Two Rivers Correctional Institution

Superintendent: Guy Hall,
Dave Pastor, Assistant Superintendent - Program Services.
Paul Hoeye, Assistant Superintendent - General Services.
Garrett Laney, Asst. Superintendent - Security

Address: 82911 Beach Access Rd
Umatilla, OR 97882

Phone: (541) 922-2001;
FAX: (541)922-2011

Phone Minimum: (541) 922-2104
Fax: (541) 922-2109

Visiting Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 8:00 am to 11:00 am & 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Minimum Custody Visiting Weekends and Holidays Only.

Custody Level: Minimum/Medium

My husband is at TRCI and i have been going there for three years. It is not that bad of a place to visit. I have heard that it is one of the safer prisons in Oregon. I do not know if that is true. The visiting room is inside the facility so if you are going to visit for the first time at the med/max side be prepare to go into the facility. Also the medal detector there is very strong and goes off very easily. The guards were starting to come down on the rules the last time I was there so be careful about what you ware and say. They if you bring pictures make sure that there is no nudity. That means little boys or girls will out shirts on. I know that that sounds silly but this lady brought all these pictures in of her grandkids and they could not come in because they did not have shirts on. They can be mailed in. Pretty much anything can be mailed in as long as you stay under ten things in the envelope. Women need to remember not to ware under wire bras. They will make you take it out or go to Wal-Mart.
The minimum side is so different the max side. There is no medal detector at all. It is like they took a office and made it into the visiting room. But be prepared there is one vending machine there sucks for food and drinks. Hope this was helpful. If you have any questions just respond or PM me.
Kris

Other recent info involves the new phone system, through the VAC which basically costs as much if not more than what they were using before, at least in my experience.

Also, (from our experience) it is difficult to get into programs or in to see the doctor. It took my sweetie three months to get in and see a dentist for an exposed nerve on one of his teeth becuase a food item broke his tooth. Fun all around.

They are a very strict camp but I also hear that they are safe. They have no qualms about turning anyone away if they are not dressed correctly or their attitude is poor.

One good thing that I have found is that if you go to visit and want to stay a night or two, the dessert river inn hotel right down the street from the facility has been great for me. They give a discount if you mention you are visiting TRCI, and if you put twenty bucks down the inmate can call your room and each call is four dollars which is taken out of the twenty you put down.

Our experience hasn't been too bad, if you have any other questions, please pm me. The institution is also really easy to find, and I'm even directionally impaired.

My husband is at TRCI and i have been going there for three years. It is not that bad of a place to visit. I have heard that it is one of the safer prisons in Oregon. I do not know if that is true. The visiting room is inside the facility so if you are going to visit for the first time at the med/max side be prepare to go into the facility. Also the medal detector there is very strong and goes off very easily. The guards were starting to come down on the rules the last time I was there so be careful about what you ware and say. They if you bring pictures make sure that there is no nudity. That means little boys or girls will out shirts on. I know that that sounds silly but this lady brought all these pictures in of her grandkids and they could not come in because they did not have shirts on. They can be mailed in. Pretty much anything can be mailed in as long as you stay under ten things in the envelope. Women need to remember not to ware under wire bras. They will make you take it out or go to Wal-Mart.
The minimum side is so different the max side. There is no medal detector at all. It is like they took a office and made it into the visiting room. But be prepared there is one vending machine there sucks for food and drinks. Hope this was helpful. If you have any questions just respond or PM me.
Kris
i think he has been in there for 3 years i dont even know when he gets out and havent heard from him i dont dare write him sence his son just went to prison in utah for a 1 to 15 or 42 months matrix i not sure what all of that means i guess i will find out but i think they would find his dad and hold that against him and we have remained from telling them where his dad is sence his dad hasnt contacted him sence he was 18 and my husband is know 34 but i know where his dad is and have writen him but i havent heard from him in about 2 months just worried they will find out i am writing two inmates and they will figure out that they are both in there on simular instances and hold that against my husband getting out what do you think?

Thank Hisinfinity..I actually will be visiting someone that it there and Im just alittle nervous, Nervous because I don't want to do anything wrong. It will be like having my hands to my side and waiting till I know that its ok to move Kinda thing. So some of which you stated was helpfull. The Hotel infomation was a Big one too. Although I live in Oregon I have never been to Umatilla. Now I know where to stay while there, Thanks again. Any more Information that would be usefull Please let me know..Anyone for that matter! Thanks to all

Two Rivers Hotels

Desert River Inn
(541) 922-4871
705 Willamette St
Umatilla, OR


Lamplighter Motel
(541) 922-0409 401 6th St
Umatilla, OR


Patriot Systems
(541) 922-1411 705 Willamette St
Umatilla, OR


Tillicum Inn
(541) 922-3236 1481 6th St
Umatilla, OR


Umatilla Inn & Suites
(541) 922-3271 1370 6th St
Umatilla, OR

Other recent info involves the new phone system, through the VAC which basically costs as much if not more than what they were using before, at least in my experience.

Also, (from our experience) it is difficult to get into programs or in to see the doctor. It took my sweetie three months to get in and see a dentist for an exposed nerve on one of his teeth becuase a food item broke his tooth. Fun all around.

They are a very strict camp but I also hear that they are safe. They have no qualms about turning anyone away if they are not dressed correctly or their attitude is poor.

One good thing that I have found is that if you go to visit and want to stay a night or two, the dessert river inn hotel right down the street from the facility has been great for me. They give a discount if you mention you are visiting TRCI, and if you put twenty bucks down the inmate can call your room and each call is four dollars which is taken out of the twenty you put down.

Our experience hasn't been too bad, if you have any other questions, please pm me. The institution is also really easy to find, and I'm even directionally impaired.
Hello All... I would like to disagree about the VAC... issue.. I only get charged 3.95 a call for the full 20 minutes.. when I send a Minimum of 50.00 for the VAC phone cards.. In all reality it is alot better then not getting phone calls at all.. or not seeing your loved one til their release.. Cause some family members of the incarcerated are not able to see their loved one or even get to speak with them. This is an opportunity where it lets one have the freedom to call without any restrictions or the price of the collect call to be burdened by the one who are on the outside... If an opportunity knocks like VAC take it because it is well worth it in the end to be able to say to the incarcerated "I LOVE YOU or Talk to you again soon" Everything is truly worth it if you look at it and think on it long enough....

