On Friday, Aug. 15, I loaded three heavy 8-foot folding tables into my station wagon. They were longer than than car, so I had to leave the back gate open. I started out on Penn Avenue in Lawrenceville for a short ride, just a few blocks, but going uphill. The little voice in my head said that the tables were going to slide out -- but who was I to listen? It was the end of a long day.

Well, the tables slid on to Penn Avenue. It was around 4 p.m. The early rush-hour traffic quickly tied up.

But just as quickly, people emerged to help -- and not just because they were the ones being inconvenienced. Two teenaged boys appeared and began to wrestle with the tables. But then a great guy with a large SUV car pulled over, sized up the situation -- and offered to load the tables into his vehicle and deliver them himself. Another man helped with the reload into the SUV and all was well.

Many thanks to all who helped -- particularly the two gentlemen who could have driven by and honked at the "dumb lady" but didn't.

-- LINDA EHRLICH, Allegheny West

I was driving home, on Route 30 near Irwin around 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 1 when one of my front tires blew out, forcing me to pull to the side of the road. A North Huntingdon Police Officer pulled behind me, blocking the traffic so my car would not be hit from the rear.

He asked if he could be of assistance. I informed him that I had a flat tire. He explained that the jack for my car had to be placed in a certain spot under the car frame, of which I was unaware. He then proceeded to place the jack in the proper area under the car -- and changed the tire for me.

You hear on television and read in the newspapers all the bad things that police are accused of doing. I am a senior citizen and have never really had much interaction with the police. I feel that this officer is an outstanding example of what a community police officer should be. North Huntingdon can be extremely proud having such members of its force serving their community.

-- ARNOLD ROBERTS, Point Breeze

On Sept. 4, 2007, I had a heart attack at a bus stop while waiting for the 11D Perrysville bus.

I didn't even realize that my blood pressure was so low at the time. I fell across from Perrysville Plaza in front of a nursing home. I didn't remember anything about it.

The next thing I knew, a man was waking me up and saying I fell and that I was bleeding. I didn't realize I had broken my nose and hit the side of my head. The nurses came out of Reformed Presbyterian nursing home and helped me also, and they called the paramedics.

I have tried to get in touch with the nurses -- they really saved my life. I even tried to find out who the man was who helped me. If by chance you happen to read this: You all have my heartfelt thanks.

-- BESSIE FORD, Stowe

I left the rectory of St. Gabriel's parish in Whitehall after purchasing a $50 gift certificate to Giant Eagle for the church fund-raising campaign. I stopped to do some errands. When I got home, I couldn't find my $50 card.

About a half hour later, the church called and told me a mailman who delivered the mail that day found the gift card on the sidewalk outside of the church and brought it in.

Whoever delivered the mail that day (June 13), I say: Thanks to an honest guy.

-- LARRY SMITH (retired mailman), Whitehall