DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read your column every day. I have two requests that I hope you or someone can help me with.

First off, my daughter is having a problem with sumac. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get rid of it?

Also, I would like the address for “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” I watch the show, but haven’t gotten an address, only the dot-com thing. I’m 76 and don’t have a computer. If you could get the address for me, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you so much and have happy holidays. — H.P., Jay

ANSWER: Sun Spots found the following tips about eliminating sumac on www.howtogetridofstuff.com:

The Web page begins with a warning that some sumac can be poisonous or trigger allergic reactions. It can also be very aggressive and dominant. The site says most sumac berries are edible and are eaten by birds and humans alike, but some are poisonous.

As for getting rid of it, the website makes the following suggestions:

* Because sumac blossoms and produces fruit in the fall, get rid of it during the spring or summer.

* If you’re dealing with poison sumac, wear protective gloves and clothes.

* If you don’t get rid of it all, it will just come back.

* Get rid of sumac while it’s small, before the roots spread into a network.

* Dig or pull out as much of the sumac’s roots as possible, then cut down the remaining stems close to the base.

* Cover the remaining stems and roots with kosher salt (or brine), herbicides or plastic.

* Mow small sumac plants regularly, which will eventually starve out and kill the roots.

* Get a goat (this is Sun Spots’ plan). They will eat even poison sumac.

* Don’t burn sumac if you’re not sure what kind it is. Burning poison sumac can send particles airborne where you might inhale them or get them on your skin.

As for the second part of your question, you can write to The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Telepictures Productions, 3000 West Alameda Ave., Suite 2700, Burbank, CA 91523

DEAR SUN SPOTS: While shopping in the Auburn-Lewiston area on Dec. 20, I lost a very special earring. It is cherry amber in a silver setting with Poland written on the back. I would be very happy if someone found it and I could pick it up. Thank you. Please call 539-2211. — No Name via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are sending this letter about an accident near Youngs Corner on Dec. 14 at 10:45 a.m. A red pickup truck somehow lost a tire, causing my vehicle to drive over it. Because of the traffic there wasn’t a way to avoid an accident.

We are hoping anyone who witnessed this accident would please contact the Auburn Police Department. If the other driver involved happens to read this, would he please contact them also? He did not follow me to a safe stopping point afterward. Thank you! — Zack and Rosemarie Pomerleau, Zack.Pomerleau@gmail.com

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