victims of crime and leniency vocal newsletter · 2017-12-11 · victims of crime and leniency...
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V I C T I M S O F C R I M E A N D L E N I E N C Y
422 South Court Street P.O. Box 4449 Montgomery, Alabama 36103
Volume 18 ~ Issue 1 December 2017
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Derrick Cunningham, Chair
Montgomery County Sheriff
DA Bill Adair, Jr.
14th Judicial Circuit
Ms. Pennie Buckelew
Victim Representative
DA Pamela Casey
41st Judicial Circuit
Ms. Jessica Cotton Childs
Lecturer, Troy University
Ms. Vonciel Dodson
Victim Representative
Sheriff Matt Gentry
Cullman County
DA Richard Minor
30th Judicial Circuit
Mr. Jerry Renfroe
Victim Representative
Ms. Diane Walden
Victim Representative
Mr. Mike Weeks
Member at Large
Ms. Miriam Shehane
Founder
STAFF
Janette Grantham
State Director
Counselors
Teaonna Watson
Hannah Banach
Court Advocates
Kourtnie Nelson
Beckie Schuler
A NOTE FROM STATE DIRECTOR, JANETTE GRANTHAM
Rock and Roll! VOCAL has been rocking and rolling since our last newsletter.
The VOCAL 7th Annual Charity Golf Tournament was a rocking good time.
Congratulations to our winners. First Place Winners were Bill Adair, Doug
Gissendanner, Nick Massey, and Milton Lay. Bill Adair’s team also won in 2015
and 2016. They are good! The Second Place Winners did not fill out all their
names, but the names I have are S. Lander, Ray Worley, and S. Yarrma. Third
Place Winners were David Chadwick, Brett Fillister, Ross Barrett, and Russ
Barrett. Thanks to all the players who came out and supported VOCAL. I truly
believe it was a fun time for all. Lunch was catered by Smokin’ S BBQ in
Wetumpka, and boy was it good. Again this year we had some great door prizes.
If you missed it, be sure to join us next year on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at
the Quail Walk Golf Course. Thanks to all of our sponsors. VOCAL could not
exist without your support. A list of the sponsors is in this newsletter. Be sure to
check out the folks who care about crime victims.
After the golf tournament, we rolled to our 35th Anniversary Celebration.
VOCAL was formed as a non-profit on November 15, 1982. On November 2,
2017 at the Capital City Club, we had our 35th Anniversary Celebration. A huge
crowd joined VOCAL as we honored Miriam Shehane. Miriam was one of the
founding members of VOCAL, and she is the last warrior standing. Jere Beasley
was our keynote speaker. He was very entertaining! I am sure everyone there now
knows “not to get too big for our britches.” Thanks Jere! You made the night very
special for Miriam. She was “Queen for a Day.” A special thanks to Alva Lambert
who served as our emcee, Senator Billy Beasley who introduced the keynote
speaker, Boyd Wigham who blessed our meal, and their beautiful wives. It was a
terrific night. Be sure to check out this newsletter for a list of all the celebration
sponsors. Thanks to Attorney General Steve Marshall, DA Richard Minor, DA
Chris McCool and Troy King who are Warriors for Justice.
National Crime Victims Week is April 8-14. The State Vigil will be Friday,
April 13th. Please make your plans to join us as we remember our love ones.
Congratulations to Darleen Hutchinson-Biehl who was appointed by President
Trump to serve as Director of the Office of Crime (OVC) in Washington, D.C.
Darleen will be missed here in Alabama.
VOCAL NEWSLETTER
PAGE 2 VOCAL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2017
CHAPTER NEWS
CENTRAL ALABAMA CHAPTER
Central Alabama Chapter members Ronnie and Vonciel Dodson and
Mitzie Wheat protested parole for Brian Heath Smith on November 8.
Smith killed Carl Doss in 1989, and parole was denied for five years.
Ms. Johnnie Doss Page, who served as chapter president for many years,
was so thankful to the parole board for denying his parole.
The chapter was prepared to support Susan Knight in November in
the Shelby County trial for her ex-husband. On the day jury selection
was scheduled to begin, Louis Henry Knight entered guilty pleas to
aggravated assault and attempted murder and was sentenced to serve 25
years. Susan was satisfied with the plea and relieved that she did not have
to testify.
The trial that was scheduled for September in Chilton County was
continued.
SHOALS CHAPTER
As our new VOCAL year has begun, our chapter continues to provide
support for upcoming trials. In October we provided support for the
family of Charles Perkins, who was murdered by Alfonso Jarmon. Mr.
