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Highlighting News Stories for Our Town for the week of May 12, 2003

Previous Newsbreak Archive

Newsbreak for Walpole

The Week – May 12

The Year – 2003

Risk and Consequences

We read this week of two local incidents that highlight the tangible risks inherent in using the Internet as a means of communication.

First, we read of a local high school coach allegedly arranging a meeting with a juvenile he met communicating in a chat room on the Internet.

Second, we have read of a local juvenile who met up with a young man whom she met over the Internet. The pair allegedly ran away to Italy.

Parents and authorities are duly alarmed about the consequences and implications of these two incidents.

The Internet is a powerful tool for research and communication, as people use it with discretion and ethical standards.

Yet, as with any tool, when people use it for risky and unethical behavior, the dangers escalate.

What can parents and others do to be alert to risky behavior of youngsters?

People in general should be alert that using computers on line takes away a lot of privacy.

Once on line, you become a potential target for junk mail, unwanted solicitation, and other intrusive activities.

To be safe, communicate only with people you know.

As you would not open your door to your living room to strangers, you and your children should not open your computer to strangers.

Annual Town Election

On June 7, the first Saturday in June, voters will go to the polls to vote for RTM’s and town wide boards.

The prominent race will be for members of the Board of Selectmen. There are two seats open.

The incumbents, Alan Rockwood and Judy Conroy, are in the race.

Competition this year comes from John Spillane and Cathy Winston.

Spillane is the Animal control officer in town and Winston serves on the town Finance Committee.

The campaign should begin in earnest as the town meeting finishes its business next week.