DEAR SUN SPOTS: What was the occasion for the large fireworks display in Lewiston-Auburn on May 12? Who paid for the fireworks? Thank you. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: The fireworks were explained at the Bates College website:

“Residents in the neighborhood around Bates College shouldn’t be surprised to hear and see some pyrotechnics this weekend.

“A student group at Bates will present fireworks over the college’s Lake Andrews starting around 9:15 p.m. Sunday, May 12.

“An organization promoting Asian and Asian-American awareness, identity and fellowship at Bates, Sangai Asia sponsors a fireworks show near the end of every academic year.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have gift certificates to the Sunday River Brew Pub. I heard they have closed. Can you find out if they will honor the certificates in any way? — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots checked the website, and it looked like all was well, with the upcoming week of specials for the pub listed. But when she called a man answered and said the place is closed and in a “holding pattern.”

He said he was just cleaning up, has no authority and no information. All he would say is that Grant Wilson still owns the pub. He would not give Sun Spots a phone number.

Perhaps the owner will respond or others will have more information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have recently seen very cute butterflies and flowers in an office at St. Mary’s Hospital and was told they were purchased at St. Mary’s gift shop. Unfortunately, there aren’t any more. They were sold out.

I have been looking for them or something similar for myself and my granddaughter’s birthday. I can’t find any. I’m told Ganz is a supplier, but I can’t get an answer there. Does anyone out there know of any place where I can get either the small or the large again? Thanks. — Debbie, debrod@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: Your explanation of the item doesn’t give Sun Spots enough to go on for a search. But she can give you information to contact Ganz. You can find them online at www.ganz.com, write to Ganz USA LLC, 3855 Shallowford Road, Suite 600, Marietta, GA 30062 , or call 800-724-5902.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Some people may be hesitant to throw away their old alkaline batteries (May 18), because they remember the old advice to never do so lest the batteries explode (if burned) or cause environmental damage (due to leakage or burning), actions that could take place at transfer stations or landfills.

Some years ago batteries were made safer, and it is indeed now OK to discard them with the regular trash. If you have any doubt about the proper way to dispose of a particular battery, take it to your local transfer station, which will have the correct advice and disposal site. — Pat Malcolm, pmalcpoet@yahoo.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I enjoy your column, very interesting and helpful.

The Lisbon High School Class of 1954 is having its 60th class reunion in July 2014.

I am looking for addresses of four classmates: Phyllis Parker Reitz, Barbara Russell Weldon, Richard Dube and Richard Thompson.

Any help will be much appreciated. Thank you. — Connie Lessard, 16 Eagle View Drive, Auburn, ME 04210, 786-4659

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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