An Unauthorized Decision

To the Editor,

This past Saturday, February 12, I went for a swim at the Newtown High School. Upon arrival there, I found only one of the rear doors open. Upon entering, I was asked by two men monitoring a desk outside the gym what my intention was. Responding that I was there for a swim, they curtly told me the swim “had been cancelled” due to the regional wrestling matches.

I found this somewhat perplexing since I could not understand how swimming could in any way be disruptive of the wrestling, and that Saturdays from two to five in the afternoon are regularly scheduled swims.

This morning I called the Newtown Recreation Department to voice my complaint. I have now learned that the department is as upset as myself and several other persons who also called this morning. No one authorized the swim to be cancelled. It was scheduled and the assigned lifeguard had arrived only to be told that it was cancelled also.

Apparently, some person or persons took it upon themselves to cancel the swim. Whoever that person or persons are, please note that we pay to be able to swim. It is not a free service provided by either the town or the high school.

Please also note that in addition to upsetting many families and messing up their schedules, I take particular offense. I suffer from a chronic disease, and it is very important for my health to exercise regularly. For the past week, I have also had an infection that has prevented me from exercising, and, for the time being, the only exercise I am able to do is swimming.

I only hope those who are guilty of making unauthorized decisions on their own read this letter and will remember in the future to be more responsible and considerate.

Sincerely,

Robert Guiterman

5 Crabapple Lane                         February 14, 2000