MIDDLESEX COUNTY PRISON COORDINATING COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER

MCPCC met on April 11, 2007 in West Newton. Those present were Mary Ann Donaldson, Carol Winton, Lynne Sullivan, Tom Crowther, Dorothy Weitzman, Bill Bergquist, Elizabeth Woodbridge and Marjorie Moerschner.

Carol reported that Linda Burell, Director of Treatment for STEP Services in the Billerica pods, will be our May speaker.

Tom gave the treasurer's report. The end of our fiscal year will be June 30 and he is hoping for a balanced budget with the help of the upcoming fund raising concerts.

Tom also reported that he had taken some very good men's clothing left over from a rummage sale at his church to Susan Rourke at the prison. These will be used to outfit prisoners who are applying for jobs.

Dorothy noted the recent increase in suicides in state prisons. She also mentioned the march and rally for CORI Reform to be held in Boston on April 19. A photo in the Boston Globe of April 20 showed some of the marchers on the way to the State House.

The April 15 Globe reported that the state's mandatory sentencing laws will be undergoing a comprehensive review instigated by Governor Patrick. This is very good news.

Kathleen Denehy has resigned as Commissioner of the Department of Corrections.

And much farther afield- Marjorie who visited Hawaii recently, noted that Hawaii has only one 200 bed facility for women prisoners for the entire state. All others are sent to prisons on the mainland, some as far away as Kentucky, because it is much cheaper- though there is awareness this is not good for the women or their families.

Lynne reported on plans for our VOX ONE fund raiser on June 2 at Eliot Church, Newton. The plans are proceeding apace, and you'll find a flyer included with this mailing which has all the relevant information. Post it on your church or office bulletin board, tell your friends about this event and come yourself! VOX ONE is really special.

And a reminder: MCPCC will be co-sponsoring a concert by the popular Shaw Brothers on May 5 at A New Song Coffeehouse, Bedford. Please go to www.mcpcc.info for details.

NEXT MEETING: MAY 9 at 7 PM, with LINDA BURELL SECOND CHURCH IN NEWTON, 60 HIGHLAND STREET, WEST NEWTON