INSIDE THE FENCE: A "Satellite" View

I am going to make an assumption that most of you who read this journal have never spent time in a Federal Prison or any other type of jail.  So, I am rather certain that most of you have no idea what my experience is like here and you may suspect the worst.

Before I begin this description for you, I need to make a confession!  This is NOT the first time I have been in prison!!  In fact, I have been in jail/prison FOUR other times making this my 5th prison experience.  So I guess you could consider me a "seasoned veteran" of the prison system.

My first experience was at the North St. Paul jail, where I was locked in a cell with other members of our church youth group for a Polaroid Party.  The jailer was kind enough to honor our very odd request and took our picture while we posed as criminals behind bars.  We were released on our good behavior!

A few years later I entered Stillwater State Prison.  This was a much more serious experience, which was extremely intimidating for me.  My stay there lasted longer and even included a meal!  Our church bus was an old rusty school bus that needed body work and a complete paint job.  The Stillwater Prison has a body shop program for he inmates, so we decided to hire them to do the repairs.  I was given a tour of the body shop, which included a guided tour of the cell blocks, complete with a lunch in an inmate dining area.  I don't remember many details of my visit except that I was very nervous and intimidated to be walking and dining with inmates.  I felt much better when I exited the prison.

This wasn't enough to deter me from returning to prison, however.  I just couldn't get enough of the experience, so I entered the Yuma Territorial Prison in Yuma, Arizona.  This time I was truly innocent!!!  I was caught in a conspiracy that lured me to visit the prison!  Jeannie, Jake and I were on Spring Break in San Diego.  Our dear friends, Jeff and Julann, whom God used to bring us "jailbirds" together, lived in Phoenix area at the time.  We decided to meet them halfway in Yuma for the day.  So what DOES one do while in Yuma?  You go to Prison, of course!!  This is a National Park which offers self-guided tours, so we spent some time in prison.  We had fun being stuck behind bars together.  It was a family affair.

A few years later, Jeannie and I went to San Francisco for her work conference.  While we were there, we got on a boat that took us out to Alcatraz!  We took the audio tour through the rusty, decaying prison and we were able to see the cells of some notorious prisoners, including Al Capone.  I even got sent to the "hole" on the tour.  It was much like the one at Terre Haute, Indiana.  Well, almost the same.

And now here I am serving time at Elkton, in Ohio.  This time, I don't get to leave at the end of the day.  I do find it interesting that 3 out of 5 of my prison experiences were at the Federal Level AND that those Federal experiences didn't happen until AFTER I WAS MARRIED!!!!  I'm not sure what to think of that????  I think the "safest" conclusion is that ... they have NOTHING to do with each other!

The first 4 experiences did nothing to prepare me for this experience.  Neither did the movies that I have watched about prisons.  So let me take you on a virtual tour of this prison, from the perspective of an inmate.  The best part of this tour is that you don't have to experience it first-hand.  I pray that you never have to!

Let me begin the tour by explaining a little about the types of prisons our country has available for inmates.  The probation departments rate every felon with a security rating before they are sentenced.  They have a mathematical formula they use to make this determination.  The higher the rating means you will be sent to higher security prison and visa versa.  Inmates can decrease or increase their security points by how they behave during their incarceration.  There are many variables they take into consideration.  This prevents a violent person from entering a low security facility.  Here are the rankings of the prisons:

• SUPER MAX -- The highest security
• PENITENTIARY -- High security
• MEDIUM -- Medium security
• LOW -- Low security
• SATELLITE LOW -- Hybrid low security
• CAMP -- Minimum security
• HALF-WAY HOUSE -- A boarding house with a curfew

The primary difference between the high security prisons and the low security prisons is the amount of freedom an inmate has within the facility.  A medium or higher facility has very limited movement for an inmate, whereas a minimum has very lax rules and much more freedom to move around in the compound.

Many prison facilities have more than one type of prison on the property.  That was true at Terre Haute, IN.  They have a Super Max facility, where Timothy McVeigh (the uni-bomber) was housed until he was executed on death row.  They have a medium prison, where I had the "pleasure" of staying -- sarcasm intended -- :-), and they have a minimum security camp, as well.

Here at Elkton, there are two types of facilities on the property.  The largest and primary facility (1800 beds) is the FCI-Low (Federal Correctional Institution).  The smaller facility (600 beds) is the FSL-Low  (Federal Satellite Low).  This FSL is located on the same property about 200 yards down from the top of the hill on the East side of the property.  This is my "home" for now.

This FSL is a former prison camp.  It was built in 1997 and did not have a fence around the yard until a few years ago.  They were required to add this fence and change the name classification when they made the decision to designate this facility as a "Sex Offender Treatment Facility"  Hence the name, Federal Satellite Low.  Many of the staff still refer to this as a camp in conversation.

