Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER

Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc.
VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER
F
“For the Families & Friends of those who have died by violence”
19620 North 38th Avenue, Glendale AZ 85308-2215
Chapter Phone: (602) 254-8818 Chapter E-mail: [email protected]
* National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. (POMC)
4960 Ridge Ave. Suite 2, Cincinnati, OH, 45209 (513) 721-5683 Fax: (513) 345-4489
http://www.pomc.com/phoenix/index.html
Toll Free Number (888) 818-7662
Volume 25: No. 9 September 2016
https://www.facebook.com/pages/POMC-Valley-of-the-Sun/
MONTHLY SUPPORT MEETING
LOCATIONS
4th Tuesday - Grief Support Meetings
All Meetings Start at 7:00 PM
◄EAST VALLEY MEETING►
Tuesday, September 27 7:00 PM
Mountain View Lutheran Church
11002 S. 48th Street, Phoenix AZ
Room #8
(1/2 mile West of I-10 at 48th Street & Elliot)
Facilitator: Claudia Marco
480-290-3908
◄WEST VALLEY MEETING►
*New Location Tuesday, September 27, 7:00
Peoria Community Center
8335 West Jefferson Street
Peoria AZ 85344
Facilitator: Joyce Lefler
(602) 525-7217
◄CENTRAL VALLEY MEETING►
Tuesday, September 27 7:00 PM
Mountain View Police Precinct
Community Room
2075 East Maryland, Phoenix AZ
Facilitator: Beckie Miller
Co-Facilitator: Carolee Holbrook
623-582-2406
◄SPANISH SPEAKING MEETING►
Tuesday, September 27 7:00 PM
Queen of Peace Church
30 West 1st Street Room St. John 7
Mesa, AZ 85201
Facilitators: Sandy & Paulino Navarro
480-695-4789
CRIME VICTIMS LEGAL ASSISTANCE
PROJECT
Free legal aid to help assert victims' rights
through Arizona Voice for Crime Victims @
(480) 600-2661, P.O. Box 12722, Scottsdale,
AZ 85261 or contact Mary Wallace at
[email protected]
◄◄SPEAKER/INFORMATION►►
MEETING
(2nd Tuesday of each month)
Tuesday, September 13, 7:00 PM
*** Mountain View Police Precinct
Community Room
2075 East Maryland, Phoenix AZ
(off AZ 51 at 20th Street between Glendale
Avenue and Bethany Home Road Across from Granada Park)
***Our meeting this month will feature
A Media Panel who will address how to best
utilize the media in unsolved cases and also
how when interviewed you can paint the
picture of who your loved one was in life.
Katie Raml from ABC 15 news and Kathy
Cline of KTAR Radio are confirmed thus
far.
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Mail Memorial Page items for “The Journey” by
the 10th of the month prior to publication month to:
POMC Newsletter
19620 North 38th Ave Glendale AZ 85308-2215
*Please use order form on Page 11
You can also email items to [email protected]
Be sure to place any article or 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.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Dianne Abbuhl
September 1988
Jennifer Lynn Rice
September 8, 1996
Rene A. L. Carrill
September 11, 2010
Barbara McDonald
September, 1973
Charlie Bremer
September 8, 1998
Michelle Rasmussen
September 11, 2011
Lisa Anne King
September 1, 2001
Hector Hernandez
September 8, 2003
Brian Seth Pattison
September 12, 1998
Michael McMeans
September 1, 2001
John Joseph Richardson
September 8, 2007
Christopher Acosta
September 12, 1999
Roderick Everett
September 2, 1997
Ashley Robinson
September 8, 2007
Ryan Tharaldson
September 12, 2004
Michael Mirkovich, Jr.
