DEAR SUN SPOTS: I believe you misread the state guidelines regulating consumer fireworks. The 2012 law does not say that fireworks may only be let off on July 4 and Dec. 31, but simply that they can be let off at a later time than on other days (12:30 a.m. instead of 10 p.m.). So the fireworks Becky (June 26 letter) heard were not necessarily illegal. — James Myall, Topsham

ANSWER: James is quite right. The state does not limit the days of the year. However, many municipalities do, thus Sun Spots’ confusion about the issue.

She is deeply embarrassed by the error. Here is some more information on the subject.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The information provided in your June 26 column in response to a question about fireworks displays was incorrect. You stated that “The Maine Legislature has limited the use of fireworks to just a few days a year.”

In fact, Maine state law allows the use of consumer fireworks between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., 365 days of the year. On July 4, Dec. 31, and the weekends immediately preceding those dates, the hours of permitted use are extended to 12:30 a.m.

As you correctly stated, many municipalities have passed ordinances further restricting the sale or use of fireworks, or both. — Amy Chapman, amyc@megalink.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the question about fireworks, I think the writer may have been asking about organized, not consumer, displays.

Bates College has periodic fireworks displays to celebrate campus events, and other festivals and celebrations are able to obtain permits for them as well. These are usually announced in the newspaper in the event details or schedule prior to the event, and while college celebrations are more private, I have noticed the fireworks displays have been announced in advance.

I believe the recent Saturday display the writer mentioned was at Bates College. — Pat Malcolm, pmalcpoet@yahoo.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The fireworks Becky heard recently were most likely the Bates College reunion weekend fireworks which were set off on Saturday, June 8, and they were spectacular. My husband and I think they were better than the Lewiston-Auburn ones on the Fourth of July.

They were supposed to be on Friday, June 7, but were postponed due to the weather. Next year’s fireworks for reunion weekend will most likely be on Friday, June 6, 2014, weather permitting for reunion weekend again, so you can mark your calendar for that one. — Donna Douglass, class secretary, Bates College Class of 1989, Wales, 4498donnad@gmail.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS, I am writing to try to help my grandson. Because of making the wrong choices as a drug user (never violent), he is a convicted felon who will be leaving prison soon. He will have served his time and is hoping to make a new start. He will need to find a job and a place to live.

Are there any jobs or programs, any hints or ideas, to help him get back into the mainstream and be a productive citizen? He was a great dad when not on drugs and wants to be someone his son can look up to again. Thanks so much for any help. — No Name via email

ANSWER: A few years ago a man who was helping recently released prisoners wrote to Sun Spots requesting hygiene items, but his phone has been disconnected and Sun Spots does not know of any resources specifically directed to former prisoners, but readers may be able to help.

Having supportive family is critical to his post-incarceration success, so he’s lucky to have you. Also, if he’s not already attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings, that could help keep him on a good path. You can find a meeting at www.na.org.

He may also be able to find help from other agencies not especially directed to prisoners but to anyone who needs help finding a job, such as the Maine Career Center, 5 Mollison Way Lewiston, ME 04240, 753-9000, www.mainecareercenter.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: So many people read and pay attention to your column! Please share our thanks for all the donations of personal hygiene items! We are restocked for the time being but will regularly, always need more.

The biggest need is for full-size items (we have plenty of sample sizes), because we give a bag of full size to any woman who asks, once a month. Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, sanitary pads and toothpaste are what we seem to run out of the most — the basics that every woman needs.

What a wonderful supportive community we live in! Gratefully. — Klara Tammany, executive director, Center for Wisdom’s Women, Lewiston, www.wisdomswomen.org, 513-3922

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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