Perkins in earlier years had attended VOCAL, as his daughter had been
murdered. His family remembered the group and was thankful for our
support again. Alfonso was convicted of murder and will be sentenced
on December 6, 2017.
In October some members attended Connie Ridgeway Day in
Rogersville Alabama along with Lauderdale County District Attorney
Chris Connolly and Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton. Connie
was murdered in October 2015. There has not yet been an arrest made
for this murder. Some members attended Hope for the Holidays in the
Shoals. Healing Place of the Shoals provides this every year in
November and invites various support groups to participate.
Shoals VOCAL continues to support the Danny Sledge family. On
November 22, 2017 a Status Conference for Nathan Boyd on Scotus
ruling of juveniles sentenced to LWOP was held the Lauderdale County.
Judge Self issued an order setting the re-sentencing for March 8-9, 2018.
This is hard for the Sledge family to have to go through this all again.
We are still awaiting a ruling in the Evan Miller Scotus sentencing in
Lawrence County Alabama. This family has been waiting for months on
a ruling. In Colbert County, the trial for Erica Fox in the Capital Murder
of Jason Fox is scheduled now for 2018.
Please continue prayers for Shoals member Janice Bevis while she
continues to recover from various surgeries and cancer treatments. Janice
is improving.
Victims of Crime and Leniency
(VOCAL) is a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization which was established in
1982. VOCAL is an advocacy group for
victims’ rights consisting of concerned
citizens, victims of crime and their
families, law enforcement officers,
attorneys, and others interested in
reducing crime and improving the plight
of its victims.
State Chapter
Director: Janette Grantham
Physical Address: 422 S. Court Street
Montgomery, Alabama
Phone: 334-262-7197
Toll Free: 800-239-3219
Fax: 334-834-5645
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4449
Montgomery, Alabama 36103
Central Alabama Chapter
Owens House, 22747 Hwy. 25
Columbiana, 2 p.m., 2nd Saturdays in
Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec
President: Mitzie Wheat
Phone: 205-283-9719
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: 35124 Hwy. 31
Calera, Alabama 35040
East Alabama Chapter
President: Diane Walden
Email: [email protected] Mailing Address: P. O. Box 31
Lafayette, AL 36962
Gulf Coast Chapter
1070 Hwy. 59, Summerdale, AL 36580
3rd Thursday, 6 pm
President: Tracey Wilson Goens
Phone: 251-533-6832
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: 27670 US Hwy. 98, #28
Daphne, AL 36526
North Central Alabama
Home of DA Pamela Casey
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m.
President: Wilburn Beavers
Phone: 205-363-0444
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: 865 Beavers Road
Blountsville, AL 35031
PAGE 3 VOCAL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2017
River Region Chapter
VOCAL Angel House
422 South Court Street, Montgomery
2nd Sunday, monthly, 2 p.m.
President: Lester Ezekiel
Phone: 334-514-6862
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 240624
Montgomery, Alabama 36124
Shoals Chapter
Florence Lauderdale Public Library
350 N. Wood Ave., Florence
2nd Tuesday, monthly, 5 p.m.
President: Patsy Michael
Phone: 256-777-0482
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: 18443 Dement Rd.
Athens, Alabama 35611
Facebook: VOCAL Shoals Chapter
St. Clair Chapter
St. Clair Co. Courthouse, Suite 221
1815 Cogswell Ave., Pell City
Bi-monthly 6 p.m.
President: June Hodges
Address: P.O. Box 1763
Pell City, AL 35124
Phone: 205-229-2104 or 338-9429
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: St Clair VOCAL
COUNSELOR’S CORNER
There are times when there are too few words left to heal us, when what we
wish for is to be carried, when all we have left is the hope that tomorrow will
be a more gentle place to land than today. As we get closer to the holidays, I
just want you to know that VOCAL will forever remember the victims during
this time and we’ll be always available for individual counseling. Although this
may be a tough time for most, just know that your loved one will always be
with you through peace, love and comfort.
Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories
never fade because a loved one’s gone. Those we love can never be more that
a thought apart. For as long there is a memory, they’ll live on in our hearts. -
Author Unknown
Teaonna Watson, VOCAL Counselor
Phone 334-262-7197; Email [email protected]
“Tears for the Holidays”
The holidays bring such joy to many but they can also bring feelings of grief,
sorrow, and painful longing for others. In our culture, the months of November
through January are known as a time to bring the whole family “home for the
holidays”. Songs such as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and sounds of
coworkers and friends making plans to be all together with their families often
brings stings and stabs of pain to those of us who have lost a loved one. For
those people, the holidays will be forever changed and can be the most
depressing time of the year. In my own family, we just said goodbye to our
beloved Aunt who was the glue to our family and one of the most selfless
persons I have had the pleasure of knowing. She planned our family holidays
complete with unique games, party themes and costumes, food, and even Santa
Clause coming to her house to visit all of the children. Christmas
will not be the same but we have determined, as a family, to carry on her traditions and selflessness because that
is what has kept our family so strong and loving over the years. That is exactly what she would have wanted. I
would like to encourage you this holiday season if you are suffering from the longing pain of a lost loved one.