Hello, My honey is at TRCI and it looks like he will be for a long time. I would love to talk to other people who have loved ones there to know a little more about it. He doesn't tell me much so I will not worry. I am not allowed to visit yet because I have a criminal record along with him. But hopefully I will be able to next year. Any way I thought it would b interesting to hear how other people feel about this prison. Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts!

My husband has been at TRCI for over 6 months now. So he got his tv! That really means alot to him! You have to be on good behavior for 6 months to purchase one. He will be sending away for the tv guide (it's called something else) because it is less expensive when they order it. He also started working recently and I know that helps, too. He sent me an itemized list with all the money I have sent him and wants to start paying for his own stuff as much as he can.

I just got a copy of their monthly neswletter.....he sent it to me last month too. I don't have a scanner, I wonder if there is any other way to copy it for y'all? It's a pretty good newsletter. His main beef was their new mailing or postage cost increase. And their headphones.....all the different ones.....always seem to be breaking. My husband has 2 pair, one is out for repair he was told could be 2 months, he just got a pair back from repair and they aren't fixed! So when he gets his 3rd pair, just an inexpensive one, he can send those back out for repair again! :slap: Sheesh!

I have stayed at the Tillicum Inn. It has been fine for me but I might try the Desert River Inn. It's not too much more $$.

And when you visit, try and get a role of quarters ahead of time to bring in with you. I have heard lots of people say the change machine gets broken alot. Don't wear a see through blouse or you will have to wear a cover up like a jacket. No sleeveless tops or tank tops. No denim tops or pants or blue jeans or blue shirts. No clevage! No tummy's can show. No short skirts or shorts. DO wear that bra WITHOUT UNDERWIRES!!! I found several nice ones at Target.....if anyone knows where to find the ones with plastic underwires, please, do tell! I keep extra clothes in my trunk, I have seen others' hassled or turned away from their visit, but I haven't had to change.....yet! If you put your hair up with any metal pins, you will have to take them out! The more prepared you are to get through the metal detectors, the quicker it will be for you and everyone else! Take off your belt, jewelry, watch and shoes.....just put them on the conveyer belt. I even have to take off my glasses and I am legally blind without them. Real gold doesn't set off the metal detector. :thumbsup: You will get your hand stamped when you go in. Get there a few minutes early to get your name at the top of the visiting list. ;) They only take 10 visitors at a time. The nicer you are to the guards the nicer they will be to you. There is a nice park just up the street, I like to go in between the am and pm visits. They have picnic tables there.

I will be visiting next weekend!! Hooray!!! :yay: :yay: I can't wait for that kiss and hug.....:heart: :drool: and he will have bought a picture coupon, they have to buy them ahead of time, and we will get our picture taken together!!!

My guy sent me the newsletter too. I always stay at the the Desert River Inn. It runs around $59. You have to let them know that you will be visiting the prison or the rate is around $75. The rooms are huge there and come with a little fridge and a microwave. There is a little store right when you come off the highway that has ready made food at really good prices. The food at the hotel is really good but the prices can be high. There is a pool, hot tub, work out room and a lounge with video poker if you feel like trying your luck. At the end of the street is a trail head if you fell like hiking down to the dam. Hope you have a great visit! I'm not going again until next month.

With the holidays coming I am not sure if I can send away for clothes and have them shipped to Two Rivers Correctional Institution.
I am new to this and any information that you can provide would be much appreciated, Donny has a year in there.
I wanted to know what I could send him in a way of gifts for his birthday and Christmas and any other holiday. I know that this has to come from the shipper, but I do not want to ask Donny and then maybe get his hopes up and then broken.
By the way there is a nice web site that is for prisoners, called
pamperedprisoners that I think would be nice if everyone could email anyone in their address book and have them send the link.
There are many people in prison that needs someone to talk to, while there are in there for a reason, everyone makes a mistake.
I also have started a web site for Donny, this is soemthing that is great and free, they can send you what everr they want to place on there, you can also print out the web site and they still have control over the way the site looks. It would give anyone the chance to email them, all you would have to do it print the email out as is and send it to them.
The web site is called myspace
Any information for Two Rivers Correctional Institution would be much appreicated.
Jack
:thumbsup:

Hi Chosen2044! I wish I could offer good news regarding sending them packages but alas, the mail they can receive is absolutely ridiculous! Read the mail rules here in the Oregon forum! Basically you can only send them letters, cards, copies of stuff, the only "packages" they can receive are books or magazines~~~~directly from the publisher! Don't put any cologne on the letters or envelopes cuz they will send it back to you stamped CONTRABAND. The best way to "give them something special" is to put $$ on their account and they can purchase things from the canteen.

I spray all my letters with body spray and they never come back. Yep, no packages allowed in Oregon except an approved package of release clothes. You can put money on their trust account, send books, mags plus the usual cards, letters and photos. You can copy puzzles and information off the internet to send but that's about it. I design fancy envelopes and paper to keep the letters interesting.
The basics on Two Rivers is that it is divided up into 100 person pods so while you are in a particular unit, those 100 inmates are all that you will see. Each unit has a small walled yard. There are movie nights with pretty recent movies and special meals on holidays. Visiting, at least for me, has been a pleasant experience. Feel free to pm me if you have any specific questions.

Jorge loves it when I put my perfume on his letters and he always receives them. It must depend on who the gaurd is that checks the mail that day and then lets them go thru! Anyway it is too bad we can not send our loved ones care packages. Why is that anyway? I know other states can send them. It is too bad Oregon DOC has to be so hard ass. I wonder what it would take to change Oregon's policies?

