ANSWER: There are many oil companies in Maine, and Sun Spots is unable to call each one to ask what types of assistance they have for heating oil payments. A search of the Internet shows that energy loans may be available through your heating oil company.

Interestingly, a few years ago, a couple in Maine who needed heating oil payment assistance were interviewed locally and then nationally and over $100,000 was donated to their heating oil company to pay for their heating oil and the extra money helped others.

Also, have you tried General Assistance from your town? General assistance is a program run by every town to help people who don’t have enough money to pay their necessary expenses. You may be eligible if your basic living costs are more than the money you have or can earn. Each town has rules about who can have this money. You have the right to read the rules in the town office.

Anyone can go to the town office and fill out an application. You will be asked to write down your income, to tell what cash you have, and to give a list of all your expenses, such as rent, heating fuel, electricity, food and other things you must pay for. You will also be asked if you have any cash, bank accounts, cars, or other things of value. Make sure you apply for everything you need, and that your application is complete before you sign it.

You should apply at the town office. If there is no town office, ask the town clerk or a selectperson. In certain cases, you may be able to apply over the phone.

If you run out of heating oil or food or something else you really need, the town must take an application at once. Look for a sign on the town office door that will tell you how to apply in an emergency. You can also call the town clerk, a selectperson or the local police and ask how you can apply. You may be able to get GA in an emergency, even though you are not usually eligible.

This information came from Pine Tree Legal. You can call them if you are denied GA at 207-774-8211 or the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-442-6003.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for the great job you do. We are an elderly couple looking for a person in the Greene area to do snow throwing from our driveway this winter. We have our own equipment: a Toro tractor with a snow thrower attachment. We also have a new Toro self-propelled walk-behind snow thrower. Both pieces of equipment have a cab on them. Anyone interested, please call 207-946-4961. Thank you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Russell Park Rehabilitation & Living Center is having their annual craft fair on Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14. The tables are $15 each to rent and can be reserved by calling Fern St. Claire at 207-786-0691. Thank you.

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