The Hazards of Artificial Turf

With the March 7 Voters’ Referendum on the new Mt. Ararat High School drawing near, we have a big responsibility to learn exactly what we will be voting for. In recent days I have been reading the enthusiastic endorsements for an artificial turf field on these pages. I find it alarming that safety was not mentioned as an issue. Just one year ago, Forbes Magazine published an article titled “Government Finally to Look Into Link Between Artificial Turf and Cancer.” It turns out we have known for years of the possible connection. There is compelling evidence linking play on artificial turf fields to an increased risk of cancer in athletes, particularly those who play close to the ground like goalies. I would rather see our community play it safe than sorry. It is up to the voters in Topsham, Harpswell, Bowdoin and Bowdoinham to do our homework and research the issue. I have come to the conclusion that the benefits of artificial turf do not outweigh the risks to our young athletes. Considering that MSAD 75 residents will have to shoulder the extra cost of an artificial turf field, I encourage you to learn more before you cast your vote.

Robin Brooks,
Topsham

Supporting the Mt. Ararat Project

This letter enthusiastically supports the proposed Mt. Ararat High School construction projects. A 17- year resident of Topsham with three children (6th/3rd/1st) in district, I write today as Mt. Ararat’s field hockey coach.

We need improved surfaces. My players train with persistence and heart to develop their skillset. Because there is no other room on campus, we play in the baseball outfield — a rough, unpredictable surface. (despite a top-notch “grounds crew”) Field hockey requires a short, smooth surface which makes it impossible to play on the long, thick, competition field. This becomes an issue of equity with missed opportunities for this one group of athletes. Currently, field hockey only has access to a high-school field mid- August-October. All summer play and most youth programming must go elsewhere. Synthetic turf allows all teams a surface to compete on all hours, (almost) year-round. One turf field equals more two-plus grass fields — we have no more field space on campus, this is the only way to get enough competition space for all students.

Our students deserve better fields. I have seen the way athletics provides an important educational experience for many students. I have seen sports profoundly support students through painful personal struggles. For many, sports are a vital component of their educational and social world. It’s important to honor that with facilities that are better than “acceptable.”

Regional/State championships, Maine’s Field Hockey Festival/All- Star game, winter tournaments, summer leagues and camps/clinics are exclusively played on synthetic turf fields. Athletes are already playing on turf, but not for their most important season — high school.

Most venues feature turf with crumb rubber infill. Despite being the most common choice, the building committee has voted unanimously to use a different infill to alleviate perceived concerns associated with safety, with the extra cost being fundraised. There are many options.

As a coach, the field is my classroom where I teach students. As I’m adamant about a classroom for every teacher inside the building, I’m also passionate about quality “classrooms” outside the building. MTA has the greatest students around. I am excited to support the new school and turf field!

Krista Chase,
MTA School Counselor, Head
Field Hockey Coach
Building Committee Member

Trump’s Threat Extends Beyond Politics

Recently, at a public facility in Bath I engaged in discussion with two friends concerning President Trump. Although another friend was close by, I violated my personal practice of refraining from discussing politics in a public place. I did so because Trump is no longer just a political issue; it has risen to the level of whether the nation which I have enjoyed for 80 years will continue to be a democracy with its Constitution and rule of law fully in place.

After my two Democrat friends moved on, the nearby friend — a Republican — politely took issue with our discussion, for which I apologized. However, I also told him that we were not talking “politics,” and to emphasize the point, I told him that I would be pleased if Vice President Pence replaced Trump as President, as Pence appears to be an American who respects traditional democratic values, the Constitution and above all, the truth. (Some Democrats would disagree with me in supporting a conservative Republican, but the Trump issue is no longer partisan, not even bipartisan, but important for all concerned Americans.)

There is a ray of hope for the future as the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee has agreed to investigate the Russian issues, and I am confident that it will do a good job. I commend the Senate Republican leadership for recognizing that the future of the United States is more important than partisan posturing and that bipartisanship should prevail. And I eagerly await the Committee’s report, as many commentators have said that there appears to be evidence of criminal activity and, furthermore, that the U.S.Government is currently in “chaos.”

Samuel M. Jones,
Phippsburg

What is Becoming of American Leadership?

What will it take for those who voted for Trump to see him for what he is? With his perpetual pout he is trying to turn America into an Autocracy, not the Democracy it was founded on. His word is the ruling word: putting himself above the law by denouncing a ruling by a Federally appointed judge, surrounding himself with folks who are not prepared to participate in running a democracy, developing a secret relationship with Russia and keeping his VP out of the inner circle of information. America needs Leadership, not Tweetership. America needs Inclusiveness, not division. America needs leadership that brings people together, America needs Compassion, not hate, America needs a leader who thinks before he speaks/tweets, America needs a leader whose presence is thoughtful and intelligent, and America needs a Leader that does not demean others, but instead uplifts our spirits to do better.

America is the greatest country in the world, a country that represents everyone, and offers an opportunity to excel through hard work and perseverance. Freedom to live side by side with different religious and political beliefs, freedom to work together toward the basic necessities we all need: food, shelter, and clothing. Let us live together in Peace.

Christine Wolfe,
Freeport