DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know of any redemption centers in the Lewiston-Auburn area, besides Hannaford (which does not give cash for bottles anymore), that accept the returnable milk bottles from Smiling Hill Farms?

The only one I have found is Lewiston Redemption Center, but they do not refund the full deposit amount due to what they called a “handling feel.” — No Name via email

ANSWER: Before she answers your question, Sun Spots has to correct some misinformation. Hannaford does give cash for bottles; it’s just not immediate.

Sun Spots emailed with Eric Blom, external communications manager for Hannaford Supermarkets, who wrote:

“We strongly encourage redemption, as part of our commitment to sustainability. Customers can conveniently redeem bottles and cans at all of our stores in the Lewiston-Auburn area through our partner, Clynk.

“Customers choose whether to receive that deposit in cash or apply it toward their grocery shopping. A great explanation of how Clynk works is available at its website: www.clynk.com.”

For further clarification and an answer to your question, Sun Spots had a long and interesting conversation with Warren Knight, who manages the family-run Smiling Hill Farms. He shed some light not only on his company’s bottle issues, but on redemption in general.

First, for readers who may not know, dairy products are not included in the bottle bill. You do not have to pay a nickel or 15 cents when you buy a half-gallon of milk.

Smiling Hill is an exception. The company has its own special bottles made of the heavy, old-fashioned glass that you used to get milk in when you were a child. The bottles, which are made in Canada, are then specially labeled, through a process that actually heats the glass and embeds the Smiling Hill logo into the bottle.

These bottles are quite expensive to make, so Smiling Hill wants to get them back. The current redemption charges when you purchase their milk are $1.50 for a pint and quart or $2 for a half-gallon.

Warren said they strive to get all the bottles back that they can, so are eager for customers to redeem them.

He said they actually check to make sure the redeeming process is being done correctly, by “planting” an occasional bottle in a batch of cans and bottles. He said they have found no inaccuracies in Clynk or other redemption providers.

As for Clynk, but here is the process according to Warren and Clynk.com.

First you have to sign up for an account (in the store or online) and get a Clynk account, which includes your own bar code. Then you get your special green bags (there is a small charge for them; Warren thought it was a nickel), fill them with your bottles and tie them up with a tag that includes your identifying bar code.

The bottles are then shipped off to be counted and your card is credited with the amount due. You can then use that balance at Hannaford, give it to charity or get cash.

Sun Spots just signed up online and was informed that she will get her new card, 10 bar codes and a coupon for 10 free bags in the mail.

As for redemption options for Smiling Hill, in addition to Clynk at the Auburn and Lewiston Hannafords, there are Twin City Redemption, Spring Street in Auburn, and Lewiston Redemption on Lisbon Street. Both keep 50 cents per bottle.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a local artist and am putting together a historic photographic show and need a little help from friends, the public of Lewiston and Auburn. The show is a visual reflection of performance and theater venues in L-A from our humble beginnings.

In my initial research I have uncovered more than 15 theater venues — our towns really enjoyed a night out for a show, all kinds of shows. If any of your readers have special or historic photographic images depicting theater buildings, stage performances, old playbills, etc., I would love to be in touch with them to discuss the details.

The show will open Friday, Sept. 14, following a special week of fundraising for our Community Little Theatre. The show will be available for viewing during specific evening hours for the following three weeks, with place and available viewing times to be announced.

Thank you, Sun Spots, very much! — Michael Koch, makbiz12@gmail.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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