DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have written before to ask what to do about gift certificates from Mexico One-Stop since it has closed. It was a locally-owned business. How can I contact the owner, Chris Howe to get my money back, or who could I contact for help? I have three gift cards and had no idea they were closing. I truly appreciate your help in this matter. Thank you.

— No name, Rumford

ANSWER: In the past year, the topic of businesses suddenly closing and leaving readers holding onto worthless gift certificates has come up several times. I urge readers to contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Mediation Service. This is a free service to Maine consumers who have a problem with a business. Martha Currier, the complaint examiner, oversees the Consumer Mediation Program. She can help you file a complaint and answer questions. You can write to her at: Attorney General’s Consumer Information and Mediation Service, 6 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.

Readers, if you can shed any light on the closure of Mexico One-Stop, please let us know!

You can also email [email protected]. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. You can call the Consumer Information and Mediation Service from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday, at 207-626-8849 or toll-free at 1-800-436-2131. More information can be found at http://www.maine.gov/ag/consumer/complaints/index.shtml.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’ve been wondering if the actress who played Edith Bunker on TV is still alive or has she passed away? Lately “Archie Bunker’s Place” has been on without her. I know you could answer this. Thanks.

— No name, no town

ANSWER: The actress Jean Stapleton died May 31, 2013 at the grand old age of 90. Best known for her iconic run on the ‘70s show All in the Family that included being awarded three Emmys and two Golden Globes, she also appeared on the follow-up series Archie Bunker’s Place that ran on TV from 1979-1983, but asked to be written out of the show during the first season simply because she didn’t want to play Edith Bunker any longer.

Jean’s extensive career included dozens of roles in films, made-for-TV movies, and hit series. In 2002, the beloved Jean was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame and the Television Hall of Fame.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For us long-suffering bird lovers with pole feeders, I may have found a solution for those pesky squirrels. I took a plastic black kettle like the kids use at Halloween, made a hole in the bottom, slipped it halfway down the pole, and voila! Rascals have nowhere to go when they reach the kettle. Several attempts have all failed within the month I have set it up. I hope it continues, although they can be creative. Thanks, Sun Spots, for all you do.

— Zippy, Auburn

ANSWER: That’s a creative solution to an issue our readers were having last fall with their bird feeders being invaded. Those kettles you mention have quite a slippery surface and will most likely be on sale right after Halloween! Thanks for sending this idea along. Readers, if you have any other tips to keep squirrels out of bird feeders, please write. I know squirrels have to eat, too, but there’s a limit!

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 [email protected].