March 2015 - parents of murdered children
Transcription
March 2015 - parents of murdered children
PARENTS OF MURDERED CHILDREN FOR THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED BY VIOLENCE MARCH 2015 GREATER ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER OF POMC Mailing Address: PO Box 67, Brea, CA 92822-0067 Message Phone: (714) 999-7132 Email: [email protected] Website: www.gocpomc.org POMC National Headquarters 4960 Ridge Ave. Ste. 2 Cincinnati, OH 45209 (888) 818-POMC www.pomc.org [email protected] 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. MEMBERSHIP Membership is open to those who have been cruelly bereaved by the murder of a loved one. Professionals who are in frequent contact with grieving families are also welcome to join. As survivors, we all have that one thing in common - the worst day of our lives. The day our loved one was murdered. For me, it was Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007. My only little brother, Jonathan Dizon, was murdered. 7 years later, it still remains unsolved. This has truly been the most painful thing I have experienced in my life. My brother’s murder has left me with so many emotions and feelings that, for a long time, I was unable to control. The guilt of surviving … why was it him and not me? Masking my feelings to be strong for my mom and my children led to late night drinking and other self-destructive behavior. This became my coping mechanism for a long time. I remained a bitter, angry drunk, looking for answers, justice, and comfort. None of my actions were going to bring my brother back, but it numbed the pain for awhile. Being the middle child, my older sister in another state, my little brother murdered, I felt it was my responsibility to become the protector of my mother and the voice of my little brother, (the survivor). But, with the help of my POMC family, attending monthly support meetings, and getting involved, I started to find that comfort I was seeking. Slowly, my destructive behavior was being channeled to positive actions and I was learning that excessive drinking was not a solution. Being around other people who suffered the same as me helped me to realize that I wasn’t alone. Now I participate in speaker panels, victim rights marches, and fundraisers for POMC. In the past 7 years, since Jonathan’s murder, our family has opened a baseball scholarship at Tustin High where my brother played and graduated. We have an annual birthday baseball game to honor him. We pass out flyers throughout the community and pray constantly for justice, not only for him, but for all who still haven’t received it. I miss my little brother every day and will continue to until we are reunited in Heaven. Each day I just try to live life as a person that he would be proud of. Hoping that he’s smiling down on me. If you are a sibling, know that you are not alone. POMC is also for you, even if at times you feel forgotten as a result of your loved one’s murder. You can always find comfort in our rooms. God bless you always. Jonathan’s Voice, Lena Gonzalez, Chapter Secretary 2 Greater Orange County POMC ANNOUNCEMENTS Last paper newsletter … This will be the last month that you’ll get a newsletter in the mail unless you’ve returned your Membership/Mailing List form (see below) and let us know you want to keep getting it that way. As you probably know, our chapter is run entirely on donations and fundraisers. So in order for us to be financially responsible with the money entrusted to us, we’ve decided to put the newsletter online to save on costs. So, if we have your email address, you’ll be notified when the latest edition is ready. The really good part about this is that when you see it online, it’ll be in full color! Membership/Mailing List Form … Last chance to complete the Membership/Mailing List form enclosed so we can update our database. Be sure to include your email address for future newsletters. We want to honor all of our loved ones on their birth and anniversary dates. If you don’t get a personalized card or letter on your loved ones birthday or the date they were murdered; or if you’re not receiving a vigil invitation or other mailings, most likely we don’t have your current contact information. As survivors ourselves, we do not want to leave out nor offend anyone, so please help us to be accurate. We keep all your information confidential. March 14, 2015 – Extended Cut-off date for Monument Inscription forms … If you want to have your loved one’s name inscribed and dedicated at this year’s candlelight vigil, there still a little time to get your form in to us. If you want, you can fax it to (562) 697-1618 and then send payment later to make sure it gets in on time. March 11, 2015 – Support Group Meeting …Our meeting this month will be open to general discussion. Join us in a safe, relaxed setting and be with others who understand your grief and can share your sorrow. Remember, you don’t have to go through these tough days alone. 