RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - If you asked Jenifer Seaver to define herself, the answer would most likely be "Boss Lady."
As the Russellville Pool Board president, Missouri Baptist Credit Union president and mother of three active children, she continues to look for other ways to fill her plate.
The Russellville Community Pool, located at 5515 Hatler St., has been in the community for 40 years, Seaver said.
Keeping the summer activity in the community is a family tradition.
"My grandparents were part of the group that was instrumental in getting the pool here a long time ago," Seaver said. "I've kind of always been involved, and I'm carrying on the tradition more than anything. I do it because I love it and it's been a part of our family for a long time."
Raised in Russellville, she always finds time for the pool.
As a teenager, she worked as a lifeguard. In 2018, she was certified in lifeguard instructor training and said she really enjoys hiring and training the lifeguard staff.
About nine years ago, she organized the swimming lessons program for youth. She taught her children - Christopher, Justin and Brady - how to swim there. Sessions are expected to return next year, she said.
Seaver joined the pool board because she is passionate about the activity and wants to ensure it runs smoothly. After work, she can often be found on-site checking on things.
Board members are volunteers who share that passion for their community. Currently, five members meet to discuss the opening and maintaining of the pool each spring, handling fundraisers and needed improvements.
"Those of us that do it got on to it because of our family involvement," Seaver said. "A lifetime of living here, being lifeguards, bringing our kids here and just wanting to continue this tradition in our community. "
Before the pool opens, members set up workdays to pump out the old water, clean the decks, patch any leaks or cracks, and paint the full-size and wading pools.
To become a board member, any Russellville resident can contact Seaver at [email protected].
Surrounding communities have pools, but it's not the same, Seaver said. Keeping youth and families in Russellville is important to her but comes with challenges.
"It's a pretty tight ship," Seaver said. "We don't make a whole lot in the summer and to open up every year does cost money."
Individual pool passes are $75 or $150 for a family of eight. General admission is $3.
The pool also offers $1 admission on opening day, July 4 and Labor Day, at the end of the season.
The Russellville Board of Aldermen donated $2,500 to the discounted admission occasion. Their donation helps cover the water bill, electrical bill and support the dollar days, Seaver said. In the past, those dates were free admission - however, the gate fee and concession sales help the business stay afloat.
The pool's biggest fundraiser is a casual golf tournament at 4323 Towering Oak Lane. The 10th annual event is scheduled for Sept. 28. After an 11 a.m. lunch, each four-person team plays nine-holes followed by a live auction. Overall, the event raises $3,000-$8,000 a year, Seaver said.
The winning team takes home a cash prize, and another cash prize is awarded to anyone who makes "The Big One" across the lake.
"The majority of that is going to go to our general upkeep, but we usually have specific things," Seaver said.
Although a project has not been identified for next year, a pool pump is often on the list.
The pool is open 1-6 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays and 4-8 p.m. Thursdays.