Many helped at Toronto pool this summer

TORONTO -- The managers of Toronto War Memorial Pool said many stepped forward this summer to ensure it was running smoothly and looking good.

Among them were members of Toronto American Legion Post 86, who donated a 6 foot by 10 foot U.S. flag, as well as a National League of Families flag remembering prisoners of war and those declared missing in action.

Post 86 Commander Kent Leasure presented the flags to Tom Anderson, the city's recreation director, on behalf of the post's members, its auxiliary and those in its Sons of the American Legion squadron.

He and James Rhodes, the post's chaplain, said the flags are important because they not only serve as a reminder of the veterans who have served to preserve the nation's freedoms but also may help to instill a sense of patriotic pride in the youth who visit the pool.

Rhodes said it was a privilege for the post to donate them.

The idea of replacing the U.S. flag at the pool originated from resident Mike Yacos, who noted the new flag is twice the size of the previous one.

Yacos lives near the pool and has volunteered there often, usually cutting the grass. He was among a handful of volunteers who repainted the pool and its bathrooms last year.

Yacos downplayed his efforts, saying he was inspired by the hard work of the pool's current management.

"It gave me motivation," he said.

Pool Manager Terry Cattrell said such support from the community has enabled the pool to run smoothly.

"If I didn't have my buddies here, we'd be in trouble," he said.

Assisting Cattrell in managing the pool this summer were his wife, Maureen; Christy Cattrell and Lisa Crago.

The pool's staff included several lifeguards, including one who doesn't fit the usual image for the job.

Norman Winstol, 76, said he's been told he may be the oldest certified lifeguard in Ohio.

Winstol started serving as a lifeguard late last summer when many of the students who fill that role were returning to school. Learning of the shortage of lifeguards, he underwent three days of training and took the test required for certification.

While he hadn't served as a lifeguard before, he had exercised regularly at the pool.

"I'm a daily swimmer. I try to put in half a mile each day," said Winstol.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)