Dear Sun Spots: I am trying to find out if a passport is required to cross the border on my way to Canada. My trip will be Sept. 24 and I have tried writing in the past but have not received an answer. Thank you so much for any help. – Nicole Blais, Auburn.

Answer: Unfortunately, Sun Spots did not receive your request. However she has located an answer for you, hopefully in time for your trip.

According to the voice mail messages at the Canadian Consulate in New York, you do not need a visa to cross the border into Canada if you are a United States citizen. However, you need any one of the following:

A valid U.S. passport

An original U.S. birth certificate or a certified copy of it

An original copy of your U.S. naturalization document

Please note a driver’s license will not be adequate proof of citizenship. You should also note that there are more steps to take if you are a minor entering Canada. For more information, contact the Canadian Consulate General, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 (212) 596-1783 with any additional questions you may have. You can also check out more on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/.

Dear Sun Spots: We are thrilled to have budgeted and bought our first home this summer. We’re hoping a few generous people will donate scrap wood for our fireplace. We’re willing to come and get it, whether it’s a little bit or more, even pallets, or dead trees on your property. We appreciate any and all help we’ve given and received through Sun Spots in the past and want to thank you for such a wonderful column. We can be reached at 212-0097 after 3 p.m. weekdays or any time on weekends. -No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: This information is for the person inquiring about a pie crust shield in the Sept. 14 column:

I recently purchased pie crust shields at Linen ‘n Things at the Maine Mall in South Portland. It had five in a package and cost $3.49. They also sell a solid one which best fits a 10 inch pie. I imagine the Linen ‘n Things store in Augusta (The Marketplace at Augusta, 14 Stephen King Drive, Augusta, ME 04330-8082, (207) 621-1700) also sells them. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I have been asked to assist in a project for military personnel away from home. This project is making Christmas stockings for them. My friend and I wanted to give them a taste of homemade cheer. I am writing to request donations of any festive Christmas material people might have and aren’t going to use to make these stockings with. Also if there is anyone who might like to join us in sewing stockings, we would love to welcome them!

If you can help please call Danielle at 786-4854. Thank you very much. – D.B., No Town.

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). 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 posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected]