Chapter News
.....but first, a note from our president......
Dear Swimmers, Volunteers and Friends, September 2007
During the next five weeks SWIM Chapters will be cranking up for another active season of FREE self-directed water therapy for persons with various muscular impairments.
Last June when Chapters were getting ready for a summer hiatus, I joined the Flemington Chapter for a grand celebration of the program year at a local Chinese restaurant. One couple sitting next to me shared their story, one of inspiration and encouragement. With their permission, I share it with you. Their names: Margaret and Frank Maleski. John Stephenson, President
FROM WHEEL CHAIR TO WALKING
Photo by Bill Kover
Eight years ago on July 4th 1999, Frank and Margaret were driving over to their son’s house for a picnic when a driver, failing to stop at a STOP sign, rammed their car, nearly killing Margaret. It was a year later before she returned home after being hospitalized in five different hospitals and being treated with various kinds of therapies. Margaret remembers nothing from the accident or from the year of hospitalizations. The costs of medical and dental bills were astronomical. Fortunately they had health insurance which helped with most but not all the costs.
Margaret said, “Things happen… life goes on. I’m not doing any sit-down meals for company any more. It’s buffet style in our home when family and friends come for dinner. But then we are not getting any younger either. I tire easily. Frank’s eighty-one. I’m seventy-nine.
“About twelve years ago, before my auto accident, I had had a stroke that made it very difficult to lift my arms above my shoulders. I also lost my peripheral vision on the left side. I was very fortunate that that was all that was affected.
"But the accident compounded my vision problems. I had a broken neck and brain damage that resulted in a loss of balance and ‘floating eyes’ or ‘six nerve palsy.’ About a year and a half ago, I went to a New YorkUniversityMedicalCenter where they also discovered that I had double vision and one eye turned inward, a condition called strabismus. I didn’t even know I had it. Anyway, they were able to correct both the double vision and the strabismus.”
I asked, “Tell me, how does SWIM come into this picture? You had mentioned that SWIM was such a wonderful program and had made such a difference for you,”
“About four or five years ago, three or four years after my accident, my friend, Anne, told me about SWIM. So my husband began taking me to the SWIM program at the Deer Path Y and he also helped me in the water. When I began, I was wheeled into the “Y” in a wheel chair. Now I am walking, thank God. I still have problems maintaining my balance so I often depend on my husband’s arm and cane. Around the house, I usually can walk from one thing to another without any assistance. But twice a day my husband and I do walk down to the road to get the mail and the newspaper. I am usually puffing by the time I get back. Our six children and my husband have been very supportive.
After the accident, Frank took over completely. He has been my caregiver right from the start, plus cooking, cleaning and doing everything. We will be married fifty-seven years in October. “In sickness and in health” is a vow he has surely kept and for which he will be surely blessed one day. In addition to getting around, as I do now, I am actually a help. I can fill the dish washer, Frank empties it. I can clean the kitchen and bathrooms and help with the cooking. I’ve always enjoyed people and having gatherings at our home and I still do. I’ve just learned to make it possible by doing things an easier way. The hardest part of all of this was losing my independence. And SWIM has not only made me stronger, I know because people are always telling me how much I’ve improved, but SWIM has also helped me regain some of my independence.
“Now when I wake up each morning, I exercise here at home. And every Friday I’m off to SWIM. Flora, a pool employee who donates her time to lead exercises for SWIM, is wonderful. I follow all the exercises as she leads us. I also walk back and forth across the pool with my husband’s assistance and hold on to the side of the pool and kick with my feet. I used to swim, but I don’t know if I could any more. I never was a strong swimmer. I remember being rescued once when I got caught in a rip tide and was being drawn further out to sea – a frightening experience. SWIM doesn’t require me to be able to SWIM. Everyone wears a safety belt provided by SWIM. SWIM is such a wonderful program. It has helped me walk and regain my independence and given me many new friends.”
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** Please help us to help you. We are in need of the following
(a) Two female VOLUNTEERS to assist a woman in the locker room and in the pool at Deer Path Pool, Flemington, 9:45 – 12:00, on Friday mornings, Sept. 14th – June 1st. Call Eleanor Kover, (732) 560-0582.
(b) An historian to organize and help save historic documents for SWIM. Records may be stored in the SWIM Office in the PeopleCareCenter, Bridgewater. Call (908) 685-0040 or John Stephenson, (908) 231-9523.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION
PRESENTED BY THE BOARD DURING 2005-2006
DORIS HOLLINGSWORTH, Professional Nurse and Humanitarian
Sometimes our afflictions provide our “raison d’etre,” our reason for being. While you began your career as a nurse, caring for others, this initial motivation was shifted in a particular direction as you became afflicted with arthritis. Seeking to cope with such an infirmity, you and Russ installed a pool in your home so that you might benefit from exercising in water. You found water therapy most beneficial. You could have lived your lives in private, enjoying your pool with family and friends. Instead, you followed your higher calling as a nurse and caregiver. You opened your heart and home so that others might benefit from free water therapy. In so doing, you discovered a still greater calling, “your reason for being.”
We, who count ourselves among the recipients of your kindness and largess, now recognize and appreciate, the exceptional gifts that you have offered to so many. By founding SWIM, you and Russ have shaped an organization that will seek to replicate your initial hospitality for generations to come.
We, swimmers, volunteers and friends of SWIM say, “Thank you,” from the depths of our beings for modeling a higher calling that we may all seek to emulate and perpetuate.
