My life on the Swimming Pool Committee

Maybe we could then combine the pool budget for this year with the budget for next year to do the most needed repairs. Maybe the person who made that comment was me.

You know how small towns are.

The next day half the citizenry were in a panic and an uproar. "Did you hear? The city is going to close the pool. Where will our children go if they cannot go to the pool?" In a mere 24 hours, my suggestion, which had been ignored at the meeting, had now become gospel truth.

Sondra Ashton

You know how small towns are.

Within 48 hours an ad-hoc community group had formed to raise money to repair the pool and keep it open for the summer. One member called and asked me, as the city's pool representative, to come to the meeting.

"I'm not on the pool committee," I said.

"Uh huh," she said. "We meet tomorrow at City Hall at 2. See you there."

There were six of us at that first meeting. Within an hour the pool needs were prioritized, a date was set for a ham dinner followed by raffles and an auction. The group planned a variety of fundraisers to be held throughout the summer, plus a commitment to continue the good work the following year.

We just had the second meeting. I can't believe how quickly all the plans for our first fundraiser were put into action. The banquet will be held at the VFW Hall April 27 at 6 p.m. The entire community has jumped in to help.

You know how small towns are!

(Sondra Ashton graduated from Harlem High School in 1963 and left for good. She finds, upon her return, that things are a little different. Keep in touch with her at http://montanatumbleweed.blogspot.com.)