It is nice to hear form others with loved ones at TRCI. I hope people keep posting! My honey just started working in the kitchen last week and he says it helps make the time go by a little faster. Where does everyone else's inmates work at TRCI? Bye for now!

My guy is an orderly who serves the meals to the guys in segregation in Unit 1. I'm not sure why no packages in Oregon but I'm sure it has to do with not having enough staff and equipment to thoroughly go through them checking for drugs and other contraband.

If you think about how much $$$$ ODOC makes off canteen, there's your answer for not allowing packages.

So true, One_luv! So many things we learn as we go......they don't seem to be in any rulebook. My husband was working on a beautiful card for me, probably a piece of art. He is very gifted and can draw very well! He was almost finished with it and a couple days before he was to send it to me for our Anniversary, a guard took it and tore it up! Said my husband didn't have a receipt for his colored pencils?! :confused: :eek: I think that is extremly cruel. So he will keep receipts for everything, now. He was very depressed about it. They have so little they can give to us. I had a wonderful visit with him this last weekend and I just told him holding hands and hugging him and getting to kiss him were all that mattered to me. And I am insisting he buy some more colored pencils......his were stolen.

2Love... I wonder if I've ever received any of your guy's artwork. My guy has absolutely no artistic talent but he has sent me some really beautiful cards that others have done. I definitely agree that the Oregon DOC is making some money off of canteen but also seems like anytime that procedures are developed or changed, it is put out to the public that it is done for safety reasons.

Does Anyone get the newsletter from TRCI? If you do would you be willing to post it here? I would love to see whats going on!

I just got the latest newsletter, my guy sends them to me, but I wouldn't know how to post it on here. Only a few articles of interest anyway. They can send them out just like regular mail so ask your loved one to mail it to you.

I asked him about the newsletter and he said they don't get one! Anyway he never likes to tell me what is going on in there so I guess he does not want me to see one :confused:

Anyway I hope everyone is doing well. I really am missing my honey today but I guess that is to be expected with the weather changing. Bye for now.

This holiday season I will be getting a new printer that will scan too and then I will scan and post the Two Rivers newsletters. They actually have some good information, they help me understand a little better what his daily "life" is like. Now let's hope it doesn't take me a year to figure out how to use it when I get it! :rolleyes: Hubby says the printer is my Christmas present!! His, too, me thinks HE will benefit from it even more! That's ok, it will be nice to have one that works again!

I am learning more and more, this has been an experience that I wish on nobody. I tell you the people here are so nice. I feel like this is one happy family and we are all here for each other.
I have been corresponding with some people in private email that has really helped out so much.
The on thing that really gets to me, I have a sop called friend that said all these prisoners are guilty and they are where they deserve to be. And that they think that they should not be allowed any special treatment like televisions, radio or anything else. I was already upset, just one of those days.
I told her that they have made a mistake, but how can they move forward if the people keep holding what they did against them.
This is how I feel that there is nobody that is perfect on earth, and I would not want to have people holding my past against me.
I have a very special friend that has taught me a lot not just about this, but about the act of forgiving and moving on.
She had been through having someone in prison; Tammy Faye knows all to well about the life that we are going through and what our loved ones are going through on prison.
She gave me some advice many years ago when she told me that,” You can’t move forward looking in the rear view mirror.” This is something that I go by, yes there are times that it is hard for us and the ones incarcerated but stay true to each other. Sometimes I just put in my mind that he is away working and it helps me.
By the way I have someone in prison that is on death row in Kentucky; he has proof that he is not guilty but has not been able to get any help. He has an execution date of October 19th. He is alone in Texas except when his sister can visit him.
If there is anyone that would like to write to him or send cards, please email me. I am trying to make the final days as pleasant as possible. I told Mike that I would get some people to write to him and he said thanks. He also has a web page with evidence that he is not guilty; he just lost his last appeal with the Supreme Court.
I know that there are someone people that are not religious and I respect them, but to the ones that is, I would like to ask for special prayer for Michael Johnson, I know that God is not through blessing him yet!!!!!!
Jack Blake

I just took a two day training seminar on Offender Workforce Development and Partnering for Successful Re-Entry.

I was amazed at how many people in the social industry still carry huge prejudices against the incarcerated.

Yesterday, I was in a phone conversation with a family member who said that if you want to know what a person will do in the future, just look at thier past. That leaves no opportunity for growth or personal change! Everyone changes, life is full of changes.

Everyone breaks the law at some point in their life. Ever go a couple miles over the speed limit? Ever use a post it note from work for a personal note and take it home with you? Ever tell the bill collector the check is in the mail? Ever bounce a check? Did you know that is a federal crime?

I don't see very many glass houses without broken windows.

JJT

I know is amazing how people still think and treat someone that has had bad luck.
I had someone last night that said that I should go on with my life, that the one that I am waiting for broke the law and that when he gets out that he will do the same thing again.
I just said, "I am sorry that you’re so stupid and think this, and I wish that I was more like you and not made any mistakes." I then hung up, true the ones in there have put them in this position but they can't move forward when people keep telling them about the past and won't let them get past what they have done.
They have hard enough time when they get out trying to cope with a new environment and trying to make it. So many times they come out and have no help with going ahead.

:thumbsup:

I know people can change. I did! I am a recovering addict and I now have 3 years clean! I was incarcerated at CCCF for 14 months on a drug charge. I thank god I was able to move on after that or I would be miserable. I am lucky because I have a great support group of family and friends. People have given me a chance and I have redeemed myself. I have a great job and I am living the life I always wanted. I am the mother, sister, daughter, wife and employee I always wanted to be, but could never achieve because of my addictions. I am so thankful for the people that supported me while I was in prison and afterwards. I now support other people in recovery and my honey who is in TRCI. I am returning the gift I was given. People who don't believe in second chances are just a waste of time.

The problem is that people don't hear enough about the people who get out of prison and do succeed. Because once someone has moved on with their life, they don't want to go public with their past. So all people hear about are the ones who commit more crimes after release. Also, people don't consider the reasons that some folks fail after release - because of the lousy conditions they're released to and the lack of people willing to give them a second chance. It's a vicious cycle but parolees need to hang in there and really try and not let peoples' unforgiving attitudes become their "reason to fail." Because there IS life after prison and I know several people personally who are living proof of that. Z.

