does anybody know about visitations at gowanda, I'm going next weekend. How many people are aloud to visit at a time. I wanted to bring both my kids with me. How to you have to bring packages? Do they have to be in a box the same way you mail them? Are snakers considered a seperate item from the box and not included in the weight of the pounds that their aloud per month? I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

Hi, a few answers...
MOST IMPORTANT: They have odd/even visiting schedule so depending on which your loved one was given you can go only on odd nubmered weekend days of the month IF he was given 'odd day visiting', OR only on even numbered weekend days of the month if he was given even day visiting.
3 people maximum are allowed. Everryone has to have ID. First visit you fill out a longer form with more info, they are at the door along with the short form(which has to be done, too) and the 'tags' for packages.

You bring packages in whatever you want, you have to place everything in one of their bags. They are very restrictive as to what gets through. Lots of things guys can have at other facilities don't get through at Gowanda.
My guy has told me several times 35 pounds is the monthly allowed package weight for FOOD. food only, other things are not counted in the 35 pound limit. (35 pounds or 2 packages whichever comes first.)
New shoes have to have a bill of sale with them. I think they can't be over 50 dollars. When I took in shoes the first time, they did not get through, I called and spoke to someone, can't remember the info she gave me but I followed instructions and the next time they got through.

It is generally a long long wait to get processed at Gowanda. Arriving before they open the doors (usually around 7:30) puts you in line and you may get a lower numbered ticket. Numbers in the 50/60 don't get in until 9:30 or 10 or later... They start rpocessing about 8-8:30 but it almost always goes very slowly. You get a numbered ticket when you go in the door and you just wait until your number is called.
When called, You go to one area first , show id, get 'approved, then go and wait in another area of the same huge room, go through the metal detector, then it is onto a mini bus and driven to the visiting area, there, you show your form and stamped hand, then if you want to leave money or buy pictures you do that, then it's through some secured doors, outside a short distance and through more secured doors into the visiting room.

The area is large, (there is overflow that is in a different building) The area is quite controlled. I never had a problem with COs but many others have reported hassles and attitudes.
There are food machines and snack machines, the machine take dollar bills and coins. Microwaves there.

I hope this helps, Gowanda is a very difficult place to do the time. My husband was there 7 months, it was very intensive and stressful. Not the inmates as much as CO attitidues and conduct.
Good luck to you and the loved one you are going to see.
You are welcome to PM me if you want to.
Caprione

The processing part of visits at gowanda has improved over the last few weeks. I was there yesterday and it's improved. The wait is not as long anymore.

Thats good to hear. I haven't been to Gowanda since what feels like forever. :( I need either a new tire or a doggone ride!! (sniffle sniffle)