This property is located out in the hills just west of Lisbon, OH, and is about an hour West of Pittsburgh, PA.  The prison sits on top of a hillside and it is rumored to be an old landfill.  If you have access to Google Earth, I'm told you can see the buildings on the property.  This may help you to get a better visualization of this facility.

The FSL sits on a ledge of the hillside.  The fence that wraps around the property is a single chain link about twelve feet high and curves inward at the top.  Below the top rail of the fence are two rows of razor wire.  Above the top rail are two more rows of razor wire - in case one survived the first two rows, I guess!!  When I walk the track, which follows the fence line, there is a collection of softballs and soccer balls that have been trapped in the rows of razor wire.  They remain suspended like a fly caught in a spider web or a kite held hostage by a "kite-eating" tree!  Beyond the fence is a road used by the guards to patrol the perimeter.  They drive a mini-pick-up truck round the fence 24/7.  On the Southeast loop, they installed a steel roofed shelter where the guards can park and watch over the recreation area.  They sit there for hours at a time and I'm almost certain they get their naps while sitting there.

There is a mowed meadow around the surveillance track that gradually slopes down to the ravine below.  I often see deer grazing in the meadow when I walk the track.  We have seen opossum and a skunk, as well.  There are a few country homes below the meadow and one has a horse that grazes in the grass.  I really enjoy the smell of a fire when they light up their fireplace.  Further below the houses is Beaver Creek.  I have not seen the creek, but my Father drove around exploring when he came for a visit and found it.

After the ravine, the hills rise sharply.  The hills are covered with many trees, giving us a feel of being in the forest.  On the crest of the hill, across the ravine, on the SouthWest side is a Frac Sand mining operation.  This past winter, they would have a plethora of flood lights on during the night while they excavated the precious sand.

I love to watch the hawks and ravens soar over the ravine looking for their prey.  It is amazing how 'free' you feel by watching them soar so effortlessly!  The trees are full now with leaves so the ravine has come alive with shades of green.  I love the view as it wraps around our property.  It makes me feel like I am camping in the woods.  I guess you could say that I am!

Getting back to the Google View, there are three major buildings on the FSL part of the property.  There is a large "V" shaped building with the bottom flattened out "\__/" on the West side of the property.  This is our housing unit, where we live.  There are two levels.  I am on the bottom floor, which is labeled the "G" unit or "Golf Unit".  The top floor is called the "H" unit or "Hotel Unit".

Approximately 50 yards across the compound is the "Mini-mall" area to the East.  On the other side of the Mini-Mall, further to the East, is the warehouse.  On the South side of the property you will find the softball field and the soccer field.  The walking track surrounds the two fields.  Next to the fields, located between the mall and the unit are two basketball courts and a bocci ball court.  

When the weather is nice, the Rec Yard resembles a busy city park.  All the fields and courts are alive with action.  Still other inmates are happy to lay on the green grass between the fields and collect the sun's rays.  Some are jogging or walking and others are working out any way they can.

Aside from the perimeter fence laced with razor wire, there is not many characteristics that make this look like a prison.  The windows do not have any bars on them, with the exception of a few rooms that double as conference rooms.  There is a very open feel to the place.  Sometimes too open!  There isn't much privacy here.  This makes it difficult to have private conversations.  Even whispers carry over the short walls.  Everyone knows each other's business which creates frustrations.  Despite this open environment, I am very blessed to be in this facility.

Some of you may be wondering if I feel "safe" here in prison.  The answer is YES!  I have to admit that this was one of my biggest worries about going to prison.  In the prison culture, sex offenders are considered to be the worst, and often receive the least respect.  This is not the case here because of the Sex Offender Treatment Program, also known as S.O.M.P. (Sex Offender Management Program).  Of the 600 inmates here, about 60% are here for this program, which brings safety in numbers.  The remaining other offenders are bothered by this, but they are not in a position to be intolerant (given the inverted proportions.  With this being said, there are always risks in prison.  There have been many arguments here, a few fights and other near fights.  This risk will always be present when you put this many men in one place with too much time on their hands.

This is a snapshot of what this place is like, looking down from a "Satellite" in space to a Satellite that confines prisoners.  This place has, by far, exceeded by expectations of what prison life is like.  The worst part is the fact that I am so far away from the ones whom I love.  But even this distance has not kept us apart.  I am truly blessed by God to be here.  He knew all along about this place and that I would be safe here.  The problem is, I just didn't have enough Faith to NOT WORRY.  How many times did Jesus convey to His disciples, "You of little Faith"?  Each time He said this to them, their Faith grew, as they trusted God more each time and they never gave up hope.  So I, too, must learn this valuable lesson for myself.  God knows the plans He has for me and my life.  I need to respond with humble obedience and simple belief.

