Dear Sun Spots: I have been having trouble getting reimbursed by The Mailing Center for a broken cello bow that they packed and shipped for me last May. I sent the instrument insured for $200. I have spoken to people at The Mailing Center’s Augusta and Auburn stores. The last time I called The Mailing Center (October), I was told that they had the paperwork, but that they were having trouble getting the claim approved by their insurance company. I have not heard anything since then.

The Mailing Center has a copy of my receipt showing that the instrument was sent insured for $200, and I was told that The Mailing Center is in possession of the broken instrument. I have been waiting for the reimbursement, which covers two-thirds of the true replacement cost of the broken instrument. Could you please provide me with the corporate address for The Mailing Center so that I may speak to someone there? I could not find anything online. Thanks for your help. – Phyllis Arnold Rand, Lewiston.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with general manager Chris McCray at the corporate offices in Augusta, who says the center has three suits the Insurance Commission in Maine is investigating for The Mailing Center. Yours was one and payment was received late the week of Oct. 30. A check was cut for and mailed to you the week of Nov. 8, and you should have it in hand as we speak. McCray apologized for the delay but explained it was the result of being in the middle of lengthy court case which he says he advised you of. He said the insurance company paid up in your case and the commission continues to investigate the other two suits that The Mailing Center is seeking resolution to. Hopefully, you are now back to playing!

Dear Sun Spots: The Poland Historical Society would like to find the name of a book bindery. We have a few books worth saving. Any help is appreciated. Please call Mary at (207) 998-4391. Thank you. – Mary Chipman, Poland Springs.

Answer: Try contacting Scott Wilson of Carlson & Turner Books, 241 Congress Street, Portland, (800) 540-7323. He may be able to assist you. You can also reach him online at www.carlsonturnerbooks.com. Wilson offers hand bookbindery services, repairs, rebindings, leather or cloth.

Dear Sun Spots: Here’s a watermelon pickle recipe from an old cookbook “All Maine Cooking,” published in 1967 by the Courier-Gazette in Rockland.

Ingredients: 1 quart vinegar, 5 pounds sugar, ¼ pound stick cinnamon, ¼ lb. whole cloves, rind of large melon. Method: Peel and cut melon rind in small pieces. Put in large kettle, cover with cold water and let come to a boil. Drain and cover again. Let boil 10 minutes. Make a syrup of vinegar, sugar and spices and add melon. Let cook until soft and tender. – Lou Shaw, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: I need help. I am looking for someone to snowblow my driveway, front entrances and my oil patch, near Sylvan, Tampa and Orange streets. Thank you. I can be reached at (207) 783-7721. If no answer, please leave a message. – No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: Try calling (207) 795-7946 to see if they can assist you with your snowblowing needs.

Dear Sun Spots: I read your requests every day, and I would like to ask you if you would please tell me how many of Lawrence Welk’s orchestra members have passed on. I have watched his show since I was a young lady, first with my mom and now by myself as my mom is gone and so is my husband of 65 years. – No Name, South Paris.

Answer: Sun Spots would encourage you to contact the Welk Resort Branson, 1984 Highway 165, Branson, MO 65616, (417) 336-3575, to see if they could find the answer to this for you.

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