DEAR SUN SPOTS: Over the past month I have enjoyed trips to two outdoor restaurants.

At both locations I encountered people smoking cigarettes. I found this to be disgusting. At one place it was while we were in line for food. At another it was someone sitting at the picnic table next to us while we were eating.

I did not see any “No Smoking” signs around so I did not feel comfortable asking the people to stop smoking. Is there a way to recommend that these places become nonsmoking family areas?

Also I would like to applaud those places that do have no smoking signs. It makes me happy to return knowing I won’t be inhaling smoke during my visit! Thank you for your time. — Kimberly via email

ANSWER: There are currently no laws prohibiting smoking in such locations, but the owners may be receptive to your request (unless perhaps they are smokers themselves!).

Sun Spots suggests you make a copy of this column and drop it off with a note for the owners of those restaurants.

You could increase the power of your plea by asking friends or neighbors to add their voices to yours.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Channel 8 WMTW TV morning news, Shannon Moss and Erin Ovale try out items that are only sold on TV. They show the results on the 6 p.m. news; I believe it’s on Wednesday.

My question is: How can I find the results of the past segments of that show, to see if the item is worth purchasing? — No Name, Jay

ANSWER: Sun Spots emailed WMTW News Director Amy Beveridge, who said those segments are available at wmtw.com. She said you should search for “buy it try it. You could also try searching by product name at wmtw.com

Amy sent Sun Spots several links, including one for Flex Seal (http://tinyurl.com/8xzofve) and Gyro Bowl (http://tinyurl.com/7hzdk7s), which is the introductory segment.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you tell me how I can get a gift certificate to the Chick-A-Dee Restaurant in Turner honored? I tried to reach them by phone with no results. Will the Chick-A-Dee in Lewiston honor this certificate? Thank you. — Theresa, terribil1@myfairpoint.net

ANSWER: Sun Spots also addressed this question on May 23 (http://tinyurl.com/7ezwnmq). That reader said she asked and the Lewiston restaurant will not honor those gift certificates. Sun Spots thinks you are most likely out of luck unless the owners volunteer refunds.

This is not the first time Sun Spots has had questions about gift certificates for places that go out of business, and she fears it will not be the last. If you receive a gift certificate, hot foot it over to the store ASAP.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston Elks Lodge’s second monthly indoor yard sale will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 17. Tables are available for rent at $10.

If you have any questions or would like to participate, please contact Walter Cyr at the Lewiston Elks Lodge at 344-9618. — Karen via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I saw your May 9 column with a letter from someone looking for an Avon representative.

I handle most of the Avon customers for representative Richard Burkard. We are on Granite, near Heathcos. However we are willing to serve anyone in Auburn and near Main and Sabattus in Lewiston.

We are also willing to ship outside of the areas mentioned for no extra charge. — Julie Rodgers, 754-9129, thorns2roses.avonrepresentative.com

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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