News Of The Neighborhoods
COMPILED BY LIZ GOFF

Domestic Violence To Be Electronically Tagged

A Bronx assemblyman has introduced a bill that would require anyone with an order of protection against him or her to be forced to wear an electronic monitoring device. The bill is designed to protect victims and prevent domestic violence incidents from escalating, was passed by the state senate last year.

Sponsors said the bill would require offenders to be electronically tagged, so police and law enforcement officials can determine their whereabouts and warn victims when offenders have violated orders of protection. The bill would also allow police to apprehend offenders before they can commit further acts of violence against their victims, sponsors said.

Megan's Law Needed On Internet

A measure proposed last week by state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo would require child sex offenders to provide their Internet identities to New York state which would then share the information with personal networking sites like MySpace.

The "eSTOP Act"- Electronic Security and Targeting of Online Predators- was developed by Cuomo as a means to control sexual predators who use Internet chatrooms to seduce unsuspecting minors, which would require the offenders to list all e-mail addresses, chat and instant messaging names, screen names and pages they have posted on personal networking sites.

Under the measure, offenders who fail to report changes to their Internet identity within 10 days could be charged with a felony, according to authorities. Hospital 'Helper' Web Site For

Kids

Parents of young children facing hospitalization can take the edge off their kids' fears with the help of a new Web site by logging on to www.manage!Vpain.com for tips and an interactive game kids can use to pack and prepare for a hospital stay. The site also offers a "Certificate of Bravery" parents can complete and present to their child.

Escape To An 'Igloo'

Parents of young children suffering from winter-induced cabin fever can head to the Shops at Atlas Park for some fun relief.

Youngsters can chase away winter blahs inside a 15-foot-tall, 30-foot-wide igloo that offers winter-themed games and activities, including an "Ice" climbing wall, a reindeer toss game and stackable snowmen.

Children under 12 can enjoy activities inside the igloo daily through March 23, from noon to 6 p.m. Admission fees are $2 on weekends and $1 on weekdays

The Shops at Atlas Park are located at 8000 Cooper Avenue at 80th Street in Glendale. For more information, call 718-326-3300 or go online to www.theshopsatatlaspark.com.

Free Tennis Lessons Begin March 31

Young tennis aficionados are invited to sign up for free tennis lessons, now through March 31.

The New York Junior Tennis League is offering early morning weekend and afternoon programs in Queens for wannabes ages 6-18. All classes are designed for beginner and intermediate players. Parents must register their aspiring tennis stars in person.

For information and location call 347-417-8157 or go online to www.nytl.org.