DOROTHY GARVEY For Meritorious Service
For years you participated in SWIM as a swimmer, a therapy to improve your own health and welfare,and discovered the truth in the saying,
“To find joy in work is to discover the fountain of youth.”
Gradually SWIM became central in your life and interest.
Indeed, you have displayed that youthful experience in all that you have done through many years of dedicated service.
Your life is a fine example of the supportive, uplifting spiritthat pervades the SWIM family.
You have given of yourself freely and generously, in heart and soul, a helping hand joyfully outstretched, thoughtfully seeking others. We recognize todaywhat SWIM has done for you, and what you have done for SWIM, as a leader and as presidentfor many years. You have done well, indeed.
On behalf of swimmers, volunteers and friends, we honor and thank you.
BARBARA “BABS” WILSON For Exceptional Service
Now that your home is permanently at the Jersey shore, which you have always loved so much, we will miss your more active participation. We are confident that you will continue to be a real asset to the Cape May Chapter. You were the cheerleader in the early days of SWIM, the confidant and strong supporter for its founder, Doris Hollingsworth. You will be forever remembered for your absolute and infectious enthusiasm. No one was ever handicapped in your eyes – you made everyone feel included and appreciated. Through the years, you have brought great enjoyment to many through your “bubbly” personality that overflows with fervor, enthusiasm, excitement,
joy and warmth. Your influence directly and indirectly spread the good news of SWIM from SomersetCounty to Cape May and MorrisCounties and untold numbers of persons have been the beneficiaries.
As swimmers, volunteers and friends of SWIM, we say, “Thank you.” We have all been richly blessed through you and your influence. You have made a significant difference and have provided exceptional service as a volunteer, a long time Chapter Coordinator, and as a Trustee and friend of SWIM.
ANNE REGAN For Exceptional Service
Sometimes friends influence us in ways that change our lives and the lives of many others. We recognize that your friendship with Babs Wilson became a life changing relationship for you and for many others, some of whom you may never have met nor may ever meet.
Because you took the initiative and cared enough for the best interest of other folks and became the Founder and first Coordinator of the Cape May Chapter in Wildwood Crest in 1980 and continued to guide the Chapter through its early young life, we now recognize your sacrifices and dedication, your generosity and compassion, your tenacity and perseverance.
On behalf of all the swimmers, volunteers, and friends, past, present, and those who are yet to participate in the Cape May Chapter, we offer you our thanks and appreciation.
JEAN AND HERB KAMMER For Excellence In Community Service
Many retire to a life of self-indulgence, but you folks continue to share your skill, talents and interests with your beloved community. Herb, you still own the kitchens regardless of the properties on which they are located. The same high standards developed in your bakery business - that won the trust and confidence of your community - continue to be maintained with confidence and care. And Jean, you cherish the special qualities of folks. You love telling in graphic and exquisite detail their stories. You labor to preserve the history of the community. Your lives have been richly blest and you so enjoy sharing your good fortune with others - from the children to the eldest. Even in retirement, you reserve only a couple of weeks for yourselves and travel, preferring to stay in harness, enjoying lives of selfless service. You give generously of yourselves in so many ways. SWIM swimmers, volunteers and friends wish you a relaxing, restful summer, good health and many more years of gracious living. You are richly and delightfully appreciated. We love you!
CHARLES “CHICK” HARRIS For Meritorious Service To Humanity
The qualities and motto of Scouting are woven into the very fabric of your being - your love of the out-of-doors, of hiking and swimming, are but the tip of your interests and in servicing others. Qualities like, “A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent,” stand out in you boldly. You found in SWIM a cause worthy of your best energies and loyalty and have devoted your life whole-heartedly to serving others through SWIM. For many years you were the face of SWIM to the uninitiated – sharing the program through slides and enthusiastic talks. Your loyalty, dedication and competence have been an inspiration to others. You exemplify being “Prepared.” For years we have seen you arrive early to set up equipment for those who may be participating in SWIM today. You live in the here and now – preparing to make the most out of the moment, whether teaching someone how to swim or slicing cheese for hungry swimmers and volunteers. You are a man with a twinkle in your eye, a big smile, welcoming words, and kindly deeds. For all these qualities, we thank and appreciate you. Keep up the good work. May you continue to be blest with many wonderful years ahead.
VIRGIL CHIAVETTA For Dedication And Unusual Gifts Of Caring For People
Your sincerity, compassion and tenderness make you a welcomed presence. Your faithful attention to old friends and colleagues is as much appreciated as is your openness to new folks. We feel the deep bonds of affection for you in the Arbor Glen community, among friends you meet over coffee, and certainly within the SWIM family as well. Perhaps it is because you have already journeyed down some of the roads that others of us are only now transversing. You have an understanding manner and much wisdom to share. When you speak, we listen and pay heed to your sage advice. You often do possess the “oil,” the lubricant that makes things run more smoothly. You are Father Confessor - the father we wished we had had or had and lost – the one from whom we draw strength and solace when life gets rough and tough. You are also such a funny man, always quick with a story, a joke or one of life’s lessons learned. You are always up for helping someone joyfully, as though you had nothing else to do of consequence. And when parting - a twinkle of humor, laughter and joy - remain. What a breath of fresh air!
Thank you for your home-spun wisdom and humor and down to earth practical way of looking at life.
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