Derita/Statesville Rd. Comm. Org.

2-29-08 DSRCO EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Mar 11, 2008

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DSRCO PO Box 26382 CHARLOTTE, NC 28221
Your Voluntary Annual Membership ($10 for families; $20 for businesses, groups, neighborhoods)
helps make our work possible. Our 2008 membership drive is currently in progress.

Brett & Nancy Gilbert
Ruth Mae Harrell
Ms. Teresa Temple

Northside Baptist Church
Since our last email, these folks have joined or renewed their membership for 2008.
We appreciate Your Support and hope to hear from Others, too.
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DSRCO Community Calendar
http://hometown.aol.com/deritadsrco/myhomepage/diary.html

Saturday, March 1
Children?’s Consignment Sale
University City United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
Regular Sale: 8:00 ?– 11:00am
Half-price Sale: 12:30 ?– 2:00pm
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NE Rail Line Public Meetings
CATS Blue Line Extension Preliminary Engineering Kick-Off Meetings

Monday, March 3, 2008
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
101 West Sugar Creek Road
Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm ?– 8:00 pm

Tuesday, March 4, 2008
University Place Hilton
8629 JM Keynes Drive
Harris Room (lobby level)
6:00 pm ?– 8:00 pm
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Friday & Saturday, March 7 & 8
Boy Scout Troop 13?’s Annual Spring BBQ & Silent Auction
University City United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
Friday ?– 11:00am ?– 2:00pm and 5:00 ?– 7:00pm
Saturday ?– 11:00am ?– 2:00pm

Plate or Sandwich Menu or Pound of BBQ - $8.00
Eat-in or Drive-thru/Take-out available
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Saturday, March 8th
13th Annual Neighborhood Symposium
Join neighbors from throughout the city for an enlightening and energizing
day of community building. This event provides opportunities for neighbor-
hood leaders and residents to share ideas, network and learn more about
local resources available to strengthen Charlotte's communities. 8am.- 4pm.

Charlotte Convention Center
501 S. College Street
Theme: Neighborhoods in Action: Developing Leaders for Stronger
Neighborhoods. Call 704-336-2061 for more information.
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Saturday & Sunday, March 8 & 9th
14th Annual Puppethon
University City United Methodist Church, Worship Center Sanctuary
Saturday ?– 7:00pm
Sunday ?– 3:00pm

This free concert by HIS HANDS Puppets is fun for ALL ages!
A love offering will be taken to benefit the group?’s summer mission trip.
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Sunday, March 9th
Resurrection Egg Hunt
University City United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall
2:00pm, Ages: 2 years ?– 4th Grade

Crafts, music, stories and an egg hunt, then join us for the Puppethon at 3pm.
RSVP for the egg hunt by Wednesday, March 5 to cmcgee@ucumc.org or
704-369-8006
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Sunday, March 9th
Free Blood Pressure Screening
4-5pm, Northeast Seventh Day Adventist Church
827 Tom Hunter Road
704-200-8019
Available monthly, every 2nd Sunday
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Sunday, March 9th
SPRING FORWARD SUNDAY -- Daylight Savings Time Begins
Set Clocks Ahead One Hour

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Saturday, March 15th
Neighborhood Easter Celebration

Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
Invites You To Join Us, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

There will be Refreshments and Games, Donkey Rides and Petting Zoo
Fun For All Ages So Bring The Family!

For More Information Contact The Church Office 704.596.4466
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Sundays, March 16 & 23
?“It Took A Lamb?”
10:30 am, Northside Baptist Church

In celebration of the Easter season, the music ministry of Northside Baptist
will present ?“It Took A Lamb.?” The story of Christ?’s death and resurrection
will be told through drama and music and will be presented in two parts,
over two Sundays, Palm Sunday, March 16 and Easter Sunday, March 23.
The presentations will take place at the 10:30 a.m. services on both of these
special days. Northside is located at 333 Jeremiah Boulevard, near the Sugar
Creek Road exit off I-85.
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Sunday, March 16th
Heartsaver CPR Course for the Community
Northeast Seventh Day Adventist Church
827 Tom Hunter Road
Ages 18 and up
Cost: $30.00
Registration: thru February 23, 2008
Contact: 704-200-8019 or 704-395-3573
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Thursday, March 21st
DSRCO Business & Service Providers Breakfast
7:30am, Sugar's Family Restaurant, W Sugar Creek at I-85

Breakfast meetings are held 7:30am, 3rd Thursday of the month --- drop-in
format for those who have to eat and dash; networking opportunities with
other business people in our Community and a way to let folks know what
services ARE available. No fees, come share a few minutes with us.

