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Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc.
VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER
F
“For the Families & Friends of those who have died by violence”
P.O. Box 39603 Phoenix, AZ 85069-9603
(602) 254-8818 Chapter E-mail: [email protected]
* National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. (POMC)
100 E. 8th St., Ste 202, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513-721-5683) Fax (513-345-4489)
http://www.pomc.com/phoenix/index.html
Toll Free Number (888) 818-7662
Volume 21; No. 3 March 2012
MONTHLY MEETING
LOCATIONS
NEW LOCATION
CRIME VICTIMS LEGAL ASSISTANCE
PROJECT
Free legal aide to help assert victims' rights
through Arizona Voice for Crime Victims @
(602) 258-1812, P.O. Box 875920, Tempe, AZ
85287-5920 or contact Keli Luther at
[email protected] or Mary
Wallace at [email protected].
March 27, 2012 7pm
SPEAKER/INFORMATION MEETING
Grief support meetings
EASTSIDE
(4th TUESDAY of each month)
March 13, 2012
7 PM
Mountain View Lutheran Church
(2nd Tuesday of the month)
11002 S. 48th Street, Phoenix
PPSLA TRAINING ROOM
(1/2 mile west of I-10 at 48th Street & Elliot)
8821 N. 7TH STREET
Room 8
(south of Dunlap on East side of street)
Facilitator: Mari Bailey
Our meeting this month will feature representatives
(602) 405-7401
from the Crime Lab, Kelley Merwin, Forensic
[email protected]
Bilogy Supervisor and Judy Wolf, Assisant Lab
Co-facilitator: Mark & Sandy LeGault
Admininstrator. They will talk about their work,
(480) 242-0038
evidence collection and how long it takes in reality
to get results back. They will answer questions
from our members.
WESTSIDE
March 27, 2012 7pm
(4th TUESDAY of each month)
Antioch Church of God in Christ
9600 West Peoria Avenue
NW Corner just off
Loop 101
Facilitator: Beckie Miller
(623) 582-2406
Co-facilitator: Kathy Hernandez
(623) 707-6825
1
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Cynthia Harvey 602-482-8329
Mail Memorial Page items for “The Journey”, by
the 10th of the month prior to publication to:
POMC Editor
1925 E. Vista Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85022
Payment for articles should be mailed to the P.O.
Box address listed above.
You can also email items to [email protected] Be
sure to place any article/picture in an attachment,
otherwise it can’t be accessed properly (especially
pictures) and may not be used. Also be sure to put POMC
newsletter in the subject line of the email or it may be
overlooked
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Jim Gentry
March 2, 2001
Kathryn Ann Koger
March 7, 1973
Ruben Espindola
March 16, 2008
Richard Dear, Jr.
March 2, 2002
Sean Alexander
Hardman
March 10, 1997
Michael Christensen
March 16, 1995
Rachel Dennis
March 2, 2007
Cierra Marie Gonzales
March 3, 2002
Jeffrey Coonan
March 3, 1990
Scott Hazelip
March 3, 1994
Susan Barber
March 3, 2003
Robert Otis III
March 4, 1998
George Perez
March 5, 2002
Richard Capurso III
March 5, 1995
Jason A. Alcorta
March 6, 2005
Michael E. Gonzales
March 7, 1996
Richard Murillo
March 11, 2007
Devon J. Hinman
Shackelford
March 11, 2004
Ken Hicks
March 12, 2002
Larry M. & John D. Heil
March 12, 1991
Bryan Ring
March 14, 2002
John Houge
March 14, 2010
Michael Strode
March 15, 2004
Alexander Cyrus Sunn
March 15, 2008
Carl Beasley
March 15, 1990
2
Esteban Jimenez
March 16, 1999
Mike Anthony Stinnett
March 17, 1974
Jon Brian Norris
March 17, 1996
Pattrick Pennington
March 17, 1997
Luis Alberto Valenzuela
March 19, 2010
Christine Ann Wood
March 19, 2006
Thomas A. Wallander
March 19, 1992
Timothy Morrison
March 20, 2000
Ryan Cunningham
March 20, 2004
Continued. . . . .
