As we were getting our boat ready for our first trip to the river this summer, I remembered the kind folks that helped us out of a huge dilemma last fall.

We were pretty far from where we usually launch our boat in Harmarville and were enjoying the unusually warm weather and probably our last time to be on the river for the year. It was getting late and we decided it was time to head in.

My husband tried several times to start the motor but to no avail. He handed me a paddle and we started to slowly paddle our way to the dock -- which was pretty far away and we both knew at this pace we would not make it back until way after dark. He tried to call some friends who might be able to help us if we could just get closer to the shore, but no one was home. We scanned the river for help, but at this time of day (a Sunday evening) most boaters had already headed for the docks.

The next thing we knew, a couple with their two grandchildren and their very large yacht-type boat came near us and the gentleman threw us a big line/rope. They towed us all the way to the dock, even though their depth finder kept warning them they were in shallow water and might risk damaging their vessel.

We kept thinking of that and how much fuel their boat must be using to tow us so far. We had no money to pay them but my husband scribbled his name on a piece of paper and thought he would offer them his contracting services. When we neared the dock, he untied the rope and handed the paper to the woman, who by then was signaling a few people on the dock for some help.

Just as we were saying our thanks, a gentleman with a fishing boat took it from there and gently got us next to the launching dock, safe and sound. We waved goodbye as we watched the large boat turn and slowly head down river as the sun was beginning to set.

We will never forget this couple and their compassion for fellow boaters -- even the smaller ones.

SUSAN SLAUGENHAUPT PLOVIC

Verona

On June 1, about 2:40 p.m. I was returning home from shopping in my 21-year-old Chevy Cavalier.

I made a left turn from Cochran Road onto Greentree Road. At the top of the hill, I stopped for the red light opposite Orchard Spring Road when my car went dead.

While sitting there, I had seven people inquire if they could help me. A woman spoke to me from her car, and a mechanic walked up the hill to check on me, too. What especially pleased me was three girls walking up the hill, and one girl, about 13 years old, stopped to ask if I needed help.

I had already called AAA and help was on the way. Two nice gentlemen pushed my car out of the lane of traffic. One called the Green Tree police and when an officer came, he was a gem. He talked with me to help calm my nerves before leaving.

I want to thank all of them for their kindness. Pittsburgh residents are the greatest when it comes to helping anyone in need, or in an unfortunate circumstance.

PEG DEVLIN

Beechview

This past weekend was my birthday and I was on the South Side celebrating with some of my friends. I reached into my purse to call someone and my credit card fell out. I must have noticed quickly because the card was put on hold before anyone could make any purchases with it.

To my surprise someone actually turned the card in to Citizens Bank. I received a call saying that this person had turned in my card and that I could just come and pick it up. It was a wonderful surprise, considering my panic when I realized my card had gone missing.

So a big and gracious thank you to the person who was kind enough to return my card.

KATY GRANT

Mt. Lebanon

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