DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to thank Dr. Scott Bernardy and his staff at Riverview Dental in Auburn for the wonderful care I was given on May 11 on Have a Heart Day, which they hold each year. They made me feel like my own family was taking care of me as they examined my painful tooth that badly needed a filling, which I haven’t been able to afford.

I wish there were more people out there like Dr. Bernardy and his team who were incredibly understanding and very sympathetic as to why seeing a dentist on a fixed income is, unfortunately, impossible!

I have worked hard my whole life, but now that I’m disabled, it is not only embarrassing but extremely puzzling as to why dental needs are not covered under my health insurance, making it so I’m not able to take care of myself the way I want to.

Thank you all for volunteering your valuable time to help out another community member.

— Susan, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The day after Mother’s Day, late in the afternoon, I was driving near Concord, New Hampshire, on my way back to Maine when my vehicle started making a terrible noise. I pulled over and looked up the nearest garages on my phone and gave Village Street Garage in Penacook a call. I felt so blessed when I explained my situation to the very nice woman who answered and after asking me a couple questions, she said, “Come on over!”

I have to say, I have never met more cheerful, helpful people. When I told them I had been in town spending time with my son for Mother’s Day weekend, they wanted to assure me, a total stranger and not a regular customer, that I would get home safely, adding that they would treat me the same as they would treat their own moms. In short order, a mechanic took my Subaru for a test drive, explained the issue to me, and fixed it in just a few minutes. When I got out my credit card, he said, “No charge.” There were no parts involved, but I had used about 40 minutes of the mechanic’s time just as he was getting ready to go home for the day. I really couldn’t believe his kindness.

If any of my fellow Sun Spots readers are ever in the vicinity of this garage and need a vehicle repair, I highly recommend this family-owned business.

— Lee, no town

ANSWER: How I love printing these letters. These two notes are examples of how ordinary people make an extraordinary difference in people’s lives and also inspire others to spread kindness and generosity. For some people, a visit to the dentist or a vehicle repair is a blip on the radar, while for others, these unexpected expenses may mean not being able to pay for the week’s groceries, the electric bill or other necessities. Please help others when you can. The benefits you will receive are priceless!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the May 10 Sun Spots column about filling the 20- by 40-foot hole where my pool used to be, I have tried calling excavation companies and haven’t had any luck. Is there anyone out there who has a good recommendation? Please call me at 207-795-6460.

— Sheila, Lewiston

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.