Nora Fielding
March 20, 1994
Cynthia Bernal
March 24, 2000
Isaiah Amari Vargas
March 28, 2007
Marcus Dixon
March 20, 2009
Teri Foster
March 24, 2005
Nathan Lawrence
March 30, 2002
Maurice Green
March 21, 2007
Bartosz Pawel Kaluza
March 24, 2006
Skye Moniqua Lee
March 30, 2008
Arthur Lopez
March 21, 1994
Delia Rivera
March 25, 2007
Raymond R. Dorsey
March 30, 1999
Armando P. Alvarez, Jr.
March 22, 2006
John Flores
March 26, 2001
Nathan Anaya
March 31, 2004
Susan Marie Schmidt
March 22, 1978
Melissa D. Baker
March 26, 2004
Penelope Montesinos
March 31, 2005
Michael Acuna
March 23, 2003
Jalen Sims
March 27, 2010
Issurah Jackson
March 31, 2008
Joseph Barresi
March 24, 1979
*Every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this page. Please
call ASAP with changes.
3
VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER NEWS
TRIAL & JUDICIAL & ARREST UPDATES
•The penalty phase of the sentencing of the killer of five-year old Joshua Eberle ended in a mistrial.
Hearings will be held later in January to determine if the trial itself will be declared the same as there is
an issue that may warrant it. Kris, Joshua’s mom, waited 7 years for this trial to begin and it has taken
6 months of enduring the trial to get to this point of possibly starting all over again. She is devastated
and it is so unfair. She needs your prayers more than ever before. *This is still ongoing and awaiting
judge’s decision on jury misconduct.
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with each and every family member as they endure this
necessary but difficult process.”
IN LOVING MEMORY GIFT DONATIONS (THANK YOU!)
(*All donations are tax deductible: Our chapter exists on the generosity of others and grants) If you
would like to have your loved one’s name listed here each and every month like some are all you need do
is contribute a small amount monthly to the chapter in their loving memory to do so). Some below do inkind contributions such as working in the POMC Office or donating the fax-line etc. Some give their
restitution checks to POMC.
♥ Joe and Karen Acuna in very loving memory of their son, Michael Acuna.
♥ Cynthia Clark-Harvey in very loving memory of her daughter, Erica.
♥ Bill & Lois Baker in very loving memory of their daughter, Melissa Diane Baker.
♥ Don & Beckie Miller in very loving memory of their son, Brian Ray Miller.
♥ Carolee Holbrook in very loving memory of her son, Brett Holbrook.
CORPORATE & OTHER DONATIONS THANK YOU!
UNITED WAY (Note: the write in number to designate funds to our chapter through your employee
contributions is 0772) You must use this number for designating any funds to go to our chapter. Our
chapter name is not listed except by number.
SPEAKER INFORMATION MEETING
Our speaker this month featured Carrie Shubert, a psychic, medium, clairvoyant, teacher and more.
Carrie has presented before in year’s past, and in fact a couple the Liu’s came whose son was killed 18
years ago simply because she was there and they went to her right afterwards and she was amazingly
helpful to them then and while they have not attended meetings in many, many years (but do attend our
Holiday Memorial, came for this meeting. The group was unusually small enough (for a psychic) due
to Valentine’s Day, Centennial Day for Arizona, and or the inclement weather but that made it possible
for Carrie to do one on one readings for each person there who wanted one instead of only a few that
happened to connect easier. We so appreciate what Carrie did as we know to face a room full of
survivors of a homicide victim is not easy and often overwhelming for those in her field. She was a
real trooper and helped comfort a lot of members. She says one on one readings are the easiest way
though and if interested go on her website www.carrieshubert.com.