So I found out today that Jorge is in Unit 10 At TRCI. Anyone else have a loved one in Unit 10? Just wondering:cool: ?!?!?!?!?!

God I miss that man. I hope everyone is well.

I was wondering if they accepted Western Union there for inmate accounts and if so how do I get the information to fill out the form.
Jack

How is the new printer working, I am sure by now your a wiz.

My guy is in Unit 1, he was just transferred from Unit 7 because his job as an orderly is in Unit 1.

Don't know if you can send the money grams as payment on their trust account. According to the DOC website, they accept money orders, cashier's checks and bank bill pay checks but no wire transfers. You can use the money grams toward the VAC prepaid phone account.

:blush: I don't have a new printer.......yet! I will probably pick one up next month or by December for sure. I wanna get a good deal, should be time for holiday sales, soon! So he and I will just have to wait a few more weeks! Then I WILL learn how to and scan those TRCI newsletters for y'alls!!

Hey, anybody else's guy have a really bad cold? My hubby has a really bad cold and they just told him to gargle with salt water! Arggghhh! :eek: It has made him really cranky the last few days.

Well it is Sunday Morning and I am waiting for my phone call from Jorge! So I stopped in here to say hello. It is raining and cold here and I am missing my honey a lot today. Oh well........

As far as Western Union, HoneyG is right, DOC will not accept them! They like money orders or cashier's checks. I hope everyone is well.

I'm always misssing my babe. My husband just got moved into unit one was wondering if any one had someone in that unit. Am also trying to find out if any one has any info on medical coverage. If an inmate ends up in the hospital for any reason if they are coverd by the state of if family pays. Was trying to decide if I should take my husband of my insurance?

I had my first visit at TRCI about 10 days ago. The poeple that we delt with were all very nice. We had a good visit it had been about 6 weeks since I'd seen my husband and almost 2 months since I had touched him. We held hands the whole visits. Went 3 visits. I wish he was closer so I could see him more. We are now in the process of being able for our son to get in to see his dad. From what we've been told TRCI is the safest place in Oregon so we feel good about that. Am looking foward to uor next visit. I miss him so much it is hard on our son also.

Hi 4ever! Welcome to PTO! Yes, I took my husband off our medical insurance. If yours will be in for more than another year there's no need to spend extra for him. If they go to a hospital our insurance doesn't cover it. Healthcare is very bad for them. Almost non-existant. I insist my husband gets alot of vitamins. They have to get skin cream and other stuff to care for themselves. Doesn't make sense, I don't have to pay very much for good health insurance and he can't use it.

Just wondering...I was also pondering this thought.... I wonder how many of us are talking on here who's men are "friends" on the inside. Anyone catch Oprah yesterday? Was very moving...it reminded me of how on this website we all throw out our judgements, prejustices and all the crap and come together like this...I wish the real world was this tolerant and accepting. Sure would make it a better place for everyone! :)

My husband was just moved to unit 5 yesterday. He seems to think it is ok. I guess if there is an ok in there. It just breaks my heart that he is there. We are know fighting to get our son in to see him. How do I keep telling our sweet little boy "not this time maybe next time" He misses his daddy so much the phone calls help. This system we have sucks and is so unfair. You are a guilty person from the start. Not innocent untill proven guilty. Whats this world coming to! I could just go on but I'll go for now

:blah: My husband was just moved to unit 5 yesterday. He seems to think it is ok. I guess if there is an ok in there. It just breaks my heart that he is there. We are know fighting to get our son in to see him. How do I keep telling our sweet little boy "not this time maybe next time" He misses his daddy so much the phone calls help. This system we have sucks and is so unfair. You are a guilty person from the start. Not innocent untill proven guilty. Whats this world coming to! I could just go on but I'll go for now

Why is your son not allowed in to see his Daddy?

Is anyone else out there going through their first hollidays without their loved one. I did a little shopping the other day and left the store in tears, thinking how am I going to do this. Just got back frome a great visit with my husband. We had pictures taken, really hard to smile for them.I look at the other inmates and feel sad for thier families. He seems to be doing ok in his new unit, so I'm glad for that. It is really hard to leave him I just eant to bring him home.

Last year was my first holidays without him. It was very hard on me and I went to the extreme......I didn't go into a store at holiday time at all. Depression seemed to hit me real hard.......my doctor prescribed an anti-depressant which has helped me alot. I still have a hard time listening to music. It always makes me cry now.....and not just the romantic songs!

That's great 4-ever that you visited and had your picture taken! The first picture we had taken.......we were so worried about getting in trouble by touching or being too close.......the picture is absolutely comical! We look so stiff.....brothers and sisters would have looked more like a husband and wife!
How were the roads? Did you have to use chains or do you have studded tires? I am hoping to go visit him on Christmas.

Hello All... I would like to disagree about the VAC... issue.. I only get charged 3.95 a call for the full 20 minutes.. when I send a Minimum of 50.00 for the VAC phone cards.. In all reality it is alot better then not getting phone calls at all.. or not seeing your loved one til their release.. Cause some family members of the incarcerated are not able to see their loved one or even get to speak with them. This is an opportunity where it lets one have the freedom to call without any restrictions or the price of the collect call to be burdened by the one who are on the outside... If an opportunity knocks like VAC take it because it is well worth it in the end to be able to say to the incarcerated "I LOVE YOU or Talk to you again soon" Everything is truly worth it if you look at it and think on it long enough....
Hi, I'm new here. I had to reply to the VAC postings. I pay $19.and change for the 20 minute call. I live on the Southern Coast of Oregon, not that it should make that big of a difference. How is it that you pay $3.95 for 20 minutes? Are you on the "pay in advance" (me) or the new debit phone call system?
Anyway, I have a 21 year old son at TRCI. I am looking for Mothers of Inmates to talk to. Can you point me in the right direction?
Thanks,
Keep your faith.

