DEAR SUN SPOTS: For several years, someone has been remembering my grandmother’s life and that of her companion of many years by putting flowers on their graves in Leeds on Memorial Day. Their names are Nina Brewster and Joseph McMorran.

I have no idea who could be leaving the flowers. If the person or persons responsible for this kind act read this, I would be greatly appreciative if they would contact me at 783-7785 if for no other reason than to satisfy my curiosity. Thank you. — Steve Crossley, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My mom passed away recently, and I would like to know if anyone would be interested in a power chair (Jazzy Select 7 Series). Also, a lift chair. Call 786-4636. —No Name, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read that one of your readers was looking for his father, who he never really knew, and was looking for background information. I may have some useful ideas.

First, if one knows the father’s name, check arrest records and court news online through most newspapers. As the writer said that he knew he was a criminal, county court records are accessible by the public. Call ahead for assistance and be patient and respectful.

If he is incarcerated at this time, go to the Maine Department of Corrections website at www.maine.gov/corrections. All incarcerated people in the system are listed by name, crime and release date.

Lastly, if someone was adopted, is over the age of 18 and does not know the parents’ names, the Department of Health and Human Services may have a file on them. Be sure to bring proof of who you are. I hope this will help. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: No Name has some good suggestions, but there are a few caveats. Although many newspapers, including the Sun Journal, publish arrest records, they do not cover every crime. Also, these records are limited, going back only as far as the computer age. Smaller newspapers may not have any records online at all.

As for the Department of Corrections, Sun Spots went to the website and found the following information:

“The Department of Corrections receives prisoners after they have been tried, convicted, and sentenced to a term of more than nine months. If they are incarcerated prior to conviction, or sentenced to fewer than nine months, they would be in a county jail. We do not have access to those records. You must contact the county jail directly.

“For public information about offenders who have already been sentenced to more than nine months, you can send an e-mail to Corrections.Webdesk@maine.gov

“In your e-mail please provide the following information:

• Full name of inmate

• Date of birth

• DOC number (if you have it)

•Your full name

• Your address

• A brief statement explaining what information you want and the purpose.

“A surprising number of people have the same name. Please include as much identifying information as you can.”

Finally, as for the DHHS, adoptees can register for an information exchange, so that if the birth parents are also willing, they can learn each other’s identities. The website for the statutes on adoption contacts is at http://tinyurl.com/3y6w7vk. The application for the Adoption Reunion Registry is also available online.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A while ago I saw an announcement in the paper that a local bank or business was offering free shredding to residents of the area. We have a Xerox paper box full of items that need to be shredded. Is the offer still available and if so, where? Thank you for all that you do. Your service is extremely important to the community. — Mary, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots found an online posting that said that Androscoggin Bank offered that service in January and February, but it doesn’t appear to be now. Some organizations also periodically offer free shredding days, but Sun Spots is not aware of any upcoming. Readers?

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.