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Leisure Time

Interview with Kathy, Cameron, Norm, Arturo and Isidra

JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
Kathy: there was reading a library, a computor room, and weight room, arts and crafts, tv room , there was always something to do, we even had out side time, I did a lot of reading and in the weight room, it was quiet time for me and more people to talk to
Cameron: we had the library they did have T.v but they make you keep it so low you needed to read lips to understand what going on unless it was something the officers wanted tosee a little monkey cage they called a yard not much more then that unless you deal in the madness
Norm: My unit had two televisions with the basic 6 local channels. There were multiple tables for chess, checkers, and scrabble provided by the jail. Many inmates played cards or uno which could be purchased on commissary. The courtyard was open all day for inmates to walk around the pavement outside. Library was weekly and many inmates read books or magazines from the large library or sent in from home. Cooking and creating food from food trays and commissary using the microwaves also pasted time too.
Arturo: recreation once per day library was available, tv local only, church, aa or na other than that there was only playing cards or talking with other inmates, for the most part I think that the lack of activities lead to the fighting and the buying and selling of medication between inmates
Isidra: Nothing too much but we did have church. We had rec. Which was on top of the roof in any weather just walking around doing the same thing we could have done in the block. We also had school which was to obviously obtain our GED we had library and we had law Library. Wait we did have parenting class too

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce? Give details.
Kathy: Yes I had regular access to entertainment, and the competition was not that fierce, except at night time, that is when it seems like everyone wanted to be in the weight room, but I was there in the morning when we did not have a lot of people fighting over the weights
Cameron: it depended on the officer library is once a week the yard may or may not open but for the most people got along together it's not much to do in the county try to keep sain and get out as soon as possible I don't like to get in to the mess so I do my own thing
Norm: Access was fairly easy in my housing unit. One tv was designated for sports during the weekends. Usually if a person wanted to watch something specific there was no fights. Also lack of channels limited ability to argue over what to watch. Chess, checkers, and cards were plenty so something was always available. Finally the library was connected with the local county public system so plenty of quality books to sign out or order.
Arturo: the library was once a week, church once a week, cards were available all day as was dominoes and the tv was always on. if you wanted to go outside there were no issues with fighting over the use of equipment or cards and such some fights over gambling when one lost
Isidra: I mean entertainment. Lol that's funny. We had a television with basic cable that was on for us allday. But then again that was iffy if we didn't get a good reception. We had cards to play like uno and regular cards. We also had ummm yeah thats about it

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
Kathy: No I did not as the food was not the best, so I did not eat a lot,and I worked out
Cameron: well I don't work out but people do what they can I work on the mind that matters most to me
Norm: Yes. Food trays and commissary plus the lack of exercise and activity made many gain considerable weight. There is not much physical activity and most commissary items are high in fat and calories so weight gain is common.
Arturo: yes the motivation to do anything was not there when you have hours with nothing to do food is a pastime
Isidra: I mean im naturally a small person so not really. But at tge same time. Just sitting there eating and sitting and sleeping doesn't help much. So I did gain a little weight. But no tgere is no gym

JM: How often did you get to go outside? What did you do outside if you were allowed to? If you were not allowed to go outside what could you do for exercise?
Kathy: We got to go out side twice a day, and we played football, or just walked around a lot talked to people, played cards, that is about all
Cameron: we did go out there is a pull-up and dip bar if you want you can do push-up but that's about it the took away all the balls so no hoops
Norm: Outside pavement area the size of half a basketball court was available all day long. A large rec area and minor lifting equipment was scheduled each week once and weather permitting. Most inmates would do situps pushups squats and lunges in their cells during lock in times.
Arturo: once per day there was an exercise machine that was available and you could walk around the courtyard about the size of half a basketball court
Isidra: We went outside everyday if we wanted for an hour. It was pretty darn boring. We basicalky walked in circles unless we brought out cards to play with

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
Kathy: Yes they offered church services it was held on Sundays, and it was a good service, more people came then I thought
Cameron: yes the do have a chapel I never went but they have services for all faiths if you want to go
Norm: Yes the jail offered services once a week for multiple denominations. Also, weekly bible study groups were run by local pastors.
Arturo: I did notot go to church so I do not have knowledge of the services or what was offered at them
Isidra: Yes they offered church services. We went to church on sundays and I believe there may have been a bible study

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