:wave: Welcome to PTO Brokenheartedma!! There's a family forum that would be great for you, I post in the husbands and boyfriends forum. Just browse around the forums and get ready to meet some friendly, helpful people! Oh, we LOVE the Southern Oregon coast. We like to stay in Charleston and visit Coos Bay and Bandon. Is it Cape Arago where 100's of sea lions gather on that huge rock and bark?

Yes, Cape Arago. Also, my son and my husband's 'secret' fishing spot. :(

Brokenhearted~ What I did was I got a cell phone added to my cell phone plan with a phone number out of Umatilla (541 area code). So when my honey calls it is a local number for him and it only costs us $3-4 dollars a call. The phone was free from Verizon and I pay $9.99 a month for the extra line on my cell bill. I put money on his VAC prepaid account so we can talk now a few times a week. I figure the cost of the cell phone each month is cheaper than when he called the house before for just one call. I hope this helps. I know it helps me a lot to talk to him more often, and I know it makes him feel better. Good Luck

I have a Go Phone with Cingular that I only use for calls from my guy at TRCI. The number is a local one for the prison. I put money on his VAC account so his calls are only $1.75. My cell minutes used come to $2.10 and there is a $1 fee for any day that you use the phone so each call comes to $4.85. We only talk about once a week. Any more and it might be worth getting a regular plan with free nights and weekends.

Vaquera111 and honeyg -- you both must have read my mind. I was just reading and posting questions about this same thing on PHONES, PACKAGES & MAIL. My question was 'can inmates at TRCI make calls to cell phones'? We were told no.

Vaquera111 you say it's a local number him, and honeyg says it's a local number for her guy too but costs $1.75. Is that because he (they) are still calling collect to a local number?

The cell number I need to ask for: does it need to have a prefix like a land line number as well as be in Umatilla?

I am ready to run down to my cell provider right this very minute, so please, if you can answer my questions, I would appreciate it.

I'll contain myself until I hear from you both. :)

The $1.75 from the prepaid account is the amount of a call to a local number which my cell phone is. If he were to call my home phone in Eugene, the call would cost about $10 which is still less than the $17 collect call. You just ask the cell phone provider for a number local to Umatilla. Mine has no roaming or long distance charges so it doesn't matter that the number is local to Umatilla but that the phone is in Eugene. He gets charged the $1.75 and I get charged for the minutes used.

Honey G explained it pretty well so I don't know what I can add but I will explain what I did anyway! LOL!! I have a phone that has a Umatilla number with me all the time so Jorge can call anytime. He has never had a problem calling me on it even though it is a cell phone. VAC charges his prepaid account $1.75 everytime he calls me. Verizon does not charge me any roaming even though I am in Washington with a Umatilla number so it works great for us. The extra line on my Verizon account is only $9.99 a month. So it way less than him calling me collect which used to be about $20 a call. Same thing when he used VAC to call my house in Washington, it was about $20 a call. It is easy to add money to his VAC account. I just send $50 dollars to VAC in Texas whenever he gets low. That lets him call his family in Salem too. I hope this is helpful. Just make sure when you set up the phone you tell your cell provider the address of the prison and that you want a local number from there! Good Luck!

I found out what the problem is. My provider is Edgewireless. They do not provide service in the Umatilla area. Plain and simple, so why not just say that? Geez! I will probably have to open a new cell phone account with another provider and pay a monthly fee, but it is still going to be cheaper than $20=20 min phone calls.
Thanks for your help. I'll check Verizon.

I just drove up early enough on Thursday to surprise my husband for the am visit. Stayed till after the afternoon visit on Friday its always so hard to leave him there. I needed to get home to spend a couple days with our son before I have to go back to work tomorow. I won't be able to go back up till the first of the year. Now we just get through Christmas and the New Year with out him home. We miss him so much. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I only pay $3.25 for each 20 minute call for eve and weekends. So we choose to stay with the collect calls. Even a site I tried on the internet was a little more $$. I am so thankful for the phone calls.

I just drove up early enough on Thursday to surprise my husband for the am visit. Stayed till after the afternoon visit on Friday its always so hard to leave him there. I needed to get home to spend a couple days with our son before I have to go back to work tomorow. I won't be able to go back up till the first of the year. Now we just get through Christmas and the New Year with out him home. We miss him so much. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Wow, you drove on Thursday and back in the evening? Did you run into that wind storm? I bet the Gorge was scarey! We were heading down 101 to CA on Thursday afternoon. We didn't even get to Port Orford and were turned back by State Troopers. A semi-truck had been blown over in Port Orford and Hwy 101 was closed at Humbug Mtn.
To tell you the truth, I was glad to turn back. When we were parked the wind was rocking the van pretty hard!I hope you made it back safely.
I want to drive over Tuesday after Christmas. It's a 9 hour drive for me. Stay the night, visit, find a cellular phone provider. Might stay two nights. If I can get my phone situation under control it would be worth staying. Besides, then I could visit my son both Wednesday and Thursday. I just need the weather to hold up.
I'm glad you got to surprise your husband and it's nice you can have such cheap phone bills. I'm working on it. :)

Brokenhearted... make sure to mention that you are visiting the prison so that you will get a discount. My favorite is the Desert River Inn which is the closest to the prison.

I am so glad all of you get to visit your loved ones! I hope you have wonderful visits! I am a little jealous though, I still don't get to visit and I won't for a least another year..... Big Sigh! Anyway I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season. I can't get over how fast the time is going now. It seems like it was just August! Anyway, Merry Christmas to every one and for those who do go visit please cherish them!

So those who have been driving to TRCI........how are the roads? I would love to visit him on Christmas day!

Aren't they closed for visiting on Mondays and Tuesdays and Holidays? I am going on Tuesday to be there Wednesday.

You can visit on holidays when they fall on a Monday or Tuesday!

