DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the Sunday River Brew Pub question (May 21), Grant Wilson’s phone number is 207-329-9975. His email address is 420wolf@gmail.com. — No Name via email

ANSWER: For those who may not remember, a reader who received gift certificates went to use them and found the brew pub closed, with no explanation. Sun Spots’ phone call was answered by someone cleaning up who said the place was in a “holding pattern” and hoped to reopen. 

As for the information from No Name, the phone number is no longer correct, and the person who has it now requests that everyone be informed that it is wrong and stop trying to call Grant on that number.

The email is correct, however, and Sun Spots was able to contact Grant and verify that the brew pub is reopening.

Sun Spots has checked the website (sundayriverbrewpub.com) periodically and found that it was frequently updated with upcoming events, indicating that activity was still going on behind the scene — a good sign. When she called over the weekend, there was a message on the brew pub’s answering machine saying that they would reopen June 26.

Those with gift certificates best head right over!

Advertisement

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What can a person do if they receive a bill that is four years old from a collection agency when the original biller, Central Maine Medical Center, never sent me a bill?

How many of us even have the receipts from four years ago? I even changed my insurance plan since then. Is there anyone that I can complain to? Any information would be helpful. — Paul via email

ANSWER: Four years is probably still within the statute of limitations, so you may still be liable for the bill, but you have the right to request proof that the debt is yours.

Perhaps the original bill went astray in the mail (unlikely as you would have been billed more than once) or it could be some other miscommunication, such as owed by someone else with the same name.

When a bill is turned over to a collection agency, the information provided may not include a current address. If so, the agency begins doing a “skip trace” for the person. It is not unheard of for people to be dunned for a bill that belongs to someone with the same or similar name.

(Sun Spots worked as a collector briefly. It’s a difficult job and not a whole lot of fun, in her humble opinion.)

Advertisement

Sun Spots suggests that you write a letter to CMMC requesting documentation for that bill. Include the “date(s) of service” provided by the collection agency, your full name and date of birth.

Send a copy of that letter to the collection agency, adding a note saying that you do not want to be contacted again until you receive documentation showing that the bill is yours. 

Sun Spots is not sure what will happen if the bill is yours and was not charged to your insurance at that time. That would depend on several factors. But if you need further help, please write again.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: St. Dom’s Class of 1963 is planning its 50th reunion for Aug. 16. We are having difficulty finding some of our classmates.

If anyone knows how we can reach Connie Jacqmin, Elaine Ouellette Mills, Dick Cloutier or Bert Plourde, please contact me by phone or text at 240-5739 or by email at bcyszal@fairpoint.net. Thank you for your help. — Cecile Lebel Szal, Monmouth

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.