DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please settle a bet with my teenagers. What is the curfew for teenagers in Auburn? Are there different labor laws in regards to teenagers having part-time jobs in relation to their age? They won’t believe me unless they see it in print! Thank you! — No Name via e-mail
ANSWER: According to the Auburn Police Department, teens 16 and under have a 10 p.m. curfew.
As for labor laws, Adam Fisher at the Maine Department of Labor provided that information. For all the details, you can visit www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/publications/minorsguide.html, but basically teens under 16 must get a work permit before they start a job, but they should have a job offer before they apply for a work permit.
Teens can request work permits at the office of their school superintendent. The school district sends the completed application to the Maine Department of Labor for approval. The name of the business on the permit must be the actual business name, which may be different than what people commonly call it.
They must get a new work permit for each new job. Teens can have two work permits (for two different jobs) in the summer, but only one permit during the school year.
Child labor laws also limit the number of hours teens may work. Hours are restricted for all workers under 18, but only teens under 16 years old need work permits.
Minors are also prohibited from working at many of the more dangerous jobs. Some of the jobs Maine teens under 18 years old cannot do include operating most mechanical equipment, driving for work, and working alone in a cash-based business.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Troop 130 of South Paris would like to honor the 74 Eagle Scouts of our troop with each of their names engraved on a perpetual plaque. Troop 130 has a long tradition of community service and involvement and has been chartered by the First Congregational Church of South Paris for 76 years.
We are currently raising funds to purchase this perpetual plaque and welcome donation from Eagle Scouts, former Scouts of Troop 130 or anyone that would like to contribute to help us reach our goal. We are also in need of a glass-front display case for the safekeeping and display of small troop memorabilia to be permanently located in our church.
If you would like to make a donation, please make the check payable to BSA Troop 130 and send it to Troop 130, First Congregational Church, 17 East Main St., South Paris, ME 04281 Attention: Eagle Plaque Project. For more information, call Lynn at 539-2695. — Troop 130, South Paris
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Our 4-year-old grandson is coming to visit. He loves to put on costumes; he wears them to preschool, friends’ homes, shopping, etc. We would like to fill a chest with costumes for him to have fun with while he is here. Also, some for his 8-year-old brother.
They like pirates, action characters, knights, soldiers, firemen, etc. Does anyone have costumes they would like to get rid of? We have looked at thrift and outlet stores, but they don’t have any at this time of year. We could order online, but they are quite expensive. Thank you. Call 782-9555 or e-mail philiprea@gmail.com. — Carol and Philip Rea, Auburn
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I wrote a letter to you a month ago asking about stuffed chocolate-dipped strawberries, and the response I received was wonderful. Thank you so very much to everyone who took the time to respond or send me an e-mail.
After receiving Susan Eminger’s name, I was able to go to the website that was mentioned and get some recipes for what I want. Now I will be able to make them myself to enjoy or give as gifts along with the other candy I make during the holidays. — Wendy, wendyvermette@yahoo.com
NOTE TO CROSSWORD PUZZLE FANS: Be sure and read today’s editorial, which discusses the issue and offers readers a chance to weigh in on the puzzles’ difficulty.
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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