DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does the new “distracted-driver law” specifically exclude cell phone use during driving? Thank you. — David, Auburn

ANSWER: Maine’s new distracted driving law, as explained by the bill’s author, state Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, states that doing anything that takes a driver’s concentration off the road and could potentially cause an accident becomes illegal. Apparently, it doesn’t make any particular action illegal, as long as the driver isn’t distracted.

The Lewiston Police Department posted the following on Facebook:

“As of Sept. 12, Maine has passed a new law prohibiting ‘distracted driving.’ … [T]here is confusion as to what the law specifically entails. The intention of the law is to not limit the activities to anything specific (i.e., texting, talking on a cell phone, eating …) rather the law was written to include ANY activity which is not necessary to the operation of the vehicle. This could include using a GPS, applying makeup or watching the newest episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” on your laptop. This law, however, is not a primary offense. It is only applicable if the distraction causes another traffic infraction or traffic accident, and it cannot be used as the probable cause to stop a vehicle. The fine amount for this violation is $119.”

Sun Spots highly recommends using a headset when you talk on your cell phone in the car, or anytime, for that matter. You’ll be amazed at how much laundry you can fold or how many potatoes you can peel while chatting up a storm.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please post the following message in your column: Would the family that bought my collapsible cat run for their cat Domino please return to get the canvas cover and box? (We finally found them.) — Pat at Taylor Pond, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Fairbanks School Neighborhood Association will be hosting their sixth annual Apple Festival on Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to the community and will be held at the former Fairbanks School, 508 Fairbanks Road, Farmington, two and one-half miles north from the center of Farmington.

There will be a variety of artisans and demonstrators: rug hooking, food dehydration, glassblowing, basket making, snowshoe lacing, caning, spinning, candle making, crocheting, sewing, apple pressing, woodturning, tatting, scrapbooking, flowers and plants for sale, apples, a food sale, kids’ corner, luncheon and much more.

We are looking for artisans who might like to join us who do rug braiding, penny rugs, felting, whittling, fly tying, calligraphy, gold panning, soap or candy making. If interested, please contact Cynthia Kemble at 778-3808.

Thank you for adding this to Sunspots. I enjoy your column everyday of the week! — Cynthia Kemble, Farmington

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have an Edward Little Oracle for 1935 to give away. Please call 782-7722, and we will arrange to deliver it. If no answer, please leave your telephone number and we will call you. Thank you, Sun Spots, for all the good you do. – No Name, Auburn
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Where are the birds? There are no chickadees, finches, jays, crows, cardinals, nothing, no bird song, a silent autumn. How is it in your area? — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots currently has a healthy crop of birds at her feeders, but she has noticed that they do seem to come and go. Experts say that it can be due to a number of factors, such as predators (hawks, osprey and cats) hanging around your feeders, moldy feeders (birds are very picky about the cleanliness and type of feeders) and migration patterns in general. Also, the numbers of many migrating birds are declining, perhaps due to changes in climate and habitat loss.

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). 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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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