PS. Sugar's Restaurant has arranged a "$2.89 Breakfast Special" for us
that you're sure to enjoy.
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To be added to our FREE Businesses & Services Email List, send a request
to deritarep@aol.com
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No DSRCO Neighborhood Leaders Meeting this month
We will meet again Thursday, April 19th, 7pm at Derita Presbyterian Church.
Contact: Bernie Samonds 704 806-3813 deritarep@aol.com or
Sylvia Cannon 704 596-7059 slcannon3@cs.com with pressing matters.

http://hometown.aol.com/deritadsrco/myhomepage/pact.html Recent Newsletters
http://hometown.aol.com/deritadsrco/myhomepage/diary.html Community Calendar
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Saturday, March 22nd
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Oak Grove United Methodist Church 704-596-6596
6400 Old Statesville Rd. 10am - 12 Noon

Games, Prizes, Crafts, Fun, Refreshments and Decorated Egg Contest
(Bring your favorite egg from home)
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Saturday, March 22nd
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
2022 W. Sugar Creek Road 704-596-2356
10am - Noon, Carnival and Egg Hunt for kids Fifth Grade and younger.
Cake Walk, bowling alley, game booths, refreshments, egg hunt.
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Saturday, March 22nd
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
2230 W. Sugar Creek Road 704-597-1122
1-3pm, Children of the Community are welcome.
Fun Games, Prizes and Refreshments.
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EASTER SERVICES at
Cole Memorial United Methodist Church
2022 West Sugar Creek Rd. 704-596-2356

PALM SUNDAY March 16th ?– "Lift High the Cross" Cantata, 10:30am

MAUNDY THURSDAY March 19th --- Sanctuary, 7pm

EASTER SUNDAY March 23rd --- Sunrise Service, 7am
--- Breakfast, 8am
--- Sunday School, 9:15am
--- Morning Worship, 10:30am
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EASTER SERVICES at
Derita Presbyterian Church
2230 W. Sugar Creek Road 704-597-1122

Thursday March 20th ?– Maudy Thursday Services @ 7PM
Friday March 21st ?– Tenebrae Services @ 7PM
Sunday March 23rd - Easter Sunday Services @ 11PM
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EASTER SERVICES at
Oak Grove United Methodist Church
6440 Old Statesville Road --- Bob Symanski, Pastor
704-596-6596 www.oakgroveumc.net

March 16th --- PALM SUNDAY ?– Message with special music 10:30am
March 20th --- HOLY THURSDAY (Special Worship Service) 7pm
March 21st --- GOOD FRIDAY (Special Worship Service) 7pm
March 23rd --- EASTER SUNDAY
7:00 am --- Sunrise Service
8:30 am --- Breakfast
9:30 am --- Sunday School
10:30 am --- Easter Sunday Service
(Nursery provided for most Services)
Everyone is welcome and all are invited to attend
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EASTER SERVICES at
Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church
Please join us in celebrating our Risen, Living Savior, Jesus Christ, at any
of the following events and services held here at 3435 Nevin Rd:

Friday, March 7 ?– ?“World Day of Prayer?” worship, 7 pm

Palm Sunday, March 16 ?– ?“Youth Sunday School Easter Program,?” 9:15 am

Thursday, March 20 ?– ?“Maundy Thursday Worship,?” 7 pm

Easter Sunday, March 23 ?– ?“Easter Sunrise Service," 6:30 am
Continental Breakfast to follow the worship (7:30 am)

Easter Sunday, March 23 ?– ?“Easter Morning Worship?” at 11 am
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EASTER SERVICES at
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church

March 16 --- Easter Cantata on Palm Sunday, 10:30am
March 20 --- Maundy Thursday Service, 7:30pm
March 21 --- Good Friday Tenebrae Service, 7:30pm

March 23 --- Easter Sunrise Service, 7am
--- Easter Breakfast, 8am
--- Easter Worship,10:30am

New International Sunday School on Easter Sunday, meeting at 9:30am
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EASTER SERVICES at
Unity Center for Spiritual Living
7300 Mallard Creek Road
704-599-2056 for information
www.unitycenterforspiritualliving.com

Everyone is encouraged and welcome to come to UCFSL where you will be
empowered in your spiritual journey and supported through loving acceptance.

