Linda Shires
Linda Shires has always loved to swim and participate in water aerobics classes, so she was over the moon when she heard news of an aquatic center coming to Greenbrier County. In those early days, she and fellow members of the Harts Run water aerobics class raised several hundred dollars to support construction efforts. Linda is quite proud of the plaque that hangs at the aquatic center commemorating their donations.
​
Like many of the senior members of the aquatic center, Linda suffers from painful arthritis. She also underwent knee replacement surgery in 2022, and the aquatic center was pivotal in her recovery. “The warmth of the therapy pool is a great asset for people who have chronic arthritis,” she says. "They can sit or move about and exercise those arthritic joints.” But Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Center isn’t just about relief from aches and pains.
​
“The senior room is beautiful, cozy and a wonderful place to sit by the fireplace to read a novel or meet with friends,” Linda says. She has also spent numerous hours with her grandchildren swimming in the recreation pool and attending birthday parties. “It’s a wonderful place to keep children active,” she says. In particular, she is grateful that the aquatic center has benefited so many children in the community through access to year-round swimming lessons and a competitive swim team.
Jeanie Lokant
Years ago, when there was a pool on the campus of WVSOM, Jeanie swam a mile two to three times a week. When it closed, she says, “It seemed like all of a sudden I had problems with my legs and shoulders.” That’s when Jeanie and her husband, Frank, started making the trek to the YMCA in Low Moor to get their exercise. They made the drive three days a week for 13 years!​
“We waited a long time for the aquatic center to open up,” Jeanie says.
Now that there’s a pool closer to home, you’ll find the Lokants there most days of the week. Jeanie has undergone three knee replacements in recent years. Every day she completes a thirty-minute aerobic routine in the competition pool then transitions to the warm therapy pool to keep her joints flexible. “I just feel better after I’ve been in the water,” she says.
Beyond the benefits of pain management and exercise, Jeanie simply enjoys being at the aquatic center. “Being able to look out at the woods and animals, the squirrels and birds. It’s very pleasant to be in the water and at one with nature at the same time. Plus, being able to talk with people. You get to know people when you see them every day,” she says. Jeanie has a simple mantra that keeps her returning to the water day after day:
​
“The person going into the pool is not the same one coming out.”
Linda Clemons
When Linda Clemons first learned about the Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Center she told her husband, “Oh, this is going to be nice.” Little did she know, “nice” would be the understatement of the year. Soon after the center opened in April 2022, her sister sent her an aquatic jog belt and webbed gloves. Linda wondered what in the world she would do with this strange sports equipment.
​
Now, she says, “Let me tell you, it is my best friend!”
​
These days, you’ll find Linda jogging in the competition pool two or three days a week. Though she is diabetic, Linda is happy to report that she doesn’t take any medication thanks to the consistent exercise routine she maintains. “My doctor is just thrilled to death,” she says. Beyond the physical health benefits, Linda loves meeting with friends at the pool and she can’t say enough about the “super kind” front desk attendants.
Because Linda also has glaucoma, she must be very careful not to get water in her eyes. She’s in search of special protective goggles that don’t put dangerous pressure on her eyes like typical goggles do. In the meantime, the aquatic center staff hold the outside lane when they know she’s coming to help her stay out of the splash zone of other swimmers.
​
In short, Linda says, “I have absolutely loved it. The aquatic center has been a great thing for me.”
Share Your Testimonial
Please send us your story. Our community is why we do what we do. We'd love to hear from you!