eastside - Parents of Murdered Children

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: BeckieRose@aol.com
* National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. (POMC)
100 E. 8 th St., Ste 202, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513-721-5683) Fax (513-345-4489)
Toll Free Number (888) 818-7662
http://www.pomc.com/phoenix/index.html Volume 21; No. 12 January 2012
MONTHLY MEETING
LOCATIONS
Grief support meetings
EASTSIDE
NEW LOCATION
January 24, 2012 7pm
(4th TUESDAY of each month)
Mountain View Lutheran Church
11002 S. 48 th Street, Phoenix
(1/2 mile west of I-10 at 48 th Street & Elliot)
Room 8
Facilitator: Mari Bailey
(602) 405-7401
maribailey@gmail.com
Co-facilitator: Mark & Sandy LeGault
(480) 242-0038
WESTSIDE
January 24, 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
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
kluther@voiceforvictims.org or Mary
Wallace at mwallace@voiceforvictims.org.
SPEAKER/INFORMATION
MEETING
January 10, 2012
7 PM
(2 nd Tuesday of the month)
PPSSLA TRAINING ROOM
8821 N. 7 TH STREET
(south of Dunlap on East side of street)
Our speaker information meeting this month will be our
elections meeting and "Find Your Purpose or Mission"
and those of us who have done something in honor of
our loved ones such as foundations, changing laws,
volunteering at food banks etc. can share what helps to
keep their memories alive.
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Cynthia Harvey, 602-482-8329
Mail Memorial Page items for “The Journey”, by
the 10 th of the month prior to publication to:
POMC Editor
1925 E. Vista Dr.,Phoeniz, AZ 85022
Payment for articles should be mailed to the
P.O. Box address listed above.
You can also email items to cynthiacharvey@cox.net 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
1

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Osidro Gonzales
January 1, 1993
Christopher Hanaki
January 1, 2001
Andrew Reyes
Martinez
January 1, 2003
Ryan Michael Till
January 1, 2007
Ricardo Ortega
January 2, 1998
Austin Lewis
January 2, 2009
Mackenzie Bratcher
January 3, 1998
Michael “Eddie”
Cordova
January 3, 2001
Jerome Crayton Hoy
January 3, 2001
Christina Hallman
January 3, 2010
David Barzilai
January 4, 2002
Raymond Barron III
January 5, 1998
Michele MacDonald
January 6, 1995
Michael Newton
January 7, 2004
Veronica Ann
Youvella
January 7, 2005
Deana Bowdoin
January 7, 1978
Terrance D. Patterson,
Jr.
January 7, 2007
Christopher Rivera
January 8, 2002
Larry Peters
January 8, 1996
Jacquelan Hartman
January 8, 2007
Victor Felipe Garcia
January 8, 2009
Joseph Klug, Sr.
January 9, 1997
J. Braddock
Richardson
January 10, 1995
Jesus Guzman
January 11, 2001
Mike Smith
January 12, 2001
Anthony Sanchez
January 12, 2007
Ronald Fraga
January 12, 2008
George Burilla
January 12, 1999
Bilal Russell
January 14, 2009
Ralph Kenneth
Stadler
January 15, 1996
Steven Henrichsen
January 15, 2009
Jeremy Brewer
January 15, 2010
Louarna Gillis
January 17, 1979
2

Continued. . . . .
Dawn Shipp
January 17, 1994
Christopher Vega
January 17, 2000
Nancy Voelker
January 19, 1973
Bryant Mabery
January 19, 1999
Vernon Cumming
January 20, 2009
Amanda Enos
January 21, 2004
Ryan McKenney
January 21, 2007
David Delci
January 22, 1994
Juan Ojeda
January 22, 1994
Kelsey Marie Haynes
January 23, 1992
Justin Smothermon
January 23, 2005
Justin Ryan Richardson
January 23, 2006
Ryan McKenney
January 24, 2001
Eric Edwards
January 26, 1993
Cynthia Ratter
January 28, 1980
Armando Rene’
Casasnovas
January 28, 2001
Jacquelan “Jackie”
Hartman
January 28, 2007
Kaity Sudberry
January 28, 2008
Charles Mitchem
January 29, 1977
Nicole “Nici” Pietz
January 29, 2006
Aaron Barnett
January 29, 2007
Kathleen Diane Ricks
January 30, 1981
Robin Barnes
January 30, 1995
Dolores LeGault
January 30, 2006
*Every effort is made to ensure
accuracy on this page. Please
call ASAP with changes.
3

VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER NEWS
TRIAL & JUDICIAL UPDATES
• Sentencing phase of the killer of five-year old Joshua Jeffrey Eberle-Martinsen is still being deliberated as to
whether or not he will receive the death penalty.
“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)
♥ Cynthia Clark-Harvey in very loving memory of her daughter, Erica.
♥ Michael Young in very loving memory of his son, Michael E. Young and grandson, Joshua A. Young.
♥Jane Moxey-Fausel in very long memory of her son, Bill Moxey.
♥ Bill & Lois Baker in very loving memory of their daughter, Melissa Diane Baker.
♥Beth Griffing in very loving memory of her daughter, Tanya and unborn granddaughter.
♥Don & Beckie Miller in very loving memory of their son, Brian Ray Miller.
♥Donna Pickering in very loving memory of her husband, Bill Pickering.
♥ Roy & Judy Wood in very loving memory of their son, Scott Wood.
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 January Speaker Information meeting will be our elections for our board of directors and a meeting of
sharing the positive things we have done since our loved one’s death in their memory and honor. Some of us
have begun foundations, worked and are working to change laws, donate our time at hospitals and food banks,
help with POMC. Whatever, you do, come and share. Those who have not had the energy yet to do something,
come and be inspired by what you might or can do in the future.
MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS AND OTHERS
POMC BOARD:
Thank you for the Empty Shoes Award. It has been my pleasure to volunteer in the POMC Office and help
Beckie whenever I can.
POMC has helped me and my family along this unplanned “journey” and I would to give back and to others
that join. It helps to know that you are not alone; others have gone before and, sorry to say, others will follow.
Thank you, again. Carolee Holbrook
ANNUAL BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTIONS AT THE SPEAKER MEETING
Our annual board of directors elections is held at the January Speaker Information meeting. The chapter
elects those who wish to be on the board and the newly elected board immediately after the meeting elects the
officers for the chapter. We have two positions to be elected this year.
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 35 th 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 39 th 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.
NATIONAL POMC INFORMATION
☺ CINCINNATI OHIO OFFICE☺
• We wish everyone a peaceful and safe holiday season this year!
•CONGRATULATIONS NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Tim Woods and Terri Jacoby who were voted to
the 2012 National Board of Trustees. Tim has been with National Sheriff’s Association for 14 years. He is
director of the Research, Development, & Grants Division, overseeing all federal grants. Terri is the chapterleader
of the Dupage County chapter and is also the Victim Services Supervisor for the States Attorney’s Office
in Wheaton, Illinois.
2012 National Board of Trustees: Howard Clerk, President, Debbie Melarango, Vice President, Elaine
Colclasure, Secretary, Carole DeAddezio, Treasurer, and the following board members: Dee Engle, Tim
Jeffries, Genell Cozart, Harry Bonnell, Ann Reed, June Ginty, Marvin Bryant, Evelyn McGann, Tim Woods
and Terri Jacoby. Dan Levey was voted to be the POMC National Spokesperson.
•NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE BOOKLETS: We have a limited number of National Day of
Remembrance Memorial Booklets available. All loved ones on the Murder Wall should appear in the book. In
the past we have received grants to cover the cost but this year POMC incurred the cost of printing the booklet
so there will be a fee of $5.00, which will include shipping. Please let your members know about the booklet
and let us know if you are interested in purchasing a book this year.
• 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 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
5

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.
Name:____________________________
Enclosed is my _____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.
“Time does restore to us our quiet joy in the spiritual presence of those we love,
so that we learn to remember without pain, and to speak without choking up with tears.
But all our lives we will be subject to sudden small reminders which will bring all the old loss back
overwhelmingly.” (Elisabeth Watson)
“We substantiate our loved one’s life by the way we live ours.” Mitch Carmody
6

