In the News: homeless shelters up for Franklin discussion; autonomous vehicle safety standards evolving

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"When Town Councilor Andrew Bissanti heard that two men in Franklin were sleeping outside after a house fire back in October, he was “shocked.” 

Upon a deeper look, he discovered that at least 30 others are sleeping in similar conditions in town. 

“I suspected it, and I’ve seen it in other cities, but I really never knew it to be the extent that I recently found out,” said Bissanti, who is seeking to increase resources for those without places to stay in Franklin with other town officials. 

The Town Council is set to take the issue up at its meeting on Wednesday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200206/franklin-officials-to-discuss-increasing-homeless-resources-in-town

"For the first time, the U.S. government’s highway safety agency has approved a company’s request to deploy a self-driving vehicle that doesn’t meet federal safety standards that apply to cars and trucks driven by humans. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted temporary approval for Silicon Valley robotics company Nuro to run low-speed autonomous delivery vehicles that were designed so they can’t carry humans. 

Nuro’s vehicles won’t be required to have side and rear-view mirrors and other safety provisions. Also not on the safety feature list; windshield wipers, steering wheels or brake pedals. 

The vehicles previously were subject to federal standards for low-speed vehicles that travel under 25 miles per hour. Those didn’t need steering wheels or brake pedals and didn’t have to have human backup drivers. Nuro’s battery-powered vehicles can be monitored and controlled remotely by a human operator, if needed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200206/us-lets-autonomous-vehicle-bypass-human-driver-safety-rules

"Nowhere to Lay His Head: Homelessness and the Gospel" - Jan 12

“Nowhere to Lay His Head: Homelessness and the Gospel” is a presentation in words and images. Matthew is an artist and speaker who travels the Greater Boston area and country. He will preach on January 12 at the 10 AM worship service at Franklin United Methodist Church; after worship, we will have a potluck meal (bring a dish to share, if you can) Matthew's presentation will begin at 11:45 AM. Join us for worship and/or the presentation, either way you are welcome.

Matthew, who spent nearly 10 years on the streets of Boston, uses art to start the conversation about the realities of homelessness and how people of faith can respond. Though he is still homeless, Matthew hasn’t had to sleep outside, nor in a homeless shelter, for over 12 years as he travels the country presenting his art and speaking about homelessness. He has spoken at universities and seminaries across the country including University of Pennsylvania, MIT, the University of California at Berkley, Harvard Divinity School and has been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition and This American Life (Living Without, “Act 3: The Call of the Great Indoors,” September 16, 2011).

"Nowhere to Lay His Head: Homelessness and the Gospel" - Jan 12

Follow the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/1242765902580518/
 

In the News: Gov Baker talks climate change in DC; Housing crisis leads to homelessness

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Gov Baker talks climate change in DC

"In testimony before a U.S. House committee Wednesday, Gov. Charlie Baker told Congress to set politics aside and follow Massachusetts’ lead on adapting to a changing climate and preparing to deal with more powerful weather, including setting specific targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions. 

The Republican governor has made climate change adaptation and resilience a central part of his agenda as he begins a second term in office. Last month, he proposed raising a real estate transfer tax to pay for a $1 billion, decade-long program to help Massachusetts cities and towns prepare for and clean up after the impacts of climate change. 

The governor told the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee that states “need strong federal leadership and a bold bipartisan vision on climate change.” He said climate policy is not a partisan issue in Massachusetts because “we understand the science and know the impacts are real because we are experiencing them firsthand,” and called on federal lawmakers to row in the same direction. 

“The magnitude of the impacts from climate change requires all of us - at the federal, state and local levels - to put politics aside and work together. That is the path we have taken in Massachusetts,” Baker said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190206/baker-talks-climate-change-in-dc

Housing crisis leads to homelessness

"Looking out her window, Kristen McCorquodale reflected on eight years of chasing affordable housing to avoid homelessness. 

It was a January afternoon and temperatures the day before fell below zero degrees. 

“This isn’t May. This isn’t like the last time,” she said, referencing a few years prior when her family lived out of a Ford Expedition. 

McCorquodale, 35, is from Somerville. But over the last decade, she and her husband, Dan, along with their three children, have lived in Beverly, Gardner, Worcester, Marlborough, Dorchester and – most recently – Fitchburg. Their homes during that time included apartments, basements, shelters and a small Boston unit with two families and no working toilet."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190205/housing-crisis-fuels-homelessness-in-massachusetts

Reminder: Pub Crawl Fund Raiser - April 29

We have neighbors that are homeless and hungry and we want to help them now!

