HELLO SUN SPOTS: I don’t know if you can help me with this but, on March 5 I was leaving Nail Trix at the Auburn Mall and somehow lost a ring from my pocket. It is a simple silver band with a white stone that has a lock of my son’s hair in it. This ring has no monetary value to anyone but is priceless to me as it was custom made and cannot be recreated. If anyone in the area finds a ring matching this description, I would be very appreciative if they could contact me, 207-577-2608. — Melissa, no town.

ANSWER: Check in with the mall to see if anything has been turned in by calling 207-786-2977 or try calling Nail Trix at 207-783-8889. If anyone has found this ring, please contact Melissa.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Several weeks ago I was at a store in Lewiston when, as I was walking toward the store entrance, a woman driving a car started to back up and almost hit me. She was furious and yelling at me, blaming me because she didn’t see me. I am a senior not a teenager. As I looked around there was less than adequate lighting. The lighting and their sign were very dimly lit, which presents danger to its customers.

I asked the staff for the name of someone who I could call and place my complaint. I called and spoke to a lady who said she would pass it on to the corporate person to see that it was corrected. Several more weeks went by and no change. The parking lot is still dark and the sign almost non-existent. Once again, I went in and requested a name and a number to remind them of my complaint.

It has now been two weeks since I left my message with a man but my call was never returned. Caring for the safety of their customers should be one of their first priorities. — Jeanne, no town.

ANSWER: Businesses that welcome the public onto their premises have a legal duty to keep them “reasonably” safe. There are guidelines and regulations on illuminating parking areas as well as occupational safety standards for the people who work there. Inadequate lighting can cause a customer or employee to slip or fall and get injured, it’s unsafe for pedestrians and potentially could damage a vehicle if there are poorly illuminated structures or unexpected potholes.

You’ve done a great deal already to inform them of your safety concerns. You can try getting back in touch with the corporate office to let them know that nothing has been done and to inquire whether the lighting meets regulations. No workplace is immune to OSHA regulations, so you could try to file a complaint at www.osha.gov/workers/file_complaint.html or get in touch with the Maine Department of Labor, Workplace Safety and Health Division in Augusta by calling 207-623-7900.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the people who are overrun with varmints in their bird feeders, the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog has a cordless pest repellent that really works. It uses a radio beam that is not discernible to humans or birds. The item isn’t very big, maybe about 5 x 3 x 2 inches, it takes 3 AAA batteries  and the cost is around $35. Their website is hammacher.com and their phone number is 1-800-543-3366. Hope this works for others. — No name, no town.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

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