KERNES ADAPTIVE AQUATICS JOSEPHINE KERNES MEMORIAL POOL

The Life Saver Fall 2017

YES, 45 years young! It’s amazing that Kernes Pool

has been an integral part of our community for 45 years. Our founder Edith Perry truly was a visionary, teaching kids with disabilities to swim in her backyard pool before adaptive physical education was even a concept.

Today, Kernes Adaptive Aquatics provides warm water exercise for people of all ages, literally from 3 months old to 103 years young, with all types of conditions. I suspect Edith never could have guessed how

far we’ve come, how many thousands of people we’ve helped, and

how many lives improved. Foundations recognize how

important Kernes Pool is too. Military children, veterans, patients with chronic fatigue,

fibromyalgia, Gulf War syndrome – these are only a few of the groups for whom we have received specialized grant funding because of our unique services and caring staff.

Although seniors have been a big percentage of our clients, we now serve more and more children. We’re proud that many of Kernes’ Kids come all the way from Salinas and South County.

Financially, we have stabilized our budget and rebuilt the endowment that was devastated in the last Great Recession, through generous donations and the unyielding commitment of the staff and Board members.

Yet we can do more. Looking

ahead to the next 45 years, we ask all our clients and friends to help us let more people know about Kernes Pool and its countless benefits to mind, body and spirit.

Here’s how you can help: Could your mother, father, child, or neighbor benefit from warm water exercise? Perhaps a co-worker or someone at your church or service organization has a chronic, painful condition (one in every five people is affected by a disability, whether directly or indirectly). Please tell them about Kernes Pool.

Once someone starts at the pool and feels the warm water and Kernes’ nurturing environment, they are “sold.” They’ll thank you for it later.

It’s time to

Join us Sunday, October 1

for food, family & fun Noon to 3:00

Santa Catalina School, 1500 Mark Thomas Drive,

Monterey

Make a pledge,

win a prize!

Everyone who makes a pledge is entered in the grand prize drawing.

Kernes Pool Facts

Kernes Pool has been providing vital services to the community for more than 45 years.

Fun, gentle aquatic exercise for adults and children with special needs

92 degree water and private dressing rooms

Every exercise program is personalized .

26th Annual SPLASH-A-THON and BBQ

“There are around 1000 homeless vets in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties,” according to Phillip Torie, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for the U.S. Department of

Veteran Affairs HUD-VASH program. Recreational therapy has proven to be a very effective program for returning homeless veterans to the community. “I refer to it as my R & R—Reclamation and Restoration—program.”

Phil has been working with Kernes Pool for over four years. It started when the pool received donor advised grants from the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) for veterans. Many of Phil’s clients suffer from post traumatic

stress disorder (PTSD), diabetes, arthritis, and a variety of other conditions. With these grants, Phil had the opportunity to see whether warm water exercise might help resolve his clients’ physical and closely associated emotional challenges.

It’s turned out great. The combination of warm water, personalized exercises, and careful, caring instructors make Kernes Pool a integral component of Phil’s R&R program.

There was another obstacle Phil had to overcome to achieve success: The R&R program must not present any threats to the client’s fragile emotional state. Kernes Pool’s unique facility and culture were the solution. Phil starts each client with a tour of the pool. He says that clients see, and feel, the physical and emotional warmth and safeness. Little things like the private dressing rooms, the

smiles and assuring voices of the instructors, the not-too-large, not- too-small size of the pool, and fact that there are people just like them at the pool resolve the client’s fears and inhibitions.

So far, 25 veterans have come to Kernes Pool through Phil’s program. Phil recalls one client: “This veteran was living in his car and suffered from PTSD, depression, and rheumatoid arthritis. He had family nearby but his conditions had broken their ties. Kernes Pool was his starting platform. Today, he lives in his own apartment, has lost 50 lbs, has reduced dramatically his use of pain killers, his self-esteem is restored so much he has a full time job, and meets regularly with his sons. He no longer goes to the pool because the staff and warm water exercises worked – that’s real progress you can measure!”

Veterans Reclaim and Restore at Kernes Pool

Phillip Torie, CTRS HUD-VASH,

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

Our aquatic instructors all agree: teaching ‘Kernes Kids’ is FUN. Currently, 22 children, ages 3 to 16 years, come to the Pool excited and eager to play, float, and splash.

What they don’t know is the many wonderful benefits they’re gaining when they’re in the water. Increased strength, improved

mobility, enhanced communication and social interaction, better task focus, reduced secondary illnesses such as diabetes and obesity, water safety skills, and greater confidence and self esteem are some of the many benefits of personalized aquatic exercise for children with special needs.

No wonder they don’t want to leave the pool at the end of their lessons!

Kernes is proud to be a part of these experiences that will continue to enhance young lives into the future.

“Kernes Kids” Learn and Play in the Pool

Thank You Your support is making a difference in

many lives. We would like to share

with you a few of their “thank yous.”

