Dear Sun Spots: We are hoping Sun Spots readers will take part in the sixth annual Carve a Pumpkin.

Interested participants can show off their carving talents and display their work in the Parade of Jack-O’-Lanterns Oct. 21, 22, 23 on Gracelawn Road in Auburn (in front of K&K Excavation).

Please drop off your creations between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 on Gracelawn Road. Then, bring your family and friends to view the lit Jack-O’-Lanterns from 5 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 21, 22 and 23. Voluntary donations will be taken at the entrance to the parade to benefit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

We would also like to extend a special invitation to the Red Hat Society chapters. – Mrs. O., Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: As a satisfied Sun Journal subscriber, Sun Spots is one of my favorite parts of the paper. Today I have a question to submit.

I plan on opening a barbershop in Maine. Where can I write to obtain a copy of the rules, regulations etc. on licensing, opening and operating a barbershop? Also, is there a barber’s association in Maine? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Write to the department at Barber and Cosmetology, 35 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.

As well as obtaining the rules and regulations, you might also like to check out the state’s Web site at www.state.me.us/pfr/olr/categories/cat08.htm. A license is required for this type of business, and you will need to procure one as well as take an exam. Start off with obtaining the rules and Sun Spots is sure you’ll be directed to the licensing requirements.

Dear Sun Spots: A few months ago I received an issue of McCalls Quilting magazine, it featured a quilt that I fell in love with and quickly went out to buy the fabric to make it. When the time came to cut the quilt, I had misplaced the magazine and can no longer make the quilt. This quilt was to be for my sister’s birthday. I am wondering if, anyone out there has a copy of this magazine. The quilt was very distinctive. It featured a black background with a myriad of multicolored stars as the motif. The stars were in an array of soft hues of purples, greens, blues. Some were large stars, others were smaller. They showed it draped over a fence. The issue is September/October 2004 and the pattern is called Under the Midnight Sky.

If you have this magazine and would be willing to either loan it to me or photo copy the instructions, I would be very grateful. I can be reached at [email protected]. Thank You. – Kathy Peters, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, check out McCalls Web site for purchasing this issue at www.mccallsquilting.com. If the pattern is out of print, McCalls notes on their Web site that if you are seeking a pattern published in an unavailable back issue, they will be happy to make a black-and-white photocopy of the desired pattern from their archives. Cost is $4 per pattern; you will receive an invoice with the copies. To request this copy service, e-mail them at [email protected]. Be sure to include the name of the pattern you are seeking and your postal mailing address. Please note they do not send patterns as e-mail attachments.

Dear Sun Spots: Would you or any of your readers know where one could buy a DVD of Louisa May Alcott’s The Inheritance. It is the 1997 version with Meredith Baxter. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. – Mardie, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, check out www.amazon.com.

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). 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 posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].