| Author |
Message |
    
Jenny
Citizen
Username: Jenjen
Post Number: 64
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 11:44 am: | 
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So if I'm to understand the SO web site correctly, all we need to get into the pool this summer is an ID badge, which costs $15/ calendar year per resident? If someone could just confirm this for me, I'd appreciate it.
Also, anyone a regular of the SO pool in the summer with little ones? It looks like it's not an activity option in the a.m. because of lessons and swim team practice. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4197
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 12:05 pm: |
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True. BUT you need several forms of ID showing your address.
There are a lot of moms at the 'baby pool.' I'm sure the first time you go you'll have no problem meeting some of those who are there a lot. An easy way to make sure this happens is to bring some really cool 'pool toys' for your little
one(s) to play with. (make sure you mark them with your name though).
Pretty soon other kids will come over wanting to play with (or take) the toys. When the mom comes over to tell their little one 'honey you need to ask first,' you respond 'it's okay for your child to play with it! And by the way, my name is Jenny; I'm new to town.' BINGO, instant pool friend. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 1387
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 1:59 pm: |
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Actually, the lifeguards don't allow most pool toys these days (certainly not float assists).
Great pool, for only the cost of a recreation badge (thank to the terms of the donation I think). Enjoy! |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 1086
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 3:19 pm: |
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I think that JTA means pool toys for the baby pools. I took my granddaughters last summer, and the baby pools were full of toys. |
LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 3076
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 3:19 pm: |
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Susan, they used to allow toys in the smaller baby pool. Don't know if that has changed recently (My "baby" is 21).
The pool was build with public "green acres" funds or something like that and the town can't charge pool fees because of it. A recreation badge is their way of geting around it I guess. |
Pizzaz
Supporter
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 3256
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 3:38 pm: |
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I don't think that is it. It has something to do with the land conveyance as to the ability of the town to charge. LL: Do you remember the fundraising meter that was posted onto the flagpole to guage public contributions to the village's desire to upgrade the facilities? The pool I'd say is approaching 30 years old....The community was fully behind this town wide undertaking.
BTW: It is a great value for the cost of a badge registration fee. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 1388
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 5:32 pm: |
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Thanks for the update on the baby pool. I know that they don't like float toys in the little kid pool, but can't speak to the actual baby pool. |
Hamandeggs
Citizen
Username: Hamandeggs
Post Number: 194
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 6:03 pm: |
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Yes, plenty of toys in the baby pool.
And, yes, the am's are reserved for early am adult lap swim, swim team, and the SO rec dept camps. However, you can go at lunchtime and stay until night. There's plenty of time, and many parents of little ones come after nap, when it's not so sunny. You can then stay for dinner (picnic or buy there) or even have a local place deliver.
And all you need is the badge. Each of you needs one, even the baby. You can also purchase guest passes in packs of 5. I recommend getting a pack or two and having them available thru the summer for friends, etc. Last year each pack cost $15. They're handy to have. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4202
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 6:50 pm: |
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Sue-
I think they still allow toys in the 'baby pool.' At least they still did last summer. Then again, I didn't go that often. My brother and sister live near by and both have pools in their yards. Plus we belong to a pool in Morris County. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4203
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 6:54 pm: |
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Hamandeggs
And guess what? This year we'll have a GREAT food / snack bar because Freeman's Fish Market got the contract! Now we don't have to envy Maplewood Pool like we did last summer!
 |
SoxHater2090
Citizen
Username: Soxhater2090
Post Number: 24
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 8:01 pm: |
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JTA
I heard that the food at the Maplewood Pool last year was outrageously expensive and the lines were constant, and there was nothing for the kids! Hope your excitement isn't too premature! |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 3458
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 8:08 pm: |
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Last Summer, toys were allowed in the 2 "baby pools", but not in the "Adult pool".
No "flotation devices" were allowed in any of the pools. From what the Manager of the pool told me, at one point a parent had their kid in a "flotation device" and felt that gave them the ability to neglect watching their child.
