To the Editor:
We continue to spend more money to keep the current [educational] system. Parents fear that this continual spending will guarantee that their chi...
Each week we compile a list of some of the most-read stories published at newtownbee.com. Here is a roundup of the week’s recent top stories, based on the numbe...
Kenneth James Berry, son of Philip “Tony” and the late Mary Lou (Harding) Berry, passed away at home on June 22. Born March 17, 1965, Kenny attended Newtown sch...
Maria Orlovsky, 81, previously of Nunnawauk Meadows in Newtown, passed away June 28, at Danbury Hospital. Mrs Orlovsky was the wife of the late Mikhail Orlovsky...
To the Editor:
The Republican Party has metamorphosed into Trump’s Cult. Its present members in Washington include Senators McConnell, Cruz, Graham, and Rubio. ...
To the Editor:
The letter below is my response to a request for monetary contribution from Senator Jeff Merkley.
Senator Jeff Merkley: It doesn’t require money ...
To the Editor:
We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own Botsford Post Office employees, Sean Thomas. Sean, our beloved sales and service associate, ...
To the Editor:
This Fourth of July, we have so much to celebrate. After more than a year spent apart, Americans everywhere are looking forward to finally gather...
To the Editor:
I am writing in regard to a letter sent to The Bee [The Newtown Bee, June 11, 2021, “Concerns About Former President Of The United States”] for t...
To the Editor:
I’m going to be a sophomore in high school in just a few months and recently got involved with the Citizens Climate Lobby. The CCL works to enact...
Day Two: Outdoor Events & Activities Canceled, Fields & Parks Closed Due To Air Quality Concerns For the second consecutive day, concerns over air quality have led local officials to cancel outdoor activities and events, and close playing fields. For the second consecutive day, concerns over air quality have led local officials to cancel outdoor activities and events, and close playing fields.The Town of Newtown issued the alert early Thursday afternoon. The closures are in effect for the remainder of the day.According to the notice, “In response to our current air quality, many organizations that serve our community, with a particular focus on our most vulnerable — children, elderly and those who may be more susceptible due to their health status — a decision has been made to limit outdoor exposure especially involving increased exertion (running, biking, play).“It certainly is voluntary on an individual basis, but with an abundance of caution, activities that involve bringing groups together without knowing individual risk are being canceled or postponed,” the statement continued.All outdoor sports, Eichler's Cove Beach, Treadwell pool, and Parks & Recreation activities are canceled/closed this afternoon, according to the notice.CT DEEP’s Air Quality Index went from Moderate-Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups on Tuesday to Unhealthy as of Wednesday. It remains Unhealthy as of 1 pm today.CT DEEP's Air Quality Index link can be found here: portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Air/Forecasting/AQI/Air-Quality-IndexSmoke from Canada’s wildfires has been moving into the United States since last month. The most recent fires near Quebec have been burning for at least several days. The Quebec-area fires are big and relatively close, about 500 to 600 miles (roughly 800 to 970 kilometers) away from Rhode Island.Smoke from the fires has wafted through northeast US states for weeks, but it’s only recently been noticeable in most places. The US Environmental Protection Agency said hazy skies, reduced visibility and the odor of burning wood are likely, and that the smoke will linger for a few days in northern states.Local officials issued a similar cancellations announcement yesterday, marking the first time weeks of wildfires have had a direct effect locally.
Bruce, not a single member of the BOE (including GOP members, who I sense you are focused on here) initiated the action to have these books reviewed. It was a parent in town. So to insinuate that a political party (GOP) was guiding the hand of the BOE just isn't based in facts. I would counter that such an assertion is indicative of someone who is being hyper-partisan themselves.
Not to be overlooked, not a single member of the BOE, from either party, motioned to have the books removed. In fact, it was the GOP members who made motions seeking compromise to address the concerns of parents both in favor and against the books (i.e., keep the books but allow parents to opt-out of having them checked out by their children). That sure doesn't sound like national partisanship to me.
Emotionally charged is a good way to describe it. And if you’re in a public facing role as a volunteer, you need to develop a thicker skin. The majority of people in attendance at this meeting were incensed at the fact that four members were completely ignoring expert opinion, students, and a large contingent of their community. Were some people a little over the top, I think yes — but a very small minority in attendance. You and I saw the same thing but take away different views. Fine. I’ll respect your view. But I’ll agree to disagree.
Respectfully, I am sorry to hear what your child and family had to go through. But that is in no way an excuse for adults to bully other adults. Where do our children learn a bulk of their behaviors from? Adults. If adults act like bullies don’t you think that will influence some children to act like bullies?
And I would love to focus more on bullying in our schools - and force the school system to do more - but my comment, this article, and this whole controversy are not about bullying in school. I am simply calling out poor public behavior I see from my fellow adult neighbors.
mkmurphyphd: Vile is an overstatement for May 16; though the behaviors were definitely disrespectful. If you want a true display of “vile” behavior I IMPLORE you to watch the recording at the June 1 meeting. Watch 33:20-43:20.
This doesn't pass the smell test. Let's assume that the 2 of them were really on this quest for the children. If they had the votes, which they would have if the 4 voted together, then it would have been a shame for them to leave the day before the vote essentially sabotaging their own chances after working so hard for a desired outcome. Would it have really made a difference for them to wait one more day, get the vote they want, then step down? And if there was a credible threat, the police would be involved.
The way it looked to me is that the 2 remaining GOP board members were enthusiastic to vote for the final motion--not resigned to do so, or disappointed, or reluctant. They could have abstained in protest. But they didn't. It tells me that Larkin & Kuzma knew the vote wasn't going to go their way (probably because they became a liability after all those screenshots of ethics violations) and thought it best to move on.
Nice try though. I would guess someone going by the name "qstorm" would know a thing or 2 about mobs.