Later!

McFreedom

INSIDE THE FENCE: Understanding the Language

When I arrived here at Elkton, I was hearing other inmates and staff use some terms that I was not familiar with.  So being the new person who had a persistent "deer-in-the-headlights" look about him, I had to ask for clarification on some of these terms and the process they defined.

As I move forward in this series of articles, I will be using the terms I learned (minus the vulgar adjectives or adverbs that often accompany them here in prison).  Many of these terms you may not be aware of or they may have a different meaning than what you are familiar with.  So in this article I will list some of these terms and describe the event or process which they represent.  This will give you a reference to look back on as you read future articles.  It will also save me from explaining them in each article.  My list is not alphabetical, or in any particular order.  I simply put it in the order that I recalled it.  Since I am a self-diagnosed dyslexic, these terms in a different order will be!!!!  LOL

• COP -- This is the common name for a guard in prison.  They are also referred to as Corrections Officers or "C.O.'s"  They are feared and often hated.  It is their job to enforce rules and keep the peace.  They come with different personalities.  Most are men, but there are some women cops as well.
• CONTRABAND -- This can be anything that is not permitted by the rules and is in my possession.  This could be an extra pair of socks purchased at the commissary, which is above the approved quantity.  It could be an apple that was served to you at dinner, but brought back to the cube.  The determination of an item as contraband is subjective by the COP who finds it.  For example, I am allowed to have 5 books in my locker.  I really have about 20 books in my locker right now.  Last week a COP performed a random "shakedown" on my locker, while I was at work.  He went through every thing.  He could have removed 15 books, at his discretion, but he chose not to.  He let me keep them even though he had every right to take them.
• COP-OUT -- The informal term for a request to staff.  This is an official document that an inmate can use to communicate to a staff person.  The staff person has a section to provide a response to the inmate.  Some staff are good about responding, while others do not respond and the form "disappears" without a trace.  
• CADRE -- This is a group of inmates who are housed in one of the dorms who are approved to work outside the fence.  These inmates are not sex-offenders and typically are drug offenders.  Some of them perform maintenance duties on the grounds.  Some ride the bus to a local company and perform menial tasks.  There are even a few of them who are approved as van shuttle drivers who transport departing inmates to the bus station.
• CONTROLLED MOVE -- This term is used to describe limited movement on the compound for inmates.  They also refer to them as "one way moves" or "ten-minute moves".  These controlled moves are used during bad weather, when the visibility is low.  For example, when it is foggy out, they will arrange the COPs to stand at the doorways and on the sidewalk to make sure we only move from point A to point B.
• COMPOUND -- This is the area inside the fence.  The primary area between the two common buildings we use here.  The area that has our sports fields is referred to as the "Rec Area".
• COUNT -- The roll of the B.O.P. is to make sure nobody wanders off before their release date.  So they are required to take inventory of us six times a day.  12:00 a.m., 2:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. (They do not require us to stand for these counts, but they go around and count us while we sleep.)  10:00 a.m. - weekdays they do a census work count.  Weekends they perform stand-up counts where they line us up either by our cube or in the visiting area.  4:00 p.m. -- this is a daily stand-up count;  9:30 p.m. -- this is a daily stand-up count.  The stand-up counts are the most important duties of the on-duty COPs.  They are sacred and require our absolute obedience to be standing in our cube on time and in complete silence.  Two COPs are required to count us and their numbers must match.  If they don't match, they perform a re-count.  If inmates interfere with their counts by not standing in their assigned cube or by talking during the count, they will be publically humiliated as the COP berates them in front of everyone.  Some COPs will assign "extra duties" to them as well.  One inmate was sleeping during the 4 p.m. count.  His "extra duty" was to pick dandelions on the compound from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. for the whole week.  If you happen to be here to visit during the 10:00 a.m. count, you will see first hand how stern and solemn this event is for them.
• CUBE -- Also called "cell" or "house".  This is our assigned living quarters.  It is 8' x 10' and the walls are only 5' high.  There is no door except for an imaginary line that is referred to as the "Les Nessman" door (from the TV sitcom, WKRP in Cincinnati).
• RECALL -- This is a command given to us over the loud-speaker several times a day.  When it is announced, our required response is to clear the compound and return to our unit building.  This is done about 30 minutes before our scheduled count times.  They also give this command when bad weather approaches and they want us inside the building for our safety.  There are times when an inmate is exempt from obeying this command.  If you are at work and your C.O. wants you to stay, or if you are participating in an authorized activity in the mini-mall.
