DEAR SUN SPOTS: We read all of your Sun Spots answers in the paper every day. They are helpful to a lot of people. I do believe that years ago, the TV stations were stopped from raising the volume on ads. Some of them are so loud that they almost make me fall out of my chair. This should not be. Also, some shows also make the music so loud that a person cannot hear what the actors are saying. Also, it seems like all these TV stations got together to have their ads appear at 15 minutes past (the hour), half past, quarter of and on the hour. So if a person goes to another station while the commercial is on, it does not help. I have made it a point not to buy anything advertised on TV for a long time. Equal volume should be the law. — No Name, No Town.
ANSWER: This seems to be a recurring concern that Sun Spots receives. Yes, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules regulating the volume of commercials in 2011. It’s still an issue and there are several reasons why this might be the case, including what equipment you, the consumer, uses for viewing television. If you believe certain programming is in violation of the volume rules, you can file a complaint with the FCC by visiting https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Hartford Heritage Society is sponsoring an Antique Auto Show on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the J & O Irish Museum, Main Street, Rte. 140 in Hartford. Rain date will be Aug. 28. We are sending out a call for all antique auto owners to come and show off their vehicles. There is no entry fee, and a small gift will be given to all participants with a slightly larger gift to the Best of Show. A lunch special will be on sale, along with free ice cream sundaes and tours of the museum. For more information, please call Rosie at 597-2270. Thank you for the great service you provide. — Doreen, Hartford.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have several years of a subscription to Family Handyman magazine. They claim they are the #1 home improvement magazine and indeed it is. Subjects covered are woodworking, electrical, plumbing and a host of other disciplines for the average do-it-yourselfer, with colorful photos, projects, etc. Over 100 monthly issues, yours for the taking. Thanks, Sun Spots. Interested individuals can call (207) 784-8891. — No Name, No Town.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Lend a helping hand — you can do this by investing a couple hours a week with an isolated senior through a friendly visit, a ride to the grocery store or a phone call. The SEARCH program through Catholic Charities (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage and Hope) is looking for volunteers in the Auburn, Lewiston, Lisbon, Poland and Sabattus areas. There are 14 clients waiting for someone like you to give them a helping hand. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or for more information, please contact the SEARCH program through Wendy Russell at (207) 784-0157 or email wrussell@ccmaine.org. Thanks so much for your support. — Wendy Russell, director, Catholic Charities SEARCH Program.
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 http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.
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