DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have an old china doll that needs restringing. She’s all worn out and stretched. She also needs a new wig. Is there anyone in the readership area who does this kind of work? If so, I would welcome a call.

Also, I wonder if there is any person or jewelry store that does resilvering? I have a small jar cover that is now black and needs TLC. I would be grateful to hear from anyone who can get me connected. Thanks in advance. — Carolyn Bennett, 364-0982, carthbenn@gwi.net

ANSWER: Sun Spots did not have a lot of luck with either of your questions, at least as far as local services go. There are several doll hospitals online, but she found only one in Maine: Victoria’s Doll Hospital, 18 Beech Ridge Road, York Beach, ME 03909, 363-4618.

She also struck out with resilvering, at least locally. Several posts said that there are only a handful of firms nationwide that do this work. You can buy a kit and do it yourself, but posts on that topic said it’s a difficult task and involves using hazardous chemicals. If you decide to buy a kit and do it yourself, please use protective gear and be careful.

The go-to source for this service appears to be www.resilver.com. For readers who don’t have a computer, the address and phone number are ProShine Metal Refinishers, 1313 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43209, 1-800-722-8464, ext. 609.

Included on the site are several testimonials, including this one from Maine: “My silver arrived yesterday and it is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for bringing life back to the candlesticks, bowl and silver vase. What a change from the day I sent them to you. Thank you again.” Mrs. Thomas O’Keefe, Winthrop

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Where would you go to find out if the house you’re buying is in a good neighborhood, if it is a good place to bring up children in Auburn? — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: “Good neighborhood” is a rather subjective ideal, based on personal preferences. If you have a particular home or neighborhood in mind, you might spend some time on that street, visiting with neighbors and looking around. Is there room for children to play safely? Is there a nearby park?

The Realtor can tell you what school the children would attend, so you can visit the school and talk to administrators. They can give you statistics on how the school ranks in the state and country, graduation rates and test scores.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A variety of volunteer opportunities are available at Museum L-A as the fall season approaches. Assistance would be appreciated in taking calls, greeting guests, escorting tours, helping with daily operations, special events, computer work and conducting research.

Whether it’s a couple hours a week or working on a special project, volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and meet people. Museum L-A, in the historic Bates Mill, is the “Story of Work and Community in Lewiston-Auburn” and open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday volunteers are also most welcome.

For more information on volunteering call 333-3881 or email kleandririder@museumla.org. – Susan Beane, archivist/public relations coordinator

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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