DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there a law in Maine that people should not plow snow across a road? We have a neighbor that always plows his driveway right across the road onto our front lawn. I realize that towns own land right next to a road, but now that we have more snow he is pushing it onto our lawn. I feel that this is really inconsiderate of him and do not understand why he thinks this is OK. Before I approach him, I wondered if there is a law against it. — No name, no town

ANSWER: I understand your concern and I know it may be uncomfortable, but it would be best to have a conversation with your neighbor regarding this. He should not be pushing snow onto your private property without permission. By doing this, he is trespassing.

Furthermore, there is a statute added to Maine law and put into place in 1993 that states: “A person may not place and allow to remain on a public way snow or slush that has not accumulated there naturally.” The link is https://tinyurl.com/ycazsy35.

So if your neighbor is leaving any snow in the street he is breaking that law, which carries a $250 fine.

If the conversation with your neighbor doesn’t go well, you can call your local police department and ask an officer to help you by having a talk with your neighbor.

I do hope though, that you’ll be able to work it out between the two of you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Will AARP offer free tax preparation at Sacred Heart Church this year?—Louise, no town

ANSWER: The AARP Free Tax Preparation Program held at Sacred Heart Church in Auburn is in the planning stages at this writing and will go forward on a limited basis sometime in February. No appointments are being taken yet as they develop a plan to deal with COVID-19 protocols. On their phone message, they do have some details such as that they will only see those with a scheduled appointment and they won’t be able to allow children into the space. You will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing, of course.

You don’t need to be an AARP member to receive assistance with filing your tax return through AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. The service is free to everyone.

There will be an announcement in Sun Spots with more information and where to contact when the volunteers are ready to take appointments so please watch for it and stay tuned.

Another program that will be providing free tax return assistance in person on a limited basis (and only for taxpayers with a combined household income of $58,000 or less per year) is Lewiston/Auburn CA$H at the Lewiston Armory (333-6419).

You can also make an appointment to go to Farmington at 218 Fairbanks Road if that’s closer for you. The number to call to schedule an in-person appointment is 778-5048.

You can also receive remote online help from the CA$H program without an appointment at https://www.getyourrefund.org/en.

The program will start Feb. 1. For more information, go to the organization’s website at https://www.cashmaine.org/free-tax-prep/.

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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