March 16 - Palm Sunday Celebration 10:30am with lunch to follow service
March 21 - 7PM Good Friday Service
March 23 - Easter Celebration 10:30 am with lunch to follow service
Easter Egg Hunt for the children during the worship service

April 4, 5, 7 at 7PM and April 6 at 2PM come and view the Moses Code!
Check out the church website for further information.

Classes available to everyone on Monday from 11-1pm and 7-9pm. Each
month is a different subject for study and discussion. Check out the church
website for details listed under Ministerial School.

Every Sunday at 4PM on channel 21 (Char/Meck Time Warner Cable Access)
tune into "Spiritual Lifelines" and receive inspiration, education and information!
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EASTER SERVICES at
University City United Methodist Church
All in the Worship Center Sanctuary

Thursday, March 20 --- Maundy Thursday Service
7:00pm --- Communion

Friday, March 21 --- Good Friday: A Musical for Easter, ?“In Christ Alone?”
7:00pm
Featuring the UCUMC Celebration Choir, Orchestra, Soloists, Drama
Ministry, Children?’s Ensemble, Dancers and Technical Team. This is
a free concert, a love offering will be taken. For childcare reservations,
call 704-369-8027.

Sunday, March 23 --- Easter Celebration
8:30am Traditional,
9:45am Blended,
11:00am Contemporary
No Sunday School this day.
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Free Breakfast -- You're Invited!
Newell Presbyterian Church is hosting a free hot breakfast for our community
every Sunday, February 10 thru March 23 at 9:15 am. Come enjoy fresh eggs,
hot pancakes, sizzling bacon, and buttery toast. Have some coffee or orange
juice and meet some of your neighbors.

This meal is open to anyone and everyone. The purpose of this free breakfast
is all about serving the needs of our community by bringing people together for
food, fun, and fellowship.

Rev. Brad Busiek
Newell Presbyterian Church
1500 Rocky River Road West
704-596-2329 www.newellpresby.org
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Message from Mayor Pro Tem Susan Burgess

Derita Neighbors,
I encourage you to attend the 2008 Neighborhood Symposium on March 8th
at the Charlotte Convention Center. Information can be found at:
http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Neighborhood+Dev/Sustain+Neighborhoods/Neighborhood+Symposium/home.htm

To register, use the link below or call 704-335-2061
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=DqRtbfhI8YAgrxoY8nz1TA_3d_3d

There will be interesting session and workshop, described here:
http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Neighborhood+Dev/Sustain+Neighborhoods/Neighborhood+Symposium/home.htm#Program

I promise a great day, all provided to you free.

Susan Burgess
Mayor Pro Tem
Chairperson, Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
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Message from Councilman Michael Barnes:

Hello.
I hope this e-mail finds you well. I wanted to provide you with a quick update on a few
matters in District 4.

1) I recently asked City Staff to conduct a feasibility study for a Property Crimes
Court here in Charlotte. People all over our city have been suffering from home breakins,
car thefts, vandalism and other property crimes.

My hope is that we might partner with the State and County to create a system that
might deal with the perpetrators of these crimes more effectively. Of course, our efforts
relative to violent crimes will continue.


2) The apartment development battle continues. As the market for some single family
home development has changed, a number of companies are interested in building
apartments in NE Charlotte. I believe apartments could be acceptable to meet the needs
of UNC-Charlotte, if they are appropriately located, but I have had and continue to have
very strong concerns about over building our area with apartments. I have been able to
dissuade a number of projects and will continue to try to do so.


3) As a part of its continued work with our Transportation Action Plan, City Staff
has been able to identify more farm-to-market roads in our city. I have been working
to make sure that the many farm-to-market roads in NE Charlotte receive their
fair share of resources.