Happy Holidays-Everyone!
My husband was told they are building a new prison in Klamath Falls, we could be transfered where our youngest daughter wants to attend college-Has anyone heard of this new prison? Thanks,Leslie

That might be Deer Ridge Correctional Institution 3 miles east of Madras. From the DOC : Timeline:
Completion of the minimum security facility is scheduled for February 2007 with inmates arriving to the facility in September 2007. Completion of the medium security facility is scheduled for February 2008.
http://www.oregon.gov/DOC/OPS/PRISON/drci.shtml Here is the direct link with more info. Maybe there is info on one in Klamath Falls. Oh and :wave: WELCOME to PTO Leslie!

Warner Creek is a minimum security facility located not too far from Klamath Falls in Lakeview, Oregon. It opened in 2005 so it is fairly new. The Madras facility is outside of the Bend / Redmond area and it's opening has been pushed back at least once already. The minimum facility was scheduled to be completed this month but now it is February so no telling when it will actually get done.

I know they are building in Madras, but havent heard of KFalls. I stayed the night and drove home Fri after the wind and fog on Thursday night. I hit a little ice before Moro into Shaniko. Its always so hard to leave. WE finally got the final documents from the court here and my husband got his public defender. I can tell this appeal process is going to take awhile. Noe they want the transcripes from the trial. The desert Inn Will give discount if you tell them you are visiting TRCI the rooms are big and roomy and if you are there during the week you get a $4 off breakfast coupon for the restraunt there its a pretty good deal and you dont have to check out till noon so you can go to the AM visit go back check out eat lunch and go back for the afternoon visit. Worst case it would be nice to get transferd to Deer Ridge (madras) if we cant get him out of there. We are going up to vosit again in a week. I cant wait. My husband is having a rough time they have taken him off his allergy med and his artritis med. Hope 07 is a bettter year Kim

Hey Ladys'-Just a quick hello. I was unable to locate all the wives talking about sharing rides to TRCI-where did I lose you, all? Leslie

Look under the visitation forum and you will find us. I haven't been to visit since October because I don't want to drive through the Gorge with the possibility of snow or ice. I'm in Eugene so if any brave soul is willing to drive, I'm willing to split expenses.

Hey honeyg, thanks for telling me , I still can't find it but I am new to all this and will get it figured out soon enough.......I am originally from Eugene, my daughter still lives there and is a powder coater for a steel company there in town. We haven't been out to TRCI for two months now. I need to go soon. I live with my in-laws and it depends on their schedule, and it is so expensive for the three of us to go. I will let you know when we plan to go as we live in Grants Pass and will go right past you, maybe you could jump in with us? We stay one night at the River dessert inn? I think it's called and try to haul a trailer back with us to cover expenses.What do you think? you can e-mail me at home: raystella1961@yahoo.com. Talk later Leslie Satterfield:confused:

Some TRCI info:

Hubby says that vitamins are being removed from their commissary soon. They will have different tv stations updated at the end of January. These will be their 36 channels:
2-Nasa 3-In house 4-ABC 5-CBS 6-NBC 7-Fox 8-Pbs 9-WB 10-UPN 11-Espn1 12-Espn2 13-Espn news 14-Espn Classic 15-FOX sport NW 16-USA 17-TNT 18-TBS 19-Pax 20-A & E 21-Hallmark 22-ABC Family 23-Animal Planet 24-AMC 25-History 26-Sci-fi 27-Discovery 28-TLC 29-Cartoon 30-GSN 31-Fox Reality 32-E 33-Univision 34-Galivision 35-BET 36-Fox news 37-CNN .TV info is from the TRCI January newsletter he sent me. Also from the newsletter......TV update.....The Commissaries are currently out of tv's statewide but will continue to pre-sell them.

2Lovebirds-So he sends you the TRCI newsletter? Do you think you could post that here or PM me a copy? I have been asking Jorge for one since the beginning and he says they don't get one! I think he likes to keep me in the dark about the going ons in there. I would love to see what is going on there. Anyway just thought I would ask.

I hope everyone is well. Take Care.:thumbsup:

Vaquera~~~~I scanned the newest January TRCI Newsletter with my printer but so far I can only view it........I can't figure out how to change it so I can post it. I'm not the smartest cookie in the jar when it comes to technology and computers.......maybe someone could tell me how? I have a basic Hp Photosmart 3180. It prints and scans and copies and makes pictures. When I look at the scans I can only view them. I'm sure it's simple, but not simple enuf for me. I will keep trying and maybe if I call HP they can help me?

2Lovebirds, well thanks for trying. You probably have to save as a .jpeg file so you can upload it here but I really do not know. I am going to ask Jorge again for a copy when he calls. You would think it would be an easy thing for him to send me wouldn't you...oh well. I hope everyone is doing well. It is yucky rainy here today and I am feeling a little down so I signed on to say HELLO to everyone.:idea:

Hi all, I am into ride and gas sharing...I'll even drive when the weather clears up. I'll be coming from Coos Bay, so I can pick up everyone along the way. I have a Mini van that seats 6 comfy.
I almost always stay at least one night, but I am flexi.
Anyone?

Also, did you all read the Oregonian the other day (Tues23?)? How do you like that State Employee getting rich (6 figures) while our men/sons our eating OLD food? I'll bet he is not the only one involved.
Any thoughts?

Oops! Forgot to change my signature. Check it out!

So I am missing my man today, so I thought I would sign on and wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day. I think I will buy myself some roses and pretend they are from Jorge. That is what I always got from him on this holiday for lovers! I hope everyone is well! Take Care.:)

Well, if I feel better the next couple days I am gonna get determined and try and figur' out how to scan and post the TRCI newsletters. Hubby sends them to me and of course, ironically, HE is the one who would have figured out how to do this simple task in a few minutes! :blush: I'm adjusting to new meds, just over a week now. A new anti-depressant(told my doc I was/am tired of the "brain fog" that sometimes doesn't 'lift' at all and what feels like chronic fatigue) and a new preventive medicine for these frequent migraines(have/had one today) that I get every week now. Hopefully these meds will help or hi-ho-hi-ho it's off to the Neurologist I go!!!

