DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read your column every day and find it very informative. My question has to do with parking laws if you have a handicap plate.

We were in Old Orchard Beach a few weeks ago with a handicap plate. We asked an officer how long we could park with a handicap plate and if we had to pay the meter. We were told we could stay in the handicap space all day without paying or moving.

Is this a state of Maine law or an Old Orchard Beach law? — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots was told by several people that the parking regulations are a state issue, but her online search for the precise state statute failed.

Maine’s State Police spokesman Stephen McCausland sent a link to the state rules for handicapped plates and placards (www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec521.html), but it does not clearly outline enforcement by municipalities. 

Steve said that state rules allow those with handicapped plates or placards to park anywhere that parking is legal without paying, but they cannot park in no parking zones, such as in front of a fire hydrant or in a traffic lane.

Meanwhile, at the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, Susan said that they follow the state law, which allows parking for free at meters and for twice the time on posted spots (for example, four hours instead of two hours)

At www.portlandmaine.gov, it said that Portland also follows the state laws for handicapped parking.

It seems likely that most Maine municipalities follow the state law, but Sun Spots cannot be absolutely positive.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know how to keep my cats off my rag-top. I understand that is a comfy place, but cleaning cat hair every day is annoying. Any suggestions from your Rolodex? Thanks. — No Name via email

ANSWER: The training tip for teaching cats to stay off kitchen counters might work. Place empty aluminum beverage cans along the edge where they jump up. The cans must be touching, so the cat cannot just go between them.

Cats hate loud noises. When all of a sudden all those cans come clattering down, they should head for the hills. 

Also, at a forum for convertible owners, it suggested covering the top with aluminum foil, which cats also do not like. 

Readers may have additional suggestions.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The SHAREcenter will soon be opening for the 2013-2014 school year. We are always looking for items that our members can use in their classrooms.

We are especially in need of pencils, colored pencils, markers, glue sticks, 3 x 5 cards, paper towel tubes, CDs of any kind and buttons.

If you have any of these items or have other things you may want to donate, we would love to hear from you. Our phone number is 333-6671 and we’d appreciate you calling us before stopping by our site because we want to make sure someone is there to meet you.

SHAREcenter is a self-funded organization with sites located in Auburn (15 Andrew Drive) and Topsham (behind Mt. Ararat Middle School).

SHAREcenter operates with reduce, reuse and recycle as key components. Our mission is to provide educational supplies to over 55 schools and about 30 nonprofit organizations in Androscoggin County.

Local businesses and community members donate their unwanted inventory and household items to us and we provide these items to our members for use in classrooms and their programs. Thanks. — pelliccia9@yahoo.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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