Monthly Minutes

FFLW - Main Page Calendar of Events Contact Information Monthly Minutes We Are Everywhere.... A Lifers Own Words President's Message LINKS: Officer and Liaison Information; Members Photos More Photos FFLW NEWSLETTER "Life and Times" Report: Safety and Abuse in America's Prisons 5th Edition of Life and Times Fight For Lifers, PA at CR10 in Oakland, CA - Sept. 2009 Photos from our Rally in Philly on Aug. 12, 2009 NEW! Juvenile Lifers
   

                 FIGHT FOR LIFERS WEST MEETING

 September 19, 2009 Meeting opened at 10:05AM with a moment of silence for those serving life without parole. The meeting agenda was reviewed.1.      Introduction of Officers, Members and attendees –We went around the room and introduced ourselves. 2.       President’s Report–Donna Pfender – (a) updated website: http://fightforliferswest.mysite.com   (b) returned phone calls, e-mails, answered letters and sent post cards (c) Was not on any teleconferences due to circumstances beyond her control. (d) wrote several blogs (online articles with feedback) for T.I.M.E. website (Treatment of Inmates Morally and Ethically) (e) Received $2,000 grant from RESIST – 7% goes to TMC (f) created new poster board for FFLW (g) updated brochures3.      Secretary’s Report – Secretary Harriet Washington was absent last month and she read  minutes that President Donna took.4.      Treasurer’s Report – Ned Pfundt was absent but sent report – We have a total balance of $2,298.85.5.      Committee Reports –                                          A) Calling committee – calls were made by the committee B)Juvenile Lifers – Joe Heckel –went to Board of Pardons Hearing in Harrisburg. The law required that each board member interview a candidate – they decided not to vote but to take it under advisement.  Joe will be looking further into pardons. Two Supreme Court cases in Florida  are coming up and we are part of a brief in this case going before them.  It is Unusual punishment for a 13 year old mentally retarded kid to get a life sentence without parole.  We are the only country in the world to give life sentences with out parole.  Florida is going to say each state is sovereign to do the right thing and not go by what the Federal government or other countries do.  Case is supposed to come up November 9th.   If you want to get marriage license and you are in prison, Register of Wills in Fayette County will not go to the prison to get info from inmate so they can get married.  The prisoner has to get transferred to the county jail ( which isn’t easy) then the Register of Wills can walk across the street and get the info needed for the license.  C)    Outreach/Veteran Lifers – Ned Pfundt absent from meeting – no report  D)    Female Lifers –Donna Pfender – Dominick Greed is our intern and is sending a survey to inmates to see what they need. E)     Newsletter –No one to do it – Harriet and Donna are going to try to work it out..6.      New Business(a)    September was supposed to be our election meeting but not enough people here – motion was made to hold off election until October meeting. Joe suggested we add to our by-laws how many people are needed for an election. (b)   We are to have a visitor from Families Outside at our next meeting.(c)    Graterford corresponded with Donna and sent the attached information.  We read it over and Donna asked us to take it home and review it and see if we want to get on board to try to get a legislature to take this on. Meeting adjourned at 12:00 – Next meeting October 17th  at 10:00AM   
                  FIGHT FOR LIFERS WEST MEETING August 15, 2009  Meeting opened at 10:12AM with a moment of silence for those serving life without parole. The meeting agenda was reviewed.      1. Introduction of Officers, Members and attendees –We went around the room and introduced ourselves. -         2. President’s Report –Donna Pfender  (a) updated website:http://fightforliferswest.mysite.com (has problems with website. (b) returned phone calls, e-mails, answered letters and sent post cards.re:Increasing inquiries about FFLW (c) Was on several teleconference calls with NAFPR and FFL, PA. and HRC FedUp! (d) wrote several blogs(online articles with feedback) for the T.I.M.E.  WEBSITE (Treatment of Inmates Morally and Ethically)(f) had several meetings with Pgh. G-20 Human Rights Alliance 3. Secretary’s Report  - Minutes were read from the July18, 2009 meeting by Terry Diggs and accepted as read.           4. Treasurer’s Report – Total in both accounts is $430.23 We are awaiting a grant from R.E.S.I.S.T. this month            5.  Committee Reports –                                          A) Calling committee – calls were made by Terry Diggs & Janie Campbell