Happy V day everyone!!! Both hubby and I sent one special card to eachother over a week ago and then 2 days ago we both received a 2nd V-day card.....on the same day! We laughed about it on the phone, we both said one card just wouldn't cut it.........and, I couldn't decide between 2 special cards for him!

Brokenheartedma~~~~~At least those food crooks will get a taste of their own deeds!!!

Anybody hear anything about strange moves out of TRCI? My guy who has been waiting for months to be moved to a minimum security facility was just moved to EOCI yesterday, another medium security prison. In the last letter I received he said someone had just been transferred to Snake River who has even less time than he does and he couldn't figure what that was about and now it happened to him. I'm hoping it's just one of those moves before the move type of things but still waiting to hear.

My patootie is in eoci and he has shared with me that there are some problems with some of the inmates in the hole....many demands and they have done some considerable damage and when the doc sent other inamate workers to the hole to fix or repair what the ones down there ruined, they were told to take a step in and get hurt....the workers refused to enter and were promptly shifted out of eoci because they were all minimum ...that act makes a huge ripple in the population of all the prisons.....doc moves them around to keep a balance.....soooooo that could be the reason. I just talked to patootie yesterday and he told me the next group of guys that went to the hole to fix and repair were indeed beat up.....hope yours doesn't go for an electrician or plumbing job right now...doesn't sound safe

EOCI has been experiencing some problems with inmates in the hole..they are tearing it all up .. ripping things out .. the sprinkler system and lights etc....so the inmates that work in electricity and plumbing were sent to fix and repair....holies told workers to not come in or else they would be beat....workers said fine and refused to enter....they all were transferred out ..... that means it impacts all of the prisons populations....and shifting of inmates prison to prison is what happens....the next group that took those jobs went in and were beaten up....soooooo sorry your man isn't where he wants to be, tell him to be sure and not take those particular job openings until the holies are done....

Oh and eoci has minimum there as well as medium

EOCI has been experiencing some problems with inmates in the hole..they are tearing it all up .. ripping things out .. the sprinkler system and lights etc....so the inmates that work in electricity and plumbing were sent to fix and repair....holies told workers to not come in or else they would be beat....workers said fine and refused to enter....they all were transferred out ..... that means it impacts all of the prisons populations....and shifting of inmates prison to prison is what happens....the next group that took those jobs went in and were beaten up....soooooo sorry your man isn't where he wants to be, tell him to be sure and not take those particular job openings until the holies are done....

Tearing ish up in the hole is really pretty common. It gets the staff's attention.

My husband is in TRCI also and I was needing to find out a few things before I go because it is so far away from where we live. I am a 3xfelon and was told I probably could not get in to see him, i'm not on probation or anything but If I can get in, will the kids will also be able to go in and see him? Will we be visiting behind a glass wall or do we actually get to hug him and sit with him? How long do you get to visit and what do I need to do to get started? Hes been in there for two years and was sentenced to 15 years we have only talked to him once through a letter and the kids really want to see him even though we've been seperated since before he got in trouble , I still want to take them to see him. Thank you for any information you can give me - my e-mail is mitzin@earthlink.netMy husband is at TRCI and i have been going there for three years. It is not that bad of a place to visit. I have heard that it is one of the safer prisons in Oregon. I do not know if that is true. The visiting room is inside the facility so if you are going to visit for the first time at the med/max side be prepare to go into the facility. Also the medal detector there is very strong and goes off very easily. The guards were starting to come down on the rules the last time I was there so be careful about what you ware and say. They if you bring pictures make sure that there is no nudity. That means little boys or girls will out shirts on. I know that that sounds silly but this lady brought all these pictures in of her grandkids and they could not come in because they did not have shirts on. They can be mailed in. Pretty much anything can be mailed in as long as you stay under ten things in the envelope. Women need to remember not to ware under wire bras. They will make you take it out or go to Wal-Mart.
The minimum side is so different the max side. There is no medal detector at all. It is like they took a office and made it into the visiting room. But be prepared there is one vending machine there sucks for food and drinks. Hope this was helpful. If you have any questions just respond or PM me.
Kris

"How long do you get to visit and what do I need to do to get started?"

Mitzinorman, To get started, your husband needs to obtain approval of your visitation application (and the children) that he is responsible for filling out. The process takes about 2 weeks. Without it, you can not get through the door. Has he done that yet?

Afterwards, you should read TRCI's homepage visitation rules. Everything is there. I have been 4 times and they are pretty strict about what you wear.

Good Luck

Aloha MitziNorman:

My son is at SRCI transferred from Santiam where he was in Honors Dorm. No explanation, and in general population since arriving at Snake. They just moved him to dorm, and he is hoping to get transferred back to the Valley soon as his release date is December 5, 2007.

My mom and I visited him at Santiam this summer, and being from Maui, I had a tank top on and crop pants. Luckily I also had a lightweight sweater over my shoulders. I was called out of line and told to put the sweater on and button it to the top button. I don't know exactly why I was singled out, as I saw other women there with tank tops on . . . but just in case, remember to dress "conservatively" by their standards! Much aloha.

:wave: Hi and welcome to PTO Mitzi! Here is the link for TRCI :
http://www.oregon.gov/DOC/OPS/PRISON/trci.shtml

You will find links to the visiting info on this site. As long as he isn't in the hole I think you have regular visiting, contact consists of a hug and kiss at the beginning and end of the visit and you can hold hands as much as you want to. Sounds silly but wear a bra with no wire underwire. No tank tops or shorts or mini skirts or see-thru stuff. I always bring extra clothes in case they ever have a problem.

The playroom is really nice! If you want pictures taken while you're there have the inmate purchase the picture coupons or tickets ahead of time. They're only like $2.50. Some of us stay in hotels and could tell you the ones we like best if you want. The Desert Inn is very close and it's nice and clean with a convenience store a couple blocks away. You tell them when you check in that you're visiting TRCI and you get a discount. It's only about $60 a night. I have stayed at the Tillicum Inn and it's about $49 a night. It's fine with me, too.