Our annual Holiday Memorial this year was beautiful and we hope inspirational as
well as honoring the memories of our loved ones. We had RSVP’s for 291 attendees. Some
of you did not make it due to illness and other issues. The weather was really cold and rainy.
We began by giving out our Empty Shoes Awards to five well deserving recipients this
year -- Perryville Prison, Taylor Wetnight, Carolee Holbrook, and two of our board of
directors who are stepping down this year but gave respectively 8 and 7 years to your
chapter: Donna Pickering and Beth Griffing. We then gave out Certificates of Appreciation
to those who donate our meeting rooms and to Kathy Guzman our anniversary note writer
each month; Advocates, Robin Grass, Mary Wallace, Steven Valdivia and Michelle McCoy as
well as two others in our chapter Travis Holbrook and Michael Harvey.
John Gillis and his wife Patsy were there and we greatly appreciated their support. John,
many of you will remember from his directorship at the helm of the Office for Victims of
Crime (OVC) in Washington D.C. and the scholarships we receive from there as a result of
his work so that more people can attend our conferences. He came out of retirement to
work as Division Chief at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and crime victims are
going to be well-served with his dedication here locally. John and Patsy’s daughter, Louarna
was murdered in Los Angeles when he was a police officer and his daughter was specifically
targeted for that very reason by gang members. Since then he has devoted his life to crime
victims and making a difference.
Cheri Degruccio again shared her beautiful voice and Kathy Hernandez a lovely hula
dance. With our Hanging of the Ornaments (angel wing picture frames to take home and
put your loved one’s picture in and keep) and the names of each of our loved ones recited as
well as our closing song “We are the Survivors.” It was a wonderful service we hope all
enjoyed it and will keep it with them during the rest of the holiday season.
7

Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. (POMC)
Valley of the Sun Chapter
“For the Families and Friends of Those Who Have Died By Violence”
Providing Advocacy, Awareness, Education, Prevention and Support
FUNDRAISER DINNER & SILENT AUCTION
PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL EVENT
February 24, 2012 at the Phoenix Mountain Preserve
14 th Street & Dunlap, Phoenix
5:30 p.m. auction begins followed by dinner, live auction & dancing
PRIZES FOR THE AUCTION INCLUDE:
Numerous Gift Baskets of Various Themes, Jewelry, Art Work,
Electronics, Certificates, Household items,
Children’s toys, Hotel/Resort Weekend Getaways,
Sports Memorabilia, Sporting Event Tickets,
and so much more by auction time.
●We need your support for this worthy cause and we need donated prizes for the
auction from individuals or businesses.
●Call (602) 254-8818 for more information, to donate or to purchase tickets for
the event and reserve your dinner spot. Tickets for the event’s dinner are $30 for
adults and $10 for Children over 3 and younger than 13. Credit Cards or Cash.
●POMC is a non-profit organization with 501 © 3 status and all donations are tax deductible.
8

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 Family Advocacy Center 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
Donna Pickering, Co-Leader................(623) 934-5080
Beth Griffing, Treasurer........................(623) 243-7209
Mari Bailey, Secretary………………….(602)-405-7401
Cynthia Clark-Harvey.………………….(602) 482-8329
Kathy Hernandez-Schofield .................(623) 707-6825
Don Miller .............................................(623) 582-2406
Tim Osolin ............................................(602) 938-4593
Mark LeGault……………………………(480) 242-0038
Sandy LeGault…………………………..(480) 242-0038
“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
10 th 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:
Donna Pickering, POMC Newsletter Editor
4425 W. Turquoise Ave.
Glendale AZ 85302
____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……………………. BeckieRose@aol.com
Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project (480) 965-5640
Maricopa County Attorney,
Victim Services Advocates
(602) 506-8522
Crime Victim Compensation (602) 506-4955
9

PARENTS OF MURDERED
CHILDREN, INC
“BIG TURN-OFF”
(To Protest the Violence on Television)
The annual Big Turn-Off for our organization is
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 during prime time
hours on television when kids are watching.
● This is our organization’s annual program to protest the violence
on television, and a part of the Murder is not Entertainment Program,
and is designated the second Wednesday of January. Please
support us and turn off your televisions during the prime time hours of
Wednesday evening. Play games with your family, take a walk or
read a book instead. It seems like year after year the family hour on
television continues to add more and more “crime show” to their
programming. So help us continue to educate not only our
communities, but the networks as well. Inform your family members,
friends, co-workers and churches and let them know about this
important event.
*Play family games, go for a walk or bike ride…read instead.
10

MARGIE MENDOZA
FEB. 11, 1972 – DEC. 8, 1991
If we could have a lifetime wish
A dream that would come true,
We’d pray to God with all our hearts
For yesterday and you.
A thousand words can’t bring you back
We know because we’ve tried
Neither will a thousand tears
We know because we’ve cried
You left behind our broken hearts
And happy memories too…
But we never wanted memories
We only wanted you.
Unknown Author…
20 years have passed since you have been gone, but time does not change how we grieve for
you. Your memory will always live with us. We miss you and love you more each day. May you
rest in peace.
Your loving family,
Mom, Cea, Mike, Tony, Jose, Liz and Johnnie
Your loving daughter, Angelina.