Come On In

"If you see something, say something." The saying has nearly become an American mantra. Here in the middle of nowhere the saying ought to be modified to, "If you see something, do something," because the people of Valley County "do."

Regular readers of The Courier have seen several pieces on the state of our pool. The city pool is crumbling, literally under swimmers' hands and feet at times. A group of dedicated citizens have come together to form The Valley County Friends of the Pool, dedicated to raising funds and planning for a new and safe pool.

As of press time, the Friends will have spent most of the day at the KLTZ/Mix-93 offices, appearing on Live Under the Big Sky with Stan Ozark and Haylie Shipp and working the phones for a radio sale-a-thon. The event was designed to supplement the already-impressive fundraising done by the group. Working quietly, these committed community members have garnered commitments in excess of $300,000 for the new facility. Because of those funds, they were able to apply for a matching $250,000 Land and Water Conservation grant. The Friends will learn in August if they have been awarded the grant.

Ann Kulczyk, local business owner and swim team parent, joined the Friends in January and is enthusiastic about the progress the group has made."It's moving well, it's moving really well. We are excited about the reception," she told the Courier. Kulczyk, along with her family, has volunteered untold hours preparing the pool for swim team season (see pictures on 4C documenting what they have worked with).

"She's been a great addition," Rod Karst, GHS teacher and City of Glasgow Council President, said of Kulczyk. "Maggan [Walstad] was a great addition and Kyla [Burns] from the hospital was a great addition. When the FMDH Board said we could use her services, I mean, how do you say no? People have been really willing to step up." Karst has been involved in plans for a new pool for more years than he cares to count. He knows first-hand the role the pool plays in our community. He coached swim team and was also the head lifeguard for a time. The Friends also consists of Jory Casterline, Kathy Granger and Ruth Ann Hutcheson.

Both Kulczyk and Karst can attest to the efforts that have gone into keeping the pool going. Kulczyk told the Courier she has talked extenisively with Paul Provencher, who is in charge of pool maintenance. "It's not just the pool falling apart. We're spending more money because of leaks. We're heating more water. We're spending more in utilities and treatments than we should," she explained, adding that a new pool comes with an initial price tag, but in the long term, the expense will be worth it.

"The Chappell brothers offered to come in and spray coat it, but there were some areas that were so bad, the spray coat wouldn't work. We've looked at a lot of options," Karst said. Those options have been explored since the '80s when the swim team donated money to replace tiles on the edge of the pool.

"We want to continue with swim team," said Kulczyk. "We host a meet, that's 400 swimmers in town. If we host Divisionals or State, that's 600 swimmers. Swim meets help showcase all of Glasgow and the area." That enthusiasm for a new pool and Valley County is contagious. "Even the swim team kids are excited. They want that show-off phase," she continued, underscoring how community pride can be instilled at a young age.

That community pride can last a lifetime. The Friends have contacted a number of swim team alumni who have committed time and money to raising funds to give back to the program that gave so much to them. The Glasgow Kiwanis Swim Team is gearing up to celebrate their 50th anniversary, making this an ideal year to fundraise. Although alumni swimmers can contribute any amount they desire, Karst is suggesting a donation of $10 for every year they swam.

For those seeking more information or wishing to donate, a Facebook page has been set up, http://www.facebook.com/valcopool/ as well as a website, http://www.valcopool.com. Interested persons are also encouraged to attend a short informational session and walk-through tour of the pool to see the conditions in person. Tours will take place on Tuesday, May 7, from 12 to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. at the existing pool.