DEAR SUN SPOTS: I will be retiring in about five years. Is there someone to contact regarding several questions I have such as living in an adult-over-55 community and fees that might be associated with it? Or is it better to rent or buy outside a community? I do like the idea of having people around my age for neighbors and all of the activities that a community has to offer.
Where is the best place economically to retire ? I’m thinking North Carolina, Virginia or Tennessee. I know a lot of people retire to Florida because is economically cheaper, but I don’t think I could live there year round.There are so many things to consider and there must be someone who can help answer all of the questions I have when it comes to retiring to another location. Maybe your fine readers can offer suggestions also. Thank you. — L.S. via online submission form.
ANSWER: You can start by contacting AARP at 1-866-554-5380 or 207-776-6303 or write to AARP Maine, 53 Baxter Boulevard, Portland, ME 04101. If you prefer email, send it to Amy Gallant at agallant@aarp.org or visit the website at www.aarp.org/me/. When you start checking out assisted living communities, you can get an evaluation checklist from AARP or ALFA at www.alfa.org/. Visit bankrate.com for a list of the top 10 best states for retirement. Their 2015 list states that Wyoming is the No. 1 state for retirement. On the other hand, Kiplinger.com ‘s list of the best states for retirement 2015 shows Delaware as the No. 1 state.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Again I have had telephone calls concerning participating in a day trip. One caller named Susan gave me a phone number, which doesn’t work, so I can’t get her address to send her a flyer. Another stated her name and phone number on the answering machine, but I was unable to decipher it because she talked too fast, as well as background/phone noises.
For anyone interested in getting flyers by mail or email about the Meadowview day trips, please reply by phone and slow down while talking so that I can get all the information, and be able to send you the information you requested. Please call again if you have not received a prompt reply. We have three day trips left for the year: Wednesday, July 25 to Foster’s Clambake, and some shopping; Wednesday, Sept. 23, train ride with meal and trip to Oxford Casino; and last trip to Indian Head for meal, show and gift on Sunday, Nov. 29. Thank you. Bert Dutil, Meadowview trip escort, 207-786-2305, or mail to 23 Spofford St., Apt. 454, Lewiston, ME 04240.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for someone to clean an apartment in Lewiston. This would be a one-time deal. I would love to have the wooden floors washed. Call 207-312-4505. I will be on vacation from July 10 until July 19. Call anytime after that. Thanks.
Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.
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