DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am an avid reader of your column and enjoy it very much.

My husband had been a patient of the same doctor for about seven years. Last winter we received a letter stating that he was taking a leave-of-absence sabbatical and were referred to another clinic. The letter said that if we sent a check for $12 to his office, which we did, his records would be forwarded. They were not. It is my understanding that medical records have to be kept for seven years.

Also, I have a mink stole and full-length fur coat to give away. I had read in your column that someone makes bears with them. Thank you. — No Name, Leeds

ANSWER: Sun Spots doubts seriously if the doctor’s office tossed your husband’s records. Sending them probably just got overlooked or they went astray. (It does happen. Sun Spots’ records were lost when her allergist changed office locations, and they remain missing.) Did you try calling them and following up?

According to the website of the Medical Mutual Insurance Company of Maine, “No state law governs retention of medical records in the physician office practice. However, the Maine State Board of Licensure of Medicine states, “Physicians have an obligation to retain patient records which may reasonably be of value to a patient.” (See http://tinyurl.com/2vm2brf for more information.)

The fur teddy bear maker is Angie Rogers, P.O. Box 185, Gray, ME 04039, 428-4415. You could also donate your coat to a homeless shelter or a theater group. Another option for your stole is an animal shelter or wildlife rehabilitation center, where the furs are used for new babies to keep them warm and make them feel safe.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know of any restaurant that has birthday cakes you can buy along with your meals for your guests on your birthday. They may have some in their freezer for a surprise for someone’s birthday. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Did you try calling your favorite restaurants? There are way too many restaurants in town for Sun Spots to call them all, but perhaps some restaurant owners or readers will respond with some useful information. Another option would be to buy a cake at a bakery, then deliver it in advance to the restaurant. Sun Spots feels sure they would be willing to keep it for you and bring it to the table at the appropriate time.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Where does one write about new apartments that are being built? Also, I have four little teapot sets to give away. Phone 782-6953 before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots isn’t sure she understands your question, but she thinks you must mean you are looking for a new apartment. Because of the recession, building in general has slowed. Often the building of a large new complex would be noted in the Sun Journal, but smaller units, say a private landlord turning an old house into apartments, would not. The builder would be required to get a building permit, however, so you could check with your city’s code enforcement officer. In Sun Spots’ town, building permits are published in a town newsletter; other towns may do something similar. Lastly, you should be sure to read the Sun Journal classifieds.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am the Box Tops for Education coordinator at East Auburn Community School. I am writing to ask your readers to submit any Box Tops they may have to help our PTO raise money for the school. Box Tops may be mailed or dropped off at East Auburn Community School, 15 Andrew Drive, Auburn, ME 04210-8428. Thanks for your help. — Jennifer Martel, jreny2000@yahoo.com

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). Please include your phone number. 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.

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