7:30pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Anaheim. Directions and a map are on the back page of this newsletter. April 26, 2015 – Candlelight Vigil and Names Dedication Ceremony … National Crime Victims’ Rights Week … We’ll be having our first vigil planning meeting in early March. If you are interested in being on the planning committee, and have a heart to serve in memory of your loved one, we’ve love to have you. There is a level of commitment needed on your part, but our “seasoned” volunteers are great at nurturing newcomers in this journey. We can’t say it enough how healing it can be to volunteer and give to others who are walking in your shoes. Contact Marie at [email protected] or 562-5082397 to ask questions and sign up. We thank you! Your Loved One’s Photo … We’d like to have a photo of your loved one. Every now and then we make a personalized ornament or gift using our loved ones’ picture. If you’d like to be included when we do these things, you can email the photo to [email protected] (jpeg preferred) or mail a copy of the picture to PO Box 67, Brea, CA 928220067. Wallet size or larger. July 30-August 2, 2015 – POMC National Conference … We’re happy to announce that the 29th Annual POMC Conference will be held in Las Vegas, NV this year. For those of us on the West Coast, this will be a great opportunity to attend a conference relatively nearby. For everyone, it’s a remarkable opportunity to get healing, comfort, relaxation, and fellowship with other people who understand your pain. We’ll have more details coming soon. The rawness of grief used to push me to yell her name for anyone to hear but the passing of time has allowed me to whisper it to those who love her most. -Jessica Watson Greater Orange County POMC 3 PARENTS OF MURDERED CHILDREN – GREATER ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER MEMORIAL MONUMENT NAME INSCRIPTION ORDER FORM To have the name of your loved one, whose life was lost to violent crime, added to the Memorial Monument, complete this form entirely and mail it to our P.O. Box. Once a year, we host a Candlelight Vigil and Names Dedication Ceremony during “Victims’ Rights Week”, usually in the month of April. At that time, names are dedicated and inscribed on a black granite marker. Please print all information: YOUR NAME HOME PHONE (_____) ADDRESS CELL PHONE (_____) CITY STATE ZIP - EMAIL LOVED ONE’S NAME RELATIONSHIP LOVED ONE’S DATE OF BIRTH (MMDDYY) AGE DATE OF DEATH (MMDDYY) 1. Review the sample below. Fill in the box with your loved one’s Year of Birth, Name, and Year of Death. 2. Make checks payable to POMC. We ask for a donation of $60.00 per name, and you can make three payments of $20.00 each if need be. If you have any questions, please call (714) 999-7132. 3. Mail check and completed form to: GOCPOMC P.O. Box 67 Brea, CA 92822-0067 4. The monument is located at Memory Garden Memorial Park, 455 W. Central Ave., Brea, California. You will receive an invitation and instructions for the planned ceremonies. March 14th 5. Any names received after February 28th will be inscribed for dedication in the following year. NOTE: - MAXIMUM OF 20 LETTERS (INCLUDING SPACES) - NO PUNCTUATION - NO QUOTATION MARKS - NO HYPHENS SAMPLE: 1964 1968 1979 1977 Jessica D Lange Mathew E Arnold T Jeffrey Thompkin Salvador M Del Garza 1991 1990 1994 1991 PRINT YOUR LOVED ONE’S YEAR OF BIRTH, NAME AS YOU WANT IT TO APPEAR, AND YEAR OF DEATH: ___ ___ ___ ___ YEAR OF BIRTH ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ NAME (20 LETTERS, INCLUDING SPACES) ___ ___ ___ ___ YEAR OF DEATH *If any part of the name is hard to pronounce, please write it as it sounds. It is very important to us that we say your loved one’s name correctly at the dedication ceremony. SIGNATURE DATE 4 Greater Orange County POMC Always In Our Hearts MARCH BIRTHDAYS DATE OF BIRTH Loved One . . . and those missing them 03/ 03/01 03/02 03/02 03/02 03/02 03/03 03/03 Cherilyn A. Hawkley Lori McInroy Curler Richard Flores