B)    Juvenile Lifers – Joe Heckel signed on to the Amicuse Brief for the 2 cases of the boys from Florida going in front of the Supreme Court. One committed a crime at 17 years old and was given a life sentence for violating his parole.  His first crime was a robbery.  The second case was a boy who is mentally incapable. He committed a crime with two other boys and robbed a lady.  Later someone raped and beat the lady and the boy was sentenced by the testimony of the other 2 boys.  He was given life in prison at 13 years old. Ronna Secreti asked Joe about HR1567. Joe said there would be flat sentences if a person is convicted of a crime and released they shall be sentenced to a flat sentence of at least 15 to 30 years with no parole and if they come back a third time they shall be sentenced to 30-50 years with no parole or life in prison.  Joe also said he spoke with Sen. Costa’s cousin, Tom, who was newly appointed. 

 B) Juvenile Lifers (continued) Ron Waters is introducing HR 402 in Pennsylvania which directs to establish an Advisory Committee to study juveniles. Met with Bill Moushey. In attendance was Jeffrey Shook and Prof. Moushey said they wanted public consensus on the juvenile issue. He plans to put out a magazine in November, 2009 regarding juvenile lifers. Joe thinks it’s a good idea to invite Jim Ferlo to a meeting.  C)  Outreach/Veteran Lifers – Ned Pfundt : Judge Zottolla is open to the idea   o f having a Veteran’s Court. Mary Graczyk from Families Outside is supposed to attend our September meeting.   D)Female Lifers – Donna Pfender: Wrote an article for “The Movement” a magazine put out by the Human Rights Coalition in Philadelphia. It exposed much of what is done to women illegally in PA Prisons.  E) Newsletter –Brenda Emerick. She states she cannot locate the labels and can’t do the newsletter. She told people with articles to give them to Etta. In addition she is working on a “Lifers Relief & Re-Entry Project” and presented her plan. Afterwards, there was a lengthy discussion with everyone in the room getting an opportunity to talk or ask questions. It was decided that Brenda and other members would form a committee to develop a feasible plan at separate meetings and then report back to the main group. Contact Brenda for more information. F) HRC/FEDUP –Donna Pfender: Attended Rally in Philly with HRCFedUp and the Human Rights Coalition from Philly on August 12 to protest inhumane prison conditions.
  1. Other Business:
  2. (a)statewide teleconference PA FFL, We have monthly teleconferences on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:30PM. The call-in number is 1-866-766-7046.  The conference code is :*3081099*.  Our next teleconference is Tuesday, Aug. 25th  at 7:30 p.m.–Please join us.
(b) Other new business?
  1. Next Meeting – September 19, 2009 from 10:00AM until 12:00 Noon
  2. Meeting Adjourned at 11:50 a.m. 
 
                 FIGHT FOR LIFERS WEST MEETING July 18, 2009 Meeting opened at 10:07AM with a moment of silence for those serving life without parole. The meeting agenda was reviewed.1.      Introduction of Officers, Members and attendees –We went around the room and introduced ourselves. -         .-         2. President’s Report –Donna Pfender  (a) updated website:http://fightforliferswest.mysite.com (b) returned phone calls, e-mails, answered letters and sent post cards.re:Increasing inquiries about FFLW (c) Was on several teleconference calls in PA FFL; (Joe Heckel attend in June): HRC FedUp!, Accountability Council and the National Alliance for Prisoner’s Rights (NAFPR) (d) wrote several blogs(online articles with feedback) for the t.i.m.e. WEBSITE (Treatment of Inmates Morally and Ethically)(f) had several meetings with Pgh. G-20 Human Rights Alliance 3. Secretary’s Report  - Minutes were read from the June 20, 2009 meeting and accepted as read. 