• UNIT BUILDING -- This is a large two-story building that houses all 600 inmates.  The unit is broken up into four sections of dorms or barracks, each holding 150 men.  The 2nd floor is labeled the "H" Unit or often called "Hotel" Unit.  Then each side is labeled "A" or "B".  The lower level is labeled the "G" or "Golf" unit and is broken down into "A" and "B".  I live in the G-Unit on the "A" side.
• MINI-MALL -- There is a large building on the compound on the opposite side of the unit building.  The building is long and is shaped like the letter "E".  This mini-mall houses the services available to the inmates.  These services include:
• Dining Hall (seats 196)
• Law Library
• Reading Library
• GED Classrooms
• Indoor Rec Room
• Work Out Room
• Chapel rooms and Chapel
• Barber Shop
• Commissary
• Institutional Laundry
• Medical Services
• Maintenance
• Compound Office
• Visitation Area
• R & D (Receiving and Discharge)
• MAIN LINE -- This is the name give to the line for meals.  They release the inmates by unit to join the main line.  Usually 300 at one time (and remember the dining hall only holds 196)
• SHORT LINE -- This is the early meal served for workers in the dining hall and other departments who qualify for an early meal.  This line is much shorter and often has extra food or special treats that are not served on the main line.
• PILL LINE -- Some medications are given directly to the inmate in bottles that we can keep in our cubes.  Other medications that are more powerful, must be dispensed by a nurse.  Twice a day at 6:15 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., the medical office opens the pill line for people who use the stronger meds and insulin.  Fortunately for me, my medications are for maintenance and can be kept in my house, including the M&M's!!!
• HYGIENE LINE -- Every Friday the laundry opens early for the inmates to pick up free Hygiene products.  In the span of 45 minutes, 600 inmates pass thru a single door to the laundry room to receive two rolls of toilet paper, one single blade razor, one small tube of toothpaste and one bottle of soap.
• ORDERLY -- This is another name for janitor.  Each of the four units or dorms has a team of orderlies who are paid to clean their assigned areas.
• FOG WATCH -- This term is used when we are experiencing low visibility due to weather conditions.  The prison is set on a large hill above Beaver Creek and not far from the Ohio River.  We are prone to foggy conditions here and heavy snowfall.  If the visibility drops below what the acting Lieutenant deems as "safe", they declare a Fog Watch.  They announce a Recall and lock us down in the units.  They will likely do an extra stand-up count to make sure no one got lost in the fog.  In some cases, they will close the visitation or they will shut down the mini-mall.
• SHAKE DOWN -- This is a term used to describe the process of looking for contraband.  This can be a random event done by the on-duty COP or it can be a massive sweep of the entire unit performed by additional staff brought in for the strategic attack.  They go through our lockers with a fine-tooth comb looking for any violation of the rules.
• SHU -- (SPECIAL HOUSING UNIT) This is the same as the classic name that is most commonly used -- "The Hole".  Our government likes to use names that sound human and pleasant, so the use of "special" to describe it.  Don't be fooled by that.  The "Hole" is a small two-man cell with no privileges.  They use this for punishment or if they feel the "safety" of the inmate is in jeopardy.
• SHOTS -- A shot is a charge to an inmate for breaking a rule.  This is another disciplinary tool that hangs over our head.  Depending on the severity of the rule broken, the level of the shot increases.
• STAND-UP COUNT -- This is a count that requires inmates
• TEAM -- This is a representation of the staff who oversee the inmates.  The team consists of three people, but usually only two of the three are present.  The first is the Unit Counselor.  The second is the Case Manager and the third is the Unit Manager.  The Unit Manager rarely participates in any of the team meetings.  Every 6 months, the team is required to meet with each inmate to make sure they are on target to meet the required program.  At my last meeting I was ordered to the office of my Case Manager along with my Counselor.  I entered the office and stood in front of both of them as there was no chair for me to sit in.  I was given a piece of paper and asked to sign it.  After which I was given a packet which described my program.  No explanations were given nor were there any instructions.  The meeting was over.  I took my packet and reviewed it at my bunk.  I wrote a list of questions and returned to the Case Manager's office to ask my questions.  They obliged my requests but answered them with short and curt responses.  It was a cold and stubbly experience.
• B.O.P. -- Acronym for the Bureau of Prisons.  This acronym is used here many times a day.  It is the organization that manages the prisons.  The reference to the BOP is not used kindly by the inmates and the staff.  It is usually used with severe sarcasm and hatred.  It is the antithesis of common sense.  Many have reassigned the acronym to mean "Backwards On Purpose"!!

These terms will help you to follow along in these upcoming entries that I will be writing.  Many of these have become part of my vocabulary, so as I write I don't have to explain the definitions repeatedly. There will be a test on these terms!!!!  

