Mr. Sean Medeiros, Superintendent
MCI Norfolk

RE: Weight Room usage 3:30 - 4:30 +/ PM for Over 50 aged inmates - Officially Sponsored

Dear Superintendent Medeiros,

There have been numerous exhaustive discussions about the above and I was lead to believe that "all was finally settled - and approved" - that all involved staff and interested parties had agreed to allow weight room access from 3:30 - 4:30 +/- on Wednesdays and Fridays - then it was Friday & Saturday - and now it seems to be in limbo again. The DOT has told me, " I agreed to allow and support Weight Room access." Former Majority Camp Chairman, John Stote was promised by the DOT that a letter was being written to direct those involved to allow the above access - yet nothing has been done to date.

It has now been two and one-half months since we completed a successful proof of concept test using this proposed time slot, for the entire month of November 2016. The men involved have been patiently waiting for renewed access. We believed that everything was "a GO" on February 1st. More than twenty (20+) disappointed men were turned away from the gym Wednesday 2/1/17 at 3:30 - with R.O. Joe stating that, "Mike ordered me not to allow 3:30 access, he's my boss. I have to do what he says."

Gym workers have stated that a veiled threat was lobbed by a certain Rec. Officer regarding: "loss of jobs would follow if the 3:30 weight room access was imposed." Virtually attempting to create a rift having inmates undermine other inmates. If cleaning were a legitimate issue, steps would be taken to provide for it. One unnamed R.O. comes into the institution at 7:00 AM weekdays and doesn't see an inmate until 8:30. He could easily open the Gym for workers to for cleaning at 7:50 Industries, canteen 8, maintenance work call. If that is inconvenient, cleaning could be done at 8:15 PM - not withstanding that it could also be done a 3:30 PM because the entire gymnasium complex doesn't need to be cleaned at the same time. Various area could be staggered. Where there is a will there is a way.

Opposition to the above from any vantage point of common sense, and/or best practices - makes no sense. Our over 50 inmate population need the opportunity for meaningful exercise that is otherwise not available. Weekdays 3:30 - 4:30 +/- is ideal for men who work all day and are involved in programs, groups and/or education in the evenings.

This is a win win for all involved with staffing in place, a great need and a grateful welcoming population demographic. Please use the power of your OFfice to Direct and Order this to happen.

Very Truly yours,
[signature]

February 15, 2017

FREE SPEECH CENTRAL

cc:
- Mr. Bruce Pires, Director of Treatment;
- Ms. Suzanne Thibault. Deputy Superintendent:
- Mike Janey, Recreation Supervisor and Staff;
- Kevin Denis, Chairman NIC Athletic Committee;
- Hector M. Santiago, President of the MCIN Power Team;
- William Duclos, Majority Chairman NIC;
- Committies Coordinator & Executive Board NIC; and
- interested parties;
- file