         4. Treasurer’s Report – Total in both accounts - Contact FFLW - discrepancy with TMC account – Ned to Meet with their treasurer.  

          5.  Committee Reports –                                          A) Calling committee – calls were made by Terry Diggs & Janie   B)    Juvenile Lifers – Joe Heckel –HB1567 flat sentences if a person is convicted of a crime and released they shall be sentenced to a flat sentence of at least 15 to 30 years with no parole and if they come back a third time they shall be sentenced to 30-50 years with no parole or life in prison.  Joe passed out a response to 2 cases in Florida – one committed a crime at 17 years old and was given a life sentence for violating his parole.  His first crime was a robbery.  The second case was a boy who is mentally incapable. He committed a crime with two other boys and robbed a lady.  Later someone raped and beat the lady and the boy was sentenced by the testimony of the other 2 boys.  He was given life in prison at 13 years old.  Joe gave us a copy of a letter he wrote to the Juvenile Law Center and he got a reply saying there might be some technicalities.  They sent him a brief and he asked us to become a part of the brief.  A motion was made that we support the Juvenile Law Center and seconded by Brenda. The teleconference was about Anita’s report in Switzerland and she will send us a report later.  C)  Outreach/Veteran Lifers – Ned Pfundt   - Ned joined “Veterans for Peace” and they are calling for a National Pardon for Vets. The CCC (Civilian Conservation Core) was started before the 2nd World War and was discontinued. They are thinking about starting it up again in order to help Vets. Ned is also trying to get the 2 ministers of the church where we have our meetings, get involved with us and come to our meetings. D)Female Lifers –Brenda – sent a package to Muncie for Lifers Relief and re-entry program. She also sent a letter to Senator Webb with info about us.E)     Newsletter –We have an intern (Dominick) who is going to be an attorney.- and is going to help us. There is an investigation at Cambridge Springs about a guard taking women inmates to do favors for them and their friends.  The Newsletter cost $400. to do and Brenda has some articles ready. She is working on a “Lifers Relief & Re-Entry Project” and developing the plan so when she goes to the senate with 2540 they have a plan to send these people.  We will discuss this at our August meeting and articles should be done by then.                                                F)   HRC/FEDUP –Etta Cetera – no report.   
  1. Other Business:
(a)statewide teleconference PA FFL, We have monthly teleconferences on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:30PM. The call-in number is 1-866-766-7046.  The conference code is :*3081099*.  Our next teleconference is Tuesday, July 28th –Please join us. (b) Call to Protest – see flyer© Other new business?
  1. Next Meeting – August 15, 2009 from 10:00AM until 12:00 Noon
  2. Meeting Adjourned at 11:58

Sorry for not having minutes posted for May and June. We had difficulties submitting the minutes to the website through no fault of our own.

  

                 FIGHT FOR LIFERS WEST MEETING

April 18, 2009

Meeting opened at 10:12AM with a moment of silence for those serving life without parole. The meeting agenda was reviewed.

1.      Introduction of Officers, Members and attendees -We went around the room and introduced ourselves.

 2. President's Report -Donna Pfender was off sick 

 3. Secretary's Report  - Minutes were read from the March 21, 2009 meeting and accepted as read.

4. Treasurer's Report - Total in both accounts is $1,386.40

5.  Committee Reports -                                          

A)    Calling committee - calls were made by Terri Diggs & Janie Campbell 

B)  Juvenile Lifers - Joe Heckel -Newsletter came out and featured Jordon Brown who is 12 years old and accused of murder.  Attorney General is really wrestling with this case. Joe wrote to two senators and sent a copy of his newsletter to them.  Mr. Penningwells Attorney from Venango County will continue to defend him and this is a good thing.  Joe wrote to him also.  The Prison Society had a conference last month and the subject of juvenile lifers was discussed.  Angus Love's organization is involved with prisoners and gave a legislation update of what's happening. Lifers and Juvenile Lifers are being discussed and our position with the public and legislators is better than it has been in the last 20 years. Joe wants us to be in constant touch with our legislators to let them know about our situations.

