DEAR SUN SPOTS: This past summer while enjoying Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, I noticed a yellow flag with a green pine tree in the middle and a blue star in the upper corner. Come to find out, it’s an original Maine flag.

Wouldn’t it be great to return to Maine’s original flag? School children all over Maine would easily be able to draw this state flag. It would be a great art project or sewing craft, not to mention that there are 25 state flags that are blue. Maine’s original state flag would stick out like a beautiful yellow ribbon in a sea of blue, truly reflecting a unique all-season vacationland that is The Pine Tree State. Is there any way you can promote this idea and make it come to pass?

I love your column.

— Jeffrey, Auburn

ANSWER: I do love this original Maine flag and the idea you have. The original Maine flag consisted of a green pine tree, native symbol of New England and freedom, in the center, with a blue North Star, all on a buff-colored background. I also agree that crafting these flags is a fantastic project. However, the Maine Flag Company is already on it and is most likely the maker of the one you saw in your travels. Of course, you can make your own or you can purchase one of these flags at The Maine Flag Company at originialmaine.com or by calling 207-619-2626. The company is promoting this original flag because many Mainers feel this is a better representation of our state than the current flag that has been deemed as one of the worst-designed state flags in the country. Mainers have always been original so why not fly the original Maine flag?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What is the closest store in which to try out a lift recliner with heat and massage prior to purchasing?

— No name, Strong

ANSWER: Call these medical supply stores to see if they have chairs for you to try: Daniel’s Accessibility & Medical Supply at 31 Middle Road in Augusta at 207-629-5510 or Lincare Inc., at 21 Westminster St. in Lewiston. Their number is 207-786-2211. There is also American Home Patient in Lewiston. They are at 675 Main St #13. The number is 207-782-7600. Good luck!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You’re the greatest source of information and I hope you can help once again. Can you find the answer to this Social Security question? If a couple has lived together for 37 years, were married for 15 years then divorced, if one passes away, is the other person entitled to their former spouse’s Social Security benefits if they are higher than theirs? Thanks in advance.

— No name, no town

ANSWER: All your Social Security questions can be answered by visiting the administration’s website at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The folks who answer the phones at the Social Security offices are very helpful. Since you were married to your spouse for more than 10 years, you can apply for his benefits depending on how much more your spouse earned than you did. A mathematical formula is applied, then you will have your answer.

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.

maine flag company photo