The Latest News

13 March 2010
Posted in News and Updates

Pampered Chef Fund-raiser

We are getting very close to sentencing……March 24^th at 9am.  We have raised just over $8000.  We are so grateful for your contributions.  The concern, of course, is that it will take much more than that to mount an appeal.  As a result we will be looking for a variety of ways to do fundraising.  We are looking at hosting an event with a silent auction. 

In the meantime, we were  approached by David Gelatt , a Pampered Chef consultant who had worked with Joy at Ephrata Playhouse.  David has generously offered to contribute his commission to Justice for Joy and we will also received a donation from Pampered Chef.

So please consider purchasing your cooking and baking needs from this Pampered Chef fundraising event!  http://www.pamperedchef.biz/cookingwithdavid?page=2ways-order-productsChef

Go to Online Shopping.  Simply type in Justice for Joy where it asks for the host of the event.  At checkout, be sure to choose “deliver to my home” so that your order is delivered correctly to your home.  We appreciate any purchases you may make.  Please let your friends know that this is a way they can help.

Thank you!

03 March 2010
Posted in News and Updates

To support you.....

The Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 S. Duke Street in Lancaster, has a weekly "Prayer Gathering" for all involved in the Criminal Justice System.  This includes those in court cases, in prison or jail, on probation or parole.  It includes family members.  It also includes prayer for those who are judges, wardens, correctional or police officers, lawyers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment personnel and victims of crime.

Please know this is an opportunity to pray for Joy and her upcoming sentencing, to pray for her children, and all family members and friends. 

The time has changed from 11am to 12:05pm with the thought that those who are employed may be able to come during their lunch time.  We usually meet for a half hour.  We pray that as we get the word out, people will truly use this prayer gathering to turn our hearts to our God of love, mercy and justice, the justice that is uplifting to us all.

St James Episcopal Church has joined with us as CJS Co-Ministry and also welcomes all to take advantage of this opportunity for community prayer.

 Day:  Mondays (except holiday Mondays)

Time: 12:05pm

Place: Rengier Chapel in the Fisher Parish House of Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 S. Duke Street in Lancaster, two blocks from the Courthouse

03 March 2010
Posted in News and Updates

An Update from Joy!!

Dear Friends & Family:

Some news to share.

     I  Letters on my behalf are to be at Chris Patterson's Office no later than March 15.  Reminders about the letters:

        A.  Addressed to the Honorable Judge David L. Ashworth, But Send to Patterson, Cody, Taylor & Winters 53 N. Duke St. Suite 420 Lancaster, Pa.  17602-2859
Atten:  Attorney Patterson.
        B.  Appropriate Salutations include:
              You Honor:
               Dear  Judge Ashworth:
               Dear Sir:
        C.  Letters should be double-spaced and concise.
        D.  The purpose of the letter is to give me a "Good Character" Reference & to ask for mercy & leniency from the Judge in his sentencing.
        E.  Do Not opine about the verdict or the Judicial process.  This is not the venue.
        F.  Letters might express how you know me and some tidbit or memory you have of me contributing to society or some good deed that would characterize my nature or core personality trait.

Here are some example sentences from some of the letters (copies) I received thus far:

            1.  " When I moved here I had no family or friends and felt very much alone.  Joy immediately invited me into her family.  I knew if I needed anything at all, Joy O'Shea-Woomer would give  me the shirt off her back."

            2.  "Joy is one of the most compassionate people I've ever known......she has been a person who always seeks to help a person in need, even though she has never had many material things herself."  (This writer & friend went on to describe my care & support for her when she was diagnosed with cancer).

           3.  "I have found Joy to be a hardworking individual who cares deeply about the people around her."

           4.  (From a former Nurse Manager):  "The highest complement that I can give Joy, is to say that I would be very happy to have her care for any member of my family.  I would be assured that they would get the best care available to them.

           5.  "Recently, I heard Joy's son Jimmy speak and I feel Joy's parenting has made a great positive impact on him.

           6.  "Most impressive to us was the way she has raised her own two children .... We have witnessed the love and expressions of the Joy on her face whenever she is around children, especially her own.

           7.  "The environment at the former Community Hospital was small and intimate.  Each employee knew everyone else's reputation.  Joy had a stellar reputation for the highest integrity and trust - both with patients and with other health carspan>e providers.  We always knew we were going to "have a good shift" when we were working with Joy."

           8.  "Joy is a loving and vibrant member of the Lancaster community and we are all looking forward to the day that she returns to us.  Please find it in your heart to recognize all the love and support the community has offered to Joy and please show her a measure of mercy by imposing a just sentence.

