DEAR SUN SPOTS: When and how are finalists notified for the Greater Franklin County Readers’ Choice Awards? — Cody, no town

ANSWER: Greater Franklin County Readers’ Choice is a community contest highlighting the best of what our areas have to offer — from dining and shopping to arts and entertainment and more.

Favorite local businesses in over 90 categories were nominated from Friday, July 3,  through Sunday, July 26.

Following the nomination period, up-to the top five finalists in each category were voted on from Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Sep. 6.

Winners and finalists will be revealed at a ceremony Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5-7 p.m. at Nordica Auditorium, 111 South St., at the University of Maine in Farmington.

Afterward, results are published online and featured in a special results print section in the Sun Journal. 

If you wish to attend the awards ceremony, you can find event details and secure a general admission entry ticket for $17.59 through Tickets207 at https://tinyurl.com/9wmws8aj.  

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The American Legion Auxiliary is having a yard sale at 32 Church St. in South Paris on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tables are available to rent for $10 each. Please contact me at ammccaughin@roadrunner.com to sign up and for more information. — Tricia, South Paris 

ANSWER: Let’s gather a generous assortment of artists, craftspeople and vendors, Sun Spotters. Spread the word! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: How do I find out when I’ll receive the $300 payment from the state of Maine? I definitely qualify and my return was sent in mid-July (I got an extension). — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: You can go here to track your check, which should be coming to you through the mail within the next couple of weeks: https://www.maine.gov/revenue/affordability. This website will show a short form that will require your name and address, your Social Security number and your federal gross income, so have that information ready. You should be able to see if your check has been cut and/or is in transit. If you don’t receive your check within 30 days from reading this column, contact the affordability payment assistance line at 624-9924, or email Affordability.MRS@maine.gov for further assistance. Also, if you don’t have access to a computer, you can just call the above phone number now and receive help.   

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m a senior citizen (95) and have had a lot of medical appointments recently. While in waiting rooms, I notice how other patients are all looking at their phones, there are no magazines, and no conversations going on.  

Well, yesterday a nice woman initiated a conversation with me and I really enjoyed it. This made me realize how lonely I can get and I wonder if there are others who feel the same way. 

I’m suggesting that when you’re in waiting rooms, it would be wonderful if you find someone to talk with. It could really matter to them as it did to me yesterday. — No name, Auburn

ANSWER: Thank you for this suggestion. I hope this encourages folks to reach out to one another. 

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.