DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the recent heat, decades ago I lived on the top floor of a sixth-floor walk-up in NYC. That summer of 1972 was a scorcher and I had no air conditioning (and no fan, as I remember). Acting on instinct, I took a small plastic tub, filled it about halfway with cold water and added half a dozen ice cubes. I placed it on a crate next to my bed so that the tub was level with the bed.

I then lay on my back and placed my hand in it, gently moving it around in the water. It soon cooled me off and made me drowsy. After drying my hand with a towel, I rolled over and fell asleep in no time — and stayed asleep. I hope this helps anyone out there who’s unable to sleep at night due to the heat. It worked for me! — No name, no town

ANSWER: That’s a great idea! I sometimes just put a cool, wet washcloth on the back of my neck. That helps so much, as does dowsing a bandana with cool water and wearing it around your neck if you’re working or just taking a walk outside or around the house on a hot day.

I remember so many hot, humid nights when I lived in Virginia in the 1970s and couldn’t sleep. I would get up and stick my feet in a basin of cold water, wipe myself down with a cool cloth and was able to go back to dreamland.

Setting a basin of water containing ice water or just ice in front of a fan will also cool you down considerably.

While I’m thinking of it, because several hot, humid nights in a row can be hard on a person, I’m asking if any of you Sun Spotters have extra fans or air conditioners you aren’t using because you’ve upgraded or whatever. If so, please write to Sun Spots if you are willing to donate them to another person or a nonprofit. Include your contact information and I will connect you to someone in need.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Hartford Heritage Society held its Annual Antique Auto Show on July 22 at the Sumner Congregational Church with 43 vehicles participating.

The winners were: first place, Brian Loonie of Boothbay Harbor with a 1966 Dodge Charger. Tied for second place were David Webster of Wales with a 1957 Chevy Nomad from Wales, Mike Sarno of Bridgton with a 1957 Ford. In third place was Mike and Jodi Ross of Hartford with a 1929 Ford.

New members and friends of the former D Rail Band entertained with country music. Lunches including hot dogs and finger rolls along with drinks, chips and desserts were sold.

All proceeds from the show will go toward the restoration of the J & O Irish Museum on Main Street (Route 140) in Hartford. We will have another antique auto show next year so watch Sun Spots for the date, time, and place. — Doreen, Hartford

ANSWER: This auto show is a great tradition and I’m glad you had a good turnout. Thanks for sharing the results!

Whenever a nonprofit has an event, especially if you need donations, volunteers, and items to bring it all together, please let me know!

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.