DEAR SUN SPOTS: The West Sumner Universalist Church will hold its annual Ticket Auction and Bake Sale on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The drawing will be at 2 p.m.
As in past years, there are lots of items available, including themed baskets and gift certificates. Baked goods and Rada cutlery are for sale and lunch, including hotdogs, will be available for purchase at noon.
Donations of items such as theme baskets and gift cards are greatly appreciated. The church is at 1114 Main St. on Route 219 in Sumner. — Deb, Sumner
ANSWER: For more information about the sale and donations, please call Deb at 364-6184. I hope everyone has a great time and that the auction and sale bring in a good profit for the church.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: North Waterford Congregational Church, just off Route 35 at 15 Irving Green Road, is holding a public supper Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 5-6:30 p.m. Baked beans, American Chop suey, coleslaw, casseroles, salads and pies are on the menu. The cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. — Milly, Waterford
ANSWER: Thanks for reminding us, Milly!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you give me the information for the person who makes the rice bags to warm feet? — Tom, no town
ANSWER: In February, a reader asked this question and another Sun Spotter, Mary, came forward and connected the reader with her sister-in-law, Louise Decoteau. She can be reached at 713-1106.
Mary let us know that Louise does a wonderful job making these warming items at reasonable prices and various sizes. These can be put in the microwave for two-three minutes and they stay warm for a long time.
I used to make these myself for family and friends and my mother made hundreds of them over the years.
If you want to try making your own warming bags, use soft cotton fabric such as flannel, make a “bag” with one end open, fill it about three-quarters full with rice or dried feed corn and stitch it closed. Polyester fabric and thread are not recommended. It’s also great to have a small pillowcase for it that you can launder regularly.
You must take care when heating these in the microwave. Just a couple of minutes is all you need. You don’t want to start a fire or have the bag so hot that it would cause you to burn yourself or even scorch your bedding, which I’ve seen happen.
These warming DIY heating pads are great, especially on a cold winter night. They also work as a cold pack and can be kept in the freezer in a plastic bag to use If you can’t get in touch with Louise, or another reader doesn’t offer to make you a rice bag, I’ve seen them for sale at local craft sales and gift shops. Grandpa’s Garden in Brunswick at 146 Maine St. sells beautiful heating pads like these in many shapes and sizes. They are also available at the Central Maine Medical Center Gift Shop or you can order online at https://www.grampasgarden.com/.
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. Please include your phone number. 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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