C)  Outreach/Veteran Lifers - Ned Pfundt   -no report.

D)     Female Lifers -Sharon Wickens was nominated "Inmate of the Year" and is from Muncie. Etta wants to invite someone from "Victims of Violent Crimes" to our next meeting.  Etta suggested we have a forum with the Innocence Project to let people understand our views.

E)    Newsletter - Please have articles in by our June meeting so we can have it ready for our newsletter in July.  Next meeting bring a question you would like to ask and Attorney Ericka Kriesman will answer some of our questions in the newsletter.

6.Other Business:

a) The Merton Center will close in three months if they don't get additional funding. There will be a board meeting on April 27 at 7:00PM. There was a motion made by Harriet Washington and seconded by Ned Pfundt to donate $50 to the Merton Center.

b) Etta is going to Harrisburg next week

c) There is an art show at 30 Beau St., Washington, PA with art from the prisoners and the show will be there until May 5th.

Next Meeting - May 16, 2009 from 10-12:00 noon.

Meeting Adjourned at 11:05AM

 

 

                                  Fight For Lifers West Meeting

                                          March 21, 2009 Meeting opened at 10:07AM with a moment of silence for those serving life without parole. The meeting agenda was reviewed.1.      Introduction of Officers, Members and attendees –We went around the room and introduced ourselves. -         2. Guest Speaker–Professor John Rago from Duquesne University, School of Law (Innocence Project; Innocence Commission) Prof. Rago stated that-         2 to 4% in prison are innocent-         80% pertain to eye witness testimony which can be disputed-         His report is due in June-         He tried to find every aspect in a case to improve the criminal justice system-         Tom Doswell was released after serving 19 years in prison for something he didn’t do. The evidence was in a brown paper bag in the Judge’s closet. Once he was out of prison he was on his own – He is trying to get a compensation statue for innocent people to live on after being released.-         Economic factors may help with parole-         Will not vote for Tom Corbett, Attorney General because of his views-         Pardon process takes 3 years and commutation takes longer-         If the case happened in the 80’s or early 90’s DNA probable was tested.-         Write a letter to the Innocence Project and if they think you have a chance, they will send you a questionnaire to fill out and return to them. -         His address is Duquesne University School of Law, 600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15282-     3. President’s Report –Donna Pfender (a) updated website:http://fightforliferswest.mysite.com (b) returned phone calls, e-mails, answered letters and sent post cards. (c) Was on several teleconference calls in PA FFL; The National Stopmax Steering Committee: HRC FedUp!, Accountability Council and the National Alliance for Prisoner’s Rights (NAFPR)          4. Secretary’s Report  - Minutes were read from the February 21, 2009 meeting and accepted as read.    5. Treasurer’s Report – Total in both accounts is $1,554.85         6.  Committee Reports –  

A) Calling committee – calls were made by the committee 

B)  Juvenile Lifers – Joe Heckel –David Penningwell, 15 year old juvenile who appealed to Superior Court and they granted an argument.  Bradley Bridge helped him file an appeal for an appointment of council and it’s still up in the air.  We need a good case that they can appeal and win to use as an example for other cases. Point Park has a magazine called “Justice” where they are also doing an innocence project. C)  Outreach/Veteran Lifers – Ned Pfundt   - Ned got a report from Western and they said they have 6 veteran lifers in their facility. D)     Female Lifers –Etta made a trip to Cambridge and Donna is corresponding with some female inmates.E)     Newsletter – no updates about newsletter 
  1. Other Business:

a)      Statewide teleconference PA FFL, We have monthly teleconferences on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:30PM. The call-in number is 1-866-766-7046.  The conference code is :*3081099*.  Our next teleconference is Tuesday, March 24 – Please join us.