II.     Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 24th at 9:00am in courtroom #12.

        My attorneys and I have little idea about what to expect.  I was found guilty of 3 separate charges, which runs concurrently.  How the 3 charges will merge is a mystery. Sentencing guidelines don't  address it and since this sentencing law was enacted about 10 years ago, there's never been a case that merged these 3 charges.

        In short, the most severe sentence could "roll" down from 20-40 years. to the lesser sentence of  6 - 7 1/2 years.

III.     Sentencing Witness - I'm permitted to have up to 10 character witnesses to speak on my behalf.

         1.  Am not sure who will be selected.  I need to discuss this with Tom (my brother) a little further.  Potential witness are guaranteed a chance to speak on my behalf and will be notified soon.

IV.  After sentencing, we can start working on an appeal.  How we'll go about this is uncertain.

V.   Also, after sentencing, I will be transferred to the State Correctional Institution at  Muncie, PA (near Williamsport) within 2-6 weeks.

I've been assured by many other inmates who have done time @ Muncie  that life is much
more bearable there compared to here.

Still, it's a maximum security prison.  I could possibly be transferred to a minimum security facility if I choose.  However, it would be much further away (between Pittsburgh & Erie) and would make visiting more difficult  - especially for my parents.

At this point, I'm not thinking too far into the future and doing my best to deal with the present. 

I've learned to sleep 14-16 hours a day.  It's the ultimate escape.  I have some really funky dreams.  Most of the time, the people I love are in them.  Often times, most of my family members are gathered for some occasion while I'm in La-La-Land.

During waking hours, I've honed my scrabble skills,  becoming the one everyone tries to beat. Most challengers, I beat by at least 30 & up to 100 + points.  I especially love it when Ghetto words are attempted.  "What do you mean, "Shanky Ho" is not in the Scrabble dictionary?"

VI.  Jimmy turns 20 on Feb. 28. 

I think that's all the news at this time.  Please stay informed through the JusticeforJoy.org web site. Also, I get to see comments on the J4J Facebook.  So, blog away.

Love to All
Joy

17 February 2010
Posted in News and Updates

Brought Together.....For Joy

We met last night for the second time.    There were 28 of us….a diverse group….family, friends, former teachers, nurses, and even 3 new supporters.  Yes, there were three people who attended who had never met Joy but were moved by her story to join us offering their support, donations and friendship.   It truly is an amazing experience.  A few of the people know each other from church or from their schools, but all-in-all, the only thing that brings us together is concern and love for Joy.

We discussed our 4 major goals for the pre-sentencing timeframe. 

• Coordinate the writing of letters in support of Joy to the judge for the sentencing.
• Get the truth out about Joy
• Raise donations toward Joy’s appeal  and begin fundraising
• Provide support to Joy to keep her spirits up

Here is a summary of the discussion.

Letters of Support

Those who know Joy are encouraged to write a letter to Judge Ashworth.   The letters need to focus on Joy’s character and share examples of how Joy has impacted their life.  Letters can be directly to Attorney’s Patterson’s office or to Joy’s brother Tom.  Instructions can be found on the website in the section “Help Joy Before Sentencing”.  Letters are due by Feb 28^th.

Spreading the News

Everyone was encouraged to continue to promote the website and the facebook page.  It was reported that we have 1016 fans on FB.  

Tonight we received the orange bracelets that are imprinted with “Justice for Joy”.  There is a limited supply.   Let us know if you would like to receive one of these bracelets.  Many thanks to Ruth – what a great idea!!  Lancaster County-Look for people wearing orange bracelets.  We are proud to show our support for Joy.

Next- Bumper Stickers or Magnets for Cars!!

Raising Money

Donations continue to come in.  Please consider donating to Joy’s cause!  Every dollar counts! Thank you!!!

We brainstormed additional ideas for fundraising.   

• Sale of a quilt  -- Thanks Dawn.  Pictures of the quilt can be found on Facebook.  We will let everyone know how we will sell it.
• Sub sale
• Basket Bingo
• Silent Auction
• Pampered Chef on-line sale
• Sell Orange Chico Bags
• Sell Note Card drawn by Joy

Keep Joy’s Spirit Up

Everyone was encouraged to keep cards and letters coming.  At this time, Joy is requesting the people not send books.  She will be unable to take books with her when she leaves Lancaster Co. Prison.  As we learn more about what Joy can receive when she moves to a state facility we will update the website.  I have had many people asking about this topic.  It appears that she will be able to receive books and CD’s and other items when she is moved so we will be able to plan for those items once we know the date.

We will keep everyone posted on progress with all of this on the website!  Thanks to everyone for fantastic support!  Special thank you to Karen for great refreshments.  I have to say that the pumpkin whoopee pie was PHENOMENAL!