Dear Sun Spots: I ordered Walkfit Orthotics online in early April 2005. I was not satisfied and returned them via the U.S. Postal Service for a refund. They were received on April 26. I called on May 9 to check the status of the refund. They said I would have a credit on my card within seven to 10 business days. As of May 27, 14 business days, there was no refund. I have made multiple calls and e-mails, but no answer. Just the runaround. They gave me the phone number to their corporate office. But I’ve received no answer or voice mail. Any suggestions? Thanks for any help you can offer. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Unfortunately the company was unable to release any information about your account. However, the customer service representative said the length of time for the refund would depend on when the request was placed and the authorization given by the company. Sun Spots would recommend you contact them via mail, return receipt requested, as well as calling them at their toll-free number to see if they can provide you with some resolution. You can reach them at P.O. Box 3241, Hollywood, CA 90078 or contact them via phone at (800) 554-6051 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Dear Sun Spots: I have a small box of mostly U.S. stamps, still on the envelopes and ranging from the 1930s to around 1980, that I’d be glad to give to anyone who is interested.

I also have around 20 33 1/3 LP records, classical recordings, that I must get rid of. Any takers? Please call (207) 744-4024. – Helene Decker, Oxford.

Dear Sun Spots: Can you please find a way to contact Don Knotts? I tried the computer but was unsuccessful.

I’d like to send him some fan mail. We’re still enjoying “The Andy Griffith Show,” and some of his funny movies. Thanks! – J.S., Leeds.

Answer: The current contact address for Don Knotts is Bash-Sellner Entertainment, 8688 East Corrine Drive, Scottsdale, Ariz. 85260.

Knotts was born July 21, 1924, in Morgantown, W. Va. Before he entered high school, he began performing as a ventriloquist and comedian at various church and school functions. He traveled to New York City to try and make his way as a comedian, but returned home to attend West Virginia University when his career failed to take off. After his freshman year, he joined the Army, and during WWII he toured the Pacific Islands as a comedian in a G.I. variety show called “Stars and Gripes.”

In 1955, he made his debut on Broadway in the hit comedy, “No Time For Sergeants,” which marked his first collaboration with Andy Griffith. Knotts appeared as a regular member of the ensemble cast on NBC’s “The Steve Allen Show,” from 1956 to 1960; he moved to Hollywood when the show relocated in 1959. He also reprised his “No Time for Sergeants” role in the 1958 film version, alongside Griffith, a fellow regular on “The Steve Allen Show.”

In 1960, Knotts joined Griffith on a new sitcom, “The Andy Griffith Show,” playing Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife to Griffith’s Sheriff Andy Taylor. Knotts stayed with the tremendously successful show for five seasons, during which he won three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role in a Series. Though he left “The Andy Griffith Show” in 1965 to pursue a film career, his periodic returns in 1966 and 1967 earned him two more Emmys.

Knotts, who at various times in his career struggled with severe hypochondria and a degenerative eye disease, had somewhat of a career resurgence in the late 1990s. In 1998, he played a key role in the acclaimed movie “Pleasantville,” as a mysterious TV repairman who ushers two 1990s youngsters into the black-and-white world of 1950s television. He continues to appear in numerous theater productions. In 1999, the notoriously shy and private Knotts published his autobiography, “Barney Fife and Other Characters I Have Known.”

Knotts and his college sweetheart, Kathryn Metz, married in 1947 and divorced in 1964. He was married to his second wife, Loralee Czuchna, from 1974 to 1983, and has since been involved with Francey Yarborough, an actress. He has two children, Karen and Thomas, from his first marriage. Knotts lives in Beverly Hills.

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 posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].