McFreedom

INSIDE THE FENCE: What it's like to be in prison

I have had some conversations with family and friends through visits and correspondence.  As we "talk", I have realized that everyone has different perceptions of what my life in prison is like.  Some may have a vision of a deteriorating building with rusty bars and rats scurrying to corners as you walk down the gloomy hallways.  Others may have a vision of an ultra modern and clean facility filled with couches, soft chairs and tables with coffee pots and donuts.  Neither of these descriptions accurately describe this prison, however, I would really prefer the latter!!!

The truth is, our perceptions are developed by our real life experiences, or stories from people who have had these real life experiences.  We are also influenced by books, news reports, and movies we have seen.  Since each of you have your own custom vision of what a prison must be like, you probably insert your memory of me inside that vision.  Some of you may see me working on a "chain gang" in Louisiana, throwing shovel loads of sand over fresh tar while guards with dark aviator sunglasses stand stoically over me with loaded shotguns over their shoulders (as was the case in "Cool Hand Luke").  Or perhaps you see me in an old prison called Shawshank, sitting around with Andy Dufrene and Red, as we share our dreams of freedom.  Or better yet, you may see me in a black and white striped uniform in Joliet Prison rocking out with Jake and Elwood Blues as they perform the old Elvis song, "Jailhouse Rock", in the movie "The Blues Brothers"!

None of these examples are reality for me, but the last one would really be fun for me.  In an attempt to give you a more detailed and factual vision of what my surroundings are like, and how my life looks here in prison, it has been on my heart to share a few entries regarding this topic.  I would like to help shape this vision and hopefully answer your questions.  I have titled this series, "Inside the Fence".  I plan to break the series into smaller chunks that reflect more specific and helpful information to shape your understanding of this facility.  It is possible that I may leave you with an unanswered question or even additional questions.  I would encourage you to let me know what questions you may have that I could respond in this forum.  You can send a question to the editor of the journal or you can send it directly to me via snail mail.  I will do my best to answer your questions in my posts.

God bless you and may His mercy be upon you!

McFreedom

How to Visit an Inmate in a Federal Prison (revised)

There have been a couple of changes to the visitation rules recently AND with a couple of visits under our belts, a little more detail added to help make this easier, so I'm sending an updated posting:

Jeannie

I would like to help the next person that plans to visit an inmate at Elkton Federal Satellite Low Security prison to have a little better idea of what is expected of them.  My first visit was a bit of a challenge!!

First thing to note is that you cannot just “pop in” for a visit without being on the inmate’s “approved” visitor’s list.  The inmate will list immediate family members, at the time of intake to the facility.  These visitors are “approved” without background checks.  Any other family (in-laws) and friends will need to obtain a form to complete (I have copies of this form) and they may be subject to a background check before being added to the approved visitor list.  The inmate is allowed 20 approved visitors at a time.  This makes “surprise” visits a bit difficult, until you have been there once.

VISITATION HOURS:

Friday nights:   (suspended due to Sequester)

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (gate is closed at 8:00 p.m. to new visitors)

Saturday, Sunday and Federal Holidays: 

08:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (gate is closed at 2:00 to new visitors)

* If you are planning to arrive before lunch time, it is best to arrive by 9:00am.  From the time you arrive until the visit starts takes about 30 minutes. If you arrive between the hours of 9:30am - 11:00am, they will make you wait until after 11:00 to begin your visit.  They perform an inmate count during this time so we need to be either in the visiting area or back in the dorm during this time.  They will do the count in the visiting area

What NOT to wear:

•   ·      Ladies, no “underwire” bra.  They will literally make you take it off or turn you away!!!

•   ·      No scarves

•   ·      No shorts

•   ·      No open-toed shoes

•   ·      No low-cut blouses

•   ·      Nothing too revealing or “sexy”

•   ·      You can wear jewelry, but may have to take it off to go through the metal detector.

•   ·      Seems kind of odd to me, but the rule book says you MUST wear underwear.  I guess that seemed like a “given” to me.

What you should bring:

•   ·      Your driver’s license (must have!!)

·        Do wear a watch – there are none in the visitation room

•   ·      You must KNOW your inmate’s prisoner ID number

•   ·      You need to know the license plate number on your car (even a rental car – by the way – it is probably on the tag on the key to the rental car)

•   ·      If you have implanted devices or metal hardware, it is helpful to carry a letter from your doctor that shows proof.   People have been refused visits because they failed the metal detector due to implants.

•   ·      One one-dollar bill (to purchase your first prison debit card) and an additional amount of money to charge the debit card (it takes at least $20.00 per day to purchase food and drinks in the vending area of the visitors’ room)  There are microwaves to heat up the vending food.  This is a real treat for the inmates!!!

What to take INTO the visiting area:

•   ·      NOTHING but what you are wearing! (including a watch)

•   ·      You can’t take a wallet, purse, or any food, drink, etc.

•   ·      Your driver’s license will be held at the check-in counter until you leave.

