Maine group honoring victims’ rights

    The Maine Chapter of Parents Of Murdered Children will be hosting its National Crime Victims’ Rights Week luncheon on Sunday, April 6 at the Calumet Club,, on West River Road in Augusta. This year we celebrate landmark legislation enacted 30 years ago: the 1984 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) which affirmed the nation’s commitment to restoring the balance of justice by securing legal rights, protections, and services for victims of crime.

    According to Arthur Jette, of Cambridge and the leader of the Maine chapter, National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children (Maine POMC), “It’s necessary to remind ourselves that our system is one of criminal justice. Victims of crime need a victim justice system that has guaranteed rights”
    Since its incorporation in 1989, the Maine POMC has provided emotional support, education and service to family and friend survivors of homicide victims. The chapter members will unveil the Maine Murder Victims’ Memorial Monument, in the early summer of 2014, and there is still time for family survivors of murder victims to authorize the inscription of names of Maine related murder victims, into the monument.
    The luncheon will begin at noon. A speakers’ program will follow. Confirmed speakers include Mayor of Augusta and Deputy Attorney General, William Stokes, Assistant Attorney General Lara Nomani, Detective Jason Richards and  Detective Michael Chavez on the topic of “Solving the unsolved homicides”. There is no cost, and everyone is invited to attend, so feel free to bring relatives or friends. Survivors of victims are encouraged to bring a framed photo of their loved one who was taken by violence, for placement on the memorial table.
    In order to better plan for the luncheon, please RSVP to Diane Gagnon at 623-8642 or e-mail redcardinal1221@myfairpoint.net.