September 2, 2000
Christopher Balassa
September 8, 2015
Melissa Jean Gutowski
September 13, 2001
James Wallace
September 2, 2001
David Laguna
September 9, 1998
Jamie Alayne Cooksey
September 14, 1990
Michael Ellis
September 5, 1995
Jesus Jesse Carrion
September 9, 2003
Jeanine Crane
September 14, 2005
Stephanie Bennett
September 5, 2003
Hector Hernandez
September 9, 2003
Todd Lee DeGain
September 14, 2005
Herbert Hoper, Jr
September 5, 2005
Timothy Vallejo
September 9, 2003
Eloy V. Molina III
September 14, 2008
Brandon Beck
September 5, 2010
Daniel Duran &
Johnathon Perez
September 9, 2006
Ed Bernero
September 15, 1998
Jesse James Ortiz
September 5, 2012
Carson Dumbrell
September 5, 2015
Harvey Laneman
September 6, 2003
Craig Valsvig
September 7, 1995
Richard Wren
September 9, 2015
Dana Wolf
September 10, 2002
Gabriel Olivas
September 10, 2005
Hugh John Turley
September 11, 2001
Samantha Pacheco
September 7, 2006
Albert Barragon
September 15, 2000
Jesse D. Hernandez
September 15, 2002
Joseph Carnesi
September 16, 1997
Daniel Kerezman
September 16, 2001
Richard Benson, Jr.
September 16, 2006
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Continued. . . .
Juan Eduardo Vergarra
September 17, 2010
Heath Bennett Zemler
September 21, 2006
Andrew Christopher Speroni
September 26, 2011
Tina Marie Kristynik
September 18, 1985
Jon (Jonathon) Bria
September 22, 1996
Adam Benjamin Clark
September 27, 1983
Venessa Marie Mendez
September 18, 2005
Yuri Von Jesse
September 22, 1996
Ted Mathias
September 28, 2002
Scott Michael Johnson
September 18, 2010
Alex “Alejandro” Pina
September 22, 2002
Robert Diaz
September 28, 2004
Carrissa Camille Horton
& Ethan Nichols
September 18, 2011
Arkadiusz “Arek” Domakeczny
September 23, 2006
Venessa Marie Mendez
September 28, 2005
Ragan Pride
September 23, 2007
Pamela Pitts
September 29, 1988
Trever Metheny
September 23, 2008
Patty Hardman
September 29, 1992
Karen Bohl
September 24, 1994
Denzel Garland
September 29, 1999
Nicholas Jones
September 24, 1994
Michael “Eddie” Cordova
September 30, 2000
Deborah Ann St. Germain
September 19, 2001
Christopher J. Worden
September 19, 2002
Nicholas Salazar
September 19, 2014
Clint Hill
September 20, 1993
Damien Shawn Semus
September 20, 1999
Fantana Armijo
September 20, 2007
Melanie Beth Bernas
September 21, 1993
Wayne Southerland
September 21, 1995
Chris Doyle
September 21, 1998
Ragan Durrenberger
September 21, 1998
Seth Hall
September 21, 2006
Liana Marissa Sandoval
September 25, 2001
David Engelking
September 25, 2004
Ryan Olson
September 25, 2005
Jess Sixkiller
September 25, 2015
Bill Zara
September 26, 1999
Garrett Hohn
September 26, 2008
Robert Lee Johnson
September 26, 2008
3
Every effort is made to ensure accuracy
on these pages. Please notify us
immediately with any errors or changes.
VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER NEWS
TRIAL, JUDICIAL & ARREST UPDATES
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with each and every family member as they endure this difficult
process.”
IN LOVING MEMORY GIFT DONATIONS (THANK YOU!)
(*All donations are tax deductible: Our chapter exists on the generosity of others, grants, and fundraisers)
♥ Pat Krahn in very loving memory of her husband, Bob Krahn.
♥ Sandy & Paulino Navarro in very loving memory of their son, Michael Garcia.
♥ 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 (Please 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.
Through United Way Donations: Christine Busch in very loving memory of her son, Erik and Melissa G.
Mersch in very loving memory of her son, Matthew. Also, an anonymous donation through Salt River Project
employee and anonymous donations from City of Phoenix employees.
