DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for information about DIY upholstery and furniture refinishing classes. I know you have had information about this in the past and I saved it but then misplaced it.
—No name, no town
ANSWER: Creative Artisans of Maine is one of the places I know where you can learn more about these skills. Stefanie and Karen have several ongoing inexpensive classes. When I contacted them, I learned they will also be holding an Open House at their 2,000-square-foot Creative Space from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Sept. 30. Creative Artisans of Maine is at 550 Lisbon St. in the Pepperill Mill in Lewiston. You can enter from Lisbon Street by Quoddy, third dock on left.
At the open house, Stefani Mahr Damien will be on hand to talk about upholstery, interior design and window treatments. Karen Pelletier is the expert for repurposing and restoring furniture and refinishing with chalk paint. They are also open during the Art Walk.
Contact Stefanie at 978-590-5105. Karen’s number is 207-713-4786. You can also learn more and sign up for a class on their website at creativeartisansofmaine.com.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: In the Sept. 5 Sun Spots, you wrote about a lost walking cane. It fell off the car at St. Catherine’s Church on Beal Street off Main Street. The cane is made of poplar and maple. It means a lot to the person who lost it so I’m asking to have the request in Sun Spots again in the hopes that the person who may have found it didn’t see the first Sun Spots about it. I appreciate your help! Thank you so much for all that you do. My phone number is 207-515-2802.
—Karen, no town
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have been very concerned about a request that was in your column recently concerning someone who wanted suggestions on winterizing their home so they could go south this winter. Although the person who wrote in was not worried about a break-in because they felt their home was in a safe area, I’m worried because their phone number was included in the request. I’m sure with today’s technology someone could look up the address from the telephone number and wait until winter to break into their home. Please alert the writer to this possibility so they can contact the authorities regarding this possibility. This has been weighing on my mind. I enjoy your column and read it every day.
—No name, no town
ANSWER: Readers, this is a good point and although unlikely, it could happen. Also, even if you have someone looking after your property or just checking on it periodically, it’s always a good idea to request that your local law enforcement officers do drive-byes on a regular basis. There are many other things you can do to make it look like someone is home such as having outdoor and indoor lights on a timer or a motion light, and a yard and driveway that are cared for, no matter what the season. This includes spending the money on someone to mow, rake, shovel and plow.
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