•   ·      You can take a vending machine debit card (purchased as you come into the check-in area) but NO CASH can be carried in.

Here’s the Process:

1.            Park in the parking lot in front of the building you are visiting

2.            Leave anything locked in your vehicle that is listed above as not allowed

3.            Walk up to the gate at the entrance to the prison

4.            Ring the bell to seek entrance (at Elkton, it is a push button to the left of the gate and will sound like it is ringing a phone – they will not “answer” the call verbally)

5.            Wait for the click of the gate and walk through the first gate to the next locked door.

6.            You do not need to ring another bell for entry, but you need to wait for the first gate to close completely before they will unlock the next door, so be patient.  This area is called the “Sally Port”. (it might be useful in a trivia contest)

7.            When you hear the next door unlock, walk into the “foyer” area

8.            There will be a form to be completed EVERY time you visit.  This form must be fully completed.  The form asks for:

a.     Inmate’s name, inmate’s prison ID#

b.     Your full name and address

c.      A list of items to declare if you are carrying

d.     Vehicle color, make, model, year, license plate number

e.     If you were dropped off, just write “dropped off” and N/A in the other vehicle fields.

9.            There is also a log book to fill in that lists your name, address, inmate’s name and time and date you came.

10.        Now you wait for the guard behind the glass to motion you in for check-in.

11.        When you are allowed into the guard’s area:

a.     Give the guard your driver’s license – it will be held behind the desk until visitation is over

b.     Purchase your debit card in the machine with the one dollar bill

c.      When the card is spit out of the machine you can add money to the debit card by following the directions on the machine.  (first put the card in the slot, then put the money ($20.00 bill) into the cash slot.  When the card is charged, it will spit back out.  This is all you can take into the visitation room with you.

d.     You will now go through the metal detector so you must remove your shoes, jackets, watches, jewelry, or anything in your pockets (much like the airports) and put them in the plastic bins.  The plastic bin will go through a metal detector, too.

e.     Walk through the metal detector.

f.      If it beeps, they will ask you to step into the area behind the desk to be wand-ed or patted down.

g.     If you pass, you will be able to put your shoes and jewelry and jacket back on – If not, hmmmmm…plan to be turned away.

h.     When cleared you will walk into the visiting room – a room that is quite large and has plastic chairs facing each other (probably about 100 or so).  It is loud and there are guards watching over you.

i.       Grab a seat and wait for them to “call out” to your inmate to come to the visitation room.

j.       When the inmate comes to the room, you may give them hug and kiss hello.  After that, there is no contact allowed until you are leaving, at which time another hug and kiss is permitted.

k.     You are actually allowed to visit for the full scheduled visiting hours, as long as it is not over-crowded.  If the visiting room gets too full, the guards may end your visit early (but they generally ask “local” visitors to leave over a visitor that has come from a long distance). 

l.       You also may not be allowed access if there is “fog” or any other issue that may cause visibility issues for the guards. 

m.   There is a bathroom for the visitors inside the visiting room.  There is no lock on the door however!  You flip the BUSY/VACANT sign on the door to let people know it is occupied, however, people still may walk in.  They at least have put a privacy screen between the door and the toilet, so even if they walk in, they don’t really “see” anything.  The prisoners cannot use these restrooms.

n.     You cannot leave the visitation room and come back into the visiting room, so if you leave, you are done for the day.

o.     When the visit is over, you go back through the guard’s check-in room and gather up your driver’s license and keys, if you left them with the guard.  Keep the debit card for the next visit.

p.     You will be “herded” through the guard’s check-in area to the “Sally Port”.  All guests that are leaving will wait in this area until all have gotten through, so the locked door can be opened one time.

q.     Once through the first door, you will all wait in the outer courtyard until the first door locks behind you before the outer gate is opened and you can go to your car.

r.      Do not “linger” in the parking lot or on the grounds.  Once visiting hours are over, they want you to be off the premises.

Accommodations:

•   ·      There is a DAYS INN just about ½ mile from the prison.  A restaurant is next door and has a pretty decent menu.  If you book a room at the DAYS INN, LISBON, OH, mention that you are visiting an inmate at Elkton and you can get a reduced rate.  This hotel has enhanced “security” so you have to be buzzed into the foyer until you get your room key.

•   ·      There is a COMFORT INN in East Liverpool, OH, that is quite nice and has a pool.  East Liverpool is about 15 minutes away from Elkton.

•    

I don't want this to discourage anyone from going to visit, however, you need to know that it is pretty restrictive and once you understand the rules, it makes visiting a bit easier.    If you get a chance to make a visit....say HI for me!!!  Jeannie

GRACE AND GRATITUDE!

As I look back over the last 18 months of my freedom, Jeannie and I had put together our "bucket list" of things we wanted to do together to build some memories and projects we needed to complete before I began my sentence in prison.

