Well ladies yesterday I went to visit for my first time at Avenal and I just wanted to post a little something. To all my CTF ladies appreciate what a GREAT, AWESOME visiting room you have compared to Avenal and I am sure some other prisons. I wish I would have known who the IFC (inmate family council) members were so I could have thanked them for making visiting what it is at CTF. Avenal has limited food no outside vendors, just some burritos and maybe chips I don’t think we could have spent $30. The soda machines are old and have odd selections to choose from. The seating is assigned, and if it is your first time you are stuck right in front of the officers. It is very small maybe 25 tables, granted every yard has their own visiting room. It was just different, and I didn’t like it at all. I never thought I would say this but I want CTF back! I know it shouldn’t matter what the room looks like because it should be about him and I, but it really does help to have a nice environment to enjoy your visit in.
Megan

Hang in there, girl!!! I remember feeling exactly the same way when my brother was transferred to CTF about a year ago. We had all gotten so used to the visiting at DVI, since he had been there for over 9 years. On my first visit to CTF I was totally frustrated, depressed, sad, and overwhelmed. Then, by about the 3rd visit, it was no big deal anymore. I got used to everything that was different ( as much as you ever can!) and started to find some ways that visiting here was an improvement.

I'd bet good money that you're going to have the same experience. The first time is always going to be the hardest, but my gut tells me that after a couple more visits you're going to be used to the change, and embracing the ways that visiting at Avenal is better. I don't know what those ways are, but I'm sure you're going to find them!!!

I just zoomed into this thread because Megan started it. I still dont even get visits. I just drool and imagine what a visit could be like. I dont care where it takes place, just give me one!!!!

I'm with you Shawnie! You and I want the same thing!

I understand what you are saying Shawnie, since you cannot visit. All the "regulars" probably know what I am talking about.... you know the little things in the visiting room that make the difference, since we are there every weekend.
Megan


I just zoomed into this thread because Megan started it. I still dont even get visits. I just drool and imagine what a visit could be like. I dont care where it takes place, just give me one!!!!

Yeah Ctf Is Sounding Good After What U Said Megan But We Got No Choice Sometimes. But We Can Decide To Make The Best Out Of Even The Worst Place, If We Really Want To. I Forgot To Tell You That Now To Buy Food U Need A Number Rigth, But They Went All Out And Now There Laminated And Got Stickers Of Food On Them It's Funny But Now My Man Will Never Have Pizza!!!

I know the last Sunday I visited they had the numbers but I have to say I did not have the opportunity to hold the laminated sicker number, too funny. I didn’t really see the point of all of it. Why don’t they want us all waiting in line? Maybe it was getting too big. Anyways yea your man probably will never get a pizza cause people were just going up with out numbers and still getting food. I say let the guys handle that one; they will check each other especially when it comes to there food.
Megan

Has anyone been to Wasco? I am curious. My guy is in reception, not the regular yard so I am not sure what I am in for. Will it still be a window and phone or a live visit? Thanks, Hippieboomer

If he is in reception you will be behind glass and should have to make an appointment. This is probably a question for the Wasco forum but I am sure some CTF/SVSP can answer your question.
Megan

Wasco Sub Forum
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=607

Well, Meg...I have to say that CTF is actually the dungeon compared to some of the other prisons we've been to! I remember when he transferred to CTF from Lancaster...we were like: "Damn, do they even have running water here?"

Lancaster opened in the early 90's, so, everything was new and shiny and updated and then we got to an old prison like CTF and were freezing in the winter and sweating in the summer.

They all are different, some new, some old. We tend to feel like a certain visiting room as "home" no matter what the surroundings, so, i'm with JMK - this place will eventually start to grow on you!

When I used to visit my son there. No appt. needed. And as long as they are in reception it is a window visit. 30 minutes. However do call first before you go there, they lock it down alot there. The mail is really slow too, so don't panic if you don't receive anything for a few days. And when you do go, they are very strict with clothes we wear. Good luck..