Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Vermillion Moos
Hi Janet, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am a Registered Nurse, Founder and CEO of the Texas Pool Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the historic Texas Pool and to community outreach. The Texas Pool is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a City of Plano Heritage Landmark. It is maintained, managed, and marketed primarily by a team of volunteers. Preserving the Texas Pool has been my passion.
I did not take the most direct pathway from the past to today. Like many young people, I was uncertain of what the future held and how to get there. It was easy to be distracted by the times and I often navigated without a compass—until I stepped into the footsteps of my medical forefathers and became a nurse. Seeds of healthcare wisdom were planted deeply within my heritage and came to fruition as I embraced the vocation of nursing.
To truly care for others, one must let go of self and give from the heart. The best of nursing requires medical knowledge, expertise, compassion, and personal sacrifice. As we care for others, often during crisis, invaluable truths about life are revealed. One of the most important lessons I learned in nursing was how one person can change the trajectory of many lives, for better or for worse. Nurses choose a harder path to a higher calling.
Springboarding from nursing to community service was a natural arch. When in 2007, I learned that the Texas-shaped pool in our neighborhood was in danger of being lost forever, I dove in. Together with a handful of volunteers, I was determined to save it. The Texas Pool was originally a private, exclusive, members-only club. I believed the future existed in creating a community space for all people and in obtaining historical designations to preserve it. In 2012, I established the Texas Pool Foundation, and it became a 501(c)3 nonprofit. In 2017, with a coalition of civic-minded people, stewardship for the historic site was transferred to the Texas Pool Foundation and a new era of inclusivity began.
The Texas Pool is now eligible for community service projects, tax deductible donations, and grants like the City of Plano’s Heritage Grant program. There is a Little Free Pantry and Little Free Library, a community bulletin board, and an award-winning butterfly garden. Special events like Memorial Day’s National Moment of Remembrance, and the Mermaid Tea Party are held each summer. The saltwater Texas Pool is surrounded by verdant green areas with wildlife and a creek filled with fishes, turtles, and 90-million-year-old fossils. On magical days, the Texas Pool is an oasis for mermaids. Today, everyone has an opportunity to #SwimAcrossTexas.
Throughout my years, working as a nurse and with the Texas Pool, I have been blessed to have the support of my husband, Randy. My 5 daughters have been my greatest teachers, and I am now grandmama to 3 adorable grandsons (future Texas Pool lifeguards!). In every season of life, there are opportunities for giving back, for forging new paths in uncharted waters, and for glimpsing the horizon of a world made better through gifts of community service and of love.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
All of life is a river to the sea with obstacles, rocks, unexpected happenings, and unanticipated outcomes. Therefore, at our best, we must live like water with adaptability, flowing and flexible, moving surely toward our destination or goal. Each challenge provides an opportunity for learning, for developing strength, and for personal growth. Let go of fear to find an unlimited horizon.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Texas Pool ?
Community is at the heart of the Texas Pool. It is a place where life slows down, friendships found, and volunteering is a way of life. Managed, maintained, and marketed primarily by the volunteers of the Texas Pool Foundation, the Texas Pool is a National Register Historic site and a City of Plano Heritage Landmark. The swim season lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Summer memberships are available along with opportunities for community service and bartering for memberships. Sign up for the season or just swim for the day. Special events, historic tours, private parties, corporate team building, and volunteer opportunities are offered year-round. The Texas Pool/s Little Free Pantry, Little Free Library, community bulletin board, and award-winning butterfly garden are accessible 24/7. DFW area’s closest saltwater destination, at mystical times mermaids may be found. Mermaid monofin swimming is welcomed. The Texas Pool sports a diving board, water volleyball, an island, snack bar, 2 gazebos, toddler zone play area, and BBQ picnic spaces. The Texas Pool is a place for legendary fun in the sun, since 1961.
How do you think about happiness?
The source of all happiness exists outside of ourselves in how we choose to know, love, and serve God by caring for and serving one another. One person can change the trajectory of many lives, for better or for worse. It is up to each of us to make a positive difference in the world around us. Love is the true path to inner peace and to a lasting happiness.
“Measure your life in love.” Jonathon Larson, Seasons of Love
Pricing:
- A Texas Pool Daily Guest Pass is $10 and Babies 2 and under are free.
- Seasonal Texas Pool Memberships are available
- Texas Pool Party parties, special and corporate events are available year-round.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.texaspool.org
- Instagram: the_texas_pool
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/texaspool
- Twitter: @texaspoolplano
Image Credits
Texas Pool present day photos by Adam Christensen, Texas Pool President and DOO, CEO of Elizabeth Swims