This pain that you feel is representative of how great a love you have for them. Instead of focusing on the pain,
focus on the love. Try to think of the good memories and of how your loved one would want you to spend the
holidays if he or she was here. Did they have a favorite tradition or meal? Carry it on in honor of them. Did they
love to give, like my own Aunt Tracey? Make it a point to adopt a family for Christmas and buy them groceries
or presents. Did they love to watch a certain movie or play a favorite song? Watch it or play it in their honor.
Cook the food. Eat the dessert. Give the gifts. Send the Christmas cards. Go home to your family. You might be
surprised how your heart may heal a little more. And over this holiday season, please take comfort in knowing
that you are in my thoughts and prayers and that if you need someone to talk to or just to cry to, I am only a phone
call, email, or Facebook message away.
With Love,
Hannah Banach, VOCAL Counselor
Phone 334-262-7197; Email [email protected]
The VOCAL Newsletter is published
quarterly in March, June, September,
and December by Victims of Crime and
Leniency. Annual membership dues
include subscription. Send news items to
Editor Mitzie Wheat at
PAGE 4 VOCAL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2017
VOCAL’S 35TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION
IN HONOR OF MIRIAM SHEHANE
VOCAL’s 35th Annual Celebration was held on Thursday, November 2, at the Capital
City Club in Montgomery. The evening began with a social hour followed by opening
remarks by Alva Lambert. The invocation was given by Boyd Whigham, and
Montgomery Sheriff Derrick Cunningham welcomed everyone to Montgomery and
to the special celebration of VOCAL and recognition of Miriam Shehane. State
Director Janette Grantham recognized dignitaries in attendance and Montgomery
Officer Ernestine McGriff provided special music. Senator Billy Beasley introduced
keynote speaker Jere Beasley. Sponsors of the event, former Attorney General Troy
King, District Attorney Chris McCool, District Attorney Richard Minor, and
Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed their appreciation for the work of the
VOCAL staff and its volunteers in serving crime victims in Alabama. Other sponsors
include DA Pamela Casey, DA Patrick Jones III, DA Ashley Rich, DA Lynneice
Washington, Sheriff Derrick Cunningham, George Wallace, Jr., Southeast Woods,
Central Alabama VOCAL Chapter, East Alabama VOCAL Chapter, River Region
VOCAL Chapter, Miriam Shehane, Sonya Shehane-Bradford, and Janette Grantham.
DECEMBER 2017 VOCAL NEWSLETTER PAGE 5
2017 VOCAL Charity Golf Classic Sponsors DA Patrick B. Jones, III
20th Judicial Circuit
DA Richard Minor
30th Judicial Circuit
DA Kirke Adams
33rd Judicial Circuit
DA Bill Adair
14th Judicial Circuit
DA Chris McCool
24th Judicial Circuit
East Ala. VOCAL Chapter
DA Pamela Casey
41st Judicial Circuit
Senator Billy Beasley
Alabama Sheriff’s Assoc.
Denny & Johnnie Kimbrel
Memorial for Darryl Kimbrel
DA Randall Houston
19th Judicial Circuit
DA Ben Reeves
3rd Judicial Circuit
Senator Jabo Waggoner
City of Clio
Southeast Woods
Buffalo Rock Pepsi, Montgomery
Jere Beasley
Wiregrass Angel House
AKD Screenprinting & Embroidery
DA Tom Anderson
12th Judicial Circuit
Senator Cam Ward
Alabama Attorney General
Steve Marshall
Central Alabama VOCAL Chapter
River Region VOCAL Chapter
Mike Weeks
Bowen Wilson dba ServPro
Representative Steve Clouse
Janette Grantham
Memorial for Sheriff Neil Grantham
Bill Adair, Jr.
Memorial for Bill Adair, Sr.