b)      Invitation to the annual ACLU annual meeting – Monday March 23, 2009 at 7:00PM (Handout attached) Fed-Up will be at the Shadow Lounge April 6 at 7:00PM 
  1. Next Meeting – April 18, 2009 from 10-12:00 noon.
  2. Meeting Adjourned at 11:50AM

FIGHT FOR LIFERS WEST MEETING 

JUNE 16, 2007 

Meeting opened at 10:05AM with a moment of silence for those serving life without parole. President Donna Pfender opened the meeting by going over the agenda.1.      Introduction of  Officers, Members and attendees – Introduced Jimmy Ziegler as our new Sgt. Of Arms.2.      President’s Report – (a) Submitted grant to RESIST on May 25, 2007 for $3000.00 (b) Went to SCI Pine Grove on May 28, 2007 to make plans regarding the Virtual Adjustment Program VAP which reaches out to youth in the community by having juvenile lifers speaking to young people by satellite to let them know about the jails and their conditions. (c) Sent list of Veteran Lifers to Benjamin Butler at PGH Office of VA (d) FFLW Retreat on June 2 (report attached) (e) Added a page to our website to announce Essay Contest winners. Go to: http://fightforliferswest.mysite.com. (f) Invited to SCI Cresson (no date yet) (g) Personal plans to go to SCI Forest on July 5, 2007 and SCI Muncy on July 9, 2007.3.      Secretary’s Report – The minutes were read by Harriet Washington from the May 19  meeting - and were accepted  as read.(Jimmy made motion and Ned second)4. Treasurers Report – Ned Pfundt gave the report – For further information contact Fight For Lifers West. Discussion on whether we should pay money for trips to institutions. Suggested that whoever attends brings in receipts for the expenses and we compensate them for gas & tolls. Brenda made a motion and Etta second that we pay for gas & tolls.5.      Communications – Joe Heckel  -(unable to attend) (a) suggestions – that Newsletter follow up with institutions about receipt of same (Problems with JNL at Smithfield and Huntingdon) and about keeping track of donations that come in specifically for support of the NL.  Also suggests we devote space in NL to acknowledge all donations and who they are from and why. Motion made by Roger and second by Ned that when Ned sends thank you notes, ask if they would mind if we publish their mane in the futurea.       Roger let us know we can now e-mail inmates if you have their DOC # and location. Go to the DOC website and type your messageb.      Made contact with John Rago who wants to know why people are wrongfully convicted.  Eyewitness identification is terrible in PA. Double blind system  - (1) whoever does lineup must not know who the accused is   (2) developing a specific speech at the time of the line-up so when witness identifies suspect it is on his own accord (3) Snitch testimony – 65% of people were incarcerated because of snitch testimony, then you find out if they testify against this person, that their sentence is reduced.(4) Michigan bill on juveniles – anyone convicted as a juvenile shall be subject to probation/parole after 10 years . 6.      Liaison Reports -  a) Calling committee – Terry Diggs, Janie Campbell – Mr. Orowitz had a mini-stroke and Bobby Johnson had 2 strokes and a heart attacked – they both enjoyed getting our newsletter.(b) Outreach – 328 names of veterans serving a life sentence – Ned submitted 8 names of lifers to his church deacons to start a writing to them. (c) Essay contest – Darlene Williams not present (d) Newsletter – we will do newsletter 4 times a year and it cost less for 100 more copies. Next deadline is August 18 meeting and will be mailed out by September meeting.  Sent our 600 copies this time and got 1 letter asking to be removed from the list.7.      New Business –(a) Allyson Holtz passed out cards for the Community Arts dedication which will be June 21 at 5:00PM at the Southwestern Veteran’s Center(b) Other new business:    Discussion – FFLW Retreat on June 2, 20071)      proposal to change our name – can be expensive because checks, website, etc. will have to be changed.  Roger suggested we table this discussion until the next meeting and think of names we want for our group.2)      Mission statement  - support for lifer & organization for lifer – Ron made a motion and Jimmy second it to accept our Mission Statement3)      Mailing lists – Include our P.O. Box on newsletter and have them put attention to the appropriate committee4)      Schedule speakers – schedule them to speak from ll:30 to 12:00. Roger made a motion to have speakers come at 10:00 & give them 20 minutes to speak and 10 minutes for questions. Members should be notified 30 days in advance of a speaker coming. Motion carried.5)      Change the meeting place6)      Goals for 20077)      Membership committee 

