Library clarifies policy
Dear Independent,
I would like to clarify several facts regarding the program on Nov. 3, which is co-sponsored by the York Diversity Forum and the York Public Schools.
First, the library's policy is to not cosponsor any event initiated by a group outside the library. However, the library supports and promotes the free exchange of information and ideas. The essence of our policy is that we cannot advocate, or be perceived to be advocating, for a particular cause or group.
Second, when a group initiates a program which is deemed educational, we may, at the discretion of our director, collaborate so that the community is aware of the program, and those who are interested may attend. We have been assured that the program on Nov. 3 will be educational. A major influence in this determination was the fact that the York Public Schools are cosponsors. I personally verified this and discussed the support being given with the superintendent. Also, the moderator of the program has very high academic credentials. Finally, the play is about a personal experience and received excellent reviews and a Tony award.
Our sponsorship policy is the product of a lengthy discussion and analysis of the role a public library should have. Part of this process was to investigate and discuss sponsorship policy with neighboring public libraries. I personally spoke with the directors of Exeter and Portsmouth in New Hampshire, and Kennebunk, Portland, Rockland and Camden in Maine. This was a useful process which assured me that our policy was well within the norm and not extreme or unusual.
Library programs continue to be a very important part of what makes the library a center for information, education, creativity and public discourse in the community. If you have any question regarding this policy and how it will affect future programs, please contact the library director for a further explanation.
Sincerely,
Kevin Sweeney, President
York Public Library Trustees
YDF builds understanding
Dear Independent,
I would hope that there is no backlash to the York Diversity Forum's program on Nov. 2 and 3 at the library. But I suppose there will be. There usually is when old ways of thinking and being are challenged.
Sometimes the surprise is that "backlash" is minimal or none at all. Whatever comes, I am confident that we will all do whatever is needed to diffuse any negative reactions.
Many of the YDF members have been very impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of the York High School athletes and students in their preparations for performing the play, "Take Me Out," an important part of the program. Our children seem to understand that a school which is safe for some but not for others, is really unsafe for everyone.
We adults could benefit from that understanding. Sometimes it makes sense to listen to our children and support their idealistic strivings for a better and more peaceful world. Right now, studies indicate that our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender kids experience physical and psychological abuse and harassment in school. That is unacceptable. And it does put everyone at risk since all these incidents are based on perceptions and not facts.
So the two performances of the play on Friday and Saturday and the presentation by Dr. Solomon on Saturday are opportunities to break the silence around sexual orientation and gender identity, to replace misinformation with facts and to begin a conversation about what it means to be a member of these groups here in Maine.
Often the noise you hear at such events is the sound of silence being broken and a new consciousness being born. I think there is a good reason for "daybreak." That to me is the light of truth and it is enlightening and freeing to the spirit.
The sounds you won't hear are those who are standing in the darkness in silence because they are too terrified to reveal themselves. YDF events are giving them hope. Some may find the courage to live authentically and openly, enriching their own lives and the life of the community as well. That saves lives.
In some instances, it saves families too. Parents who are steeped in stereotypes and the blame and shame that goes with them have a chance to hear positive and factual information. I think there is a deep longing among them to understand and accept their children who may be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. This kind of event gives them an opportunity to get past the stereotypes and begin a journey toward embracing their children rather than rejecting them.
It is helpful to appreciate the fact that some folks are completely invested in their prejudices, some for religious reasons and some just because change is difficult and it is easier not to. Whatever the reason(s), it is useful to be mindful of this and not waste too much energy trying to reach the unreachable.
No one expects complete agreement on these issues. But events such as the YDF program can begin the kind of respectful conversation that will build a truly welcoming community, everywhere for absolutely everyone.
Kate Bishop
York
Why all the controversy?
Dear Independent,
Why all the controversy over the program initiated by the York Diversity Forum? It is being jointly sponsored by the York Public Schools, attesting to its educational relevance, while the York Public Library is collaborating with those agencies in providing a venue for it.
The library is working clearly within its policy guidelines to bring a program that will "engage the community in the joy of learning" and promote freedom of speech and the free exchange of ideas. The proposed program deals with a controversial issue, granted. But when did intelligent airing and discussion of such issues become questionable in our society - or in our town?
It appears to us that all the legal, policy and educational questions have been laid to rest. It is high time for the people of the opposition to dissociate themselves from the forces of obstruction and allow the proposed program to proceed. We hope they will join the rest of the community in the 21st century where, we hope, bigotry and censorship will not be permitted to silence free speech or hinder open discussion.
Sincerely yours,
Sharon K. Lohmann
Rex T. Lohmann
Cape Neddick
Praise for Ogunquit police, fire
Dear Independent,
On Oct. 18, my mother fell at her home in Ogunquit. After several tries to get to the phone she was able to call 911. I would like to express my thanks to the Ogunquit Police and Fire Rescue Departments. Their prompt response and kindness toward her are to be praised.
Also at this time it should be noted that all year long these people take the time to think of the elderly, and the Good Morning Program is a tremendous help. The folks who run this should also be commended for their efforts.
For anyone such as myself, who lives four hours away, you know that this is not common in almost all places. It is a good feeling knowing these people care what happens in a community they truly care about, and neighbors who also help her daily.
In today's world, these acts of kindness cannot go unnoticed.
Sincere thanks,
Gary Navan
Danbury, Conn.
Stop hatred and accusations
Dear Independent,
I, Rosalie Lent, have chosen not to attend the special meeting of the Friends of the York Public Library you have called. I live my life each day asking God to give me the wisdom to live and let live. I did not work so hard to help create this beautiful library we have and support the Friends for the favorite few.
I am not proud to see advertised three films, sponsored by the Friends, which have a restriction notice because of sexuality because of my belief that I prefer movies to be entertaining instead of trying to entice not only the young but the old to believe that pictured sex is the only way to enjoy an evening of make believe.