SIBLING ON LINE SUPPORT
Amanda Harris, a member of our chapter, has formed an on line Sibling Support venue.
www.unitingsiblings.com or phone her for more information at 623-866-3189. Amanda lost her
brother Joshua to murder and understands the sibling grief in a way only siblings can.
4
FYI: SPANISH SPEAKING SURVIVORS MEETING
Spanish Speaking support meetings. “Parents and Families of Murdered Children” not a part of
POMC, have changed meeting locations. They now meet at 6201 North 35th Avenue, Suite B-4,
Phoenix AZ 85017. For more information please call Jose Guzman at (602) 246-1335 (cell) or (602)
463-3932. Also Bajo Las Mismas Lagrimas “Under the Same Tears” meets every other Monday,
Golden Gate Community Center, 6:00 p.m. at 39th Avenue and McDowell. Please call Mercedes
Cazarez (602) 367-4009 or 623-444-0171.
►CHAPTER WINDOW DECALS AND BRACELETS FOR SALE◄
We have new white window decals in a beautiful circular design with our name, chapter web site,
and logo with a sun surrounding a parent/child for sale. They are $10 and they are for the outside of
your car window and last through weather and car washes or you can even put them on house windows
( I did). Also our Chapter Bracelets are black and red multi with “POMC” and “Always in our
Hearts” (our loved ones) on them. These are only $3. To order, just send a note and payment to our
PO Box 39603, Phoenix AZ 85069-9603. The window decals are better than bumper stickers, easier to
remove when needed and come with instructions for attaching.
MEMORIAL TEDDY BEARS FOR NATIONAL CONFERENCE IN AUGUST
We are raffling off teddy bears at the National Conference this year in Phoenix. Please plan to
donate one now. Buy a bear and dress it up in memory of your loved one in a way that reminds you of
them, dancer, favorite sports team, hobby such as fishing or bowling etc. Sky is the limit and with on
line choices and or Build-a-Bear stores you can find the perfect way to memorialize your loved one.
Include a page describing them, what happened to them to go along with your bear. Bring your
finished bear to any of the meetings before August and we will ensure them a good home and you are
helping raise funds to offset the many conference expenses.
Over the many years that POMC has had the teddy bears at their conferences I have seen many
beautiful connections and ‘Angel” stories from the bears and who they go to and who they came from.
Be sure and have your bears be a part of the comfort and healing that comes from our loved ones
stories and the connections with others that defy anything normal.
MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS AND OTHERS
Dear Beckie:
I am not able to attend this year’s auction – but please accept my donation of $60 so another family
who may or not be able to afford the tickets may go.
Thanks for all you do for us. Sincerely, Darcy Forst
5
messages from members cont'd
POMC Members
My family and I wish to thank the POMC members and their families for the many letters/signatures
that were sent on our behalf to the Arizona Executive Clemency Board. The Phase I hearing for one of
Brett’s murderers (Leo Jones) was held yesterday. After hearing from his mother and from our family,
the Board decided Mr. Jones was not eligible to advance to Phase II.
We believe the Board’s decision was not only based on our family’s presentation, but also the number
of signed petitions that were sent to them. By having this type of “backing” for victims and their
families, the murderers are kept in jail/prison to serve their full sentences. Carolee Holbrook &
Family
NATIONAL POMC INFORMATION
☺ CINCINNATI OHIO OFFICE☺
We have received a request from Barry Kluger to help him to with the Family Medical Leave
Act (FMLA). Currently the FMLA permits workers, in companies with 50 or more employees, to take
up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to help care for a sick immediate family member. Surprisingly, the
FMLA does not cover the death of a child. Barry is asking you to join him in supporting a proposed
amendment for FMLA that would allow unpaid leave time of up to 12 weeks for families who have
had a child die/murdered. They are also hoping to get the current FMLA wording, that defines a child
as being 18 years or under, changed too. You can help by going to the website www.farleykluger.com
to sign the petition. After you sign the petition, you will be given the option to send an email to your
representatives in Congress to support this change to FMLA.