[Our daughter] has been swimming at

Kernes for 6+ years before she could

walk. Her confidence in the water

has grown exponentially. Her motor

skills have improved, She started

walking and she absolutely loves

going and being in the water. Kernes

adds so much to her life and we really

appreciate what it does for [our

daughter]. Thank you.

Me gusta el programa. Todos son

muy amables. El ejercicio en la

alberca es de mucha ayuda para mi

hijo. [I like the program. Everyone is

so friendly. The exercise in the pool is

very helpful to my son.]

I feel I have done some good for

myself. It does give me confidence

through the day. Relieves pain. I love

the location. Staff, all the clients, and

the building. I believe I am alive and

walking because of JKMP. Thank you

so much.

Best relaxation and exercise at the

same time which helps my

fibromyalgia – arthritis pain – sleep –

fatigue issues. Nice to social with

others who understand and don’t

judge.

Helped work on my balance to

prevent falling. Keeps me moving.

PAIN RELIEF!

I have been going to Kernes Pool for

many years. The Staff is very

knowledgeable, helpful and caring.

My overall health has improved and I

am able to maintain my mobility. The

friendly atmosphere is so nice. I give

Kernes Pool a “10.”

Being in the water is the only place I

can’t fall and hurt myself. If I couldn’t

go I would not be able to maintain my

level of activity. I know there is no

way to improve what I have lost, so

maintaining what I do have left is

very important to me. Kernes Pool

has literally been a lifesaver for me.

I find the movements I’m doing in the

class is helping to improve my

balance and increase my energy level.

I seem to be standing up straighter as

a result.

[Our daughter] is improving since she

started the classes. She looks forward

to coming in. She is moving more her

legs and arms. She follows the

instructor’s instructions. I believe

continuing the classes will help our

goal of her walking again.

I have multiple sclerosis and suffered

two strokes. The exercises help my

mobility greatly. I am a disabled vet.

Thank You Foundations This year, local foundations have covered 1/3 of what it costs to operate our warm water facility. Thanks to these critical grants the pool is available to everyone who needs it, regardless of age, ability, duration of need, or income. Please join us to acknowledge extraordinary contributions to Kernes Pool of $5,000 or more from these foundations.

Autism Speaks

City of Monterey

Community Foundation for Monterey County

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Montage Health

Elizabeth Hook Armstrong Foundation

Harden Foundation

Monterey Peninsula Foundation

Ralph Knox Foundation

Generous support was also received from:

Alexander Victor Foundation

Charles and Lucile Morton Charitable Foundation

Eagan Family Foundation

John Spadaro Youth Foundation

Mildred Hitchcock Huff Charitable Trust

Rotary Club Foundation of Monterey

Rotary Club Foundation of Seaside

The Upjohn California Fund

Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop

Heartfelt thanks to friends and family

who have contributed to Kernes Pool in

memory of:

Bequests

Kernes Pool received caring bequests from:

You can make a lasting contribution to the

health and quality of life for hundreds of

people in our community by

including Kernes Pool in your will or estate planning. For more

information, contact Executive Director

Lynn Young at 831-643-9867,

Jacqueline Axe

Ellie Browne

Jill Cembellin

Martha Clemenger

Russell Hintze

Drusilla Keller

Dr. Edwin Kingley, MD

W.V. Graham Mathews

Richard Myler

Wendy Marie Sheppard

Virginia Saia

Ruth Young

The 1995 Anna J. Davis Revocable Trust

Frederick W. and Leila Crakes Grothem 1991

Revocable Trust

Board News Kernes Pool welcomes

Terri Bilbro to its Board of Directors. Mary T. (Terri) Bilbro, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC, is a Nurse Practitioner and Medical Exercise Specialist with extensive experience in integrated health and sports

and wellness training for patients with diverse conditions and abilities.

In addition to teaching at The City of Monterey Sports Center, she is also the CEO and CFO of the Monterey Beach SportsFest.

Kernes Pool also thanks outgoing Board members Lea Goodman and Ellen Stevens for their dedication and good work on behalf of our organization, mission and clients.

From Board President Stella Lauerman

Drive for $45(K) Kernes Pool is

the place that

everyone turns

to when there is

nowhere else to

go, and they are

welcomed with

open arms. Our philosophy

at Kernes is that we never

turn anyone away. No

matter what their condition,

no matter what their income

is, we will be there for them

for as long as they need us--

whether it’s a month, a year

or for life.

Kernes is the only facility

in the community that

provides specialized aquatic

services for children under

14. Families whose children

have disabilities generally

have much higher than

normal medical and other

expenses directly related to

their child’s condition, and

often need scholarship

support to be able to bring

them to the pool.

We are receiving many

more children at the pool,

which is wonderful, but at

the same time we need to

expand our scholarship

funding to stay true to our

mission of never turning

anyone away.

Similarly, many of our

seniors, a sizable proportion

of the clients, are on fixed

incomes and are often in

need of scholarship support.

