Dear Sun Spots: I need help with three issues. First, I have a longhaired cat in need of a shave, and I can’t find a groomer who does cats. Would you be able to find one for me? Second, I have a 6-foot artificial Christmas tree that is missing the middle post. The branches hook into the post by a color code. Do any readers have a Christmas tree like this that they are discarding or no longer use that they could give me? And also, I have a set of wooden elephants that are missing their tusks. Is there anyone who could make some? They could be made out of wood and painted. I can be reached at (207) 784-7572. Thank you for all your help. – Theresa Cloutier, Lewiston.

Answer: It’s possible that Sun Spots readers may be able to help you regarding your needing a Christmas tree post and elephant tusks. Regarding your cat grooming question, Sun Spots’ co-worker takes her cats to the Kennel Shop, 855 Lisbon St., Lewiston, (207) 777-1376 and says the woman there did a great job with her cat, without any nicks. They offer a lion clip for $25 to $35 and a spot shave for $8 to $15, both depending on the cat’s temperament. They do not bathe or brush out cats. If your cat’s temperament won’t allow grooming, try calling Central Maine Veterinary Hospital, Route 4, Turner, (888) 225-8387. They do cat grooming and can tranquilize a uncooperative cat in order to do so.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to know who, where and when the Italian sandwich was invented. Thank you. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: According to Amato’s Sandwich Shops’ Web site, the Amato family bakery near Portland’s waterfront started serving what is now known as a Maine real Italian sandwich in the early 1900s.

The Web site states that in 1903 Italian immigrant Giovanni Amato started selling fresh baked rolls to his fellow countrymen who were working on the docks in Portland. At the workers’ request, Giovanni added a little meat, cheese and fresh vegetables and the “real Italian” was born.

In 1972, another Italian immigrant named Dominic Reali bought the business after working at the original India Street shop for seven years. He perfected the sandwich by choosing Greek olives over black olives, a zestier pickle and his own specially blended oil.

Dear Sun Spots: Would Sun Spots readers know what they called the roller that they used to flatten down the snowy winter roads in the 1800s for the horse-drawn sleds? – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please print a mailing address for UNICEF. I would like to make a donation for tsunami relief. Thank you. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: You can mail your donation to UNICEF, 333 E. 38th St., New York, N.Y., 10016. They can also be contacted at (212) 686-5522 or e-mail: [email protected]. According to their Web site, www.unicefusa.org, your money can help the children who survived as follows: $5 can provide an emergency health kit for one person for three months, with medical supplies and drugs to cover basic health needs; $87 can provide a basic family water kit for 10 households, with detergent, soap, wash basin, towels, bucket and water purification tablets; $188 can provide one “school-in-a-box” kit containing basic education supplies for 80 children during times of crisis; $1,058 can provide one large tent to set up a clinic or field hospital to treat survivors. Donations can also be made by credit card at their Web site by clicking the U.S. flag and then clicking “donate now.”

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