AMERICAN EXPRESS - donations from Norma Yanez, anonymous, and Lindison Y. Webb in honor of
Del Edward Webb, and Tara E. Williams in memory of her brother Kirk Best and mom, Sally Whitney. Julia
Wright also donated to our chapter.
MESA UNITED WAY (City of Mesa)
***Also, thank you to all who added us to the Fry’s Community Rewards on their VIP cards. Everything
helps us to raise the necessary funds to continue our programs and services.
DONATION FROM ARIZONA PRISON COMPLEX – Safford
MARICOPA COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RICO funds/national conference
COLD CASE REGISTRY FOR HOMICIDES (PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT)
The Phoenix Police Department has a Cold Case Registry on line. The link is
http://phoenix.gov/police/investigations/coldcase/index.html.
COLD CASE REGISTRY FOR HOMICIDES MCSO (SHERIFF'S OFFICE)
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has a cold case registry for any victim, victim's family member, or other
lawful representative of a victim of a cold case who requests to be included in the registry. This process
provides law enforcement with an avenue to contact family when there are new developments in the case.
In order to submit a request, please contact the MCSO Homicide Unit. Telephone: 602-876-1087. E-mail:
[email protected]
SPEAKER INFORMATION MEETING – RELIGIOUS PANEL
Our meeting this month featured a religious panel consisting of: Pastor Bertha Murillo of Queen of Peace
Catholic Church’s Prayer Group, who is also a survivor as her husband was murdered; Reverend James Preston
of Bethesda Community Baptist Church, Preston Funeral Home and also a POMC member whose son, Robert,
was brutally murdered (he came to our meetings years ago with his wife, Irene); Rabbi Tracee Rosen of
Temple Solel; and Pastor Arrow McCullough, of Spring Ministries, who is also a member of the POMC Board
of Directors as well as a survivor whose brother-in-law was killed 30 plus years ago and remains an unsolved
case. Our panel talked about faith in the aftermath of murder and their beliefs and they answered questions from
the attendees. Forgiveness came up numerous times, and while it is a deeply personal matter for each of us, the
panel spoke of forgiving to free us of hate and anger that only hurts us. Reverend Preston also explained his
struggles in the beginning with why this happened to his son. Being a pastor and in the funeral home business
he knew more but this was personal and murder is so horrific and so wrong, but through it all he said God
carried him and his wife on the journey none of us wish to be on. The panel talked about how just when we
think we are at our breaking point on this journey, someone always comes along to help us. I have always
called these “journey gentlers”, which are those people or things that come into our lives during our darkest
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times when we think we cannot take another step forward. Whether you have faith or not, hopefully you have
experienced just enough of these journey gentlers when you have needed them the most.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Louise Pattison recommends the book “The Power of I Am” by Joel Olsteen after reading it. She sent in the
following from the book: When I was ten years old, my eight-year old sister, April, fell asleep on her float and
drifted nearly two miles along the ocean shore in Hawaii, while our family desperately searched for her. She
could have drifted out to sea or a thousand other bad things could have happened, but God had her in a frame.
There was a boundary set around her.
Death can’t penetrate your frame. God has to allow it. The number of your days, He will fulfill. When a loved
one dies, no matter what their age, we may not understand why they pass, but we can know that the enemy does
not have the power to take them. God called them home and received them into His presence. When Jesus rose
from the grave, He said, “You don’t have to worry anymore. I hold the keys of death.” He was saying,
“Nobody determines your time except Me.”
When you understand this time frame, you can say with the Apostle Paul, “O death, where is your sting?
O grave, where is your victory? I’m not afraid of you. You can’t defeat me.”
FRY'S COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM FUNDRAISER FOR OUR CHAPTER
Our chapter is now a part of the Fry's Community Rewards program. If you shop there, you can simply sign up
(one time only) to connect your VIP card and we will get a percentage of proceeds. Just go to
http://www.frysfood.com, select Register, under Sign In information, enter your email and create a password.
