Cindy Strickland, 74 years old, is legally blind, diabetic, and her  legs have been amputated to her knees. Although it is  hard to believe, Cindy is able to swim. A special chair is used to lift her in and out of the pool.  Public transportation makes it possible for her to  come to the John Vanderzicht swimming pool on the average of 5 days a week.

Cindy is an inspiration to many of her friends at Careage. She said many of the residents there complain a lot, but she tries to persuade them to  get some good exercise and she says swimming is the best. Cindy is known for “urging old people to get  up and go.” She  dreads the thought that the pool might close if the North Whidbey Parks & Recreation District levy fails.

Trudy J. Sundberg
Oak Harbor