MIDDLESEX
COUNTY PRISON COORDINATING COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER
MCPCC met on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 in West Newton. Our scheduled Feb. 13 meeting was postponed because of
bad weather. This was a business meeting and those present were Chair Mary Ann
Donaldson, Coordinator Carol Winton, Treasurer Tom Crowther, Toby Frost,
Secretary Marjorie Moerschner and Dorothy Weitzman.
Mary Ann opened the meeting with a prayer.
Tom
gave the treasurer's report. Mary Ann has written a letter to be mailed to our
supporters.
Tom mentioned that his church, the First Church of Christ, Congregational in Bedford, is having a mission fair on March 2. Carol will go and handle the MCPCC booth with him.
For many years Tom and members of his church have been meeting
once a month with Billerica inmates for hymn singing at their chapel services
and in more recent years leading informal Bible study at CWP, but they've
decided that it's time for them to retire in that capacity. They'll perhaps
occasionally assist Mark Hemenway, whose New England Prison Ministries conducts
weekly Bible study classes at Billerica.
Governor Patrick by executive order has made some CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) improvements, particularly in dealing with CORI inaccuracies. It's a start towards reform.
Dorothy spoke about the sex offender bill sponsored by Rep. Karyn Polito, which would impose longer sentences, including life for certain offenses.
The new Commissioner of the Department of Corrections will speak at the Criminal Justice Policy Coalition's annual meeting in May.
Carol has spoken to Sheryl Binder, interim Director of Education at Billerica and she will come to our March meeting. We would like to have another art or writing contest if that's possible.
Tom gave each of us a DVD that he made of our last art show and the reception in Lowell. Many thanks, Tom!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Elizabeth Woodbridge who has broken a bone in her hand.
NEXT MEETING: MARCH 12 2008 at 7 PM, SECOND CHURCH IN NEWTON, 60 HIGHLAND STREET, WEST NEWTON