Dear Sun Spots: I am an upper right amputee. I am looking to find an aluminum crutch with an arm brace. I use this for an adaptation to rake and shovel. Anyone out there who can help me will be greatly appreciated. I may be reached at 743-2877. Thanks. – Scott, Norway.

Dear Sun Spots: My family and I have taken advantage of the great dining deals through restaurant.com for a few years now. My question is this: one of their terms and conditions is that the certificate “expires one year from date of issue, except in California, and where otherwise prohibited by law.” It is my understanding that in the state of Maine gift certificates never expire, however several restaurants have refused to accept our certificates that are dated over a year ago. Can you tell me if that is against state law? Thank you so much. – Gordon, South Paris

Many thanks to Dan Shagoury, state Sen. Margaret Rotundo’s legislative aide, for his assistance in this matter. In 2005 the Legislature passed a law, L.D. 1084, which prohibits merchants from charging fees or putting expiration dates on gift certificates and gift cards. If a gift certificate or gift card is not used for at least two years, then 60 percent of its remaining value will be returned to the consumer through the State Treasurer’s Lost or Unclaimed Property program. Mr. Shagoury spoke with Jim McKenna from the Consumer Division of the Attorney General’s Office who noted that if you purchased the gift certificate out of state, you would follow the laws of the state that it was sold in. Since the transaction was made in Maine, you have 2 years from the date of purchase to redeem it. It may be possible that the restaurant is unaware of this law.

If you need more information or would like further assistance with this, please contact the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-436-2131 or e-mail at consumer.mediation@maine.gov.

According to Renee Lee from the customer support department at restaurant.com, the restaurant should comply with its state laws.

Dear Sun Spots: On Saturday, May 3, the High Street Congregational Church, UCC will hold its indoor yard sale. The sale will be held at the church at 106 Pleasant St., Auburn, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tables are available to rent for $10. For more information please call Connie Ray 782-2835. Many thanks for all your help. – Connie Ray, Auburn

Dear Sun Spots: We are looking for used cell phones, laser cartridges, ink jet cartridges, etc. We recycle these items for one of our fundraisers for our school, Calvary Christian Academy, in Turner. We are raising money to purchase a new playground. We send them to www.cartridgesforkids.com if you want to check out the Web site and see what else is recyclable. You may contact Mary at 225-3665 or e-mail cca@teacher.com. – Mary, Turner.

Dear Sun Spots: Is there anyone locally who can help me design a cross-stitch pattern? I have an idea for a wall-hanging but do not know how to proceed. Thanks for any help. – No Name, Leeds.



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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link