DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thanks for all the great help you provide. I have three questions:
Is there anyone who buys collectible dolls that are in their original boxes?
Do you have the name of a woman who is a wonderful house cleaner?
And lastly, I am looking for a gardener who has experience helping older clients. — No name, no town
ANSWER: Let’s take this bit by bit. We can see if anyone in Sun Spots Land knows of any place, or can possibly help you list the dolls on eBay or with an online yard sale site. I do have Melanie of Hartford in my Rolodex. She told me she has been quite successful at selling items locally through Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for herself, friends, and family. You can contact her at 949-2304.
If your dolls are vintage or antique, an antique shop in your area may be interested.
Another option is to find a place to donate your dolls. Did you know Maine has its very own doll museum in Fryeburg? The Hazel & Owen Currier Doll Museum is a place to contact. The ladies who are in charge of this vast collection of dolls from all over the world may be able to help you connect with just the right people to help you.
By the way, for anyone who likes dolls, this place near the Fryeburg Fairgrounds is really worth a visit once they open again. Due to the pandemic, like so many places, it’s closed for now, but hopefully this summer the doors will be opened once again and all those interested can have a peek. For more information about the museum, contact the wonderful and engaging Sally Whitaker at whitaker9244@roadrunner.com.
For your questions regarding housecleaning and gardening, a good place to call for a recommendation is SeniorsPlus in Lewiston. They are part of the Maine’s Area Agencies on Aging, the leading source of information for thousands of Maine seniors on aging, healthy living and benefits. Programs and outreach support services are designed to improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of older adults and to reduce the burden on families and caregivers.
This organization can guide you and has resources to help. The number is 795-4010 and they are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
As you move forward with getting the help you need, remember that it’s important to get reliable recommendations from people you trust and be sure to get at least three references for helpers who will be working in your home. Your town office or local churches may also have resources for you.
I urge all seniors to take advantage of these resources that are put in place in your community for your benefit and help you stay in your home for as long as possible.
Also, let your friends and neighbors know that you need assistance so they can be helping you find just the right person, too, or perhaps there is someone right in your own neighborhood who will step up and give you a hand. You won’t know unless you ask.
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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