Patrice M. Liebelt Zachary Brian Snider David Sanchez Christine Lauren Bennett Barry Clark Cope 03/03 David G. Foster 03/04 Cathy Ann Tameny 03/05 Travis R. Parker 03/06 James Donald Hartzell Jr. 03/06 Marsalee Ann Nicholas 03/07 Allen Anthony White 03/10 Jesse Lyal Aguilar 03/10 03/10 03/10 03/12 03/14 03/15 03/16 03/19 03/19 03/20 03/20 Frank G. Teplansky Matthew Flores Sherry Lynn Jewell Virginia L. De Anda William M Seiler Randy Bozarth Kevin L. Weller Miguel Angel Gonzalez Leah Natalie Tadeo Carl Dan Claes Steve Sanchez 03/20 Frank Russell Solis Jr. 03/20 03/22 Sunny Adrienne Sudweeks Donna Marie Morgan 03/22 Susanmarie "Bunny" Pascale 03/22 03/22 03/23 03/23 03/29 Ralphy Valenzuela Armando Eduardo Villagomez Nicole Parker Joshua Steven Rodriguez Deputy Dave W. March 03/29 Malaikye Thomas Payne 03/29 Dillon Ray Keyes 03/30 Jason Miller 03/31 Michael Ray Avila 03/31 Angela Hill DATE OF DEATH Fiancee of Robin Whitnauer Daughter of Ronald & Janice McInroy Husband of Sylvia Flores Wife of Chris Liebelt Grandson of Terrence Q. Snider Son of Ron & Denise Taylor Daughter of Diane Bennett Son of Judy Cope Son of David & Ellen Foster Brother of Misty, Tony, and George Nephew of Mary Belzer Daughter of Carolyn McCoy Son of Jon & Nora Parker Nephew of Carol Waggener Son of Lois Hartzell Daughter of Marcella Leach Sister of Henry Nicholas Son of Jeanita Ellington Son of Frank & Nancy Aguilar Father of Valerie and Alexis Brother of Alex, Irene, Francine, Amanda and Richard Father of Patricia Ann Almazan Son of Sylvia Flores Daughter of Ruth Mosher Loved one of Rose Hernandez Husband of Margaret Seiler Brother of Kenneth Bozarth Son of Mary Weller Godson of Ralph Palomino Daughter of Nicholle Tadeo Son of Danella George Son of Anita Sanchez Son of Marie Santana Son of Frank Solis Sr. Brother of Judy Munoz Daughter of Sandy Sudweeks Cousin of Angel Huerta Jr. Daughter of Jean Pascale Mother of Jeff & Chris Niece of Ro & Tony Mazzochetti Son of Maureen Valenzuela Son & Stepson of Jose Armando & Mary Villagomez Daughter of Martin & Lori Gladstein Son of Yolanda Valento Husband of Teri March 10/29 12/20 07/21 01/10 07/15 01/09 12/30 12/21 Granddaughter of Rachel Rodriguez Son of Terry Svec Grandson of Lila Svec Son of Brenda McDowell Son of Tina M. Henderson Nephew of Kathleen Kocharian Little Hero of Ashley Hill 08/15 03/29 08/05 08/02 01/08 11/30 02/13 10/26 07/12 07/21 04/19 06/29 11/23 03/27 07/04 10/06 02/17 05/16 10/20 06/03 02/23 12/19 05/27 04/07 05/12 11/20 11/01 04/29 07/09 04/13 01/13 04/07 Greater Orange County POMC 5 Always In Our Hearts MARCH ANNIVERSARIES DATE OF BIRTH Loved One . . . and those missing them 10/20 12/22 07/02 04/07 09/10 05/27 12/13 09/13 06/11 06/06 02/04 04/03 07/27 07/04 04/18 10/04 12/07 04/24 04/01 12/31 09/17 05/31 07/05 10/02 01/03 07/20 02/28 09/17 05/13 Jim Ramos Jacob Eric Jackson Philip G. Cousins Chad Allan MacDonald Vincent Paul McKinney Terence Unity Frietas Troy Allen Gorena Jazmin A. Toledo Terry Clodfelter Michael Peckham Andrew Pacheco Ardell Love Williams Lee Denmon III Linda Marie Newman Justin A. Soto Trudy Thompson Mickey Thompson Brian S. Gregorio Dayle Y. Okazaki John A. Stoddart Derek Lee Mattingly Faye Lavonne Butler Joseph Anthony Yawn Brian Gene McNamara David Alan Wigle Kevin Bruce Iossi Robert "Bobby" Austin Bukey Brenda Emery Summers Philip Lawrence 09/22 Timothy Michael Lynch 12/21 03/15 04/15 04/21 08/09 Tina Regina Williams Randy Bozarth Linda Ann Meteer Anthony Eric Smith Pedro (Pete) Cabrera 03/03 David G. Foster 12/28 03/22 12/30 10/11 Nathan Lawrence Lance Holloway Dax Xenos Gonzalez Baby Jo Jade Husband of Vivian Ramos Son of Juenenne Jackson Husband of Ruth Allen Son of Cindy MacDonald Son of Virginia McKinney Son of Julie Freitas Son of Bobbi Gorena Daughter of Lourdes Toledo Son of Wanda Johnson Son of Cherie Callejas Cousin of Cindy Estrada Daughter of Angie Williams Son of Frances & Lee Denmon Mother of Sunnie Dawn White-Rood Son of MaryAnn Soto Sister-in-law of Collene Campbell Brother of Collene Campbell Son of Evangeline Gregorio Son of Thomas Okazaki Son of Jean Stoddart Son of Deborah Charnock Sister of Dawn Bittler Son of Renia & Michael Yawn Son of Cynthia & Ralph McNamara Son of Patty Wigle Son of Leoli Iossi Son of Sharon Gentile Daughter of Priscilla Morales Son of Anita Lawrence Son of Karen Lynch Grandson of Rex & Lelia Eutsler Daughter of Angie Williams Brother of Kenneth Bozarth Daughter of Olga Meteer Son of Wanda Williams Brother of Jun & Josie Reyes Son of