People say not to ask a question unless you want to hear the answer.

Every two years, we hire someone to survey several hundred of you to find out how we’re doing. If we’re doing well, we’d like to hear it. If there are problems, we need to hear that, too.

The results of the latest biennial survey are in. The news is good, and we’re also studying what you told us to find out how we can do even better in the future.

Survey topics ranged from customer service and public safety to services for seniors, quality of life, and taxes.

Problems related to growth remain the top concern. Traffic was the second most-cited issue followed by school crowding and water issues.

Water was the No. 2 issue in the 2000 survey, which was before expansion of the water plant.

For details, see www.townofcary.org.

online voting idea supported

Despite growth concerns, most feel the quality of life in Cary is the same as in 2000 or better.

If firefighters were headed to your home, you’d want them there quickly and safely.

So if you encounter a fire truck or other emergency vehicle with lights and siren on, don’t try to outflank it or turn in front .

Move to the right and stop to let it pass.

Firefighters, police officers and ambulance crews give their all to help others. You can help by giving them room to maneuver through traffic. It only takes a few seconds and could help save someone’s life. You never know who might need help.

So next time you see those lights and hear the siren, please pull to the right and stop.

It’s the right thing to do.

Kiwanis Shelter in Bond Park at 8:30 a.m. The magician Michael Creech will be there, too.

To share a continental breakfast with the bunny, you must buy tickets ahead of time. They go on sale March 11 at the Herbert C. Young Community Center. The cost is $3 or less, depending on age.

The Teen Council and the Glass Onion Gourmet Market are sponsors. The rain date is the next day.

Morning hunts begin between 10 and 10:30, depending on age. The magician

Michael Creech will perform at 10:45 in the Sertoma Amphitheater. He’ll return at 2:15 p.m.

Late-sleepers can join hunts in the afternoon. The first hunt is at 1:30 p.m. The event is free.

dancing with the one that hung with ya

Here’s a way for folks 55 and over to celebrate the season with the one they love, whether it’s their first spring together or 60th.

The Cary Senior Center will have its first Spring Dinner Dance on Thursday, April 4 from 7-10:30 p.m. It will include a meal with rotisserie chicken or honey glaze ham. The Legacy Band will perform. The cost $20 per person.

Twenty-five people must register by March 28. For details, call the center at (919) 469-4081.

Bud Bits

The Downtown Farmers Market reopens April 6 in the Cary Depot parking lot downtown with local produce and herbs, flowers, baked goods, jams, crafts, etc. Hours are Saturdays, 8 a.m. -12:30 p.m. and Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m. Town leaf crews will vacuum loose leaves at the curb through March 31. Call (919) 469-4090 to schedule a free collection. The annual countywide telephone book recycling effort will continue through April 12. Find containers at Cary Elementary School, and Davis Drive and Ritter parks.

weathering disaster

Flood insurance is not part of most homeowner or renter policies. Ask your agent about it.

You may need separate coverage for wind and hail damage. It won’t take effect for 15 days, so don’t wait until a storm nears.

Consider replacement cost coverage rather than the value of what you own. Check for loss of use provisions in case you have to stay elsewhere during repairs.

Videotape, photograph or otherwise list your home and belongings. Keep the inventory in a secure place elsewhere.

Protect your property from further damage. Check with your agent before arranging permanent repairs. Use licensed, reliable contractors. Don’t pay cash.

This summer Town Hall campus will be a construction zone.

But on Saturday, April 27, it will be full of artists and crafts people, food vendors, entertainers, browsers and bargain-hunters.

This is the ninth annual Spring Daze. It’s the little sister of the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, which fills downtown streets in late August.

The more intimate Spring Daze festival will feature more than 100 local artists plus live entertainment. Civic and church groups will have food for sale.

Spring Daze will last from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

A free shuttle service will run continuously from Cary Towne Center, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

For more details, call Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources at 919) 469-4061.

earth day
2002

Cary’s second annual Earth Day Celebration Weekend is next month, and it’s four days long.

Earth Day is April 22. It marks the beginning of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

Cary’s celebration begins with Arbor Day on Thursday, April 18, and concludes on Sunday, April 21 with a day of volunteer projects to help our environment. The highlight of the festivities will be Saturday, April 20, at Ritter Park.

"Clean Your Files Day" is Friday,

April 19. Maybe this doesn’t apply to you—perhaps your files are devoid of superfluity. But are your coworkers as good at recycling?

Saturday’s event will last from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. with activities and demonstrations for all ages.

Sunday projects include storm drain stenciling, litter sweeps and trail maintenance at Hemlock Bluffs. Registration is required.

For details, call (919) 469-4090 or visit www.townofcary.org.

just add water

If the water has smelled more like chlorine in March, here’s why.

The water treatment plant staff uses a different disinfecting recipe during March than the rest of the year. State law requires it.

For 11 months, they add ammonia. It inhibits production of trihalomethanes, unwanted byproducts of using chlorine only.

But bacteria gradually adapt. So the water plant staff pulls a switcheroo each March and shelves the ammonia.

Kidney dialysis patients should know the water could have either or both chemicals during March.

Otherwise, balancing ingredients allows you to "just add water."

Maybe your beach attire is a floppy hat and Bermuda shorts and you answer to "Paw Paw."

The senior center needs more volunteers 50 and over who know computers and will tutor Web novices of their generation.

The SeniorNet program will have an open house Friday, April 5 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the center.

Meet current volunteers, watch an educational video, enjoy refreshments and tour the lab. Call (919) 469-4081 to learn more.

April 2—May 1 Johnston County Community College student photography exhibit. Reception (with Melissa Miller also) April 7, from 2-4 p.m.

April 11 Brown bag lunch in gallery (drinks provided) 11 a.m.—1 p.m.

April 14 Pop folk musician Kim Buchanan at 7 p.m. Limited number of $10 tickets available at the door. Call 460-5917 for information.

April 18 Integrating Art in Public Settings lecture at 7:30 p.m.

April 22 Walking tour of downtown Cary, 6-7:30 p.m.

Runners, walkers and stroller-pushers will burn rubber at the 24th annual Cary Road Race on Saturday, April 13.

The family event features 10K and 5K races and a mile-long "fun run" around the track at Cary High.

The first race begins at 8:30 a.m.

Sponsors are The Cary News and the Town of Cary.

Register online at Active.com or call (919) 469-4363.

Cary Town government offices will be closed March 29 for the Good Friday holiday.