DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am doing a research project on curbside pickup of organic waste (compostable materials), and I’ve heard that Lewiston had one for a brief time.

Can anyone tell me more about it? I’m looking for information about how it was run, what sort of education there was prior to and during its term, and why it ended. Please e-mail me at sallygriffith@gmail.com or call 512-8693. Thanks. — Sally, Hallowell

ANSWER: Sun Spots spoke to Rob Stalford, superintendent of Lewiston’s Solid Waste Division, who said that the city did have a program to collect and compost leaves, but that it is being discontinued this year due to costs and contamination issues (items such as microwave ovens were left in with the leaves!).

The leaves were used for different purposes over the years, including being mixed with sludge to make compost and chopped up to make mulch, which could then be sold.

Sun Spots also spoke to Marie, who works in the scale house at the city of Lewiston Solid Waste and Recycling facility. She had an interesting memory from her grandmother about the times when the city picked up swill buckets. The swill was taken to the piggery, where those living at the poor farm helped care for the pigs.

If you have any further questions about the composting program, you may call Rob Stalford at 513-3147.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Earlier today (July 27), I read a request in Sun Spots for a fire helmet for a child who has some challenges but really loves firemen. I am married to a retired firefighter, and we have a helmet that would be perfect for him, but I cannot find the request in Sun Spots online. Can you help me? — Penny via e-mail

ANSWER: You can reach his mother, Laurie, at 562-4926. Her letter may be read at http://tinyurl.com/3x4hg9y.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: There used to be a place online where we could go and see how all our state senators and representatives voted on each bill. Now I cannot find it. Can you help? — No Name, Farmington

ANSWER: Sun Spots corresponded with Carolyn in the Legislature’s Office of the Executive Director. She said that if you go to www.legislature.maine.gov, click on the Bill Status search and put in the LD number that you are looking for. There will be a blue button that says “roll calls” and that is what you would click on to find out if they had a roll call vote. If they did, you would be able to see how the legislators voted. If there was no roll call ordered, then the vote would not be recorded.

You could also contact your senator and representative directly and ask them to e-mail you a list of how they voted on the bills for that session. Sun Spots suggest they would respond not only with their “yeas” or “nays” but with an explanation of why they voted that way!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Monmouth Academy will hold its 111th annual alumni reunion on Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Monmouth Academy gym. Alumni and guests can come at 10 a.m. for coffee and socializing with classmates. Lunch, from Hurricane’s Cafe, will be at noon, and entertainment will follow.

The class of 1960 will be the honored guests at the event. Everyone who attended the academy is welcome. Please call at 784-2568 or e-mail haylit@exploremaine.com for reservations. Note, reservations are required for lunch. — Chriss Wight Hayden

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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