Select User Card # and enter your Fry's VIP number, last name and zip code. Under Select Your Preferred
Store, enter zip code of that store. Select Find Your Store then select Create Account. You will be prompted to
confirm your email. Click the hyperlink to finish creating your Online Account. If you already have an Online
Account with Fry's, you can skip this and go to https://frysfood.com/topic/community?activePage=communityrewards-2. Select Sign In and enter your email and password. Select My Account and then Account Settings
from drop down menu. Click Edit under Community Awards. Under Find Your Organization, select box next
to POMC and enter the NPO number #29432. Save changes and you are good to go. If you have registered
correctly, you should see our organization information listed under "Community Rewards" on your account
summary page. Thanks for your support.
CHAPTER SIBLING COORDINATOR
Amanda Harris is our Sibling Coordinator and provides support for siblings outside of meetings. You can
reach her by phone for more information at 623-866-3189 or email her at [email protected]. Amanda
lost her brother Joshua to murder and understands the sibling grief in a way only a sibling can.
AFFIRMATION OF POMC NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
“It shall be the policy of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc., to provide equal membership/employment service opportunities to all eligible persons
without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disabilities, membership
in any labor organization, political affiliation, and for employment only, height, weight, and record of arrest without conviction.”
*If you feel you have been discriminated against you may file a complaint with our National Office, 4960 Ridge Avenue, Suite 2, Cincinnati,
Ohio 45209. www.pomc.org (513) 721-5683
To refer a complaint to an appropriate investigating entity:
Office for Civil Rights
Office of Justice Programs
U.S. Department of Justice
810 7th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20531 www.ojp.gov
In order to file with the federal Office for Civil Rights (OCR) two forms must be downloaded from the internet and submitted in writing to the ORC.
The forms can be found at www.ojp.gov/about/ocr/complaint.htm.
Arizona Department of Public Safety
VOCA Administration
Civil Rights Coordinator
PO Box 6638 - MD 1320
Phoenix AZ 85005-6638 (602) 223-2491 www.azdps.gov/services/crime_victims
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NEWS FROM NATIONAL POMC
☺ CINCINNATI OHIO OFFICE☺ 4960 Ridge Avenue, Ste 2, Cincinnati OH 45209
888-818-7662 Website: www.pomc.org
•The POMC CATALOG has been added to the home page on the website. Please check out the website
www.pomc.org for our inventory of sale items. Some of the items are new and are available for purchase. Some
of the older items are on sale.
●SURVIVORS NEWSLETTER: The National Newsletter is going green and we are currently in the process
of getting email addresses and switching over. If you do not have a computer or access to one, you will still
receive a hard copy if you notify the National Office. There is a lot of time put in to creating, editing and
assembling the Newsletter for distribution, thus we will still charge $10 for the subscription. POMC's effort to
be more cost effective, generate some income, and going green make it a logical step to take.
●DONATIONS AND SUPPORT OF NATIONAL POMC: There are many ways to help with much needed
funds for POMC, including any items you buy on Amazon.com, as well as if you shop the Kroger Stores. It is
very simple and does not cost you anything and yet your purchase allows a percentage from these companies to
go directly to National. Please go online to www.pomc.org and see how you can sign up for this or contact Bev
Warnock - [email protected] Goodsearch donates money to POMC when you search the Internet, shop
online or dine out at local restaurants! Use Goodsearch.com to search the Internet and they donate a penny per
search to POMC. Use Goodshop.com when you shop online and they donate a percentage of every purchase
and offer over 100,000 coupons to help you save money too! Sign up for their Good dining program and they'll
donate a percentage of your restaurant bill when you eat at any one of thousands of participating restaurants. It's
really easy, it's free and turns simple everyday actions into a way to help POMC. Please sign up today to help
support Parents Of Murdered Children - POMC. Go to www.goodsearch.com to get started.
NEW FUNDRAISER: No need to worry about parking or getting a designated driver - we've partnered
with Uber to get everyone to and from events safely! Uber is evolving the way the world moves. By seamlessly
connecting riders to drivers through our app, Uber makes cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities
for riders and more business for drivers. New to Uber? Sign up with promo code POMCORG to get your first
ride FREE, up to $20! Plus, Uber will donate $5 back to POMC. Check out Uber pro tips
here: uber.com/features. Promo Code: POMCORG Sign up Link: Uber.com/go/pomcorg
●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.
