Q: My phone has started to ring again with calls from telemarketers. I am on the Do Not Call list. Why am I getting these calls? What can I do?

E. BALOGH

White Oak

A: I'll bet you were one of the first in the state to sign up for the Do Not Call list.

This will come as a surprise to lots of people, but that Do Not Call list comes with an expiration date. When you sign up, your name is put on that list for five years. We started signing up back in 2002. That means this is the year those annoying phone calls could invade our homes again.

It's really easy to protect the silence of your home. The state attorney general's office will have a big push this summer reminding us that it is time to sign up again, but you can sign up again now. Just pick up the phone and call 1-888-777-3406. You can also sign up on the Do Not Call Web site at www.nocallsplease.com.

The Direct Marketing Association runs Pennsylvania's Do Not Call list. Stephanie Hendricks, director of public affairs for the association, says your number will be on the Do Not Call list for five years from the date you asked that it be included.

The national Do Not Call list also comes with a five-year expiration date. You don't have to wait to re-register there either. Just go to www.donotcall.gov and sign up again.

I just got my phone number back on the Do Not Call lists until April 3, 2012.

I'm told telemarketers have 31 days to get our numbers off their lists after we've registered.

One more reminder: Lauren Bozart of the attorney general's office says if your five years aren't up and you are getting unwanted sales calls, you can file a complaint at www.attorneygeneral.gov or call the state's consumer hot line at 1-800-441-2555.

Q: I would like to receive a birthday message for my father, who will turn 90 in May, from the president and the governor. I can't find out where to send for such a request. I wanted to send for it early as I understand there is a waiting period.

I would appreciate any info that you have.

SANDY SLUTZKY

West Deer

A: Your father meets the requirements, Sandy. The White House Greetings Office will send a birthday card to a person who is going to be 80 or older. The White House will send an anniversary card to a couple who has been married 50 years or more. There are some requirements.

You must send your request in writing at least six weeks before the celebration day, and it should be printed or typed. Be sure to include the courtesy title(s) of the person or couple -- Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr. -- the name and address of the person to receive the card, the person's age or the number of years a couple has been married, and the celebration date.

Don't forget to include your own name and a daytime phone number.

If you have questions, you can call the White House Greetings Office at 1-202-456-1414. You can fax your request to 1-202-395-1232 or mail it to: White House, Attn: Greetings Office, Washington, D.C. 20502-0039. For more information, go to www.whitehouse.gov/greetings.

The Pennsylvania Governor's Office will also send greetings, but makes it clear that just because you ask doesn't guarantee you will get one. There are some rules to follow for a state greeting as well. Be sure to include all of the same information that the White House requires. Requests should be made at least 30 days in advance of the celebration date.

All requests have to be sent to: Governor's Correspondence Office, Room 508E, Main Capitol, Harrisburg, PA 17120.