I agree with JTA that the addition of Freeman's to the Snack Bar is a HUGE asset and I am very much looking forward to having edible food options besides cold pizza & soggy French fries. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 1389
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 8:16 pm: |
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Also note that if you have a routine babysitter, you can get a special pass for him/her. Costs more ($40?) and doesn't allow guests. |
Matt Foley
Citizen
Username: Mattfoley
Post Number: 565
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 10:22 pm: |
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The parcel the "new" Peter S. Connor pool occupies was donated by the family that owned all of that land years ago. One stipulation that remains in effect from the deal is the village could never charge any fee other than a nominal id/clerical cost for resident use. If this was not adhered to, the land would be returned to the donor.
As an alum of the S.O. pool staff for many years, I must say it is a marvelous facility which many towns would love to have. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4210
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, March 5, 2006 - 11:52 pm: |
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Sox-
I sure hope you're wrong. I do remember the posts about the lines and wait; but I think that's because Freeman's was more of a success then anticipated. Hopefully the kinks have been worked out. I don't remember hearing anything about the cost of the food though. I thought after the first couple of weeks more kid friendly items were added to the menu. Maybe someone from Maplewood could let us know.
I've been to Maplewood Pool many times in the last past dozen years. One of the things I noticed is Maplewood Pool is a lot more crowded then South Orange's. Maybe that will work in our favor? I hope so. |
Keywest
Citizen
Username: Keywest
Post Number: 148
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 8:09 am: |
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I am new to SO and want to sign up for this recreation pass for my family... Where do I go to do this?
Thank you !! |
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 293
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 8:37 am: |
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I forgot about this awesome feature of South Orange all Winter long.
We never mentioned it in any of the "thinking of moving to" threads. But it's a huge asset. Especially when you have an older house and are stalling on getting central air.
See you all there,
J.B. |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1155
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 9:06 am: |
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Sox & Aunt,
Having just moved from Maplewood, I can tell you that what Sox heard was NOT my experience at all...there were giant threads last summer about how much people liked the Freemans food, found the prices quite good (there were some more expensive options, but lots was priced quite well, I think) & there were all the normal things too for kids or whomever (burgers, pizza, cheese fries, nuggets, icecream...) There were busier points, but maybe after the first week or so(probably Freemans figuring out a good system or people getting used to the menu options) I didn't notice the lines being any different than years past...what was different is that there were more things to eat, so having a pool evening with dinner was a lot more pleasant. |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 303
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 9:37 am: |
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Keywest: Baird Center on Mead Street. |
Keywest
Citizen
Username: Keywest
Post Number: 149
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 5:26 pm: |
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Josh, thanks !! |
Rob Zimmerman
Citizen
Username: Bob_simms
Post Number: 3
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 11:03 am: |
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I brought my son to the pool for the last 3 years, he's 4 1/2 now, and mostly he's been in the smallest (baby) pool. Toys are allowed, left there, and there are usually plenty to play with.Yes, bring your own , name it, and keep an eye on it.
I do have some pet peeves, though ( thank goodness for these boards!):
Parents that allow older kids to hang in that pool, basically unsupervised, who are rough, splash, and have no manners in general. Inappropriate toys for a public baby pool( water guns, metal objects).
I think the kids are supposed to be potty trained, or they are not allowed in.Also, I don't think toys are allowed in the middle sized pool.
The lifeguards are OK, but don't do any kind of anti-bullying job, so really, you've got to watch out for your own.
The policy on Thunderstorms is kind of sucky...everyone must leave the facility entirely, for 20-30 minutes from the lastburst of thunder before being allowed back in.