●PAROLE BLOCK PROGRAM: To date, this program has kept more than 1509 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.
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 off 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.
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Please join Parents Of Murdered Children, Valley of the Sun Chapter
"for the Families and Friends of those who have died by violence"
DATE: Saturday, September 24, 2016
WHERE: Enchanted Island Amusement Park, 1202 West Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix
TIME: 4:30 pm (check in) EVENT START: 5:00 pm
RSVP attendance to [email protected] or call 602-254-8818 (leave message)
*Our guest speaker will be retired Chief of Police, Sherry Kiyler. There will be an honor
guard (KOHR – Kids of Honor & Respect) and a dove release, as well as our teddy
bear raffle. Members may bring teddy bears dressed to represent a hobby or
something their loved one liked so we can raffle them off to participating attendees.
You can purchase raffle tickets for $1 each or 6 for $5. We will have a catered picnic
dinner immediately following our event. There will also be a Moon Bounce for the
children and volleyball and horseshoes, which are available at the park. You will get a
wristband that will allow you free rides in the amusement park after the event ends and
our meal.
►►► Please RSVP for the event so we have the catering count and for chair rental.
*Bring your teddy bears either directly to the event or before hand to a meeting.
NIGHT OF GIVING
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
1202 West Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix
*Fundraiser to benefit Parents Of Murdered
Children, Valley of the Sun Chapter
Thursday, September 15, 4:30 – 7:30 pm.
$5 admission gets unlimited rides
(funds will go towards our National Day of Remembrance
Commemoration Event)
• Gate admission includes unlimited rides
• All gate proceeds benefit POMC
• Regular height restrictions apply on all rides
• All employees of Enchanted Island are volunteering; without
their commitment these nights would not be possible
Grandparents Grieve for Two
(By: Mary Ellege, Greater Portland Area Chapter of POMC)
Over the years that I have been involved in Parents Of Murdered Children, I have talked with
hundreds of bereaved grandparents. I have heard their painful stories and felt the unbearable
grief that they shared. Not only did they suffer the murder of their grandchild, they were
suffering so much from the pain that their child was enduring. They were not able to comfort the
child that they loved so much and had always been there for. They were unable to comfort
themselves. What could they do for their grief stricken son or daughter?
Some parents suffer additional loss when their son or daughter is murdered because the surviving
spouse may not allow the grandparent to see the grandchildren. They lose their rights as
grandparents when their child is murdered. There are also cases in which their child is murdered
and then someone else adopts the surviving grandchild or grandchildren. It can be impossible for
them to see their grandchildren. In these cases, they not only grieve the loss of their child, they
grieve not being able to see their grandchildren.
The unthinkable of grandparent losses is when their child is murdered, as well as their
grandchildren, in multiple family murders, familicide. Familicide is the murder of a husband or
wife and the children by a spouse. In these cases, it may take the support of their community,
their church community, their families, the criminal justice system, and a support group to help
them reach their new normal.
It is also not unusual for grandparents to be the principal caregivers for a grandchild or
grandchildren. When that grandchild is murdered, their loss is like losing their own child. In
some cases, they are not given the support they would have had if the child had been theirs rather
than a grandchild. I believe the age we are when we lose a grandchild makes it harder physically
because we are not as healthy, and stress affects senior citizens differently. Grief can take a
greater physical and mental toll.
Grandparents many times feel powerless, frustrated and helpless. What can they do for their
beloved son or daughter whose child was murdered? They not only cry for their grandchild, but
they cry as well for their grieving child. How can they help? They cannot bring the child back.
They cannot say it will be okay in a few years. No matter how much you love someone, you
cannot change their loss when someone they love is murdered. Instead, you must be there. They
need to tell the story over and over again. The terrible part about murder is that the story is not
“pretty or peaceful.” It is hard to listen to. It was your grandchild that was murdered as well.