As many of you know, I have been through several ups and downs of "Friends of the York Public Library" and will live through this one. I have also taken some unnecessary flak because of my pursuit of the library and the freedom of the residents of York to share and always be welcomed through our doors, no matter their agenda. I do ask that each and every one of you join me in allowing us all to express our opinions, whether professional or layperson.
My last request is that we stop festering hatred and false accusations both within our group or around town that a certain group of people can cancel such things as our meetings, Book Nook or annual book sale. The Friends should encourage people to go to the polls or use an absentee ballot to prove that a ballot is not a political issue but one of the few freedoms we can express our thoughts individually and in private.
I hope you enjoy your next or first visit to the York Public Library and remember all are welcome to join and share the happiness and financial ability for furnishing extra computers, CDs, large-print and regular-size print books, etc., that all members of the Friends of the Library together make possible.
Peace and friendship to all.
Sincerely,
Rosalie "Rosie" Lent
York
Raffle winner announced
Dear Independent,
Hospice of York is proud to announce the winner of the 2007 York Harvestfest Raffle as Joan Simard of Cape Neddick. She was one of the hundreds who bought tickets and submitted their name to win the following: A two-night stay at the Homestead B&B, dinner for two at the Union Bluff, dinner for two at On the Marsh in Kennebunk and appetizers for two at Ruby's.
Congratulations, Joan, and thank you to all who participated!
We would also like to thank the students from Berwick Academy who volunteered their time and talent with the face painting at the Kidsfest this year. Many thanks to the children who came out on such a beautiful, crisp fall day and donated to the Hospice of York, the only all-volunteer Hospice in southern Maine.
Dee Bickmore, Director
Joni Carpenter, Special Events Coordinator
York
Be sure to vote Nov. 6
Dear Independent,
It may not be a presidential election year - although if you watch the news it sure seems like one, but the vote this Nov. 6 is just as important for Maine. The ballot includes five referendum questions that ask you, the voter, to decide on what you feel is best for our state. While some of the questions are considered controversial, do not feel bad if you have not heard much about them. You are not alone! A few wordy ballot questions understandably lack the appeal of seeing the name of a Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Mitt Romney or Rudy Guiliani on the ballot. Nevertheless it is still important that we vote.
A few years back, voters were asked to decide on a hotly debated issue regarding a casino in Maine. This year, through a citizens initiative, the voters of Maine will be asked on question one, "Do you want to allow a Maine tribe to run a harness racing track with slot machines and high-stakes beano games in Washington County?" Back in January, supporters for the measure submitted enough valid signatures required to place a bill before the Legislature. The bill failed at the State House, but because it is a citizen initiative, our Constitution requires the measure to go before the voters of Maine as a ballot question. Just over 51,000 signatures were turned in, meeting the 50,519 required or 10% of the votes cast for the Governor in the last gubernatorial election of 2002.
Some people are against gambling, anywhere, anytime. Others look at this particular issue as being fair to Maine's Indian tribes.
Questions two, three, and four are termed bond questions because they involve investing money (some correctly may argue that the state is borrowing). Although not a perfect analogy, some prefer to look at bonds like a house mortgage. Sure you need to borrow money from the bank, but you likely consider the purchase of a home an investment. On the ballot, question two will ask if you favor bond issues to stimulate economic development, job creation and fund research and development. Question three is focused on education and providing funds to improve infrastructure at our University of Maine, Community College, and Maine Maritime campuses. Additionally, it would replenish the School Revolving Renovation Fund for school repairs and renovations, and fund capital improvements for cultural and educational assets. Lastly, question four proposes a bond issue "to invest in land conservation, water access, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting and fishing, farmland and working waterfront and to invest in state parks, historic sites and riverfront, community and farm infrastructure."
It is very important to know that each bond question provides a dollar figure that would be matched by federal money and/or grants. In some cases, for every dollar we would invest, it is matched with up to three dollars as a result. Would you invest in a project if every dollar was matched with an equal amount or more? Again, some see this as borrowing; others see this as a wise investment to our state. You get the opportunity to decide at the polls!
Lastly, question five on the ballot will ask if you "favor extending term limits for Legislators from 4 to 6 terms?" Some would argue that since term limits were established back in 1993, the lack of experienced legislators has shifted power to the governor, bureaucracy and interest groups. As a legislator, I will leave the discussion for this question to you. More information about the intent and content of this question and the others can be found in the Citizens Guide to the Referendum Election on the Secretary of State's website at: www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/2007/intent07.html.
Remember, it is up to you to decide this election. Contact your town office to confirm the location of your local polling place and be sure to vote on Nov. 6!
Sen. Peter Bowman
Senate District 1
Kittery
A special thank-you
Dear Independent,
On Friday evening , Oct. 26, York Village came alive with more than 300 costumed children of all imaginable sorts as they paraded from Town Hall to the Village Elementary School.
Following the parade, these costumed characters danced the night away to the tunes of DJ Side Traxx.
On behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department, I would like to thank all those who attended and helped to make the evening a fun and exciting family night, especially the York Police Department for ensuring everyone's safety and the P.A.L. Program for all of their help with decorating and clean-up.
This free community event would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of the following businesses and organizations: York VFW Post 6977; DJ Side Traxx; Erwin, Ott, Clark, Orso and Campbell; Family Ear, Nose and Throat; Cat N' Nine Tails Country Store; Pine Hill Excavation; Chiropractic Works, Flo's Take Out; York Hospital, and Bragdon Real Estate. A special thanks to these businesses and organizations for their continued commitment to supporting Parks and Recreation Department community programs!
Robin Cogger
Special Events Coordinator
York Parks and Recreation