Meeting adjourned at 12:00 – Next Meeting will be July 21, 2007 at 10:00AM

FIGHT FOR LIFERS WEST MEETING

MAY 19, 2007

Meeting opened at 10:00AM with a moment of silence for those serving life without parole. President Donna Pfender opened the meeting by reading a letter from an inmate and she went over the agenda.

1. Introduction of Officers, Members and attendees

2. President's Report -(a) Donna Pfender and Lois Grayson went to Harrisburg on April 23 for the Report to the PA Joint Judiciary Committee on Safety and Abuse in America's Prisons (handout attached) Donna joined a committee with Justice and Mercy to get the recommendations implemented. (b) Donna, Ned Pfundt & Jimmy Zigler went to SCI Huntingdon on April 25 for the PA Lifer's Assoc. "Day of Responsibility" sponsored by the PA Prison Society and PLA (c) Updated our website with new pages and photos. Website address is http://fightforliferswest.mysite.com (d) writing grant for $3,000.00 to RESIST. (E) Ned and Donna met with Jeremy from TMC regarding ACORN.

3. Secretary's Report - The minutes were read by Harriet Washington from the April 21 meeting - and were accepted as read.

4. Treasurers Report - Ned Pfundt: Contact FFLW for details.

5. Communications - Joe Heckel - (a)discussed "Z Code" -inmates have to give up being by themselves in order to come up for commutation.

6. Legislative Reports - Roger was out of town. SR381 contact person is David Hostetter, Exec. Director Joint State Gov. Commission, 108 Finance Bldg., Harrisburg, PA 17120. Any input you want, write directly to him. Roger submitted a 17 page report to Chairperson Dean John Rago on 4/17/07 regarding judicial misconduct across the board. To find out more info go to:
http://www.geocities.com/pennsylvaniainnocencecommission/index.htm
If you have a personal story about your loved one, this is who you write to.

7. Liaison Reports -(a) Calling committee - calls were made by Terry & Janie -The Orowitz family sends its regards. (b) Outreach - Ned Pfundt, is trying to get church groups inmate numbers and names of lifers who don't have families for them to write too. He was given a list of all Veterans in our prisions. (2) Ned and Clara Coleman spoke to the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry on May 12, 2007.

8. Old Business - (a) Essay Contest, Darlene Williams - We have 67 essays and would like to send thank you letters to those who were in the contest and didn't win. (4 were from out of state and not eligible). Will have the winning entry by June 2 at the retreat. Darlene made a booklet with all the essays in it and did a very good job of organizing this contest.

9. New Business

A. plan to meet with Stephen Knight at SCI Pine Grove regarding the Virtual adjustment Program on May 28. Etta made a motion and Darlene second to give Donna $40 to make the trip.
B. Invited to speak at SCI Cresson and accepted, but no date given
C. Invited to SCI Greensburg's Phoenix group "Day of Appreciation" on June 20, Net, Etta and Donna plan to attend.
D. Info on the DOC's new phone provider and rates (handout)
E. Info on Inmate mail opening in PA (handout)
F. Mt. Ararat Church is going to start prison ministry at Muncie
G. Need to define our goals at the retreat and accept obtainable goals to define a mission statement.

