DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a gift certificate for Shear Madness Hair Salon that was on Center Street in Auburn. They have gone out of business. I have tried to call the phone number several times, and have been able to leave a message, but no one calls me back. I have sent an e-mail to the e-mail address on their Web site, but I have not gotten a response. Do you know of any way to contact the owner, to see what can be done about the gift certificate I have? It was only purchased in May 2009. — No Name, Turner

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My niece and I both have $50 gift certificates to Shear Madness in Auburn. Although repeated attempts have been made to contact them, there is no answer to our calls. Can you help? — Sue, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots discovered that Shear Madness is owned by Ryan Karkos. His home number is listed in the phone book as 784-3195, address is 868 Pownal Road, Auburn, ME 04210. Sun Spots called and left a message but did not receive a return call.

Hopefully he will eventually make good on these certificates. If he doesn’t, your options are limited. Perhaps small claims court? If you purchased the gift certificate with a credit card, the bank may be able to help if you file a dispute. If the business declares bankruptcy, you will have to stand in line with any other creditors.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for the kind of screen (the framework at least) that you see stars in movies changing clothes behind. I’m hoping for one in Franklin County or within easy driving distance. I need two. I have large windows in two rooms and want them for privacy. — Mrs. Don Bachelder, Strong

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Last winter I could not find women’s boots meant for big storms, for shoveling, for a daily walk on Lewiston’s sidewalks, etc. (It’s very tricky to wear high-heeled fashion boots in Maine.) Any suggestions? Have you heard of Outback brand, ankle high with good tread? Where can I get them? Your column is the greatest. Thanks. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots, being very thrifty, wears hand-me-downs or inexpensive boots purchased at discount stores such as Target or Wal-Mart. The trick is to buy them early. They seem to sell well before snow is actually on the ground. As for Outback brand, they are available at www.fluffyfootwear.com. Perhaps a reader will know of some local source for them.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thanks for helping me before. Now I need information on who is in charge of the TV program called “Mystery Diagnosis. The Monday, Sept. 24, show, on from 3 to 4 p.m., was about a treatment for pulmonary hypertension. I’m anxious to know if it is a treatment in the United States or in other countries. Any information you can get, I would appreciate. Thank you. — No Name, Turner

ANSWER: “Mystery Diagnosis” debuted on the Discovery Health Channel in 2005. Sun Spots watched an episode on YouTube in which they treated a young girl’s pulmonary hypertension with intravenous prostacyclin. This episode was based in New York, so this treatment — if it’s the one you’re looking for — must be available in the United States. However, newer episodes on this illness might not yet be online.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Congregational Church of East Sumner will have a Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be pumpkins, food and drinks for sale, as well as hay rides and scarecrow decorating. The new church cookbook, “Pleasures from the Good Earth,” will also be available for purchase. For more information, call Merriel at 388-2472 or Rosie at 597-2270. — Cynthia Norton, Sumner

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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link