The Democratic Women's Club will meet on Wednesday, March 16th at El Sarape in Gateway Center. A no-host luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. with the program following a short business meeting at noon. Kim Klint, Executive Director of Mason Matters, will share information about the many and varied activities and projects of that community group.

At our meeting on February 16th, Washington Corrections Center Superintendent Scott Russell shared general information about how the prison system operates and spoke specifically about potential changes happening at the Shelton facility. While the overall Department of Corrections budget has been reduced significantly the last couple of years, there were several changes made expanding the local prison's operations. He said that WCC had re-opened an additional unit to house offenders transferred as a result of the closure of McNeil Island Corrections Center and that WCC had absorbed the laundry services for the Women's Corrections Centers at Purdy and Mission Creek. In addition, they are now involved with Canine Unit training. He said that WCC continues to serve as the Reception Center for the entire prison system, but that DOC intends to build a new facility and that Mason County officials had made a bid that it be constructed on the current prison site. Scott also talked about DOC's focus on assisting offenders as they are released and re-entering the community, noting that community education and understanding are essential for that to succeed.

Overall, Scott's remarks gave us a better understanding of the many issues the prison systems faces in housing offenders and those posed for the communities and offenders when they are released.

Next month should be a good meeting filled with interesting information as well. Hope to see you on March 16th!

Peace,
Marilyn

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