DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you have any new information on the daylight saving time debate? Nov. 1 is coming fast. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: According to ABC News, as of the day of this writing, (Sept. 17), the Sunshine Protection Act is stalled in the U.S. Senate, meaning we need to plan on turning our clocks back one hour on Sunday, Nov. 1. 

Here’s what I learned from other sources: the House of Representatives approved a version of the bipartisan bill, aiming to end twice-yearly clock changes but despite pushes from supporters and leadership, the Senate hasn’t scheduled a vote.  

Nineteen states have passed legislation or resolutions for permanent DST, contingent on federal approval, while Arizona and Hawaii already observe permanent standard time.

There are several pros and cons regarding this subject and I’d love to hear what Sun Spots readers think about it. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have some very nice stuffed animal toys that our daughter, now an adult, would like to donate to a police department to be given to children who experience a police-involved crisis. I have been unable to contact anyone in the Auburn or Lewiston police departments who can tell me if they accept such a donation, despite several attempts. I’m hoping that you may be able to locate a contact person for me to connect with in one or the other, or both, departments.

I also have a small number of antique/vintage dolls that I was hoping to donate to the Doll Museum connected with the Fryeburg Historical Society that I read about in a past Sun Spots column. When I phoned the society, the recording made no mention of the Doll Museum. If you could please help me proceed I would be most grateful.

Thank you so much for your continuing helpfulness in the past to me and many others! — No name, Auburn

ANSWER: Regarding the stuffies, you may have already tried this but specifically call the nonemergency dispatch line of each department and ask to be connected to community outreach or the shift commander to see if they are accepting this type of donation. 

Another approach, which I realize may not be the most convenient way to go about completing your mission, is to visit the police stations in person. That’s what I would do. 

I would also ask your daughter to consider an alternative to her preferred recipients so there is a backup plan. Ideas include the fire department, shelters for battered women, children’s centers, social workers who handle foster care, and churches. 

For the dolls, you’ll want to connect with Sally Whitaker. As far as I know the Hazel & Owen Currier Doll Museum is alive and well but may not be taking donations at this time as it’s quite full! It won’t hurt to try though, especially if you have unique collector’s dolls to give. 

You can contact Sally at whitaker9244@roadrunner.com or at info@fryeburghistorical.org, or the museum Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/hamlibrary/, or call and leave a message at 256-3001. 

Be sure to let us know what happens! 

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