We have found it to be one terrific value, and have gone as often as possible.It's great to bring friends for the nominal fee; it's one of the truely wonderful things about living in this town. |
Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 302
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 11:54 am: |
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Lessons and swim practice are actually BEFORE the pool opens
additionally...thunder is fine...it's NJ state regulation about LIGHTNING though...I believe it's 20 minutes from the last flash of lightning |
Jenny
Citizen
Username: Jenjen
Post Number: 66
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 - 6:43 pm: |
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Follow up:
I went to the Baird today to buy badges and the woman working there said they won't be equipped to handle badge requests til the end of the month. |
Politicalmon
Citizen
Username: Politicalmon
Post Number: 107
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 9, 2006 - 2:24 pm: |
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Jenny;
Don't stress the pool doesn't open until late May. |
LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 3094
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 9, 2006 - 3:52 pm: |
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Actually, it doesn't open till Fathers Day in mid to late June. |
Jenny
Citizen
Username: Jenjen
Post Number: 71
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 9, 2006 - 8:48 pm: |
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LOL! The only thing I'm stressed about is not remembering. Once you got a kid, if it's not on your "to do list," it ain't happenin. I just hope I remeber to put it on my to do list at the end of the month. |
Albatross
Citizen
Username: Albatross
Post Number: 809
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 1:41 am: |
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Tangential: Thunder is proof positive of an electrical storm; pools are required to close for it under NJ regulations. NOAA says to allow 30 minutes after the last audible thunder before resuming activity. |
singlemalt
Supporter
Username: Singlemalt
Post Number: 1137
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 9:22 am: |
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I thought the food at the SO pool was quite good and well priced the past couple years. If you've ever taken a look at the snack bar facility, it lacks much of what Maplewood provides to their vendors for cooking and prep. |
Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 333
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 12:17 pm: |
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on the flipside...the south orange pool doesnt cost you your first born child to get into..unlike maplewood |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 3217
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 1:04 pm: |
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Where can I get a first born child for $245 per year?
Oh, I already have one ... guess she's cost me a lot more than that over the years.
I think that the Maplewood pool is actually a bargain. I've heard of much higher fees at most other town pools (double or triple our fee) and private clubs are multiple orders of magnitude more costly.
The fee in South Orange is for the ID. The pool costs are underwritten by some sort of endowment, I believe.
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Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 336
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 2:17 pm: |
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ok so youd like to put 245 dollars up against what...7? |
helen
Citizen
Username: Helen
Post Number: 38
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 10:08 am: |
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Hi! I'm Helen - from Freeman's. Yes, we got the contract for the SO Pool this year and we're VERY excited about it. We hope we can live up to everyone's expectations.
Last year (the Maplewood Pool) was our first try at a food concession. It went extremely well. I think it was because we have been pool members for so long that we had a good idea of what people were looking for: good quality, fresh food, reasonably priced - as well as a good selection of what the kiddies like.
At times, there were long lines at the Maplewood Pool last year and most of that was worked out. However, I must admit that because the food was a success it was hard to always keeps the lines moving the way we would have liked. (I guess you could say that was a "good" thing. And some people didn't mind waiting due to the better quality/freshness of the food.)
It was also hard to anticipate the number of people, weather, etc... in making all of the fresh items and once in a blue moon, we ran out - although we always tried to offer a sustitute. This is one of the challenges in providing fresh food.
A challenge the SO Pool presents is a much smaller kitchen. Luckily we've had the contract since December and therefore we have already been spending considerable time working out the details of how we can be the most prepared. We working now to make sure the SO Pool members have the best concession experience we can possibly provide.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, you can write us here or go to our webisite: freemansfishmarket.com or email us at john@freemansfishmarket.com. As far as the prices, I think we were competitive in price with previous years (but better in quality). Several people also came to us and said they thought we weren't priced high enough!! (Now that was weird!! - but it did happen!!).
Again, we're looking forward to our summer at the SO Pool!!
Helen, Freeman's Fish Market
"Not Just a Bunch of Crabs!"}
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C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 2488
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 11:17 am: |
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Helen, are you guys doing both pools this summer? (Talk about shared services!) Or did Maplewood lose out. (Which would make me and many other M'woodians very unhappy.)
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Daniel M. Jacobs, PP, AICP
Supporter
Username: Conrail
Post Number: 103
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 11:27 am: |
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Speaking of crabs . . . when do the soft-shell crabs come back into season? |
helen
Citizen
Username: Helen
Post Number: 43
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 7:29 pm: |
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We have both pools this year (!!) - and a country club (!!!) We were approach by several clubs and pools and we had to be VERY selective so that we don't stretch ourselves too thin. Last year I made the salads for the Maplewood Pool. The first day I got there I came with a crate full of salads which had taken me 4 hours to prepare. I thought I had it all covered. As I walked through the parking lot through all the cars I realized I had made enough for a really large family reunion versus 1,000 hungry customers!!! As you can imagine I quickly made adjustments. In any event, like I said, it's good to have this time up front.