We want to give our child “hope.” But, how do we? Because we have lived longer, some of us
might have lost a child or a spouse in our lifetime and we know that the grief gets softer. We
know that time can help get to a ‘new normal.’ Our child does not know this. Worst of all, we
feel that we must be strong so we can help our child as well as the surviving grandchildren, if
there are any. But, first, we must take care of ourselves. We cannot be of any help if we don’t.
We must allow ourselves time to cry, time to talk about our grandchild, and time to express our
emotions. We need support for ourselves from professionals and those who have shared our
experiences. This will help us be there for our bereaved child.
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As a parent of a child who has suffered the worst kind of grief, we have an opportunity to be
there for them and to develop a bond that is so strong it will be unbreakable. We have the
chance to be part of helping our child to endure the most difficult experience in life. It will also
be one of the hardest experiences we will ever face.
Grandparents face the same emotions as the parents in their loss. There is the denial. Denial is
an emotion that protects us from the mental shock that sets in almost right after the murder. It is
the way our minds protect us until we are able to process what we have heard or seen. Shock can
affect us differently. Some people will withdraw and others will be active even though they will
not be processing their feelings. Finally, others may be disabled by shock.
Again, crying is important for grandparents. It does not mean that you are ‘breaking down,”
according to author and bereavements specialist, Margaret Gerner. She says that “Crying is a
gentle melting that lets the pain flow out of you.”
Because of how grandparents were raised, many may think that they should not express anger.
But anger is there and must be faced. It is recommended that people write down their true
feelings so they can be released. Guilt is also a normal part of the grief process. Even when
undeserved, many of us will find something to be guilty about. Again, talking and sharing our
grief is a step toward reaching a “new normal.”
Physical problems are common for grandparents who are bereaved. Ailments are aggravated by
grief. It is important for co-victims to have check-ups. We should also not compare our grief to
our spouses’ grief. Grief is so unique.
It is also imperative not to forget grandfathers. The same thing happens to fathers whose
children have been murdered. There are times when grandfathers’ or fathers’ grief is not
recognized. Grandfathers need to share their grief and learn it is okay to cry. Crying is as
important to them as it is to women in order to move through their grief and not around it. It is
important for grandfathers to find a support group so they know they are not alone.
Finally, grandparents should not try to be everything to everybody. You might have a child who
is grieving and other children who are not. You may need to spend more time with the child who
is grieving. They need you more. It does not mean you love your other children less.
Holidays can be very painful when there are family reunions. This could be the year that you try
changing some holiday traditions. It is important to let the grandchildren know that it is okay to
talk about their cousins, even if it makes someone cry. It is a great time to have hugs as well.
Grief and happiness are two important emotions that families share. It can also be a time to
share memories of the absent loved one. Even if it has been years since a loved one was
murdered, this could be the holiday that they are remembered aloud when everyone is gathered.
We celebrate their lives when we remember. Happy memories comfort us even if they bring
tears.
*September is Grandparents Day and we wish all of our POMC grandparents hope and
strength to carry on this journey none of us wanted to ever be on. Take care.
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Where do you turn when you’re heartbroken over tragic news? What do you do when
you’re upset with the injustice and the corruption in our world? Do you find yourself
mired in hopelessness and fear?
If so, then you are giving the enemy a stronghold in your life. As followers of Christ,
we find our strength and our hope in His victory over death. No matter how grim the
news, no matter how appalling the latest trend in the culture, we trust in His tender care
to see us through every storm.
For those angry at the immense injustices of our time, grab hold of hope in Christ. Let
that hope strengthen you to fight for justice and defend the weak. Don’t let anger rob you
of the joy that God intends for every heart that trusts in Him.
Hang onto your hats, my fellow believers, because the road ahead looks like a wild
ride! Remember to cast all your cares on the One who holds us in the palm of His hand.
Focus on the words of St. Paul to the Romans: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace and believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit.”
