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Kathy reported on the status of the petition, which is ready to be filed-almost. We're still waiting for Ed Loew's summary. Debra's contemporaneous writings also will be worked in. There is every reason to believe that the petition will be in the mail on Monday, Feb. 11. Kathy also reported on the publicity front; namely, the Internet radio station interview and the possible upcoming Primetime interview. As far as Kathy knows, the latter is on; however, she hasn't heard from ABC in a little over a week, now. At Colin's request, various changes were made to the Free Debra web site. The newer version of "The Challenge" was put up there. A "what you can do" hot button to the answer-write a letter-will be added. If Primetime comes through, we'll announce when it will air and link to the Primetime web site. Other latest news also will be posted, such the filing and the hearing. We decided to try to utilize the web site more-ideas for what we could do should be sent to Colin or Robin. Kathy also reported that, although we've collected a reasonable number of letters of support, we really can use many, many more. Jeanne suggested that everyone in the room twist an arm or two for letters. Kathy included a plea for letters in the February salon mailing. Jeanne reported on our finances. So far, we've raised $960. A good deal of that came from Barbara Andrikos' efforts. The more we raise, the more we can do-for the clemency effort and for Debra, personally. Joyce, Tami and Kathy informed the group of Debra's present condition-her status at prison (no longer in seg, but still denied phone privileges) and her emotional state, which is variable, but generally a lot better than it was a month ago. Overall, she's holding up very well, considering all that has happened during the last year. The chances are that her spirits will be significantly bolstered when Joyce tells her about the energy and concern expressed at this meeting. Joyce will try to get hold of more old and recent pictures of Debra. A phone conversation with Debra also will be arranged. We then brainstormed ideas for more publicity. Barbara offered to try to get the Cathy & Judy show interested in interviewing Kathy. Barbara and Jeanne are going to work on some kind of a press release we can try sending out a) in Feb., announcing the filing of the petition; b) in late March, announcing the impending hearing. Kathy volunteered to propose coverage to the Reader; however, after the meeting, she recalled that the Reader wants submissions, not ideas for articles. She and Robin will attempt to write an article before the end of March. If anyone else can get to it sooner, please step forward! Anita Denmark will check with United Church of Christ's social action committees. Jeanne will provide her with the letter she has sent to the Unitarian churches. Kathy will contact the local ABC affiliate before the hearing, to see if they will consider covering it. And we discussed the upcoming hearing. We'll have 20-30 minutes and are limited to four witnesses. The tentative plan is to have Joyce, Carol Blocker (the mother of Melanie Stokes) and Dr. Eric Ostrov testify. That leaves one more. Dr. Ed Loew, Debra's DOC psychologist is one good candidate. We also could try to get a postpartum expert. Kathy will be making those arrangements in March. Kathy and Fletcher will conduct the hearing jointly. Everyone is encouraged to attend the hearing. Kathy will let everyone know the exact date, time and location as soon as they are announced. Colin will make "Free Debra" stickers for Debra supporters to wear at the hearing, so the Board will realize how many supporters are present. We also agreed that it would be nice to have mutual contact info. A list of the people who were at this meeting is enclosed. The documentary video sub-committee also met. At the close of the meeting, we watched the snippet of video that is done so far-Kathy being interviewed by Colin. Other portions have been put together but could not be shown on the computer-a series of stills (photos of Debra and her children, the crime scene exhibit photos and then a series of headlines about the case) with Anita D.'s voice over it, reading Debra's account of the tragic night. Joyce was interviewed about the plans for Debra's release and her own success story, right here in the futon room. Jeanne is having problems finding a postpartum expert who will consent to be interviewed. She thinks she has a line on one now, however. The committee will meet next in mid-March to finalize plans for the hearing and publicity shots we might take around that. If anyone gets any ideas for publicity things we could try, let Kathy know right away. Again, we still need letters-please try to scare a few up! Committee to Free Debra Gindorf
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