4) We (city council) recently approved preliminary engineering funding for the
Northeast Corridor Light Rail Line. We learned a number of lessons from the South
Corridor project and are implementing appropriate adjustments. For example, CATS
will not issue any official price tag for the Northeast line until more information is
gathered regarding, among other things, right-of-way acquisition costs and materials
costs. We also recently approved funding to make a similar cost analysis of the
North Corridor Commuter Rail Line. The cost estimates and feasibility data should
be coming back to Council within the next several months.


5) I intend to host another District 4 Neighborhood Leader?’s Roundtable in the
coming weeks. I also plan to host a District 4 Town Hall event to meet with the broader
community. You should see additional information soon.

Michael D. Barnes
Charlotte City Council District 4
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The Derita Lions Club Meets 2nd & 4th Mondays
7pm at Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
for a dinner meeting and interesting program.

The Derita Lions are actively seeking new members. For information, pls call
Jim Hunter (704 597-5983) or Ed Davis (704 596-1420)==========================================

Each Thursday, 11am - 2pm
Delicious, Economical Hot Dog Lunch
Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 6440 Old Statesville Rd. serves a
weekly Hot Dog Lunch. Drop in, eat in or take out. Your choice of trimmings.
Home made desserts. Weekly specials often include homemade soups,
barbecue sandwiches, brunswick stew, pinto beans and cornbread..
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What your Neighbors are saying:

Re: Ace Hardware at WT Harris & West Sugar Creek
AMEN! regarding the Ace Hardware. I love that store and prefer it to any
big box store around for personal, friendly service. They have quite an
impressive inventory including Carhart clothing and paint. I have not been
disappointed yet. Ace Reward discounts are available, too!
--- Deborah Rowe, Nevin Community
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Re: Suspicious Vehicle spotted in Ridgeview Neighborhood
To the Ridgeview resident who made the suspicious vehicle sighting and
reported it ---- It isn't always easy for people to take a stand. Thanks for
being involved in your community. --- Anthony Foxx
Member, Charlotte City Council At-Large
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There was a lady with Ohio tags (the old style) at WT Harris & Sugar Creek
begging for gas money Saturday. What is going on around here?
When panhandlers learn they can clear more money
in a single day than most working people, that becomes
their "profession."
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Re: Theraputic Horse Riding -
After reading about Joshua's Farm I wanted to tell you about another such
program. It is "KIDS REIN" and is located just past Reedy Creek Park.....
Hodges Farm. The instructor is Teressa Tucker. She is a Certified Instructor
formerly with Joshua's Farm for a long time. She and a fellow Instructor now
have their program at Hodges Farm. Teressa is a very good Instructor as she
has a son with autisium. This makes her even better at dealing with people
with Disabilities. If you would mention this in the Newsletter, I'm sure a lot of
folks would like to know more. Get in touch with her if you are interested. Her
web site is: www.kidsrein.org. --- Teresa Temple, David Cox Rd..
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Bus & Train Questions?
Let's Ask CATS

NORTH CORRIDOR COMMUTER RAIL
On Monday, February 25, the Charlotte City Council authorized CATS to advance
engineering on the North Corridor commuter rail project. Engineering services will
be provided by HDR, an international engineering firm, and Norfolk Southern
Corporation, which owns the rail line.

Work will focus on refining the cost estimate, designing the at-grade crossing and
rail improvements, and preparing preliminary station designs. CATS will also
analyze the operation of the system, evaluate cost efficiencies, and work with
the Norfolk Southern to plan construction staging.

The engineering phase will be completed in early 2009. At that time, the Metro-
politan Transit Commission, City Council and Town Boards will determine whether
and when to advance to construction of the project.

The project team plans to host public meetings in Charlotte and Cornelius to
kick-off the engineering work this spring or summer. Members of the project team
are also available to participate in community/neighborhood meetings. Please
contact Eshe Glover (704.336-2986, eglover@ci.charlotte.nc.us) to schedule.

CROSSINGS
If the North Corridor advances to construction, several public crossings in the
Derita area will either be closed or improved. CATS is preliminarily recommending
the following:

Improved: Christenbury, Cottonwood, Gibbon, Henderson, Nevin, Oneida,
Pete Brown, Starita

Closed: Racine, Maple, Oak

New: Henderson Circle (replaces Oak)

Undecided: Allen

Crossings recommended for improvements will be equipped with quad gates
sufficient to qualify for Quiet Zone status. Crossings recommended for closure
were recommended because they are either unsafe or redundant. When a
crossing is closed, alternate access must be available and prior to any public
crossing being closed a public hearing will be held.

