DEAR SUN SPOTS: Hi, I’m hoping you can help answer this question for me. When you leave a job of your own free will here in Maine, what becomes of your vacation time, sick leave and personal time? What happens to them if you are laid off or are fired? Thank you for your help. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Once again Sun Spots called on Adam Fisher at the Maine Department of Labor. He responded with the following:

“Benefits like sick time, vacation leave, personal days or holidays are not required by law. State law, however, does note that if an employer policy or past practice had included payment for vacation time accrued at the end of the job, the employer would be responsible for following the terms of their policy.”

If your job was covered by a union, which is increasingly rare, you should check with the union.

Sun Spots has worked for a couple dozen employers in several states over the years. All paid for accrued vacation, none for personal or sick leave, regardless of whether the employee was fired or quit.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Percy’s Burrow is hosting a princess parade at the Auburn  Mall and is looking for donations of gently worn, clean dress-up clothes and accessories.

We are charging a $10 fee for this event (usually our events are free) so we can offset some of the costs. Kids will get a craft set, goodie bags and a pizza party for the fee.

This is not a charity event, but we wanted to be able to have some extra clothes on hand in case there are some kids who don’t have princess dresses so they would not be excluded. We have what we call a scholarship program for those kids who can’t afford it. We will waive the fee  —  and hopefully have something for them to wear! 

The event is Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Laurie St. Pierre, 376-3225, percysburrow@gmail.com

ANSWER: If you have anything to donate, Laurie needs it right away. The short deadline is Sun Spots fault. She had to get some more information from Laurie and fit it into the column.

Sun Spots currently has dozens of letters waiting to be published, so don’t despair if yours hasn’t appeared yet.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters is trying to identify and locate those who were senior members during World War 11, 1941–45 and served here in Maine. It is not necessary to be a current member.

If you or someone you know qualifies, please send the names and contact information to CAP Public Affairs, paa@capnhq.gov. Locally you can contact me, the public affairs officer , Maine Wing , CAP, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, 312-0131. — Capt Mary Story, mstoryking@gmail.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A number of years ago, a group met at the Auburn Police Station to hook rugs. Our leader came from Lisbon, I think. I have an unfinished rug to give away if anyone is interested. All the yarn is included. Call 784-6852. — No Name, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a copy of the Echo Yearbook 1952 and 1953; Paper Talks Magazine, St. John Valley edition 1988 (front cover features the family of Abel Morneault), and Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, a presentation by Herve F. Drouin, PO Std and Cent ans de vie paroissiale SS Pierre et Paul de Lewiston 187-1970. If anyone is interested in these items, please call 782-6278. — Sandra Thompson, Lewiston

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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