Wednesday, June 6, 2001 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER B1 A t READY, SET, SUMMER! tfs the sunny side of the season ladies, and time to brighten up your wardrobe. We have all the hot spring/summer looks you will needs this season at ridiculously low prices. Come and see us! LARGE SELECTION OF SPRING ITEMS 25% TO 50% OFF. B y C o n sig n m e n t... 115 Trafalgar Rd. Upscale Resale Indies Wear OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK j« N . of Uke*»s) 338-3474 OFFICIAL MEDIA SPO NSOR O F TH E OAKVILLE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL Focus Oakville Beaver Focus Editor: W ILM A BLOKHUIS 845-3824 (Extension 250) Fax: 337-5567 Hearty swim club By Mary Collett S P E C IA L T O T H E BEAVER F ive years ago, when Maureen Kahnert and Pam Arnold started up the Oakville Strokers, a swim-therapy program for stroke sur vivors, they never envisioned that it would continue to grow and fulfill a need in the lives of so many. Recently in fact, the club was forced to begin a waiting list for new applicants, having exceeded their 30member capacity, though presently there are spots available. The program consists of three ses sions commencing in September, January and March, held on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Glen Abbey Recreation Centre. It attracts those from all walks of life, and from a surprisingly wide range of ages. "Our youngest member was just 19 years old when he first started," explains Kahnert "and the oldest is 85 years old, though the majority are in the 60 to 70-year age group." She adds proudly, "We actually have one volun teer who is 88 years old." Volunteers outnumber the partici pants, since some require the assis tance of more than one helper while in the pool depending on their needs and level of mobility. The day is broken up into a variety of activities, conducted in either a meeting room or the pool area, begin ning with a half-hour coffee session usually sweetened with some homebaked treats supplied by one of the group. This is followed by an hour of warm-up exercise in a yoga or Tai Chi style, led by Pam Arnold, or at times, a visiting yoga instructor. From there, it's off to the pool for an hour of swim ming, then back to the meeting room for a bring-your-own-lunch. Arnold, now retired from St. Mildred's-Lightboum School will often organize a craft session geared toward seasonal celebrations; there are guest speakers, off-site outings to din ner theatres and pubs, and the end of the year is marked with a pot-luck sup per. In the past, aqua-fitness instructors have conducted structured classes, but Photo by Brent Foster Norma Foley (left) gets a helping hand from Oakville Strokers co-founder Maureen Kahnert at the Glen Abbey Recreation Centre's swimming pool. most participants prefer to work at their own pace in conjunction with their volunteer supporters. "People just starting out are either eager or terrified," notes Kahnert with a laugh. "They're worried that they will be forced to swim lengths." But as Arnold quickly points out, "It's all supposed to be fun, recreational and a good opportunity to meet people." Despite the obvious physically ther apeutic value, Arnold and Kahnert emphasize that the primary focus of the program is on social interaction, while hopefully providing a period of respite for the full-time caregivers. "The social aspect is key," says Kahnert. "It is the central core of the group." Kahnert knows first-hand the importance of allowing caregivers some time off from the daily demands of tending to stroke victims. The Strokers program was bom out of a necessity to find something compara ble for her own father when he sur vived a stroke five years ago, in order to provide him with some recreational therapy and to give her mother a break from the rigours of caregiving. Though her father has since passed away, Kahnert's dedication to the program has only increased, and her mother now volunteers to relieve others. Three past participants have advanced to become volunteers as well, testimony to the healing potential of those once felled by stroke. "Because a stroke is an injury to the brain, other areas of the brain will often fill in for the damaged parts," explains Kahnert. "That's not to say that the paralysis will completely dis appear, but people can improve by degrees. People are often amazed at how far they've progressed, and atti tude is so important to recovery." Roy Luttrell, who suffered a stroke three years ago, is a firm believer in the program's benefits. "There's nothing like it," he says. "Before this program, the only therapy I received was at the hospital. These volunteers deserve all the credit in the world," he said, adding with a sly grin "even that big fella, Bill McGaw (one of the original founders) who's always picking on me." Ian Grieve, the victim of a stroke in 1993, agrees that the Strokers program has been a welcome and necessary addition to the community. "Prior to this, the only similar pro grams were in Hamilton or Mississauga," remarks Grieve. This program is absolutely great. As Andrew says, "`TGIF (Thank God it's Friday).' It's the highlight of the week." Andrew Ainsworth, who at 23 years of age is the group's youngest member, did not actually suffer a stroke, but a brain hemorrhage four years ago when he was a McMaster University student left him with simi lar aftereffects. "This program is so friendly, I wish it operated year-round," enthuses Ainsworth. "It's called Oakville Strokers, but people come from all over Halton to attend." The fee for each 10-week session is $40 to cover the cost of pool rental and supplies. For more information on the Oakville Strokers, contact Pam Arnold at 905-827-3637, or Maureen Kahnert at 905-844-3688, or send email to maureen_pbk @cgocable.net. Enjoy Th e Finest Carpet & Upholstery Care ion Chem-Dry delights customers and bacterial growth associated with other methods that life & quality of carpets/ The Body Shaping Fitness Studio For Women. G ive a healthy fresh start to the summer by cleaning now with our trusted, superior and unique products and services. Avoid the mold soak your carpets and leave soapy residues. Instead let us clean your home using our carbon dioxide cleaning method that deeply penetrates fibres and removes most stubborn soil and stains. 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