David & Ellen Foster Brother of Tony, Misty, and George Nephew of Mary Belzer Son of Jay Lawrence Son of Bertha Scott Son of Myrna Gonzalez Special Angel If I could wish one thing I’d hear you call my name DATE OF DEATH 03/02 03/02 03/03 03/03 03/04 03/04 03/05 03/07 03/09 03/10 03/10 03/13 03/14 03/15 03/16 03/16 03/16 03/17 03/17 03/17 03/17 03/18 03/19 03/19 03/19 03/21 03/22 03/22 03/23 03/25 03/26 03/27 03/27 03/28 03/29 03/29 03/30 03/30 03/30 03/30 6 Greater Orange County POMC Submitted by Dawn (Pitman) Bittler My sister, Faye LaVonne Butler was 20 years old when she was attacked and murdered in our father's home in Brea, Ca. in 1981. Faye was an angel to our family. She was sweet and very loving. As sisters...we shared many secret confidences and helped each other with life's challenges. I can still hear her say to me "Go for it" when I would feel discouraged or scared to try something new. She often would ask me questions about relationships, religion, and our family. I miss her dearly. She always wanted to write her thoughts & feelings down. Her love of music and poetry was what I liked best about her. The following poem is one she wrote after graduating from high school and I will treasure it forever. Untitled In heavenly love abiding, no fear my heart shall see, for safe is such confiding... for nothing changes here. The storm may roar without me, my path in life is laid, but Thou art round about me... so can I be dismayed? by Faye LaVonne Butler born: May 31, 1960 died: March 18, 1981 Greater Orange County POMC 7 DONATIONS AND THANK YOUS Thank you to all those who have graciously sent in monetary donations in memory of your loved ones, words cannot convey how grateful we are. Without your kindness and generosity, our chapter could not have carried on with our mission to extent that it has. Jane Bouffard, in loving memory of her parents, Elmer & Gladys SPECIAL MEMORIES… Loved Jesus, witnessed to people. Had a great big loving heart-gentle, kind, unselfish, big smile, funny, great laugh – very loving and close to me-single mom. Brandon Hanson Her bright, beautiful smile & laugh. Andrea Gonzalez Leonard & Catherine Coppini, in loving memory of their daughter, Sandra Their laughter when happy, their smiles while playing with younger sisters, the many trips and excursions we had together. We miss them so much. It doesn’t end, and always on our thoughts. Stacy Lynn and Jason Alan Hall Alan & Sandra Hall, in loving memory of their daughter/stepdaughter Stacy, and son/stepson, Jason He always helped others that were in need. Pedro Cabrera Jr. Rosa Patterson, in loving memory of her father, Ruben Bill & Carol Waxman, in loving memory of all our loved ones Ollie Whitmore, in loving memory of her daughter, Jockla Faye To everyone who donates so generously at each of our monthly meetings. Chris Pearsall, for the beautiful anniversary letters she sends out each month, in loving memory of her son, Henry Clay Mabry Anita Sanchez, for lovingly taking on the duty of sending out remembrance cards on our loved ones’ birthday, in loving memory of her son, Steve Sanchez Shirley Tapia, who faithfully checks our message phone daily, in loving memory of her sons, Richie and Michael Tapia Carolyn McCoy, for kindly hosting many planning meetings at her house, her creative skills, and much more, in loving memory of her daughter, Cathy Tameny David & Ellen Foster, who have been long-time volunteers for virtually every event and occasion we have, in loving memory of their son, David G. Foster Brad Stetson, a chaplain and long-time friend of the chapter who has been a comfort, guest speaker, and dear friend to several members of our group, in memory of all our loved ones Everyone who has stepped up to be a Board Member - this chapter owes you a debt of gratitude Zion Lutheran Church, for graciously allowing the Greater Orange County Chapter the use of a room to meet each month Holidays! Family bar-b-q’s, he loved to cook for everyone. Josh was very family oriented, he was the best dad and was always playing with his 5 children. Josh loved banana bread, every Christmas I would bake him a loaf just for him. Greatly missed by all. He was the life of the party. Joshua Dean Olson Smiling a lot. Baking a lot. Very loved person by all her school friends and church members. And most of all, by her family. God Bless. Jockla Faye Whitmore 8 Greater Orange County POMC POMC Greater Orange County Chapter 2015 Calendar of Events January S 4 M 5 T 6 W 7 February