Woodville Pool in need of more lifeguards

Since the day it opened almost five decades ago, generations of Woodville youth have spent entire summers at the Woodville Pool. My sisters and I did after our family moved to Woodville all those years ago. I brought my children into town whenever our schedules permitted so that they could spend their afternoons swimming and hanging out with friends. Swimming lessons, Marco Polo games, float flicks and end-of-summer parties are some of best memories for a huge number of Woodville residents who practically lived at the pool when they were young.

For the first time in it’s 49-year history, the pool is in danger of not opening this summer. Not due to any problems with the pool itself, but due a lack of certified lifeguards. At last check, only four applications have been submitted, which is not enough lifeguards to fully staff the pool for the summer. Unfortunately, simply reducing the hours is not an option. Due to operating and maintenance costs, village council has determined that it isn’t feasible to open for just a few days a week.

To be eligible, applicants must have valid Advance Lifeguarding certification. Water Safety Instructor certificates are beneficial, but not necessary. A flexible schedule is also needed.

Lifeguard applications are available at the Woodville Town Hall, 219 West Main St., Woodville Municipal Building, 530 Lime St., or on the village website at www.villageofwoodville.com. Applications may be mailed to Village of Woodville, PO Box 156, Woodville 43469, submitted as a PDF via email to clerk@woodville.net, faxed to 419-849-3558, or submitted in person at the municipal building. Application deadline is May 16.

All-Town Garage Sales

The 12th annual All-Town Garage Sales are scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 26 to May 28. Cost to participate is $10. This fee is applied to cover the cost of advertising, posters and the printing of the hundreds of rosters that will be distributed that weekend. Registration forms are available at the Woodville Public Library and Pills ‘n’ Packages. Deadline to submit registrations is May 21. More information can be found on the Facebook page “Woodville All-Town Garage Sales.”

Straw Bale Gardening

Learn how to use straw bales to create a garden that eliminates digging and (most) weeding at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Woodville Public Library. To register, call 419-849-2744.

Red Cross Blood Drive

There will be an American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., May 13 at the Woodville Township Fire Department. Appointments may be made at www.redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED-CROSS.

Woodville Historical Socieity

The Woodville Historical Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Woodville Library. The guest speaker, author Paul Heineman, will speak about the history of the Woodville Fire Department. The meeting is free and public.

Rene Dix’s column appears each Monday. She can be reached at 419-307-0914 orrene.dix@email.com.