Group plans a new branch

The Trumbull chapter of Parents of Murdered Children will begin offering services to Mahoning County residents.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- When John and Teresa Wetzl's 10-year-old daughter was killed in May 1999, they felt their whole world had fallen apart.
They not only had to deal with the untimely death of their youngest daughter, Bridget, but a long court trial.
"It was horrible," Mrs. Wetzl said. "The Trumbull County Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children was our lifeline. They were there to help us every step of the way."
Mrs. Wetzl said the group was not only available for support, but several of its members attended the trial.
"They helped me understand the court process and what to expect," Mrs. Wetzl said.
The Wetzls, of Weathersfield, say they will be on hand to help make sure that the services of the POMC are offered to residents of Mahoning County.
Miriam Fife, director of the Trumbull County chapter, said that the Trumbull chapter will start having meetings in Youngstown so that Mahoning County residents have access to the group's services and support.
The Trumbull County chapter, which was founded in February 1987, will continue to meet in various locations in Warren the third Tuesday of every month, Fife said.
If you go: John Wetzl said the Mahoning County sessions will be at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at Brownlee Woods Presbyterian Church, 1970 Everett Ave. The first meeting will be Thursday.
There is no cost to join the organization, which is open to parents and family members of murdered children and adults, Fife said.
"There is a need for this organization in Mahoning County," said Fife, whose son Raymond was murdered in 1985 in Warren.
"I feel the group is a whole new family," Fife said. "We are there to listen, to support and to help."
She noted that she wants to get members to begin attending murder trials in Mahoning County.
"It's nice to know when you are in the courtroom that you have support there with you," Fife said.
XFor more information, contact Fife at (330) 675-2552 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.