 By Lois Munch October 01, 2009
I grew up in the water community of South Bend WA. When I was ten, a pool opened in a nearby town. But it was a silly pool, built uncovered, above the ground and unavailable at summer's end. And it was round, and not very big. It was good for splashing and not much more. There was no school swim program. We South Benders mostly swam in the Willapa River, between the dock and the out flowing sewer pipe. A real swimming pool in my newly adopted city of Ketchikan was downright exciting! And, through the years, this facility has provided fun, life skills, self-discipline, self-confidence, college scholarships, fellowship and exercise for countless people of all ages. I have watched toddlers in the warm pool and elementary and high school students in the big pool; what fun they have! I've marveled at the 80+ year olds I've seen in the warm pool and admire that they continue to move their muscles. They inspire me. And I wonder how many lives have been saved because people can swim. The Pennock Island Challenge in August, only in its sixth year, drew 43 entrants from as far away as South Africa. Let's remember that it was Kayhi swim team member and grad Willie Schultz who originated this grueling water sport. The racers donate their money pledges to the American Diabetes Association. $17,000 was raised this year, bringing the total for the six years to a little over $90,000. It is imperative that our community have a swimming pool. Unfortunately, our original pool is dying, but we can support the building of a new pool. As a home owner, I am pleased to know that our taxes will not be raised with the proposed bond proposal. I encourage you to join me in voting for Proposition 2. Thank you. Lois Munch Received October 01, 2009 - Published October 01, 2009
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