The Oklahoma Senator, Brooks Douglass, will be commemorating 2012 National Crime
Victim’s Rights Week with the new edition of “Heaven’s Rain,” a major motion picture that tells his
impossible true story as a survivor, and his rise from victim to voice for grace. “Heaven’s Rain” has
been featured in Newsweek, People Magazine and a Dateline NBC special. You can view the film’s
trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbVmazoIm7M. You can watch the Heaven’s Rain World
Broadcast Premiere on GMC Network Sunday, April 22 at 8pm. EST.
We have applied to the Office for Victims Of Crime for scholarships for the 2012
Conference. If we receive them, it will be for the hotel only. We are not allowed to give scholarships
for registration because it includes food which the government does not allow anymore.
We are deeply saddened to inform you that George Ginty died Friday, February 10th.
George is the husband of June Ginty, a member of the National Board of Trustees and a Co-leader of
the Long Island New York Chapter. If you would like to make a donation in George’s memory, June
has requested them to go to the POMC National Office.
Tim Jeffries, from the National Board of Trustees, has stepped down from the Board. We
thank him for his dedication to the POMC members.
Congratulations to Yolanda Wallace of Illinois, who received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Award for Community Empowerment in Peoria, Illinois.
:
• AUTO DONATIONS We are encouraging all chapters and contact persons to get involved with
POMC Debit Authorization. You can now donate to NATIONAL POMC by setting up an automatic
withdrawal from your bank account to National. Contact National for a debit authorization form. This
is a fast and easy way to make a donation to National to help us help others. Your donation is
withdrawn at the same time of the month each month and no amount is too small. We appreciate your
help during these difficult economic times.
6
● PAROLE BLOCK PROGRAM: To date this program had kept more than 1257 prisoners who
committed murders from being released early. Parole Block was begun in 1990 and all members
across the United States whose loved one’s killer is up for early release/parole consideration can file a
petition with National that is sent nationwide for signatures protesting their release.
 TOPIC FORUM: POMC has a “Topic Forum” on its web site. It provides a place where survivors
all over the U.S. can communicate with each other. It’s a good place to suggest to those who aren’t
able to attend monthly grief support meetings to utilize the support. Please let your members know
that it is there for additional support so that they can tell their other family members, co-workers and
friends who may be in states where we have no POMC chapters.
 SECOND OPINION SERVICES: A program that provides second opinions on unsolved or
complicated cases by a national board comprised solely of experts in the medical, law enforcement and
investigative fields.
 MURDER IS NOT ENTERTAINMENT (MINE) PROGRAM: Through this program, POMC
raises public awareness to the insensitivity of murder as entertainment through toys, games, murder
mystery weekends, drive by shooting fashions, serial killer trading cards and anything that glamorizes
violence.
 BIG TURN OFF: This is an annual event, each January, in which citizens are asked to turn of their
televisions for one evening during prime time hours to protest the violence on television.
 MURDER WALL: (A traveling tribute honoring the memories of murder victims). A photo album
is also available with each plaque. Currently, the cost is $75 to add your loved ones names to the
Walnut Plaques that comprise the Murder Wall. You have two pages for the photo album to add
information, poetry or pictures.
 SILENCED VOICES: A program begun in January 2002 which advocates for the vigorous
investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the murder of abused children. The first case
was that of Brandi Conley. POMC was instrumental in bringing charges against her parents.
●SURVIVORS NEWSLETTER is available through National for only $10 per year. It is a
wonderful way to stay connected, keep informed about POMC nationally and also to SUPPORT
national financially. Please order using the form below. . .
NATIONAL POMC SURVIVORS NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION FORM
Please find enclosed $10.00 for my annual subscription (three issues) for the Survivors
Newsletter. Please consider adding an extra subscription fee to help defray the cost for
someone who cannot afford it.
Enclosed is my
Name:____________________________
_____Check
_____Money Order
In the amount of $_______for
Address:__________________________
_______year (s) subscription.
City:_____________________________
State/Zip:_________________________
Please charge $___________for ____year(s)
subscription to my:
____Visa
____Master Card
Phone: ( )______________________
Mail to: POMC, Inc.