I recall how over-whelming that list had become and I wondered how it would be remotely possible to complete them all.  There were times the pressure was so intense I couldn't do ANYTHING!  I simply froze and could not move forward.  Until August when we got the official plea deal, we didn't have a plan or firm understanding of how much time I would have to accomplish the tasks on the bucket list.

Even now, as I reflect on the bucket list, it is very clear to me how God has blessed us through this experience, at a time when we were facing our lowest of lows in our lives.  We had an inordinate number of things on our list of things to get done.  Here is a sample of some of them:

• renovate our Minnesota duplex (which had been vacant for 6 months - plummeting us toward financial disaster)
• Sell the duplex in a tentative housing market
• Install new doors on our home
• Replace wall covering in our family room
• Declutter our basement
• Clean out the garage
• Host a garage sale and get rid of excess stuff
• Move the laundry room to the main floor
• Repair and remodel the guest bathroom
• and many, many more smaller projects

If I took the time to list everything, it would take several more pages to write it all down (and you would be bored to tears!!!)  I should mention that while working on this list, we had a few other very critical things to do, as well, such as:

• Maintain my employment
• Finding recovery for my addiction
• Caring for my wife when she broke her leg in a "running accident"  (Bandit was the one running!!)
• Restoring our damaged and broken marriage
• Reconciling shattered relationships
• Spending time with family and friends
• Finding a good lawyer
• Planning for our financial future  (Thank you Dave Ramsey)
• And again...many, many, many more things

The bucket list turned into a mountain that seemed to loom over us and seemed to grow bigger all the time.  It felt like it would be impossible to climb it.  So we tried something we hadn't always been good at;  we prayed and turned everything over to God.  There was nothing else we could do.  We were at the end of our rope.  We were defeated.  We could no longer do this on our own.

The day Jeannie broke her leg, or perhaps the correct way to say this is:  the day our "innocent, fun-loving, muscular ball of bounding energy" a.k.a. Bandit ran into Jeannie causing her to break her leg as she fell to the ground on Easter Sunday was when our mountain just got bigger and even more impossible.  I literally cried out to God, asking Him...no DEMANDING Him to explain why He let this all happen.  I followed that up with an equally demanding e-mail to our pastors asking them why God would allow this to happen to her.  Certainly our pastors would have these answers.  But they didn't.  However, they could pray for us and encourage us as we sought God for the answers.

I have been learning that God listens to us when we cry out to Him.  He heard me and He answered my request.  I didn't see the answer right away, but it is very clear to me now.  At the time I thought I needed to roll up my sleeves and get busy on the list.  However, God had another plan.  He wanted me to SLOW DOWN!  I was instantly conflicted and confused.  How would I get anything done if I was sitting around the house taking care of my injured beloved?  Yet, that is what I HAD to do.  She needed me and I now realize how much I needed her.   I wanted to work on the tangible tasks but God wanted us to work on the "intangibles".   We spent our days reading the Bible and praying together.  I sat next to her all day, as I did my job, taking breaks for meals, pain medication for Jeannie and bathroom breaks (hers and mine).  My conference calls were so dreadful that she would often nap during them.  This made me "jealous" of her...LOL.  We followed this routine day in and day out until she was able to take care of herself.

Looking back at this time, I can see how God used this horrible accident to heal and restore our marriage.  In fact, it was by far the single-most beneficial event in the entire process.  God knew all along that we needed this time together.  Without this opportunity, we would likely have worked on the "list' in our own strength  and our own "wisdom" and totally missed the blessings!!  This would have added more strain to our already wounded marriage.  Instead, we were able to grow much closer together as the wounds (both physical and spiritual) began to heal.  Our marriage grew so much stronger as we sought God together as a couple.  It was this process that became the foundation of our recovery.  It was required by God before we could resume the work on the bucket list.

The mountainous list still seemed insurmountable to us, but we had a new plan;  Trust God and get busy doing HIS work.  We started out slowly.  It was amazing to see how God began to bless us.  He knew we could not move this mountain alone, so He brought us help in the form of family and friends. The first project was ominous and daunting.  One of our tenants left our rental apartment in a disaster.  The unit needed a full renovation from walls to floors to appliances.  My brother, Bill, who is an independent contractor, stepped in and rescued us on this project.  He took on the bulk of the work to make this unit "show ready".  We came up on the weekends to "assist" him and do whatever we could without getting in his way.  It took a few months to complete all the projects, but it really was a gem when it was finished.  THANK YOU BILL!!!!  

My wife, Jeannie, has helped out so much in the management and maintenance of the rental property over the last 12 years.  She encouraged me when I could no longer see the forest for the trees.  She worked tirelessly over the years with little reward.  THANK YOU JEANNIE!!

