New blocks on the block
There are some new blocks on the block.
After a few years of steady fundraising and generous donations, the Palmerton Swim Team recently purchased six new starting blocks with non-slip surfaces for $18,000. They held a dedication ceremony before a swim meet on Monday, June 18, with the Northern Lehigh Lightnings. No one's saying the new blocks are the reason they won, but they sure helped boost the morale of the Porpoises.The president of Palmerton Swim Team, Adrianne Allen, says they were very grateful to a former swim team member's father who made the original blocks for competition meets at Palmerton Memorial Pool but they were very heavy and had deteriorated over the years.At the dedication, Allen recognized the hard work of all the parents who helped raise funds and the donors for the purchase of the new blocks. The specific business donors are: Krill Foundation; Lehighton Lodge 621 Free an Accepted Masons; Job Connections; My Family Doctor; Palmerton Pool Pals; Horsehead Community Development Fund; Bowmanstown/Parryville Lions Club; Palmerton Memorial Park Association.The Palmerton Swim Team was first established in 1969 and the first coach was Joe Lach. At the time, the team swam in cut off shorts and teeshirts.Today the Suburban Swim Leaque participates in eight meets, traveling as far as Quakertown and Hanover Township. They hold eight meets ... four home and four away ... and a championship at the end of the season.The ages of the swimmers range from five to 18, from novice to competition swimmers.The mission of the Palmerton Swim Team is "To provide a competitive swimming program which teaches the principles of teamwork and good sportsmanship, promote a love of the sport, and advances aquatic skills.""We are very grateful to everyone who helped the team acquire these great new starting blocks," says Allen.If you would like to learn more about the swim team, visit
www.palmertonsummerswimteam.com or call Adrianne at (610) 681-6265 or email