January 2007 Newsletter June2007Newsletter - Parents of ...

For the family and friends ofthose who have died by violence.STEPPING STONESSuffolk County ChapterParents Of Murdered Childrenand Survivors of Homicide VictimsServing all Long Island, New YorkP.O. Box 185, Oakdale, NY 11769POMCSUFFOLK@AOL.COM, call 631-384-5240June, July, August, 2007 Volume III, Issue 3WHO WE AREWe are the survivors of a murdered loved one.We have joined together in a local support group to help each other throughthis grief, that is like no other.Our support group is a chapter of a national organization started in 1978 byBob and Charlotte Hullinger of Cincinnati, Ohio. Their daughter Lisa hadbeen murdered three months earlier. Father Ken Czillinger brought them incontact with other parents whose children had been murdered.As Survivors of a homicide victim, we share the cycle of grief and copingwith the traumatic loss of a loved one. We are among friends who help ourselvesas we help others by listening, sharing, education and action.GuidelinesWhatever is shared within the group is confidential.You are welcome to ask questions, makesuggestions or just listen...there are no right orwrong answers or feelings. The atmosphere shouldbe one of sharing, no one is put on the spot orforced to talk. It is a safe place to share experiencesand feelings.It is important to give everyone who wishes anopportunity to talk. Consider others, be nonjudgmentaland non-prying.Please attend three meetings before deciding ifPOMC is for you.SUFFOLK CHAPTER BOARD MEMBERSDonna Kukura - Chapter LeaderJune M. Ginty - Treasurer, Newsletter EditorMarilyn McNeil—SecretaryLove ~ Remember ~ ForeverRemember loved ones neverleaveThey are forever nearFor their love lives on inmemoriesOur hearts hold dearJune Ginty—National BoardmemberPOMC National HeadquartersNational Organization Of POMC, Inc.Executive Director, Nancy Ruhe100 East Eighth Street, B-41Cincinnati, OH 45202Phone: 888-818-POMCemail: NatlPOMC@AOL.COMFax: 513-345-4489Web: http://www.pomc.comSuffolk County Crime Victim Help LinesIf you need to speak to a Crime Victims Advocate in SuffolkCounty please call (631)852-2555CVC Suffolk County Crime Victims CenterLinking Crime Victims To Support Services & Compensation(631)689-2672www.thecrimevictimssenter.org

Congratulations to Donna Marie KukuraDonna was presented the Volunteer for Victims Award. She was given special recognitionduring the awards ceremony hosted on April 20, 2007 by the Office for Victims of CrimeDonna Marie KukuraShirley, New YorkDonna Kukura is the current Chapter Leader and Cofounder of the Long Island, New York/Suffolk County, Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC). She began her volunteerwork with POMC following the tragic loss of her younger brother, Brian Boothe, who wasmurdered at the age of 35 on Christmas Day 2002. The murder remains unsolved. Before herbrother's murder, Donna was a clinician at a local hospital and was employed as a Project LibertyTeam Leader providing counseling services to victims of September 11. After her brother's murder,she left her employment and decided to volunteer full time. Donna has used her own experiencewith traumatic grief to improve the lives of others through her advocacy, counseling, andsupportive outreach. She goes “above and beyond” for others, making herself available to providecounseling or listen to survivors whenever she is needed. Donna does an enormous amountof outreach to increase public awareness of the services and rights available to crime victims,particularly to homicide survivors. Donna Kukura was nominated by June Ginty of Oakdale, NewYork, National Board Member, Parents of Murdered Children, Inc., and Suffolk County ChapterPOMC Cofounder.Donna Marie Kukura receives an award from Attorney General AlbertoR. Gonzales and Assistant Attorney General Regina B. Schofield.

HAVE YOU SEEN THE MOVIE, "WAITRESS"?Written and Directed by Adrienne ShellyI was so very touched by the theme of the never ending deep, deep love of a mother for her child, how Mothers might notdo the right thing for themselves but we will go to the ends of the earth for their child.I encourage everyone to make time to see this heart warming film, it's funny and touching and mostly it warms your heartand restores your faith in mankind. This film was written and directed by Adrienne Shelly who was murdered in 2006. Notonly did she direct this great film, she also does an outstanding performance in the part of the waitress, Dawn. If youwatch closely you will see our friend and chapter member, Elaine, who is Adrienne's Mom. The film has several underlyingmessages and themes.This movie is truly a loving legacy. Thank you for sharing your gift, Adrienne.“And now, I sit with you.I hold your handfor hours upon end.I stare at your faceand I try to willyour eyes open.Wherever you are going,I will meet you there. Andwe will be young again,and fabulous,and people will care to knowwhat we’re thinking.”AdrienneThe O LettersAdrienne Shelly Levine Ostroy ~ June 24, 1966—November 1, 2006CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEKIn commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, TheSuffolk County Chapter of Parents Of Murdered Children celebratedthe progress we have made and rededicate ourselves to meetthe challenges that lie ahead. This years theme—”Victims’ Rights:Every Victim. Every Time.” — captures the heart of our current andfuture mission. As we face increasingly complex challenges to publicsafety we draw strength from working together. The networksand resources we build to observe 2007 National Crime Victims’Rights Week will enhance and strengthen our joint efforts throughoutthe year.The Suffolk County Chapter, Parents Of MurderedChildren. Serving All of Long Island, decorated ourmonument in Hauppauge with a huge heart made offlowers for ALL VICTIMS OF HOMICIDE

