DaytonDailyNews.com

For those hammered by the late summer windstorm of 2008, good folks in the Miami Valley responded with offers to their neighbors of everything from chain saws to a hot bath.

One of the biggest headaches involved trees that toppled or scattered limbs. So when readers were asked to share stories of good deeds, most thanked those who helped them remove downed trees. And some remarked that the weather adventures brought neighbors closer together.

Mike Saum of Kettering said six of his neighbors worked together to help remove a downed tree and described the mood on his street as "a block party without the fun."

Meanwhile, Rob Gast said it was "neat" in his Kettering neighborhood.

"A neighbor came to my house to borrow my saw. Soon there were a group of eight or nine guys going around the neighborhood helping each other clean up."

Gast said he appreciated the help at his own home where a tree fell on his driveway blocking his car.

"Since the power was out we all chipped in and provided dinner," Gast said. "We cooked hot dogs and marshmallows over one of the neighbor's fire pits."

He said many in the neighborhood gathered and "talked about the events of the day."

Gast added, "The lack of electricity was not fun, but it all really brought us together as neighbors."

Suzy Kroeger said a huge tree fell on Constantia Avenue, off Wilmington Pike, near her home.

"It blocked most of the road," she said. "The amazing thing is that the whole neighborhood came out to see what they could do to help. Now, most of the time people just keep to themselves on our street. But everyone came with clippers, saws and whatever they had to help clean up."

She added, "One teenager even drove to his grandfather's to get a two-person saw. Within 20 minutes they had cleared up most of the mess."

Kroeger said, "I was pleased by the sense of community I saw in the aftermath of the storm. It makes me proud of my neighborhood."

Casey Durrstein of Beavercreek said, "My husband, Quentin, was active, doing a lot of things for people, she said, "He cut up downed trees on the streets and helped clear away debris."

She added, "He also helped people who don't have generators by inviting them to put food in our freezer. He told folks they could come to our home to clean up since we have hot water."

Michael McDermott of Beavercreek said large tree limbs fell across both ends of Brookview Drive, where he lives.

"However, the neighbors came together and used a chain saw and our hands to clear the street. It seemed everyone was out and about cleaning up limbs, debris and talking to one another about the storm."

Kay Coram said there are a lot of older trees in her block of Kipling Drive.

"Our street is a main artery often used by the Dayton Fire and EMS units to get to emergencies," she said. "During the storm we had a number of gutsy neighbors who, when they spotted large limbs down, raced into the storm to keep the street clear for emergency service."

She added, "Thank God for great, caring neighbors."

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He'd like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.