100 E. Eighth St., B-41
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Card Number:_________________________
Expiration Date:_______________________
____I have enclosed an extra subscription fee to defray
the cost for someone who cannot afford a Survivors
Newsletter subscription.
7
Have You Written A Poem?
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud
Was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. (author unknown)
I’m often asked by readers of this newsletter to share poetry, that is poetry
written by members of POMC or parents who, like us, have lost child. So it’s January,
and as I write this column, it’s a dark, gray day, quite cold, light snow flurries, rather
bleak actually. But oh what a day to curl up and read stories from the eyes of the
heart. A pot of tea, a warm quilt, a cozy sofa and books all ‘round. Embracing grief
through poetry. I never knew there were so many poems written by grievers; in fact, for
centuries grief has given word to the poets. Poetry as you know is an art form, the
creativity is endless.
Have you ever written a poem? Every person is some kind of artist; we create
with the stuff of each moment. The heart sings of poetry. Think of your child, think of
love, think of beauty. Even if you don’t think you can write your heart knows it can!
Andrea Gambill, an editor for Bereavement Magazine, mentions that “Wonderful
poetry is like fastening the soul to a helium balloon – free to soar and find release; free
to discover new and more glorious horizons. Poems represent thoughts eloquently
garbed in creative imagination.”
Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., Center for Loss and Life Transition, shares that
“…language, in all its various forms, can be extremely healing for the bereaved. Poetry
in particular seems to hold healing powers. Its rhythm soothes; its brevity condenses a
universe of insight into just a few words.” The great 19th century English poet,
Matthew Arnold, said that “genuine poetry is conceived and composed in the soul.”
No poetry springs from deeper in the soul than that born of grief. It is genuine.
So that all said, let’s share some poetry. Just listen to these words, listen with your
heart. Close your eyes, feel with your imagination, record the words in your own voice
and play them back, have someone read to you, actually experience the poems. And I
would hope that you may take pen in hand and create some of your own. I would sure
like to read it! It is in the linking of our heart talk together that we find peace.
By Barb Kaptanian (Front Range Chapter/Colorado)
8 Unforgotten Dreams
By Peggy Kocision Albuquerque, New Mexico
Unfulfilled dreams lie forgotten, broken, crushed by circumstances that
heedlessly, carelessly, shattered my life and my heart
How I wish I could still the wistful yearning for those unrealized dreams, the
promises I made to myself
That once held the gleam and sparkle of expectation and glistened so
hopefully in the sunlight
Somehow, it just does not seem fair that they now lie scattered, cruelly torn
into a thousand pieces
How sad it is to know that any effort to recapture and re-assemble them
would be futile
I must dream new dreams, make new promises, see new visions, cherish new
hopes
But, somehow, they are not as sweet as the old ones.
Quotes
You can kiss your family and friends good-by and put miles between you,
but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your
stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you.
------Frederick Buechner, Telling the Truth
Growth means change and change involves risks, stepping from the known
to the unknown.
----Author Unknown
9 My Wish For You On This Valentine’s Day
-by Sandy Fox
May love catch you by the throat and
force your lips to break into a smile.
May the files of logic be corrupted in
your brain by a bug called LOVE
May you unleash a storm of affection
on your loved ones. May chocolates,
candies and lovely treats bombard your
family members, friends and dear ones.
May you always have wonderful
memories of your child (spouse, loved
one) who could not be with you
physically on this day but will always be
with you in your heart.
http://survivinggrief.blogspot.com/2010/02/happy-valentines-day.html
10 Memorial Wall Order Form
Please add my loved one’s name to the “Valley of
the Sun Memorial Wall in their Memories.” Each
Nameplate is $10. Our wall is displayed at many
special events across the valley such as the
Victims’ Rights Vigil at the State Capitol.
NAME__________________________________
Age:___________ Murder date: _____________
Picture Board
___Check here if sending picture for the picture
board (no cost).
