DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would Sun Spots please check something for us? We were told by an employee of Hollywood Slots in Bangor that families of employees are not allowed to play at the slots. Also, if it were passed that Bates Mill would get a casino, would those same rules apply? — D and D, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots spoke with Jason at Hollywood Slots, which is run by Penn National Gaming, and he checked with the human resources department on employee gambling policies. He said that employees and their spouses or domestic partners are not allowed to gamble, but this does not apply to other family members.

Sun Spots also spoke to reporter Scott Taylor, who is covering the story on the possible casino on the Bates Mill land, and he said it is way too early for the selection of an operator, which would set the rules for employees. First the investors have to win approval to buy the land, then voters have to approve gambling in Lewiston in November 2011. So it will be at least late that year or early 2012 before things get under way.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I first have to say I love to read letters and your answers everyday. Now it is my turn. I am looking for help to find someone whom repairs musical windup jewelry boxes and one whom does upholstery repair, in Norway or within 30 to 40 miles. — No Name, Norway

ANSWER: In addition to whatever suggestions readers might have, the music box museum, the Musical Wonder House, in Wiscasset offers music box repair. You can contact them at 882-7163 or toll free at 800-336-3725. They are at 16-18 High St., Wiscasset, ME 04578.

As for upholsterers, there are several in the phone book, including one in Sumner, Alan Osborn Upholstery, 388-3177, and Bennett’s Upholstery in Bethel, 824-2336. Sun Spots spoke to both, and they are in business and ready for customers.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the mother looking for support groups for divorced dads, KidsFirst is a wonderful organization based in Portland. Their office is located at 222 St. John St. They have various offerings for the whole family, including a Dad’s Group.

From their Web site, www.kidsfirstcenter.org, The Separation, Divorce and Dads group meets at the center on the first Tuesday of each month. This is a support group for men who are already divorced, in the process of divorcing or who have never been married. It provides men with an opportunity to discuss issues of their choosing, such as coping with loss, dealing with the stages of divorce and co-parenting arrangements. Registration is not necessary, but her son should call the center at 761-2709 beforehand. — Cindy Guerin, LCSW

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for being such an important part of our community. Creative Sewing Center needs your help. We would like to challenge your readers to join our efforts to Make a Pillowcase, Make a Difference.

The “One Million Pillowcase Challenge” is a yearlong national challenge to create and donate pillowcases to local organizations in need. Our goal is to make 500 pillowcases in 2010. Every pillowcase can make a difference in our community. A pillowcase can provide comfort for a cancer patient, hope for a foster child, encouragement for a battered woman, or cheer for a nursing home resident.

Free pillowcase patterns are available at our store. Once completed, the pillowcases can be dropped off in our drop off box at Creative Sewing Center. We are located at the Auburn Plaza, 730 Center St., Auburn (next to Big Lots).

We would also like to encourage schools or youth organizations to do this as a community service project. If this is something you’d like to do as a group, please contact us and we can arrange for your group to sew in our classroom. You can call us at 782-5922 or by e-mail at creativesewme@gmail.com. Thank you for joining the challenge. — Lisa Blake, Creative Sewing Center

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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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