10. Next Meeting - June 16 at 10:00AM - Meeting was adjourned at 11:25AM

FIGHT FOR LIFERS WEST MEETING
APRIL 21, 2007

Meeting opened at 10:07AM with a moment of silence for those serving life without parole. President Donna Pfender opened the meeting by going over the agenda.
1. Introduction of Officers, Members and attendees

2. President's Report - (a) Grant submitted for $20,000 to ARCA Foundation was not considered - notice received 4/9/07. (b) Submitting new grant for $3,000.00 to RESIST. (c) Gary Jones asked if PA Lifer's Support Group can share our website (see handout) Brenda made a motion that we bring this under consideration and Jimmy seconded. (d) Invitation to speak at SCI Cresson and to visit Stephen Knight at SCI Pine Grove to discuss their Virtual Visitation Program. Confirmed trip to Huntingdon on 4/25/07 for their Day of Responsibility and Ned & Jimmy will be going also. (e) Phone interview with the Tribune Review was very negative (see attached handout "Rehabbed Criminals Still Might Be a Danger" - asked for a retraction and a rebuttal, but received no response.(f) Donna did a live radio call-in show on April 5 with Demetri Vassilorus. Terri Diggs taped it. (g) Donna continues to answer letters, e-mails and phone calls that come in almost daily.(h) updated our website: http://fightforliferswest.mysite.com We had 232 visits to the site this month (1)Received letter from Bernard Jerry SCI Cresson offering us a book of poems to sell and profit from - we decided that we want to see the poems first (j) Wrote letters of support to Walk for a Healthy Community and to the Center for Victims of Violence and Crime. (k) Wrote article for Issue 2 of Newsletter.

3. Secretary's Report - The minutes were read by Harriet Washington from the March 17 meeting - and were accepted as read.

4. Treasurers Report - Ned Pfundt: Contact FFLW for details.

5. Communications - Joe Heckel - (a) Juvenile Newsletter will go out first week of May (b) Received a letter from a prisoner in Huntington saying they started a youth project which will educate the youth about prison. Also received a letter from someone who is applying for commutation and wants our support. Joe suggested we start a committee to address these issues. Etta suggested we have a retreat in order to go over our issues. Donna asked her to get info on a retreat.

6. Legislative Reports - Roger Thomas met with Dean John Rago and presented SR381 (Advisory Committee to Innocence Commission).

7. Liaison Reports -(a) Calling committee - calls were made by Terry & Janie - updated member list (see attached) (b) Outreach - Ned Pfundt, & Jimmy visited Hebron United Presbyterian Church and talked to the Deacons. Brenda will give Ned names of people who want pen pals and his Deacons want to write to them. (1) Ned & Donna spoke at a Criminology class at Duquesne University on 3/27. (2) Outreach committee spoke with Rep. Jake Wheatley at his office on 3/29 regarding the black caucus. Joe presented Rep. Wheatley with 14 names of people in his district after he scolded us and told us to get in touch with our own representatives instead of the Black Caucus.

8. Old Business - (a) Essay Contest, Darlene Williams - We have 59 essays so far and the deadline is 4/30/07. (500 words or less). Judges are Thomas Farrell and Min. Charles Head

9. New Business - (a) Issue 2 of "Life & times" will be ready by our next meeting (b) Trip to Harrisburg to attend the Public Hearing on Safety and Abuse on 4/23/07. Request was made for $60.00 for expenses. Motion was made by Harriet and seconded by Etta to give that amount to our President. She will bring a report to our next meeting. (c) Not ready at this time for a committee to create a proposal to PA Black Caucus (d) Other new business - June 2 for our retreat - Motion made by Darlene and seconded by Terry to have it from 10:00-5:00PM. 

10. Next Meeting - May 19, 2007 at 10:00AM - Meeting was adjourned at 11:55AM