Who knew
…that when Morgan Hill voters approved funds for the
multi-million dollar aquatic center it would become South County’s
new social Mecca?
Who knew…that when Morgan Hill voters approved funds for the multi-million dollar aquatic center it would become South County’s new social Mecca?
Busting all expected attendance projections the place to go these days to meet old friends and make new ones, read a magazine and do some laps, or celebrate a birthday, an engagement, or get out of the house is the Morgan Hill Aquatic Center.
Reminiscing with a friend the other day, we recalled growing up as “club rats.” Summer days were not spent wondering what to do but what time would we all meet at the “club”?
Not so long ago Holiday Lake Estates had a country club with a fair-sized pool and a cute lifeguard named Marcus Hughes (the first guy I ever saw swallow a raw egg). Eight hours a day we would spend at the pool doing every kind of watery thing possible. The best days of summer…
Now the “club” (aka the Aquatic Center) is back for everyone and at a very affordable price (no initiation fees or minimum purchase requirements at the snack shack).
Wednesday afternoon around the Aquatic center I found teenagers Nick Attwood, Allison Finly, and Rachel Giacalone hanging out or “kickin’ it,” as they might say.
Crystal Lopez who just moved from San Jose with her daughter Melissa raved about the center and loves the friendliness of Morgan Hill. Melissa, 10 months old, was irresistible in her Winnie-the-Pooh striped bathing suit with the trendsetting flounce skirt.
Too cool by the pool was Nick Stroppa reading Heroes of Chaos. When I inquired, “Where’s your suit, Nick?” Nick responded, “I’m watching my little brother … he’s out there somewhere,” with a little wave of the hand and a return to reading his comic.
They come in all shapes and sizes at the center, but it’s hard body Suzie Sellers by the pool who’s the best advertisement for her fitness classes. Most admirable were friends Christy Eggers and Jodi Chatham. Eggers and Chatham were up for the day from Hollister (thanks for helping our tax dollars, ladies) with their children … all eight of them. They each have four children and hang out together to make their days even more exciting!
On the tour de high dive, Marcello Giacalone (cousin to Rachel mentioned earlier) made spectacular leaps that spoke of summer freedom and “look at me, Ma!” Even the lifeguards sported poolside fashion in their nifty Australian outback hats gracefully pinned to the sides. Rebekah Barrera carried off the look with extra flair and aplomb.
Most surprised at how enjoyable a public pool can be were the New Avenue ladies Tracee Gluhaich and Debbie Zajac. You looked pretty comfortable on those lounges!
If you want to know who’s who or what’s what, meet me at the pool. We’ll chat over Hawaiian shave ice (I like mine “tie-dyed”, with a mix of flavors).
Ciao for now.
