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NCSU mentors
I would like to thank The News & Observer for recognizing the work of my team, as well as the other students from North Carolina, in the Siemens Competition held in Atlanta. Unfortunately due to space constraints, I would imagine you were unable to mention the role that our mentors played in this process.
Dr. Donald Bitzer, Dr. Anne-Marie Stomp and Dr. Mladen Vouk of NCSU supported us at every step of the research process. They exemplify a love for science and unselfish dedication to teaching, qualities that are inspirational to any high school student. We, as a team, believe that they deserve some recognition as well.
Thank you for your interest in the endeavors of high school students.
Vivek Bhattacharya
Cary

Festival sponsors
Having participated in the International Festival at Dorton Arena, I was again impressed with the attendance level of people in our community. The greater Raleigh area is fast becoming a magnet for native as well as foreign-born people, and the festival gave the many who attended a taste of the diversity in cultures and their positive contributions to our society. It was gratifying to see the efforts of many immigrants to proudly serve foods and present music and dances native to their countries.
To continue having this International Festival on an annual basis, they need the continuous support of the community and, above all, the business sponsors. I would like to thank Target, Coca-Cola, Heineken and Tecate for their sponsorship with the hope of many more businesses to sponsor in the future. I for one pledge to become a loyal customer of theirs.
Adriaan Vandersterre
Raleigh

Marathon participants
I wish to thank all participants for my wonderful experience running in my first half marathon at the City of Oaks Half Marathon. From the organizers to the volunteers, the event transpired seamlessly. My appreciation additionally extends to the spectators and my fellow runners, especially those at East West Partners of Chapel Hill, for their enthusiasm and encouragement.
Raleigh truly lives up to the image of a Southern hospitable city, and I hope to return in the future for this event.
Diana Wellford
Carrboro

Sheriff's office
One Saturday morning, our phone service went out, and we were told it would be back on Monday by 6 p.m. At 5:45 I was told that it would be connected by 6; at 6:05 I was told there was not a technician available. As I then was upset, I asked for a supervisor. She was on the phone with another call and would call back. No call. That Tuesday morning I was told we would have service by 1 p.m. That did not happen. Finally around 4 p.m. we had service. So much for AT&T's new fast service.
Tuesday morning, at my door was a very nice officer of the law. My frantic daughter had been trying to get in touch with us. On Friday, I had surgery and her father has a heart condition. The AT&T operator told her that the line was busy and that no one was on the line so the phone must have been left off the hook. She called the Wake County Sheriff's Department and asked if they could check up on us. Response time: less than 15 minutes.
Thank you, Wake County Sheriff's Department.
Cecile DuBois
Raleigh