BUS STOP LOCATION ALONG GRAHAM STREET
It is difficult to ideally locate bus stops along Graham Street because of the
existing railroad that parallels the road. The space between Graham Street
and the railroad is largely railroad right-of-way and we have been unsuccessful
in securing permission from Norfolk Southern to erect benches and shelters
on their property.

Better locations for these bus stops are not available along Graham Street.

We will review our bus services in the area prior to the start of service for the
North Corridor and in conjunction with the at-grade crossing improvements.
After we conduct this review, some of the Graham Street bus stop locations
may be revised. In the meantime, we will work to educate our riders on Route 22
on both rail safety and general safety as they wait for the bus.

TALL GRASS
Maintenance of the grass along the right-of-way is the responsibility of Norfolk
Southern. CATS will cut the grass around the bus stops, especially in the spring
and summer when the grass grows taller.

CONTACT US
If you?’d like CATS staff to participate in your community, business or
organizational meeting or if you have questions/concerns/comments, please
contact Eshe Glover (704.336.2984, eglover@ci.charlotte.nc.us).
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AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER DAY CAMP
Openings Available
Lowest Rates in the Area
Free Bus Transportation From Many Area Elementary Schools
Derita Presbyterian Church
2230 West Sugar Creek Road
704 - 307 - 1530
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Need Extra Tables & Chairs for Yard Sale, Family Gatherings?
Contact Bernie Samonds (704 806-3813 deritarep@aol.com). 8ft. folding
tables, $5 available to rent. Folding metal chairs, 50 cents each. Call now
to reserve them. Liberal pickup and return availability.

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Your Questions and Some Answers

Q. I read your Crime Watch Email about the house break-in this week
on Allen Rd. East. I just can't understand why people don't just pick up
the phone and Call 911 when they see an unknown vehicle parked in a
neighbor's driveway.

Some people just don't want to get involved. Others are afraid they will offend
the neighbor by calling CMPD "to check out" their visitor. But perhaps the most
common reason is that we have been taught to Call 911 only in an emergency.
CMPD and Crime Watch groups are trying to get the message across . . . Just
make the Call. CMPD wants to prevent Crime. That starts with checking out a
suspicious vehicle or unknown persons wandering through your Neighborhood.

If it turns out to be a friend or relative who has dropped by for a visit, no harm
done. If it turns out to be someone planning to break into a house, you're a hero.
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Q. Two issues --- One is the entrance to Chidley Drive (construction
work on Hubbard Rd). It is extremely rough and we would like to know
the date that it might be smoothed out.


The second is the empty lot on Hubbard Rd near Chidley that has been
a work area for the road. It seems to have become a dumping place
for materials, etc and now has mattresses dumped there. This is not
acceptable and certainly the City can stop this and remove this kind
of dumping.

Mike Carsnel is managing the Hubbard Rd sidewalk program for the City.
We have emailed him three times over the past month on these two items,
but he has not responded with an answer or a timetable..
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Q. Can anyone attend the Derita Business Breakfast? I have a pressure
washing business, cleaning houses and vehicles.

Yes, you are definitely welcome. 7:30am, Third Thursdays at Sugar's Family
Restaurant on West Sugar Creek Rd. (old Shoney's location). We are working
on a variety of ways to promote local businesses and service providers, but
this is also a great networking opportunity. Last time, Daniel Hefner got a referral
when someone asked for a local plumber. A local realtor was looking for a
handyman or home improvement company that would handle small jobs. An HOA
was looking for someone to trim shrubbery and prune trees in their common area.

We plan to publish a list of local businesses and folks who provide all sorts of
service (full-time or part-time). Drop by March 20th for all the details.
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Today's Funny: WHAT KID'S THINK (From our FREE Friday Funny E-Mail
Send us an email if you'd like to receive it, too!)

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports,
she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and
dip coming. ----- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry.
God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're
stuck with. ----- Kirsten, age 10


WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER
by then. ----- Camille, age 10

No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married.
------ Freddie, age 6 (very wise for his age)

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