Picture Buttons
___Please make #____picture buttons of my
loved one. (Enclose photo) Each button is 2¼”,
and costs $5.
** Send a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope if
you want your photo returned. *Make all
checks out to POMC ….
*Mail to P.O. Box 39603
Phoenix AZ 85069-9603
___MasterCard ___Visa ___Discover Card
CC#_________________________________
Expiration Date:____________
THANKS FOR CARING
To The PPSLA for donating our Speaker meeting
room; to Cross Point Christian & Mountain View
Lutheran Churches for the Support Group
meeting rooms; to The Department of Public
Safety VOCA for the grant for our newsletter &
everyone who has donated gifts of their time,
talents and energy to our chapter activities. With
your help we are able to continue the outreach
that is needed by our community.
THE VALLEY OF THE SUN
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Beckie Miller, Chapter-Leader ..............(623) 582-2406
Sue Osolin, Co-Leader .........................(602) 938-4593
Cynthia Clark-Harvey, Co-Leader…….(602) 482-8329
Don Miller, Treasurer ...........................(623) 582-2406
Mari Bailey, Secretary………………….(602)-405-7401
Kathy Hernandez-Schofield .................(623) 707-6825
Tim Osolin ............................................(602) 938-4593
Mark LeGault……………………………(480) 242-0038
Sandy LeGault…………………………..(480) 242-0038
Angie Saucedo....................................(480) 209-8465
Amanda Harris.....................................(623) 866-3189
“The Journey” Memorial Order Form (newsletter)
Please reserve:
□ ¼ page (donation $10)
□ ½ page (donation $20)
□ Full page (donation $40)
Month you wish memorial to appear in:__________________
Loved One’s Name__________________________________
Date of Birth _______________Date of Death____________
YOUR Name______________________________________
YOUR Phone Number_______________________________
A quarter page will hold either a picture OR a brief message; a
half page will hold a picture and short poem OR message,
depending on space. If a photo is included, please provide
identification of the person on the back. If you wish the photo
to be returned include a self-addressed stamped envelope, big
enough for the picture to fit in. Unless otherwise specified,
location, size and structure of the text and picture will be at
editor’s discretion and space permitting.
*Return this form with your material for The Journey by the
10th of the month preceding the issue you wish it to appear in.
*A donation for the memorial page can be made either by filling
out the credit card information below or sending a check with
the memorial information in care of:
Cynthia Harvey, Newsletter Editor
1925 E. Vista Dr.
Phoenix, Az 85022
____MasterCard ____ Visa ____ Discover Card
CC# ______________________________________
Expiration Date: _________________
CONTACT NUMBERS
POMC (after hrs V/M) ..................... ..(602) 254-8818
CRISIS LINE/MOBILE CRISIS TEAM
Empact Crisis Line ......................... …..(480) 784-1500
OTHER HELP LINES
Teen Lifeline .................................. …..(602) 248-8336
GrandCare (Grandparents help line)…..(602) 274-5022
Chapter E-mail……………………. [email protected]
Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project (480) 965-5640
Maricopa County Attorney,
Victim Services Advocates
(602) 506-8522
Crime Victim Compensation (602) 506-4955
11
Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc., is a self-help organization dedicated to the aftermath of
murder. The success of its mission depends upon the participation of the families and friends of
those lost to murder.
POMC number (602) 254-8818
WHY WE ARE HERE:
MISSION STATEMENT: “POMC makes the difference through ongoing emotional support, education,
prevention, advocacy, and awareness.”
VISION STATEMENT: “To provide support and assistance to all survivors of homicide victims while
working to create a world free of murder.”
This project is supported by Grant No. 2010-VA-GX-0064 from the US Department of Justice - Office for Victims of Crime.
The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of
the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the US DOJ or the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Return Address
PARENTS OF MURDERED CHILDREN, INC.
VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER
P.O. Box 39603
Phoenix AZ 85069-9603
(602) 254-8818