Open your eyes and begin each morning surrendering everything to the Lord. An
overwhelming sense of God’s all-powerful love will come over you. He will strengthen
and prepare you for whatever troubles you. You will encounter His love and be filled
with hope to carry you through a day of heartache.
I do not have the source of this article but wanted to share.
Submitted by Louise Pattison, mom of Brian Seth Pattison, September 12, 1998
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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 during the year.
NAME__________________________________
Age:___________ Murder date: _____________
Picture Board
___ Check here if sending picture for the picture
board & Holiday Memorial Video (no cost).
You may email picture to [email protected]
Act of Kindness Cards
10 for $2 # ordered: _______
(attach these when giving acts of kindness to others in
memory of your loved one)
Chapter Bracelets
Red and black with words “Always in our Hearts.” $3
each # ordered _____
Chapter Window Decals
$10 each for auto or home with our logo and chapter
information: # ordered _____
*Make all checks or money orders out to POMC
*Mail to 19620 North 38th Avenue
Glendale AZ 85308-2215
♥♥♥ THANKS FOR CARING ♥♥♥
To the Mountain View Police Precinct for donating
our meeting room, as well as Mountain View
Lutheran Church. To the Department of Public Safety
(VOCA), for the grant for our newsletter, and
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 Journey” Memorial Page Order Form (newsletter)
Please reserve:
□ ½ page (suggested donation of $10)
□ Full pg (suggested donation of $20)
Month you wish memorial to appear in: ________________
Loved One’s Name________________________________
Age _____
Date of Death_______________
YOUR Name_____________________________________
YOUR Phone Number______________________________
YOUR E-MAIL __________________________________
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.
**We also, if space is available, print "Survivor to Survivor"
stories if you would like to send in a one page, single spaced and
typed document. Also, if you have written poetry about your loss
or have a favorite poem to share with others. We do edit for
misspellings and or profanity. There is no charge for these
items, either poetry or shared stories.
*Return this form with your material for The Journey by the 10th
of the month preceding the issue you wish it to appear in; for
example: September 10 for October's newsletter, etc.
*A donation for the memorial page can be made by sending a
check made out to POMC and mailed in care of:
Newsletter Editor
Valley of the Sun POMC
19620 North 38th Avenue
Glendale AZ 85308-2215
CONTACT NUMBERS
VALLEY OF THE SUN
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2016)
Beckie Miller, Chapter-Leader .......... .(623) 582-2406
Don Miller, Treasurer ....................... .(623) 582-2406
Claudia Marco, Co-Leader/Secretary..(480) 290-3908
Amanda Harris, Co-Leader..................(623) 866-3189
Kathy Hernandez,................................(623) 707-6825
Tim Osolin ....................................... ...(602) 615-7096
Mary Wallace……………………….…..(602) 448-9425
Denise Brewer..……………………......(917) 696-2928
Sandy Navarro.....................................(480) 695-4789
Paulino Navarro...................................(602) 828-1106
Arrow McCullough...............................(602) 677-5258
(Volunteers)
Carolee Holbrook - Office Assistance
Denise Brewer - Anniversary Note Writer
Kathy Hernandez - Facebook Page Coordinator
SIBLING SUPPORT: Amanda Harris is our chapter's
Sibling Coordinator providing support for siblings. Her
contact info is 623-866-3189 or email is:
[email protected]
POMC VOICE MESSAGING)....................(602) 254-8818
Chapter E-mail.……………………. [email protected]
Chapter Fax: .................................................(623) 582-0917
CRISIS LINE/MOBILE CRISIS TEAM
Empact Crisis Line ............................ ..(480) 784-4949
OTHER HELP LINES
Teen Lifeline.......................................…...(602) 248-8336
GrandCare (Grandparents help line) .....(602) 274-5022
Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project (480) 965-5640
MCAO Victim Services.............................(602) 506-8522
Crime Victim Compensation....................(602) 506-4955
11
Return Address
PARENTS OF MURDERED CHILDREN, INC.
VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER
19620 North 38th Avenue
Glendale AZ 85308-2215
(602) 254-8818
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. 2014-VA-GX-0018 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.