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| OHCC LIVING | APRIL 2023 | 45 Swim & Wellness Club Lane lines: We occasionally hear questions about the lane lines in the pool. "Why do we need those?" The lane lines serve three important functions: separating swimmers, keeping the wave action low, and allowing swimmers to recognize where they are in the water. First, the lines are there for safety. It is almost impossible to avoid other pool users-children, water walkers going across the width of the pool, and other exercisers-in an open pool. Secondly, any pool activity generates waves and makes the surface of the water choppy. This is challenging when a swimmer takes a breath and can result in a mouthful of water! Lane lines keep the surface smoother and eliminate the possibility of an unexpected face full. Thirdly, the colors of the lane lines permit swimmers to keep track of their progress. OHCC has many skilled swimmers, including former competitive swim athletes and swim coaches. These folks are concentrating on breathing technique and perfecting the form and timing of each stroke. They use the varying lane line colors to determine where they are in the pool and how close they are to the end to avoid a dangerous collision! So, the answer to the "why" question is "yes, we need the lane lines." That is why many swimmers will only do their workouts during the specific times that the lines are up: 6 to 8:45 am on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 6 to 10:30 am on the other days. Mark your calendar for our annual Pool Party, tentatively set for Fri., June 16 beginning at 11 am. We're hoping the lanai construction won't interfere with our plans, but we do know the pool will be closed for two weeks during the construction. And when that will happen is unknown at this point. We are planning some fun activities in the pool - races, games and demonstrations. After the water fun, we'll go to Palm Court for lunch and socializing. Last year's party was a smashing success so don't miss the 2023 edition. Interested in joining the Swim & Wellness club? Just drop off a check for $10 at the Clubhouse desk. Be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can get you on the list for periodic newsflashes about club events. Member Spotlight: Bob Clarke, club treasurer, is in the spotlight this month. Bob was born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. He played sports in high school, but his mother encouraged music, and he played both piano and clarinet. Bob's wife Carol was raised just a few blocks from the Clarke family and they married after Bob's graduation from McMaster University in 1965. The couple immediately moved to England where Carol taught school and Bob worked for a chemical company. They returned to Ontario where Bob pursued a doctoral degree, followed by a postdoctoral in physics at the University of British Columbia. Subsequently, Bob worked for two aerospace companies, first in Toronto, and then Los Angeles. Bob and Carol have three kids and four grandchildren. One son and his family live in San Diego, the other son and daughter live in Toronto. Bob and Carol had an adventurous life together, particularly after retirement. They "retired" to China, where they taught English for two years. A big part of their retirement life was hiking and biking, which they did all over the world. Seven years ago, they moved to OHCC, where they quickly became daily swimmers. Sadly, Carol passed away about a year ago. Bob stays busy playing cello with the North Coast Symphony Orchestra (he is their treasurer, too!), and also is active in golf, tennis, billiards and choir. This summer, he's looking forward to joining the Toronto grandkids Zoe and Noah along with their youth orchestra on a trip to Vienna. Club treasurer Bob Clarke with wife Carol and daughter Allison, after completing the 192-mile Coast to Coast walk in England.

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