Swim team

 

A proud mom's collection of Maya and Nova's ribbons from this season. Both girls are superb swimmers but Maya really has the competitive bug. I think the goal is to beat her big sister, and she's getting close.

Their team, the Methow Valley "Killer Whales," dominated the regional meets this summer. They compete with Okanagan, Brewster and Omak. All of these towns, including Twisp, have outdoor seasonal pools, but Twisp is in dire need of a new one. 

The Wagner Pool at the city park is 50 years old; it leaks, the boilers break down, etc. The Friends of the Pool volunteer group manage to keep it going on a wing and a prayer, but everyone worries about a permanent closure. 

The pool is an essential part of community life in the summer.  When school is out, kids just don't have many recreational opportunities. Not to mention, surrounded by cold lakes and fast running rivers, an essential place for kids to learn to swim. 

Everyone is in agreement that the Twisp pool needs to be replaced, but not how to pay for it. We don't vote in Twisp, but there's a measure on the ballot in November to create a special taxing district to support a new indoor aquatics center. This is a very ambitious plan. Pass or fail, I wish them luck. Just a spanking new outdoor pool would be terrific. 

Well, July is wrapping up. Have you noticed it's already a touch darker in the morning?

Have a good weekend.