NEWS RELEASEFOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:Nancy Ruhe, Executive Director, 1-888-818-POMCDan Levey, National President, (602) 364-2235For Immediate ReleaseMay 14, 2007CONGRESS ENACTS RESOLUTION HONORING MURDER VICTIMSCincinnati, Ohio--- The United States Congress overwhelmingly today approved House Resolution223, which 1) Supports the goals and ideals of a National Day of Remembrance for MurderVictims and 2) recognizes the significant benefits of the organizations that provide servicesto the loved ones of murder victims.The designation of a National Day of Remembrance For Murder Victims on September 25th ofeach year provides an opportunity for the people of the United States to honor the memories ofmurder victims and to recognize the impact on surviving family members.The House Resolution was co-authored by Representative John Shadegg, (AZ) and RepresentativeSteve Chabot (OH) to ensure that homicide survivors and their families are not forgotten.Representative Shadegg said “These are solemn times in our nation’s history. However, Americansare murdered every day and their families endure untold suffering. However, every 10weeks 3,000 people in our country are murdered, the same number of Americans brutally murderedon September 11, 2001. Congress must encourage establishing a day that honors thememory of all murder victims.”Dan Levey, the National President of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc said “this day willserve as a important yearly reminder to the rest of the country of our loved ones who were murderedand it will help ensure our loved ones will always be remembered and never forgotten.”Levey, also added “we thank both Rep. Shadegg and Rep. Chabot for their unwavering commitmentto seeing this resolution through the legislative process and for seeing its importance tosurvivors.”September 25 th was chosen as the date for the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victimsto honor Robert and Charlotte Hullinger of Cincinnati, Ohio who founded the National Organizationof Parents of Murdered Children, Inc, (POMC) in 1978 after the murder of theirdaughter Lisa, who was killed on September 25 th .Each year in the United States over 16,000 people are murdered.

110TH CONGRESS1ST SESSIONH. RES. 223Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMARCH 7, 2007Mr. SHADEGG (for himself, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. POE, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona,Mr. MOORE of Kansas, Mr. ORTIZ, Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey, Mr.KING of New York, Mr. DOYLE, Mrs. CUBIN, Mr. GORDON of Tennessee,Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, Ms. FALLIN, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. REICHERT, Mrs.MYRICK, Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina, Mr. PITTS, Mr. GINGREY, Mr.ISSA, Mr. TANCREDO, Mr. LINDER, Mr. GOODE, Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGRENof California, Mr. JORDAN of Ohio, Mr. BRADY of Texas, Mr.BARTLETT of Maryland, Mr. FORTUN˜O, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina,Mr. CANTOR, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin, Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, Mr.DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, Mr. AKIN, and Mr. WELDON of Florida) submittedthe following resolution; which was referred to the Committee onOversight and Government ReformRESOLUTIONSupporting the goals and ideals of a National Day ofRemembrance for Murder Victims.Whereas the death of a loved one is a devastating experience, and the murderof a loved one is exceptionally difficult;Whereas the friends and families of murder victims cope with grief througha variety of support services, including counseling, crisis intervention, professionalreferrals, andassistance in dealing with the criminal justice system; andWhereas the designation of a National Day of Remembrance For Murder VictimsonSeptember 25th of each year provides an opportunity for the people of theUnited Statesto honor the memories of murder victims and to recognize the impact onsurviving family members: Now, therefore, be it1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives—2 (1) supports the goals and ideals of a National3 Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims; and4 (2) recognizes the significant benefits of the or-5 ganizations that provide services to the loved ones of6 murder victims.Aug

