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Scramble for Easter eggs
A wall of children run for the hills at
Kinsmen Park in Okotoks on April 22 as part of the annual Okotoks Toy Library-Kinsmen
Easter Egg Hunt. Their mission was to collect two Easter eggs in order to claim an
Easter goodie bag.
photo by Gillian Beckett
Marigold Library deflects the filter debate to individual
libraries
By John Barlow
Staff Reporter and Sports Editor
Marigold Library Systems has taken a stand and will not force its member libraries
to install internet filters on the computers.
The Foothills MD council made a formal request to Marigold in March requesting that
it look at installing filters on the computers with public access.
Marigold Library Systems has five member libraries in the foothills including Okotoks,
High River, Longview, Millarville and the Sheep River Library in Black Diamond.
However, Marigold director Roweena Lunn said the decision of internet filters lies
solely with the individual libraries.
'While Marigold will provide assistance to member library boards contemplating software
filters, the library system does not have the authority to install filters on local
library computers,' said Lunn in a letter to council. 'A decision on software filters
would fall under the local (library board).'
The Calgary Pubic Library recently voted to install internet filters on childrens'
work stations.
Software or internet filters are intended to block access to questionable web sites
that may include violence, pornography, racist propaganda and other information that
may not be suitable for children.
Although Marigold does not have the jurisdiction over the library computers, the
issue of software filters was discussed by Marigold's executive board and the standards
and services committee.
Lunn said the executive and committee came to two conclusions regarding internet
filters.
Firstly, each local library board signed an agreement that ensured full public access
to the internet through the computer. Access would be hindered as a result of software
filters.
Secondly, Lunn stated that the Marigold board has taken the position that it is up
to parents to dictate what their children have access to at the library.
'It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to determine what their children
read or have access to on the internet,' said Lunn. 'Libraries cannot take on that
responsibility.'
The Okotoks Public Library Board has also stated it will not be putting software
filters on its computers.
John Derijk, board chairman, said the library is not responsible for information
found on the internet adding that it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
In addition, the chairman said the existing internet filter technology is not without
its problems.
'There is currently no foolproof method or system available for installation on computers
that will prevent access to targeted information,' said Derijk in a letter of response
to a concerned resident.
However, Derijk admitted the Okotoks Library board's decisions on internet filters
are not set in stone.
The Okotoks board is open to suggestions and input but Derijk stated, 'discussions
are ongoing on the usefulness of an internet policy, but it appears a decision is
a long way off.'
All internet policies at Marigold member libraries include a clause that states that
any user who abuses the library computer can lose their computer privileges.
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Lottery board to get more funds
By John Barlow
Staff Reporter and Sports Editor
It was made offical recently, the local Community Lottery Board No. 47 has received
a substantial increase in funding.
It was rumored last month that the lottery board may be expecting an increase in
funding from the provincial government for the program's final year of its three-year
mandate. When the provincial government approved the program in 1998 it was guaranteed
for just three years.
Those rumors proved true as the province has announced a $60,000 increase to $671,699
for 2000. The grant was $603,092 in 1999.
Program co-ordinator Carol Robinson confirmed the funding increase last week and
said the committee is now accepting applications for funding in what could be the
final year of the provincial program.
Entering the third year of its mandate, the Community Lottery Board has already approved
more than $1.2 million in funding over the past two years.
In 1998 the province allocated $609,462 to the board, but that number dipped slightly
in 1999 to $603,092. Community Lottery Board No. 47 includes the MD of Foothills
as well as the communities of Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Longview, Blackie, Cayley,
High River and Okotoks. The first deadline for applications is April 28. The second
deadline is Sept. 15.
Over the past two years the local lottery board has approved 152 community projects
in a wide range of areas. More than 200 applications have been received by the board
during the first two years.
Some of the 152 approved projects include an outdoor classroom at Joe Clark School
in High River; equipment for local fire departments; landscaping at Hogg Park; resources
for Longview School; gear for Black Diamond wrestling club; kitchen upgrade at Priddis
Community Hall; bucking chutes at Millarville Race-track; and equipment for Swindell's
Pool in Okotoks.
Those are just a snippet of examples that have benefitted from the lottery program.
The applications approved by the board range from $400 to a maximum of $20,000.
A number of criteria has been set and must be met in order for an application to
qualify for funding.
All applications will be reviewed by the Community Lottery Board committee. Each
project, which must be a capital project, will be judged on merit, viability and
sustainability.
Preference will be given to those projects with matching funds of 50 per cent or
greater. Projects must provide a minimum of 30 per cent in matching funds.
Matching funds may be derived from a variety of avenues such as fund-raising, donations,
fees for service, volunteer labor or other contributions.
Volunteer labor is valued at $10 per hour and skilled labor at $25 per hour.
Application forms for the Community Lottery Board program are available at all municipal
offices as well selected stores throughout the region.
For further information regarding the funding program, contact Carol Robinson at
652-2341.
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