Now we needed renters so we could show the property's value as an income property for resale.  (It is always a struggle referring to this place as an "income property" because we have rarely seen any reliable "income from this place.  My sister, Cindy, and her husband, Bruce, stepped up to help us find new renters.  Bruce's background in managing his own rental properties was very useful.  He advertised he apartment, answered countless calls and made many trips out of his way to show the unit to perspective renters.  Cindy, too, chased down credit reports and background checks to help us find a good tenant.  They did find us a pair of renters -- the same day we received a solid offer on the sale of the house!!  THANK YOU BRUCE AND CINDY!!!

My sister, Robyn and her husband, Mark, along with their sons, Ben and Jake, helped with many of the finishing touches on the house and the clean up work before the showings.  They also recommended a reputable Real estate agent with a proven aggressive sales record.  We closed the sale of the house two months later!!!!   THANK YOU MARK, ROBYN, BEN AND JAKE!!

I cannot forget my parents and all they contributed in time and effort in getting this "mountain moved". They provided counsel, wisdom and labor over the years to keep this rental project alive.  They opened the Grafton Bed and Breakfast for Jeannie and I anytime we needed a place to stay while we worked on the property.  THANK YOU MOM AND DAD!!!!

Back in Marshfield, we had started to work on a project to fill a hole in the wall of the family room where a window once resided.  It seemed best to simply replace the ugly paneling in the room.  I remember saying, "This should be a quick project!"  If I use these words again, in your presence, RUN AWAY!!!!  We replaced the paneling with knotty pine to create a rustic "cabin" motif...which then led to replacing the front windows which were in horrible shape....which led to replacing the two doors in the room....which led to adding a coat closet...which led to.....well, you get the drift...!  I soon realized I was well-beyond my "handy-man" skills.  I was so blessed to have a new friend, Mike, who came to my rescue time and time again on many projects around our house.  Another long-time friend, Dave, from White Bear Lake, MN, came down to help on the paneling project.  He also brought a pal for Bandit to play with while we worked.  THANK YOU MIKE AND DAVE...AND ERNIE!!!

One of the last major projects to complete was the upstairs bathroom remodel.  Jeannie designed the renovation and we went shopping for the most inexpensive, but nice, items we could find in the "close out" section of Menards.  We were now in the midst of all the court dates, so it was going to be challenging to get this project finished before I was to be incarcerated.   I had expected to lose my job long before I actually did, which would have afforded me more time to work on this project.  But, Praise God, that did not happen!  The demolition was completed and then the courts decided I would be too much of a "risk" to let me stay in my house any longer, so I was placed under house arrest at my brother- and sister-in-laws' home in the country outside of Pittsville.  I never got to see this project through to it's finish, but had a couple of plans that didn't work out.  Despite this failed plan, God provided a better plan for Jeannie and I.  He knew what we needed and all we needed to do was trust Him!!

The solution God had for us was a team of four men from Faith Fellowship who love to serve with their hands.  They stepped up to complete the work I had begun.  They worked tirelessly, even coming in while Jeannie was visiting me in Ohio, to get this project finished.  I am deeply humbled by the help they and so many others provided us as we worked toward completing our bucket list.  Because of their help, our "Edison Bed and Breakfast" is open for business once again for friends and family.    Jeannie tells me it is absolutely beautiful!!

It is a strange and awful feeling to be unable to contribute to this project which I started.  I feel so helpless not being able to work on my own home.  I have also learned that there is pride involved here, too.  Men, by nature, do not like accepting help when they need it.  I am one of them, and I am truly thankful to Pastor Jason at NRC for opening my eyes to this two years ago when I sat in his office a broken man.  So I am yet again humbled by these men who have stepped up to finish this project on my  behalf!!  THANK YOU JEFF, JOE, TOM AND ED!!!!

God blessed me with 18 months of freedom to work on this bucket list.  We put God first and honored His commands.  God blessed us by moving our mountain!  He surrounded us with many people who helped us by physically helping us, praying for us, encouraging us and counseling us, and just plain loving on us with amazing grace!  

I don't want to neglect two people who offered me a home, away from home, in order to allow me to enjoy two additional months of freedom.  I will always be grateful and bear a tattoo to make sure I never forget how precious our time was together....THANK YOU BILL AND CINDY for your gracious love and putting up with long-term "guests"!!!

I want to thank our kids for the way they have forgiven and shown grace to me, too.  I know it has not always been easy, but THANK YOU JOHNMARK, ANDI, JAKE AND EMILY for standing by me and taking care of your mom!!

I know I have probably neglected to mention many who have also been instrumental in helping us through this past two years and for that I am sorry.  You have all been a blessing to Jeannie and I and such encouragement on this road we walk.   Thank you for being God's hands and feet and heart.

McFreedom!!