The playroom at TRCI is really really awesome!!! We had a ball!!! And it was also nice because we got closer contact than at the regular visiting area...the price for that though is a nice strip search for your inmate at the end of visiting...but my guy didn't mind...he laughed it off and said it was totally worth it! lol

My name is bernita and my boo is in TRCI and I am going to be taking a long trip from North Carolina to Oregon in August to see him. Talk about a long trip.:) But anyway I am sure it will be worth it. I might have to go on a shopping trip though and buy some new bras to keep these girls under control.I have found out so much info. Really helps alot thanks.:)

Hi Poohsangel,
I just thought I would mention your bra can not have ANY metal in it, underwire, hook & eye's....nothing. Kmart sells some inexpensive sport bras that actually have some support in them. I only wear mine when visiting TRCI....I call them my "prison bras". :D

Also, 5 miles away on Hwy 395 (which intersects with Hwy 730 less than 1/10th of a mile from the Desert Inn) is the city of Hermiston. I recently stayed at the Best Western there. They have a Denny's with a lounge attached, way cheaper than Desert Inn Restaurant and FREE internet service. They gave me a discount when I told them I was visiting the prison, it turned out to be a dollar less than Desert Inn and well worth the drive. Clean, quiet, comfortable.
There are other hotels in Hermiston, but I didn't check them out.

It's pretty hot there in August too, you should check our weather so you bring the appropriate clothing.

I know a lot of other gals have told you this on PTO, but it's true. Bring extra clothes and shoes to your visit...just in case someone got up on the wrong side of the bed. Also a roll of quarters for the vending machines, the change machine doesn't always work. You don't want to sit for 3 hours without a cold drink for your honey.

Oh, one more thing(can you tell I'm a mother?)....just in case you don't know....If you send your hon money to his commisary account about a month in advance, I think $15.00 is enough, he can purchase photo tickets. Then you two can have photo's taken during your visit. Nice, huh? Well....prison photo's, but we'll take what we can get at this point, right? I say a month, just in case there is a hold up.

Good luck and have fun!

what hotel is the cheapest??

what hotel is the cheapest??

I also liked the Best Western (thanks for the tip Brokenheartedmama!!)...let me tell you.... not only a nice place but I got a flat tire on my visit to the area and on a Sunday in Hermiston...there is no tire places open! The desk clerks were very helpful...calling every tire shop in town!!! Finally found out Walmart was it on a Sunday and got it taken care of...but I loved it at the Best Western! Plus, it was great with Safeway up the road, I shopped and stocked my mini fridge for the weekend!

what hotel is the cheapest??

You probably should call for rates. They change with the seasons, number of people, smoking, non-smoking, RATE WARS, etc.

When I stayed in early March they were within a dollar of each other, Best Western being less.

thank you guys I am going to go friday night and come back sunday morning so two days? Right cuz i check in friday and check out sunday morning? its 60.59$ including the prison discount... a night...anybody know anything cheeper?

hey what about a nose ring??? I got it a few monts ago will they make me take it off cuz i dont think i can put it back in

Not anything that's clean and safe. Have a good visit.

I had seen the website a while back, dose anybody know what programs are available at Two Rivers or know the link to the site??

Just thought I would stop in and say Hi.

Hello I am going to Umatilla the last weekend of June and will be leaving from the Portland area if anyone wants to ride with me let me know.

I hate him being gone. i could never imagin what it could be like. i feel horrible because our 2 kids are missing him even more. im not aloud to talk to him that is what the judge said because he got me into trouble. thats BS because we have been together 4 years and 2 kids i dont know how they can do that... I am missing him so much.....:(:(:(

My papi has been in two rivers and then things happened and he was sent to snake river. He will be getting transfered next week. I am not sure if it will be back to two rivers or Eoci. If two rivers just looking for someone to car pool with.

:oHI my name is Ana and my ex-boyfriend is currently residing in TRCI
I really want to go visit him, and he wants me to go also..
but the other ppl on his list are his mom and sisters which we don't get along at all :blah: long story! mean ladies at times. Well I wanted to know if any of you live out in Portland or something so I can join in a ride out to Umatilla, I would gladly give gas money and for food! :p
I live out in Forest Grove it's a suburd of portland about 40 mins away!
if someone pls write back!
pls and rhank you tons!
this will make me and him very, very, very HAPPY :rolleyes::cool::thumbsup::D

You might also include people that are visiting Eoci and even Snake River as a lot of people out of P-town go up the 84 to get to these two prisons as well. Good luck and hope you find a ride up there!!! If not, call the heart of the dove which I have a posting on here for them. He will get you there too over a weekend!

Take care and good luck!

Dawn

Im new to the whole system here, my husband wan incarcerated 3yrs ago and just got transfered to two rivers, im worried sick about him and have no one to talk to about it,,,,, im clueless on his saftety cause he wouldnt tell me if he;s in trouble due to his love for me and not wanting me to worry, what do you guys know about two rivers?? he says its extremely strict and he hates it!

my son is in 2 rivers and he is doing fine,he has had no problem there,he works 5 day aweek in the kitchen as a cook and really enjoy that,keep him busy,he had adjusted well and had no one giving him any trouble since he been there,he does have some friends in his unit that he workout with twice a day.and he finally got his own tv and cd player so he is happy about that,i always put money in his vac account so he can call me 3 times aweek to chat.other that your husband should be fine unless he is a trouble maker,then he will have to deal with that,the only thing they what as a inmate is respect from other inmates,if he does that then he should be fine,hopefully your husband is not a child molester or a rapist,they don't take kindly to those kind of people.hope this little information help you some,if you like you can reply back,thanks and take care.rick

Well, I'm back to posting in the TRCI section. My honey was there for awhile, then got moved to OSP, now he is back at TRCI. The drive is horrid, and it takes forever, but I am MUCH happier now that he is back over there. Way less to worry about.
I've carpooled with someone in the past, and it sure makes the drive a lot easier!
I've gone the last 4 weekends in a row and this last one was awful with the snow. I'm hoping it clears up a bit so that I can go visit him for XMas!