Linda Jackson
Memorial for David Cody Brown
Beasley Allen
Attorneys at Law
Miriam Shehane
Memorial for Edward Shehane
Miriam Shehane
Memorial for Quenette Shehane
Miriam Shehane
Memorial for Jon Shehane
Jan Randolph
Memorial for Bennie Rudd
Marty Trussell
Memorial for Rob Trussell
Diane Walden
Memorial for Marion Stone
Bill Chandler
Pea River Electric Cooperative
Alice Martin for
Alabama Attorney General
DA Michael Jackson
4th Judicial Circuit
First Exchange Bank
Ron & Vonciel Dodson
Memorial for Desta Dodson Byrd
Linda Lou Brackin
Memorial for Brice Brackin
Pennie Buckelew
Memorial for Michael Jason Buckelew
Doris Dease
Memorial for Jim Dease
Roger Stokes
Benefiting Victims of Violence in Alabama
PAGE 6 VOCAL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2017
Charity Golf Classic
Quail Walk Golf Course, Wetumpka - September 21, 2017
DECEMBER 2017 VOCAL NEWSLETTER PAGE 7
START PREPPING FOR NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK
Theme Poster and Palette Released
The National Center for Victims of Crime and OVC are pleased to announce that the 2018
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Theme Poster and Palette are now available for download. It's not too early to start preparing for
this important week. Theme: Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims Colors: Navy, Pink, and Teal Dates: April 8-14, 2018
This year’s NCVRW theme emphasizes the
importance of inclusion in victim services. To reach all victims, we must expand our circle by building relationships, removing barriers, and
engaging our community.
Sign up for the NCVRW mailing list to receive a 22” x 28” paper copy of the Theme Poster, as well as emails regarding the 2018 Resource Guide, the National Crime Victims' Service Awards Ceremony, and future National Crime Victims' Service Award nomination periods. Visit the OVC's NCVRW webpage (https://ovc.ocjrs.gov/ncvrw) for additional information.
MEMBERSHIP
October is membership renewal month. Please complete the membership form and send it with your dues to
your local chapter. If you do not have a local chapter, send form and dues to the state chapter at the address
below.
VOCAL - Victims of Crime and Leniency, P.O. Box 4449, Montgomery, Alabama 36103 2017 – 2018
Name _________________________________________________________________ Title ______________________
Agency or Organization
Address
City _____________________________________________________ State ____________________ ZIP
Telephone (Office) ____________________ (Home) ____________________ Email
Victim’s Name ______________________________________ My Relationship to Victim
Date of Crime ________________________ Nature of Crime
City and County of Crime (City) _________________________ (County)
Type Membership: Regular $25 Agency/Organization $50
Are you available and interested in volunteer work? Yes No
CIRCLE CHAPTER: Central Alabama East Alabama Gulf Coast North Central River Region Shoals St. Clair
VOCAL – Victims of Crime and Leniency
The Quenette Shehane Counseling Center
422 South Court Street, P.O. Box 4449
Montgomery, Alabama 36103
Phone: 334-262-7197
Toll Free: 800-239-3219
Fax: 334-834-5645
Website: www.vocalonline.org
Facebook: Montgomery VOCAL
DONATIONS - VOCAL appreciates the faithful contributors who support our efforts in assisting crime
victims. Your donations make it possible for us to provide more support to victims and are tax deductible.
In memory of Patricia Collum
Mitzie Wheat
In memory of Evaughn Gould
Mitzie Wheat
Patricia Jones
Brenda Kelly
In memory of Carolyn Helms
Jere Beasley
Janette Grantham
Mitzie Wheat
In Memory of Ronnie Holman
Donna Bush
Betty Holman
In Memory of Chris Smith
George Smith
In Memory of Lee Story
Karen & Lee Story
Patrick Roberts
Anne Seymour
VICTIM CONTACTS
Governor Kay Ivey
State Capitol
Montgomery, AL 36130
Pam Bye, Director
Constituent Services
334-242-7100
1-800-591-4217
Attorney General’s Office
of Victim Assistance
501 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36130
Sarah Green, Director
Constituent Services
334-242-7300
1-800-626-7676
www.ago.state.al.us
Department of Corrections
Jeff Dunn, Commissioner
P.O. Box 301501
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
334-353-3871
www.doc.state.al.us
State inmate parole info.
1-888-726-9799, Option 4
Alabama Crime
Victims Compensation
Commission
Dr. Cassie Jones
Director
P.O. Box 231267
Montgomery, AL
36123
1-800-541-9388
www.acvcc.state.al.us
State of Alabama
Board of Pardons & Paroles
Phil Bryant, Exec. Director
P.O. Box 302405
Montgomery, AL
36130-2405
Rhonda Carter
Victim Services Rep.
334-242-8050
Fax 334-353-7701
www.paroles.state.al.us
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 281
MONTGOMERY AL
POSTMASTER: RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED