Dear Sun Spots: I have several old oil paintings that need to be cleaned and restored. I don’t know where to have this done. Can you help me? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In earlier columns, Sun Spots referred to Shirley Dutton of Atlantic Star Art Consultants in Portland, 761-0801, who appraises oil paintings and specializes in American art. She may also be able to assist you in finding a conservator to clean your painting. Dutton has told Sun Spots of the importance of not touching the painting or attempting to clean it yourself because you or someone not experienced in this type of painting might do irreversible damage.

You may also visit the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works’ Web site at http://aic.stanford.edu/. Select “AIC’s Guide to Conservation Services” and answer some questions about what type of work needs attention. From there, you may search your region for a listing of types of conservators.

Dear Sun Spots: The Compassionate Friends is a worldwide support organization for parents, grandparents and siblings grieving the death of a child. The meetings are open to all who need us, and there is no preregistration needed. We have parents attend meeting who have lost their child recently and parents who are years into their grief. We are there to help each other.

There are Compassionate Friends Chapters in Lewiston and the Oxford Hills area of Norway-Paris. For information in the Lewiston area contact Belinda at 336-2781 or by e-mail at bink@megalink.net. For information about the Oxford Hills area contact Brenda at 998-7021 or e-mail beejay@fairpoint.net or Bonnie at 743-6284 or e-mail vandurme@verizon.net

The mission of The Compassionate Friends is to assist families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age and to provide information to help others be supportive. There is no religious affiliation, and there are no membership dues or fees. – Belinda, Buckfield.

Dear Sun Spots: Previously, I made a request for donations for the Cinderella’s Closet at Mt. Abram High School. This was a project by two senior girls who were collecting dresses so other girls would have the opportunity to go to the prom.

The call went out, and the people of the Sun Journal reading area responded to our request in Sun Spots. We had so many offers of dresses. Some we could not even take up because of the travel and gas prices. Boxes were even mailed to us from out of state. To date, we have collected nearly 100 dresses. Some people sent dresses but did not leave their name or return address. I am reaching out to Sun Spots to say “thank you” to all of you who sent dresses, made monetary donations for dry cleaning or just made offers. We never expected to see such a big and wonderful response. Thank you so much! – Sharon, Becca and Jamie, Mt. Abram High School, Salem Township.

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link