DEAR SUN SPOTS: Join us for a family-friendly celebration of another successful season at the Lewiston Farmers’ Market on Oct. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be all sorts of fall-themed activities, including pumpkin decorating, face painting, a costume contest and scavenger hunt.

This year we are honoring Joe Cook, our longtime farmers’ market volunteer, who passed away last year. As a greeter, he made each and every marketgoer feel welcome, and the Fall Fest was originally Joe’s idea. We’ll be remembering Joe and the wonderful contributions he made to our community.

We’ll also be thanking our sponsors for their generous support of the market. We couldn’t do it without you. — No name, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My deceased husband was a career member of the military and proud to have served our country. I would like to donate his clothing to an organization that assists military veterans. Do you have contact information on any such organization(s) which might accept my donation? — Kathy, Bethel

ANSWER: One place I know of that may take these items is the Maine Homeless Veterans Alliance (https://mainehomelessveteransalliance.org/). You can contact them through the website or email to info@mainehomelessveteransalliance.org/ or call 322-7065.

You could also contact your nearest American Legion. There are some out-of-state organizations as well but start here then please let me know if you need more assistance. Readers, if you have other options to suggest, please write in!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you tell me where I can find a lawn poster that says Vote No on Referendum #3 (Pine Tree Power)? I couldn’t find any information online where to find them in the Lewiston/Auburn area. — No name, Greene

ANSWER: I believe Maine Energy Progress (https://www.maineenergyprogress.com/) in Bangor could help you. Contact them through the website or email info@maineenergyprogress.com.

I’ve gotten enough glossy flyers from them in the mail to paper a room in my house. Surely they can get a poster to you or let you know where to get one.

Readers, if you know where to get posters locally, please share the info!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Sept. 29 I went to the grocery store to purchase rotisserie chicken. The price for the chicken was $8.63. I looked at my receipt and I was charged 5.5% sales tax, which was 44 cents plus 2.5% tax for an additional 20 cents. I would like to know what that was all about. I asked the three employees and none of them had any idea. Thank you, you are always so helpful. — Jeanne, Auburn

ANSWER: The Maine Sales and Use Tax Law provides that sales of prepared food are taxable at a separate rate that is higher than the generally applicable sales tax rate. Prepared food includes meals such as cooked chicken, sandwiches, salads, and all other food and drinks that are prepared by a retailer and ready for consumption without further preparation. What you are seeing is the combined higher tax.

It’s too bad the store employees didn’t know the answer to your question. They really should, especially if you asked the personnel at the deli counter. From now on, always ask to speak to the manager of the department, or to the store manager.

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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