February 2003 Volume 43, Issue 1  KLL Newsletter

Committee Updates

Buildings and Grounds:
We have had an unbelievable fall. Thanks to everyone who participated in field workdays. For starters I would like to thank Don Morton for his efforts and his company for 19 days of vacation left over to use before the end of 2002. Come see what we accomplished so far:

• Paving – From Crutchfield to Alford we have graded and graveled. There are no more humps at the corner of Civitan field
• Painting – Doors, dugouts, press boxes, etc.
• Signage – Now you will know where to park and where the snack bar is located.
• Heat Pump – Yes we now have heating and of course cooling in the board room.
• Concession Stand – The walls and ceiling in the concession stand have been washed down, and are now sparkling clean! 
  Even more exciting is our future plans. We are in process of meeting with a professional turf management company to develop a long-range park improvement plan. I look forward to reporting in the near future on specific field improvements and planning for no more lips on the infield.

Finally, work begins on February 3, 2003 to complete the backstop overhangs and replace the dugouts for Crutchfield and Civitan. Eventually, we are planning a second batting cage as well.
 
Adopt a Highway Program! – You may have noticed that the Kernersville Little League has adopted County Line Road. At least three time per year we will clean up the roadside and do our part to keep the Kernersville community clean. 
A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) – This year Kernersville Little League will start a safety program. Also Kernersville Little League will try to create awareness through education and information, of the opportunities to provide a safer environment for kids and all participants of Little League Baseball. Safety manuals will be distributed to all Managers and Coaches. A good safety program takes a combined effort of parents, players, umpires, managers, coaches, snack bar workers , Board Members and all other volunteers that make all of our safety initiatives a reality. 
 
KLL Board Approves New Challenger Program
I am extremely pleased that the KLL Board approved a Challenger Division program for the Spring 2003 season. The program provides boys and girls with disabilities the opportunity to experience the emotional development and the fun of playing Little League Baseball. “Buddies” assist Challenger players as guides. Come and see the games on Saturdays at noon during the season.I first learned of this program two years ago at Little League summer camp in Williamsport when the camp director shared a story of his son’s love for the game. The mental image of his son “running” toward first base on crutches has stuck with me ever since. This past fall at Winston-Salem Nationals I observed first hand the fun and excitement and realized that our league should start a program. I would like to thank Wayne Conner (WS Nationals) for planting the seed and John and Kim Swisher for their input and insight.

Bob Swab
KLL President.