bethel
ANSWER: It was just announced Wednesday that there will be a small increase (less than 2 percent) for recipients this year. Estimates from various websites are of between 1.5 and 1.8 percent.
The final decision will be made after the September cost-of-living numbers are released on Oct. 16, so the exact amount should be known shortly after that.
As for the increase in the Part B premium, Roland at SeniorsPlus reminded Sun Spots that those email rumors about it skyrocketing are still going around. They are NOT true. According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Serivces, the Part B premiums for 2013 and 2014 are projected to be between $112.10 and $117.10.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am emailing in response to the Oct. 1 letter from a senior looking for a mobile groomer to tend to her cat once a month. That is exactly what our service offers, mobile (we come to you) grooming.
Our business, That Pink Van Mobile Pet Services, was featured on the Sun Journal’s business page on Sept. 29. Thank you. — Sherri Chase and Becky Whalen, www.thatpinkvan.com, 207-838-CLIP
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The senior looking for mobile pet services should check out the Pink Van, 838-CLIP. She will be pleased. Just ask Molly. She loved her bath. — M.M.B., Greene
DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the person looking for someone to come to the home for pet grooming, Paula Dobbins does that. She is a certified veterinary technician who will groom cats and dogs in the Hartford, Canton, Turner and Lewiston-Auburn area. She can be reached at 515-2485. — Cynthia Norton, Sumner
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Your first letter on Oct. 1 was from a senior looking for someone to come to her home to help with her cat’s grooming needs.
My daughter is a part-time groomer assistant, so she has references, which I believe are extremely important especially for a senior this day and age, especially when looking for someone to come into their home.
She has extensive experience with animals aside from her work. She has had a pair of clippers in her hand since she was about 7.
She would love to help this lady out with her kitty, but there was no contact information in the her letter.
I don’t want to put my daughter’s name in the paper either, so I wondered if you could either forward her phone number to the woman who is interested (if you have it) or if you could forward this email.
Her gramma lives at Roak Block in Auburn and she loves to hang out with all the ladies over there, so for her it would just be a double fun thing for her to get to help someone and their pet at the same time. — No Name via email
ANSWER: Sun Spots does not act as a go-between other than in the column. She lets readers contact each other. But Mrs. M., the lady with the cat, said it would be OK to put her number in the column so people can call her. It is 212-7403.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would love to help the lady that posted she needed her Maine coon cat’s nails clipped, and some other clipping done.
I am a cat lover and breed and show cats, which are required to have their nails clipped, also Have worked as an emergency medicine vet technician.
Please forward my work number privately to this lady. I would not charge her. I, too, have an elderly mum who doesn’t drive. Thank you. — No Name via email
ANSWER: Sun Spots is sure that Mrs. M. (212-7403) will appreciate your kind offer.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Thursday, Sept. 13, my two elderly sisters and I enjoyed a lunch together at Edward’s Restaurant. When it was time for our bill, the waitress told us it was already paid for by the lady sitting at the next table, who had already left.
We were surprised and delighted and wish we could say thank you to this lady for being so generous to us that day. It just goes to show that all angels are not just in heaven. Thank you. — No Name, No Town
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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