Editor:
I am writing to encourage Sweet Home taxpayers to please consider voting to keep the swimming pool open.
We have been residents in Sweet Home for six years. One of the things we considered important as we looked around this wonderful town is what did it have in the way of resources for our son Josh, who is multi-handicapped.
As I entered the pool lobby to get a brochure, I was met by a group of handicapped individuals who were just arriving to swim! This, among many things, convinced me that Sweet Home was the community I wanted to live in. I believe that swimming is a wonderful, safe, healthy activity that the children and families of Sweet Home benefit from.
Josh, who is now 28, has been receiving swim therapy at the pool for at least five years. He has severe contractures in his knees and the time in the pool is the only time he can actually stand up and stretch. Because of this therapy, he continues to be able to help assist with standing transfers into his wheelchair. We were disappointed this last year when his sessions came to an end due to lack of funding to keep the pool open.
I encourage you to vote to keep swimming a benefit for our son, Josh, and great choice for the families and children of Sweet Home.
Marsha Van Amburgh
Sweet Home