Great Barrington — Mary Makuc is a huge fan of the water. The Monterey resident began going to Berkshire South “as soon as it was open,” and calls the organization’s warm pool, “a bit of heaven on earth.” Makuc, who has a spinal cord injury from 1983, has “a different way of walking” as a result of just one leg being fully innovated — the other ankle, hip and knee don’t work that well. This has caused myriad complications for Makuc and points to why her time in the water is so beneficial: “When I go in the pool, I don’t have to worry about falling — I can just relax, but I also get stronger with exercises — [and] a lot of [my] aches and pains just melt into the water.” Makuc is just one of roughly 16,500 patrons who use the therapy pool annually — a number that equates to more than 50 each day — and she will be on hand Saturday, March 7, to raise both awareness and funds for Adaptive Needs programs at Berkshire South during the 10th annual Swim-A-Thon.
“Without Swim-A-Thon there is a whole population that might not be able to use our facility,” said Jenise Lucey, BSRCC executive director. “This is an event in which we focus on the spirit of the participants,” she added. BSRCC is honored to announce Holly Vacchina as this year’s Swim-A-Thon Ambassador. “My favorite thing is the lovely attitude of the Berkshire South staff,” said Vacchina of this honor. “They don’t treat me like I am different, but everyone encourages me. They [are] quick to tell me and congratulate me when I improve,” she added. Last year Vacchina swam 1 mile in the annual fundraiser; this year her goal is 100 lengths — an increase of nearly 50%. “I am thrilled to be the ambassador, and I hope I can raise lots of money,” Vacchina said with pride. Both she and Makuc are still taking pledges; to support them in their efforts, visit www.berkshiresouth.org/swimathon.
“Sign up to swim as an individual or as a relay team. You can also take an Aqua Zumba class, or an Aqua Aerobics class!” Lucey said. “Just come and participate. Help us continue to offer critical programming to those who need it throughout our region. Your involvement makes such a huge impact.” Makuc is a big fan of Aqua Special Conditions, which is held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to noon. Geared toward individuals experiencing discomfort from age, injury, arthritis or fibromyalgia, the class offers the combined benefit of gentle aquatic exercise and warm water to help ease discomfort and improve range of motion. She “attended religiously, for 12-15 years,” and still refers others who have disabilities that impact their mobility. “I refer [others to Berkshire South] as time there has really helped me in mind, body and spirit. I can maximize my potential more in that pool than anywhere else,” she added. In the summer, Makuc enjoys swimming at Lake Garfield — staffed by lifeguards from Berkshire South — “but it is lots easier to get in and out of the warm pool than the lake, thanks to adaptive equipment,” Makuc pointed out. A wheelchair lift for the pool and padded bench seats in the restroom make accessing the facilities at Berkshire South “faster, easier and safer.”
Berkshire South’s Adaptive Needs programming teaches valuable life skills. Those who cannot walk independently on land are taught to navigate without restriction in water; individuals with autism often find the water very calming and, after spending time swimming, are better able to focus and interact; aquatic exercise improves range of motion and balance while simultaneously increasing strength. All instruction is geared toward the unique strengths and challenges of each participant in individualized classes taught by highly trained staff. Berkshire South offers the only warm-water therapy pool of its type in South County, and the nonprofit’s adaptive needs initiatives include free swim lessons, class modifications, fitness classes and specialized equipment for individuals of all abilities. “I relate to mermaids,” Makuc said. “They are swimming around [easily] but can’t just get up and walk around,” which, in part, is why she is grateful for organizations like Berkshire South with targeted programming that is inclusive of all. “The water makes it easier for people like me.”
Minimum participant donation this year is $20. All funds go toward BSRCC’s Adaptive Needs programs. Swimmers have up to two hours to swim up to 200 pool lengths, but they are able to choose to swim any shorter length or timeframe they wish. Swim-A-Thon is open to swimmers of all ages and abilities. Register at the Berkshire South front desk, located at 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington, or register or sponsor a swimmer at www.berkshiresouth.org/swimathon. For additional information, contact (413) 528-2810 x29 or aquatics@berkshiresouth.org.
