Left to right, front row: Melba Beckham, Ruth Klein, Lynda Harris, Phyllis Olson, Bernadette Fideli and Olive Morton; back row: Kathy Marrou, Marguerite Rose, Marcia Wolf, Linda Webb, Mary Jane Browne, Claudette Carey, Sandy Shepard and Martha Fagin
Lynda Harris
“Good morning, everyone! Let’s burn some calories!” For 14 long years Lynda Harris greeted Robson residents arriving for water aerobics with this cheerful saying. On January 29 Lynda had to eat these words as she was served a cake decorated with the saying: Good Morning! Let’s Eat Some Calories! The occasion was a luncheon celebrating Lynda’s retirement from teaching. Long time members were present along with current instructors. The word “pioneer” conjures up many images. That stereotype was broken in March 2002 with the arrival of a petite, enthusiastic resident with a background in exercise and total workout training. Lynda and her husband Morris were one of the first 50 families to settle in Robson Ranch. When residents within this close knit community discovered Lynda’s training, they asked her to consider an exercise program for fitness and social friendship. Thus began a fascinating odyssey for Lynda and Robson Ranch. Water Aerobics began in the pool located behind the now non-existent Milano model in the sales center. Classes had to end before 9:00 a.m. and begin after 6:00 p.m. Lynda brought her boom box to enhance the exercise, and residents fought off frogs, crickets and water bugs. Martha Fagin and Phyllis Olson were among the original residents who availed themselves of this wonderful opportunity. When the indoor pool opened in July 2003, Olive Morton and Mary Jane (MJ) Brown became chartered members of the infamous “Back Lane” along with Sandy Shepard and Martha. Lynda enhanced her training at The Cooper Institute in Dallas. Working four hours a day in the pool and spending days and nights in Dallas studying books and DVDs, Lynda received her certification as a Water Aerobics instructor. Lynda trained Phyllis as an instructor, and behind her came Bernadette Fideli and Kathy Marrou, all conditioned by Lynda’s excellent instructions. Water Aerobics has grown from the early days of frogs and boom boxes. Along the way the camaraderie fostered by group participation has flourished, and life-long friendships and a sense of helping others have grown. Exercise, fitness, well-being and friendship are prevalent and growing in Robson thanks to the early intervention and caring of residents such as Lynda. Today Water Aerobics is alive and well under the new guidance of Kathy Marrou. Frogs are no longer available, but fitness and friendship are.