In response to Kimberly Skaggs' Dec. 18 letter "Peace disturbed," my wife and I grew up in North Carolina and feel fortunate to be raising our family in Cary. My wife was in the Cary High School marching band that participates each year in the town's parade.

Cary is a very friendly town with years of traditions. Some of these wonderful traditions are the Cary parade and the taking of group pictures on the steps of the recently renovated Cary Performing Arts Center.

Last year this photo opportunity wasn't available because the arts center was being renovated.

The children of Cary work very hard practicing for this parade and their photos on the steps of the Cary Arts Center are something they and their families take pride in and will cherish for many years.

Our daughter has danced for Cary Dance Productions for nearly 10 years, and she can't wait to get a copy of her picture.

If during the excitement of (more than) 100 girls gathering on the steps of the Cary Arts Center, you and your family were inadvertently offended please accept our apologies. Hopefully you will come to appreciate how neighborly Cary folks are. We are friendly, courteous, and best of all, take the time to smell the roses.

Chris Dell

Cary