March April T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 10 11 12 13 14 S 5 M 6 T 7 W T F S 1 2 3 4 8 9 10 11 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 May S 3 M 4 T 5 W 6 T 7 June F S 1 2 8 9 S 7 July M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 S M 5 6 T August W T F S 1 2 3 4 8 9 7 S M T W T F S 1 10 11 2 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25` 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 6 4 5 6 7 8 30 31 September S 3 10 11 12 13 14 15 M 7 October T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 S 4 M 5 T 6 W 7 November December T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 S 6 M 7 T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 133 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 Chapter Contact Information www.gocpomc.org [email protected] 714-999-7132 ------------------------------------------------------------------------Jan 14: Support group meeting Jul 8: Support group meeting Feb 11: Support group meeting Jul 30-Aug 2: POMC National Conference Mar 11: Support group meeting Aug 12: Support group meeting Apr 8: Support group meeting Sep 9: Support group meeting Apr 26: 2015 Candlelight Vigil Sep 25: National Day of Remembrance May 13: Support group meeting Oct 14: Support group meeting Jun 10: Support group meeting Nov: Annual Potluck – date TBD Dec: Off-site meeting - TBD Meeting information Zion Lutheran Church 222 N. East Street Anaheim, CA 92805 7:30pm Greater Orange County POMC 9 Dates to Remember DATE TOPIC January 14, 2015 Who Is POMC? / Board Election February 11, 2015 Month of Love March 11, 2015 General Support Meeting April 8, 2015 General Support Meeting April 26, 2015 REFRESHMENTS IN MEMORY OF David & Ellen Foster Nancy Aguilar David G. Foster Jesse Aguilar Maria Ortiz Alejandra Hernandez Candlelight Vigil and Names Dedication Ceremony May 13, 2015 General Support Meeting June 10, 2015 General Support Meeting Anita Lewis Mary Lewis Lester Lewis July 8, 2015 General Support Meeting Lena G. and Debra H. Claudine S. and Marie B. Jonathan Dizon Stephen Sanchez July 30 – August 2, 2015 POMC National Conference – Las Vegas, NV August 12, 2015 General Support Meeting September 9, 2015 General Support Meeting September 25, 2015 National Day of Remembrance For Murder Victims (NDOR) Here Come The Holidays October 14, 2015 David Smith Frederick Sledge Annual Potluck November 2015 December 9, 2015 General Support Meeting Gail Currier Ralph William Currier The deadline for the Board of Directors APRIL ISSUE is Chapter Leader Marie Belmontez (562) 508-2397 March 25, 2015. Co-Leader Anita Lewis (562) 201-8027 Treasurer Claudine Sanchez-Parrott Please mail your remembrances, poems, court updates, etc. to: Secretary Debra Dizon-Hernandez Board Member Lena Gonzalez Board Member David Foster Board Member Ashley Hill Board Member Carolyn McCoy Other Contacts Changes to Member Information Newsletter articles Marie Belmontez (562) 508-2397 [email protected] Marie Belmontez (562) 508-2397 [email protected] Greater Orange County Chapter of POMC P. O. Box 67 Brea, CA 92822-0067 or e-mail to: [email protected] MS WORD OR EXCEL PREFERRED Please do not format your text PLEASE DO NOT USE ALL CAPS Pictures in .JPG and as a separate attachment are preferred. Do not include them in the body of your text. We make every effort to include submissions for the month desired. However, occasionally submissions will be printed (and may be edited) as space allows. Thank you. GREATER ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER OF PARENTS OF MURDERED CHILDREN P.O. BOX 67 BREA, CA 92822-0067 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED Inside This Issue Announcements 2 Chapter Calendar 8 Chapter Information 9 Donations & Thank Yous 7 From a Sibling 1 March Birthdays 4 March Anniversaries 5 Monument Inscription Form 3 Poem from a Member 6 Special Memories 7 Next month our Newsletter is going online! **See Announcements on pg. 2** Our monthly support meeting is held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:30PM at Zion Lutheran Church, 222 N. East Street, Anaheim, CA 928-5 91 From the North: 57 FWY, 55 FWY, or St. College Bl. South, Right on Lincoln Ave. Right on East St. From the South: 57 FWY, 55 FWY, or St. College Bl., North Left on Lincoln Ave. Right on East St. From the East or West: 91 FWY Exit East St., south La Palma Ave N. Euclid St. State College Blvd. 55 N. East St. W. Lincoln Ave. FWY 5 West Ball Road East Ball Road 57