Kim Wren, our heart of hospitality at the Rec Center

Kim's water aerobics class in action.

Kim Wren’s noon water aerobics class (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) at the Collinwood Recreation Center has a spot for everyone.  Just show up about 11:45, with your swimming gear plus a pair of socks to wear in the pool (the bottom is rough) or water shoes, and a lock for your locker. Tell those in the locker room it’s your first time and you will be welcomed.  

It is the best. There are mostly women, a couple of pleasant fellows, and Kim our fitness/surgery recovery guide. People socialize. Locker rooms promote meeting and greeting each other. It’s not easy to remember everyone’s names, but no matter how many times you ask a person’s name, they gladly provide it. It is the nicest bunch of people you would ever want to meet. 

Kim Wren started her "get fit" program in the Fall. Her niece AJ and their church friend Sug joined in and shortly, so did I. Kim’s program is a very good workout and much more social than swimming up and down. The numbers grew. People committed to doing their best in the workouts and invited their co workers and friends. A community gathering of loving friends developed.
 

Kim has turned her personal fitness plan into a golden opportunity for us to enjoy a healthier and happier life. She pours out her love of people as she leads us through our routines in song. We join in, “Reach out and touch somebody’s hand.  Make this world a better place if you can.”  The voices are strong and sweet.

Our recreation centre is a gem in our community. It has easy access. Its location near the library, Dave’s supermarket and other services helps us combine our daily chores and our fitness needs. The paid staff is small. The building is large. We can help keep our gem sparkling by cleaning up after ourselves and others and volunteering to fill needs we see. We, the Rec center users, appreciate Kim’s sharing and caring. We thank her for opening up her personal fitness program and her heart to all of us. 

Deborah Howitt has lived in Collinwood for 20 years - with 7 years out as an international science teacher. Happy to be back and looking for a way to make a difference in the quality of life here.