DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am thinking about what I want my last name to be once the divorce from my second husband is complete. I am not sure if I want to go back to my maiden name. Is it possible for me to legally go back to my first husband’s last name? Please let me know. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Thanks to Pine Tree Legal’s website, Sun Spots discovered that name changes are overseen by the probate court. Sun Spots called the Androscoggin County probate court, where she was told that you will need to get your previous husband’s permission to re-assume his name.

If you go the courthouse, you can purchase the official form, which you will send to him and he will need to sign in front of a notary public. Once that is accomplished, you can proceed with the rest of the name-change procedures.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have four old steamer trunks, two large and two small, that I would like to have refurbished. I was wondering if you had in your “trusty Rolodex” any contacts for persons that do this service.

If not, perhaps one of your faithful readers would know who I might contact to discuss this with. Enjoy your column, read it every day. Thank you. — Nancy, 207-645-2472, crosby9577@roadrunner.com 

ANSWER: Here is what Sun Spots found. If she missed a resource, please let her know.

* Brettuns Village Trunk Shop, 557 Lincoln St., Lewiston, ME 04240, open to the public by appointment only, www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/, info@brettunsvillage.com, fax 782-7448 (no phone, fax only)

* Connie’s Trunks, 142 Harbor Road, Naples, ME 04055, 693-1027, info@conniestrunks.com, www.conniestrunks.com

* The Trunk Shop, 154 Canaan Back Road, Barrnington, NH 03825, store 877-247-0389; workshop 603-664-2205, info@trunk.com, www.trunk.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have a collectible doll and bear collection that we would like to sell. We are looking for someone in the Lewiston-Auburn area who sells collectible dolls and bears for people. Or are there any consignment shops in the area where we can place them? — Phyllis Benoit, PSorel1@roadrunnercom

ANSWER: Sun Spots gets this question frequently and regrets that she knows of no one specializing in antique dolls and bears locally. There is an active market for them online.

Or locally you can check with Dan Poulin at Orphan Annie’s (96 Court St., Auburn, 782-0638), who buys many things. Or he may have some tips for you.

As for consignment shops, Sun Spots thought she knew of one, but learned that Maine Vintage & Consignment closed due to lack of business.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am pondering installing a pellet stove in my basement. I am told by one source that it only has to be vented outside like a propane heater. Another source says it must have a vent up beyond the roof line. What say your sources? — Just wondering via email

ANSWER: They say venting, absolutely, usually a four-inch pipe but not necessarily above roof line (depending on the model of the stove). At pelletking.com (exact location at http://tinyurl.com/maplkbb) it says:

“Proper venting is essential for proper appliance performance, dwelling safety, maintenance frequency and indoor environment.

“Pellet stoves produce little or no visible smoke after startup, but exhaust gases, fine ash and water vapor must be moved safely from the appliance to the outdoors without leaking into the house. … For most designs, the exhaust is mechanical: a fan blows the combustion by-products out and pulls air needed for combustion into the fire.

“A few stoves operate without a combustion air fan and instead use natural draft both for exhaust and combustion air intake. Some heat also moves through the vent, making protection of nearby combustibles essential. The minimum clearance between the vent and combustibles, as specified in the vent installation instructions, must be met or exceeded to assure safety.”

The site also discusses the use of proper materials, sealing, etc. It does mention that some people use existing masonry (chimneys) to vent. And it shows several diagrams of proper installation, including one that goes straight out the back of the stove and into the open air.

You should, of course, talk to whomever you purchase your stove from about proper installation for that particular stove.

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.

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