Taste of the Town Saturday, April 26th will mark the Victims Assistance Center's 6th Annual Taste of the Town fundraising event. Come to the Dulles State Office Building (Washington Street, Watertown) to support victim services and sample delicious foods from over 35 participating vendors. Samples included a wide variety of ethnic, barbeque and gourmet appetizers, entrees, and deserts. Cost: $2.00 regular/$1.00 military (under 12 free). Event sponsors include: WWNY, Stephens Media Group, National Grid, the Kinney Drug Foundation, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, HSBC, Northern Federal Credit Union, and Harleysville Insurance. www.tastenny.org

Volunteer Corner Our spring 40 hour training for all new employees and volunteers just ended, with three new volunteers receiving their certificate. Shirley Cook, Chandra Epting, and Catherine Barnes are our new volunteers added to the ranks. Next training will start in September. If you are interested in training to become a volunteer, please contact Rachel at 782-1823. Our annual Christmas party was held on December 19th. This year we were able to sponsor four families. We thank sponsors: Bellville Eudora O.E.S. 136, Bath and Body Works, Northern New York Corvette Club, and Watertown City School District, Phil Towne and Patricia Ryan. Also Cam's New York Pizzeria, Art's Jug and Pepsi Co. who made donations.

News from the Legal World At the start of 2007, many bills were presented in the New York State Legislature. Several of these bills, were in regards to domestic violence. One important bill that was passed added to Section 1022, Section 1024, and Section 1028 of the family Court Act. As a result of these pieces of legislation, victims of domestic can come forward to get assistance in leaving an abusive partner with less fear that they will lose custody of their children if they do so.

"Kristen's Law" Ohio lawmakers are proposing "Kristen's Law," named after Kristen Jackson, a fourteen year old girl who was raped and killed by a convicted sex offender in Ohio in 2002. "Kristen's Law" would require high level sex offenders to display colored license plates on their vehicles. An Assembly committee in Wisconsin just approved a similar bill that would require those convicted of the most serious assault against children to use chartreuse-green plates. Alabama also has recently introduced similar legislation.

Don't Throw Them Away!! Cell Phones and Ink/Toner Cartridges Your used, unwanted cell phone can be used by victims of domestic violence. A cell phone can be programmed to call 911, regardless of weather the user has purchased a service plan or not. If you would like to donate a phone, please also provide the battery charger. We will gladly accept your empty ink and/or toner cartridges. Each donation recieved is recycled and raises money for client services.