To celebrate and honor

our 45 incredible years of

service to the community,

the Board has set an

ambitious goal of $45,000

for our annual SPLASH

event! To expand our circle

of support, the Board is

focusing on reaching out to

the business community. Do

you or someone you know

own a small business?

Do you or someone in

your family belong to a

service organization? We all

have a doctor, dentist, or

service providers with whom

we do business. Will you

reach to them with a pledge

form and ask them to

support? Together we will

hit that $45,000—maybe

even more!

Meet Our Aquatic Staff Thank you to the generous individuals,

businesses, service organizations, and

foundations who make Kernes' Pool work

possible. Please visit www.KernesPool.org

for a complete list. Donations were

received in honor of:

Kernes Pool’s greatest resource is its extraordinary aquatic staff. They provide high quality service for people of all ages and abilities, while making everyone feel welcome and encouraged. In addition to holding lifeguard and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications through the American Red Cross, aquatic instructors begin as volunteer interns and continue training throughout their service with Kernes Pool.

Lead Aquatic Instructor Armando Medina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB). He is certified through the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute, is an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Personal Trainer, and maintains Pool Operator Certification to keep the pool perfect.

Elias Gomez is a graduate from Hartnell

College and holds a degree in Business Administration. He plans to serve his country as a U.S. Marine next year.

Stephan Fitzpatrick is a Kinesiology graduate of CSUMB and a certified ASCM Personal Trainer who aspires to become an Adaptive Therapist.

Gabriela Herrera is currently majoring in Kinesiology at CSUMB with the goal of becoming a Physical Therapist.

Kernes extends thanks and best wishes to outgoing Aquatic Instructor Molly McEvoy for being a valued part of Kernes’ family (we’ll miss you, Molly!).

Peter Bolton

Stephan Fitzpatrick

Linda Gomez

Elias Gomez

Tammy Jennings

Ron King

Cathy Ku

Michael and Stella Lauerman

Rebecca Legard

Marc and Carol Lieberman

Molly McEvoy

Armando Medina

Larry and Star Reierson

Cynthia Scholl

Arlala Sheppard

Ellen Stevens

Katelyn Von Saltza

Stephanie Wray

D. Craig Wright

Lynn Young

Marsha Zeitlin

From left to right: Armando Medina, Elias Gomez, Stephan Fitzpatrick, and Gabriela Herrera.

[From www.atri.org]

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin. Along with their medicine, it is especially important for people with type 2 diabetes to get regular exercise to maintain their overall health.

Warm water has many beneficial properties that

make it the perfect medium for safe, easy, and fulfilling exercise, including:

Buoyancy: Helps for joint or weight problems and aids in balance.

Hydrostatic pressure: Acts as a continual “massage” to reduce edema or poor circulation.

Resistance: Each movement provides even resistance to one of the muscles in a group and

the returning movement exercises the others.

Water also eliminates the threat of falling.

Walking in water is a great example. It’s easy to do and allows people to have their feet on the bottom and feel the compression. At the same time, it’s safe, exercises major muscle groups, and relieves stress.

Info Corner: Warm Water Exercise for Type 2 Diabetes

Board of Directors Stella Lauerman, Pres.

Peter Bolton, Treas

Marsha Zeitlin, Sec.

Terri Bilbro

Larry Reierson

Diane Spadaro

Marcia Weber-Olsen

Staff

Lynn Young, Exec. Dir.

Linda Gomez, Assoc. Dir.

Armando Medina, Lead Aquatic Instructor

Stephan Fitzpatrick, Aquatic Instructor

Gabriela Herrera, Aquatic Instructor

Elias Gomez, Aquatic Instructor

Our Mission

Kernes Adaptive Aquatics provides warm water exercise programs for

adults and children with physical, emotional or

developmental challenges to improve

health and quality of life.

Non Profit Org.

U.S. Postage Paid

Monterey, CA

Permit No. 257

Printed on Recycled Paper

Kernes Adaptive Aquatics

Josephine Kernes Memorial Pool

15 Portola Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940

www.KernesPool.org 831 372-1240

Enter to win an elegant night out A great gift to give to a friend — or keep for yourself

Tucked into a corner of Carmel and just three blocks from white-sand Carmel Beach, the historic Normandy Inn exudes Old World European charm. Enjoy a romantic weekend surrounded by blooming flower gardens and French country furnishings. In the morning, settle into the cozy cafe for complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. Be sure to take a dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool and have a glass of sherry in front of the fire.

The package includes one night at the Normandy Inn and dinner for two at a nearby restaurant. You need not be present to win.

Everyone who donates to SPLASH is entered into the Carmel weekend raffle. To donate:

Go to our website—www.KernesPool.org—and click the Donate button,

OR

make out a check to Kernes Pool and mail it to Kernes Pool, 15 Portola Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940. Be sure to include your email address or phone # on the check.