DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you find out if the public had any influence in extending Daylight Saving Time days by two weeks in the fall as well as two weeks in the spring?

Also, what year did this change occur? Thank you for solving so many puzzles for all of us. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: The public always has a certain amount of influence in political decisions, even if it doesn’t always seem like it.

In 2007, Daylight Saving Time was changed, adding the weeks you note. It is now observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, adding about a month to DST.

There were a variety of reasons cited for this change, but energy conservation is usually at the top of the list. Halloween trick or treating may also have played a part in the fall extension.

You might be interested to know that the concept of “saving time” goes back all the way to 1895, according to Wikipedia, which says the concept was first suggested by George Vernon Hudson, an English-born New Zealand entomologist.

Not everyone appreciates the practice, with farmers and others who work according to the sun finding it inconvenient.

Lastly, although people commonly refer to it as “Daylight Savings Time,” there is no “s.” It is Daylight Saving Time.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have tried unsuccessfully to find Tom Selleck’s latest Jesse Stone movie, “No Remorse,” at my local Walmart. I asked the clerk on duty concerning this and was met with actual sarcasm and told to research the movie myself.

Also, I am having difficulty finding out if Walmart will be carrying Fruit of the Loom men’s sweatpants this year. Since this brand has always been available in Walmart, I assumed it was a fair question. I again was told I can’t help you.

Can you help with these situations? Thank you. — No Name via e-mail

ANSWER: Sun Spots called the Auburn Walmart and spoke to an assistant manager who said she would pass a message on to the manager. Unfortunately, no one called Sun Spots back. Perhaps they are overwhelmed with the Christmas rush.

She did check their website, however, and they do have the fleece sweatpants, a two-pack online is $12.

“No Remorse” is $16.46 at www.walmart.com. (Sun Spots saw it via Netflix and was rather disappointed, although she has liked the other Jesse Stone movies.)

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The First Baptist Church of Mexico will be presenting the Christmas Cantata “One King” on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. It will be held at the church, 20 Roxbury Road, Mexico.

This musical will be directed by Lilla Mae Thomas, with Tim Blodgett as the pianist. Dale and Stacy Thompson and Kaitlyn Robinson will be narrating, and soloists will include Matt Peters, Delaney Welch, Sonia Pearson, and Diane Stanley. Community members are cordially invited to join us for this evening of seasonal expression. — Marilla Couch, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The United New Auburn Association invites the public to attend the Christmas tree lighting and celebration with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Sunday, Dec. 12.

A parade will start off the events at 5 p.m., leaving from Raymond Park, turning right onto Broad Street and left onto Mill Street, ending at Rolly’s Diner. Parking is available in the New Auburn Social Club and Rolly’s Diner parking lots. Santa will light the Christmas tree beside Rolly’s Diner at 5:30 p.m.

This event is free and is being held for the residents of Auburn. Come and get into the Christmas spirit, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy some light refreshments.

For more information, call me or Chairman Leroy Walker, 577-2694. — Stephen J. Martelli, vice chairman, 786-9116, [email protected]

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 [email protected].