Dear Sun Spots: Could you help me solve this problem of having cattails growing in a pond? There are so many that it has taken over the pond, so we cannot enjoy looking at the pond anymore. Would you have any advice what to do to eliminate all of these cattails once and for all? I would appreciate your advice and the readers advice regarding this. Thank you. Please call me at 375-9901. – Lisa Rancourt, Sabattus.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots gardening columnist Jody Goodwin has noted in previous columns that cattails grow in wetland areas, and she stresses that any kind of herbicide would be catastrophic to that ecosystem. Live with them or pull them. That is her only advice. However, perhaps other readers out there may be willing to share their tips with you and others bothered by cattails taking over.

Dear Sun Spots: The Senior Companion Program is looking for caring people who want to make a difference in the lives of home-bound elderly. Companions receive a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement and other benefits.

The Senior Companion Program is sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and is partnered with Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice and SeniorsPlus.

If you are 60 years of age, on a fixed income, and interested in helping home-bound elderly, you may be eligible to become a senior companion.

Companions are needed in the Lewiston-Auburn area and the Oxford Hills area.

Please call Anna Saar at 1-800-287-1482 for more information and an application. Thank you for caring! – Anna Saar, South Paris.

Dear Sun Spots: Can Sun Spots tell me why when I go to the Sudoku site, put in Sun Journal and the first five numbers as instructed, I do not get the answer? Thanks for any help. – No Name, Waterford.

Answer: According to Scott Gould of www.sudoku.com, the only common reason for a solution not showing up is that the code is being entered incorrectly. The only other reasons we’ve come across are printing errors on the papers’ part or, more often, transcription errors on the readers’ part. If you or other readers continue to experience these problems, Gould would be happy to assist and figure out what the problem is. He notes the five-digit code comprises the first five numbers given in the puzzle, read left-to-right, top-to-bottom. For an example, please see the lower left part of the solutions page: http://www.sudoku.com/solutions.php. Gould can be contacted via e-mail at scott.gould@sudoku.com.

• To those wishing to assist the reader requesting assistance with a wish list in Saturday’s column: Please note that Sun Spots accidentally deleted the organization’s name. They are Advocates for Children. Their wish list includes: AA, C and D batteries, three-ring binders, vacuum cleaner, latex rubber gloves (medium), children’s art easels for painting, clear glass bowls used for rose bowls or small fish bowls, Brio Wooden Train Set, plastic milk crates, quilts, Popsicle sticks, white tube socks, stickers (bugs). They are located at the B Street Community Center, 57 Birch St., Suite 204, Lewiston, 783-3990.

Dear Sun Spots: Thanks to the readers who have previously helped our school. Turner Elementary School and Turner Primary School are trying to raise money for their schools. To raise money we are collecting empty inkjet cartridges, empty laser cartridges, old, used cell phones and laptops. If any readers have any they would like to donate, please call me at 225-2682 or 754-8170 and I can make arrangements to pick them up. Also, we are still doing our boxtops4education program. If anyone has any they would like to send me they can be mailed to Laurie Labbe, 5 Brookfield Estates, Turner, ME 04282. – Laurie Labbe, Turner.

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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