DARE TO EXAMINE YOUR OWN HEART BEFORE CASTING THE FIRST STONEGuess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, avictim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton , Colorado , was invited to address the HouseJudiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special sessionof Congress was painfully truthful.They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent,every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageouswords spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that Godsent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seedsof kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroicteacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers."The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club heused.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murdercould only be found in Cain's heart."In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groupssuch as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to representor defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believethat they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us tolook at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointingfingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was writtenway before I knew I would be speaking here today:Your laws Ignore our deepest needs,Your words are empty air. You've stripped away our heritage,You've outlawed simple prayer.Now gunshots fill our classrooms,And precious children die.You seek for answers everywhere,And ask the question "Why?"You regulate restrictive laws,Through legislative creed.And yet you fail to understand,That God is what we need!" Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a thirdpart of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc.Spiritual presences were present within our educationalsystems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historicalfact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatredand violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for ascapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personaland private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metaldetectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villainlies within our own hearts."As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he didnot hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to ourschools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with asacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who wouldpoint your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine yourown heart before casting the first stone!My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"

BISHOP MEETS WITH SUFFOLK COUNTY VICTIMS RIGHTS ADVOCATESWashington, DC—This week, Congressman Tim Bishop met with Donna Kukura from Shirley, NY, one of the recipients of theDepartment of Justice's 2007 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Awards.Ms. Kukura lost her brother in a tragic, unsolved murder on Christmas Day 2002. She is the Chapter Leader and Cofounder of theLong Island, New York/Suffolk County Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC). Also attending the awards ceremony wasMs. June Ginty, from Riverhead, NY, who nominated Ms. Kukura for the award. Ms. Ginty is a National Board Member of POMCand Cofounder of the Suffolk County POMC Chapter.In response to meeting with Ms. Kukura and Ms. Ginty, who lost her daughter, Kathleen, to a brutal murder in 1994, CongressmanBishop became a co-sponsor of a Congressional resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a National Day of Remembrance forMurder Victims (H. Res. 223)."By turning tragedy into advocacy, Donna Kukura and June Ginty are making a positive difference both in Suffolk County and nationally,"Bishop said. "I am honored to join their fight for greater recognition for crime victims."In the attached photo, Congressman Bishop joins Ms. Donna Kukura (on the left) and Ms. June Ginty in hisoffice in Washington, DC.Picnic InformationEvery summer my family and friends get together for a picnic at Lido Beach. This year I decided that it would be nice to include allof the friends that I have met at various functions that my family and I attend throughout the years since my son, Sal, was murdered.Therefore I am extending this invitation to all of my friends at POMC.The cost for the picnic is $30.00 for each adult. This money is for The Barbeque King. He is bringing and barbecuing all of thefood!!½ price for children under 12 yrs. Children under 3 free.I am including directions to Lido Beach. If you intend to join us for this “Day for Fun In The Sun!” please send the money for thenumber of people you are bringing, to my address no later than July 18 th . I must give The Barbecue King the number of people thatwill be attending by that date.Please send to my address:Maria Minichiello—member POMC101-38 115 th StreetSo. Richmond Hill, NY 11419Phone # 718-805-0859Directions to Lido Beach Town Park – 516-431-6650From the West LI: Take Southern State Parkway EAST. Merge onto MEADOWBROOK PARKWAY SOUTH via exit 22 Southtowards Jones Beach. Merge onto LOOP PARKWAY via exit M10 toward POINT LOOKOUT. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto LidoBlvd. End at Lido Beach Town Park: 630 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach, NY 11561From the East LI: Take Sunrise Highway (NY-27) WEST , Merge onto Meadowbrook PARKWAY South towards JONES BEACH.Merge onto LOOP PARKWAY via exit M10 toward POINT LOOKOUT. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto LIDO BLVD. End at Lido

