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Between . You andMe By RUTH COLES As a postscript to last week's column about the Whitby Jail I would like to add a few words about the volunteers who contribute so much to the in- mates. There are ministers of every denomination who are on call, the Salvation Army, Alcoholics Anony- mous and someone who can help with drug-related problems, the John Howard Society who help with job hunting and searches for housing and others too numerous to mention. Last, but not least, six chur- ch groups to provide Sunday services. There are life skill programs for anyone who will commit themselves to sessions for a few weeks. There was a spelling error in last wek's column. Rather than "forming an opinion, an educated one I must admit," the word educated should have read, "unedueated." My knowledge of such institutions was very limited. I am learning and am thankful for what I have seen and been told. On a positive note I just cannot think of anything negative to write except for the fact that such Places have to exist. I read with interest a short item last week in the Toronto Star in which a director of communications for the Ministry of Correctional Services said, "The panel report last month that the jail is croWded may have been misleading." This was in reference to the Whitby Jail. The next progression was to learn about half-way houses and for me one in particular, Durhamdale in Pickering. There are three half-way houses in the Region of Durham, one for women and two for men. To be admitted to a half-way house there are cer- tain stipulations which must be met. We could give a lengthy explanation but will at this time only discuss some of the procédure. In court the judge asks staff members at the jail to make their recommendations, which can mean yes or no. Also, the latter check C.P.I.C., Canadian PoliceIdentification Classification, which provides very detailed input about the person in question. If there is anything outstanding it is duly recorded by thé compter. Compters used. by the police authorities have speeded up and simplified their work to a great degree. I think this is more or less worldwide and information is shared by many coun- tries if necessary. After a very thorough check by the crown and police the person is referred by the Whitby Jail authorities to Durhamdale or any of the other half- way houses. At this point in time the staff of a half- way house can accept or reject. There could, for instance, have been previous visits which were un- satisfactory. So for obvious reasons there is awlays a thorough check done. A comprehensive look at how and why there are half-way.houses, why they are used and why they hare neéded. Once again, I was very pleased with everything Isaw and was told. In this case a charming old stone building, a house which no doubt served as a summer home years ago in a lovely setting right at the lake. A large lawn, green grass well cared for and kept with large vege- table gardens tended by the inmates. The garden- ers come from the Whitby Jail too, this is one of their gardens where their harvest is sent to other in- stitutions such as hospitals. A beautiful view over the lake, lovely old trees which offer shade for anyone wanting to rest or relax in the garden. The inmates are able to go out on this lawn facing the lake but must be in before dark, as the sun begins to set. Inside the house with its high ceilings, wide win- dow sills and consequently thick walls there is a cosy comfortable atmosphere. Niely furnished with several sitting rooms where guests can be en- tertained by the inmates. Books, T.V., a pool table and weights for anyone interested in weight lifting; ail on the main floor with a dining room adjacent to the kitchen. In the dining room several tables with chairs so the men can eat in groups rather than at one large table. Good mealN are provided I was told and they have a really excellent cook. The inmates make their jown breakfast; three meals a day are provided, the third. lunch for anyone who happens to be there at elctic&Sanal full guarntee 10 %oisoun g.t.ths upon SAVE BIGI WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 1982, PAGE 9 Toastmistress club thanks its supporters noon time for a good reason. There are vending machines for anyone who feels the need for a snack. I saw a public telephone which J forgot to ask about but no doubt with change it could be used. Bright cheery bedrooms, tidy and well kept on the second floor. Several beds in each room but not at ail crowded. Everyone is expected to do chores and look after their own bed and personal effects. Everything looked shiny clean tome all through the house. Advantages in this place are many. Freedom to live in a home rather than an institution. Freedom to hold their jobs or go to school. Transportation is provided by family or friends which is the way it should 'be and, therefore, they do not become a public charge in regard to getting back and forth. There is a Dial-A-Bus available on the road north of the house a few hundred yards away, There are weekenders who arrive Fridayevening and leave Monday morning. This sentence is im- posed or given by a judge. The weekenders all chip in with the-others and do their part. As in any home or residence there is always much to be done both inside and out. At Durhamdale it is a shared experience which must be a benefit for all concerned. Most noticeable were oil paintings al over done by the inmates and generally a first attempt. Ab- solutely amazing! I took painting over the years while going to school and for the life of me I couldn't do what they have done with short term instruction. There are handicrafts around too so there can be lit- tde idleness. Wood carvings were in evidencë, most, in fact ail of them lovely. Some of them work at a woodworking company and rather than being paid in cash are given beautiful wood carved objects. As in the Whitby Jail there are learning programs for anyone including the Seven Steps program. Available for all to see is a trophy won last year in the Fiesta Parade for a float put together by the in- mates. They have been invited to participate again this year. We hope they will win another trophy to put on theshelf with the original. A clean well-run home in a beautiful site with most of the advantages of home. An atmosphere which must provide a healing for all concerned. Several club mem- bers were on hand, making this a most suc- cessful event. They were president; Althea Darwen; president elect, Lee Hewitt; past president, Jeannette Et- ter; Shirley MacDon- ald; Marguerite Kulik; Lee Irwin; Jean Mar- tin; Barbara Blair; Myrna Picotte; Helen Hines; and, Tearie Howie. Whitby Toastmistress Club members would like to take this opportu- nity to say thank you to ail of their supporters, and look forward to another rewarding year with their continued help. By BETTY DUBOWSKI Whitby Toastmistress Whitby Toastmistress Club members held a wine and cheese party on Tuesday, June 8, at the home of public rela- tions chairman Betty Dubowski. Assisting the hostess was her hus- band, Joe Dubowski. The club is winding down its 1981-82 year, and this occasion was to honor its supporters during that term. Honored guests at- tending the function in- cluded Mayor Bob At- tersley; Michael Knell (Whitby Free Press); Dawn Hembling (Community Informa- tion, Whitby Public Lib- rary); and Catherine Moffat (Century 21 Newsletter). Also present were Jean Holtom (president, Coundil 2, International Toastmistress Clubs) and Joan-Ann- Evelyn, Public Relations Chair- man, First Oshawa Toastmistress Club. PRINTING A ?18 H ar wooci •CHESERFIELDSOF *DINING ROOMS- OFF •CHAIRS•eSTOVES OFF *T@V. &APPUANCES OFF *WASHERS•eDRYERS eRECUNERS *COFFEEAND END TA1LES FREESET UP AD DELIVERY Furniture Mac -Cculey & 309 BROCK ST. S. WHITBY 662081 haven't helped a customer" OFF OFF TYPE WRITERS ADDING MACHINES * CALCULATORS SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS ,ýj