Soft shells usually start appearing around late April, early May.
Thanks,
Helen |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1857
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 8:00 pm: |
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Great to hear about Freemans at the SO pool!
I would request plenty of "kid" food, too -- hamburgers, pizza, etc. Sorry to say my kids wouldn't touch anything from the ocean, even tuna!
(but their Dad will enjoy it!)
Best of luck --
Pete |
patjoyce
Citizen
Username: Patjoyce
Post Number: 102
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 9:12 pm: |
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How great is it that a local vendor who is providing a quality service to the town is engaging in dialogue with future customers. We have been regulars at the pool for years and we look formward to the new menu.
Patrick |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4309
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 9:18 pm: |
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Helen-
I know a dozen or so people looking forward to Freeman's being in charge of the 'snack bar' at South Orange Pool this summer! As you've already learned, there is a smaller prep area at the South Orange Pool. Maybe you can ask Paul (or whoever it is who can do this) if it's possible to enlarge the area somewhat. Or Maybe set up another area with ice-cream and snack stuff (chips etc) under the covered area with the picnic tables? It shouldn't be that difficult to set some kind of enclosure up in one of the back corners. That way it gives you guys more space, and those just wanting ice cream and sancks don't have to wait in the foodline. If someone wants snacks and food, they can order their food, then get the snacks while waiting for the food to cook.
I don't think South Orange gets anywhere near the amount of people Maplewood does on a given day. At least it doesn't seem like it does to me. I've been to Maplewood Pool anywhere from 3-5 days a week for more then 10 years and it's almost always packed to the point it's hard to find a chair, or even ground space to put a towel.
Though it might be hard to find a chair once in a blue moon at South Orange Pool, I can't recall having trouble finding towel space.
See you at the pool! |
C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 2493
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 8:46 am: |
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Helen, congratulations to you and John for getting (and being able to handle!) these great local accounts. Freeman's added so much value to the pool experience in Maplewood last year it was amazing! And, at reasonable prices. Thank you for all your good and hard work! |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12998
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 2:40 pm: |
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Freeman's food at the pool was very good, and the prices were totally appropriate. You will be happy. Low prices are no good if you aren't satisfied in the end. The lines were an indication that the food was worth the price, and it wasn't that high priced, either.
What's even better, whenever there was a glitch, people mentioned it here on MOL, and the Harveys responded here and in their business. They are a total class act, as far as I'm concerned.
You South Oranginas are lucky with your new reduced pool membership fees. I'll still be paying my Maplewood fee, and I will hardly get a chance to use it. Last year I went only once or twice. My wife and kids went a bit more, though.
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Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 1105
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 4:39 pm: |
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Our pool membership has always been just the price of the I.D. badge--$15.00per person last year. This is because the parkland where the pool is built was given to the village with the proviso that it be for the free use of every citizen of South Orange. I believe that the land could actually revert to the estate of the donor if this stipulation wre violated. At least, this is one thing that our incompetant and corrupt village officials can't touch--I hope. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2616
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 4:44 pm: |
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They could put a performing arts center in front of the pool, and charge admission. Then make the only way to get to the pool through the arts center.
Oops. |
Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 348
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 4:48 pm: |
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The food at the pool shouldn't matter if you do the smart thing and pack a lunch at home before you leave..saving a bunch of money.
At least that's what I did. |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 1937
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 6:14 pm: |
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I haven't joined the SO Pool in the last 3 summers living here....
Since the addition of Freeman's, I am counting the days till I can buy my badge
yippee!!
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helen
Citizen
Username: Helen
Post Number: 45
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 9:32 am: |
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Thanks so much for all your kind words! We're looking forward to our "SO" experience!!
Helen - Freeman's |
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