This Newsletter Is Dedicated to the Memory of Our Loved OnesMay you treasure the unforgettable moments and meaningful words you shared,May you find comfort, hope and peace in each new day,And may your journey lead you to a new place of healing.JulyWilliam C, Delk 07/82Frank Maxwell 07/97Christopher L. Hobson 07/02/95Wayne T. Belleveau 07/05/92John Thomas Richberg 07/05/95Ronnie (Rachel) Testa 07/05/88Albert N. Ragozzino 07/07/85Ruth Ann Bishop 07/08/92Robert “Butch” Rago, Jr. 07/08/97Anthony T. Ranieri 07/09/78Michael Gary Grimes 07/10/80Theresa M. Weiss Cruse 07/11/90Michael Cory Denenberg 07/16/89Michael Giampapa 07/16/96Kathleen Marie Ginty 07/16/94Eileen Gold 07/17/79Jennifer Yee 07/18/96Lea Marie Greene 07/18/89Gregory Lawrence 07/19/96Steven Eliot Chaifetz 07/22/94Robert “Bobby” Nannery 07/24/86Lenny Slatest 07/25/96John Carter 07/26/92Framk Thomas Olivieri 07/27/95Robert Loftman, Jr. 07/28/80Norman Robert Davis 07/28/78Donna Lauria 07/29/76Alan Armond Erlich 07/31/96IN MEMORY OF ALL THOSE WE LOVEAnniversary DatesSeptemberDenise Louise Ritts 09/01/84Christine Veal Grega 09/12/94Michelle Colucci 09/14/97Herman David Spinner 09/14/89Randy C. Selzer 09/15/83Robert Anthony Connor 09/22/91Tina Marie Williams 09/25/96Jill Ann Gibson 09/27/88Lisa Michelle Johnson-Settles 09/27/95Harry Joseph Healy 09/29/90Kathleen M. Holland 09/30/86Charles McNeill 09/30/00AugustJohn V. Moran, Jr. 08/01/89Francis X. O’Shea 08/04/95Deborah Gail Bowling 08/05/91Jesse Lillibridge & Baby 08/05/97PO Sgt. Timothy Henck 08/06/95Derek Valentin 08/08/94Lawrence H. Farrell II 08/09/91Jason Louuis Green 08/09/93Gregory Riddick 08/09/96Anthony Rey Marcano 08/11/04Joseph Pagillo 08/11/90Gerald J. Schultz 08/15/88Jeffrey Allen Hirsch 08/16/87Edward R. Simms 08/16/84Judith-Ann Smith 08/17/88Joseph Peter Pistone 08/18/92Glenn Stuart Iscoe 08/19/94Albert Garland 08/22/83Sondra Better 08/24/98Debra Powell 08/25/80Vicki Stewart 08/26/96Janice Marie Amirante 08/29/84David M. Pottinger 08/29/91John Kiffer 08/30/96Robert Young 08/30/59Anthony (Sonny) Krzesinski 08/30/59Elizabeth Ann Gangi 08/31/95It is our hope that we may honor all homicide victims on their anniversary dates. We ask that you send in dates of birth anddates of death if you do not see them in our newsletter. If we have not included your loved one’s name, or if any of theinformation is incorrect, we apologize. Please contact June Ginty (631)384-5240 or email GINT5044@aol.com if youwish to contact us with any corrections. As survivors ourselves, we do not want to slight or offend anyone, so pleasehelp us to be accurate.

SHOP FOR A CAUSESHOP FOR A CAUSE OCTOBER 13th AT MACY'SSuffolk Chapter of POMC is a participating charity in this event. We are selling tickets... $ 5.00 each.....all proceedsfrom our ticket sales will directly benefit Suffolk POMC, we are hoping to raise enough money to cover the cost of conferenceregistrations for our local chapter members who were denied scholarships for the 2007 National Conference.Tickets will be available at the remembrance day event or you can purchase them at the support group meeting.

THIS IS YOUR NEWSLETTERReaders are encouraged to send letters, poetry, pictures, stories, announcements, and articles of interest to June Ginty. Mailaddress is PO Box 185, Oakdale, NY 11769 or email GINT5044@aol.com.I would like to update the membership list and would like everyone to update their address, phone number and name, date ofbirth, date of murder and relationship of your murdered loved one. We will be putting the dates of birth and dates of murderin your newsletter and do not want to miss anyone. Please send in your updates.Memorial on the InternetI am in the process of collecting pictures to be displayed on our Website (www.POMC.com, check “chapters”) If you wishyour loved ones picture to be a part of this memorial please mail your picture to June Ginty, PO Box 185, Oakdale, NY 11769.Your picture will be returned. Please write a little note saying that you give me permission to display your picture on thewebsite.picture for the journal, etc. I will only need a note for permission to display it. Thankyou.Each month a number of newsletters are returned due to delivery problems. In addition to the initial postage, return postage isEach charged month by the a number Postal Service. of newsletters To minimize are returned this expense, due to please delivery write problems. to the return In addition address to the of this initial newsletter postage, or return contact postage June at is(631) charged 384-5240 by the or Postal email Service. June at To GINT5044@aol.com minimize this expense, if your please address write changes. to the return address of this newsletter or contact June at(631) 384-5240 or email June at GINT5044@aol.com if your address changes.GETTING TO KNOW OUR LOVED ONESThis page is dedicated to our loved ones who have been brutally murdered. We would like to have the parents, orother survivors of the victim, write a paragraph or two about his/her life (i.e., the person’s hobbies, what he/sheliked or didn’t like, etc.) We know how they died. What we want to know is how they lived. We can, by this,possibly feel closer to the victim, even though we had never met him/her. When the survivors speak of their lovedone we will get to “know” them. Anyone who would like to participate is welcome. If you would like to have apicture included, please send one and I will scan it and return it to you. Please send your biography to June Ginty,PO Box 185, Oakdale, NY 11769 or email to GINT5044@aol.com. Please not: All submissions will be printed asspace allows.Suffolk County ChapterParents Of Murdered Childrenand Survivors of Homicide VictimsPOMCP.O. Box 185Oakdale, NY 11769Address Correction RequestedDATED MATERIAL