Come to the pub crawl for a fun night out while raising funds for those in need in MA.

Tickets are selling fast! Get your tickets now, they must be purchased in advance! There are 4 ways to pay:

1. Go to PayPal and send money to Courtney@makechangeforchange.org
2. Call Amy Gilman 857-363-8935 and make a payment over the phone.
3. Go to: https://www.gofundme.com/makechange4change and purchase online
4. Head over to The Sugar Shoppe and pay for tickets there

Can't wait to see you there!

PUB CRAWL Fundraiser - April 29

Pub Crawl Fund Raiser - April 29

We have neighbors that are homeless and hungry and we want to help them now!

Come to the pub crawl for a fun night out while raising funds for those in need in MA.

Tickets are selling fast! Get your tickets now, they must be purchased in advance! There are 4 ways to pay:

1. Go to PayPal and send money to Courtney@makechangeforchange.org
2. Call Amy Gilman 857-363-8935 and make a payment over the phone.
3. Go to: https://www.gofundme.com/makechange4change and purchase online
4. Head over to The Sugar Shoppe and pay for tickets there

Can't wait to see you there!

PUB CRAWL Fundraiser - April 29

Make Change for Change FUNDrive - May 13

The Make Change for Change FUNDrive is May 13th. By donating gently-used clothing, shoes, accessories, book, linens, and small household items (no furniture), you can help raise funds to help erase homelessness in MA.

Help us reach our $2,000 goal – Make Change for Change will get paid for every pound of goods donated!

Donate goods now – and get in on the competition

Don't wait until the last day of the Drive to gather up your goods. You can drop off goods at The Sugar Shoppe. We can arrange to pick-up and store any donations you collect prior to the May 13th. Simply email Amy Gilman amy@makechangeforchange.org or contact her at 857-363-8935.

Make your pledge at: https://fundrive.savers.com/e/fundrive_58

Volunteers needed!

Want to join in on the FUNDrive Day fun? Spend a couple of hours volunteering with us on May 13th. We need help between 10am and 2pm. Check out our online sign-up at http://signup.com/go/gCJMj8.

Let's get together and stuff that truck!

http://www.sugarshoppe.org/

Pub Crawl Fundraiser - April 29

The Pub Crawl Fundraiser is set for April 29th. We'll go to 5 bars in Franklin

1. Alumni
2. Coles'
3. Teddy's
4. Rome
5. Jimmy D's

We'll have a bus that will tour people to each bar. Tickets are $25 per person

10% of your total bill at each bar will be donated back to Make Change for Change (erasing homelessness).

If you'd like to see more info about the charity, check out makechangeforchange.org.

They can now accept payment via PayPal by sending money to Courtney@makechangeforchange.org. 

PUB CRAWL Fundraiser - April 29

PUB CRAWL Fundraiser - April 29

The Pub Crawl Fundraiser is set for April 29th. We'll go to 5 bars in Franklin

1. Alumni
2. Coles'
3. Teddy's
4. Rome
5. Jimmy D's

We'll have a bus that will tour people to each bar. Tickets are $25 per person

10% of your total bill at each bar will be donated back to Make Change for Change (erasing homelessness).

If you'd like to see more info about the charity, check out makechangeforchange.org.

They can now accept payment via PayPal by sending money to Courtney@makechangeforchange.org. 

PUB CRAWL Fundraiser - April 29

Update on Make Change for Change - 100 backpacks ready to roll

"I wanted to update you on our charity news so that maybe you could share.... I think its a good thing to pass along and hopefully more people will make an effort to make the world a better place for ourselves and our children. 

We are rolling out a "Backpack Brigade" which will deliver 100 comfort/survival backpacks to those in need this Christmas Eve. The backpacks have been filled with donations from the community and we have been working diligently to get these ready for delivery to Rosie's Place in Boston, local shelters, and to those individuals living on the streets this cold winter (this experience will be video taped for documentary purposes). 

We are no longer in need of items for this year however we are accepting financial donations to reach our goal at our GoFundMe page: http://www.gofundme.com/makechange4change"

https://www.facebook.com/MakeChange4Change/posts/1247350031978133

https://www.gofundme.com/makechange4change

Courtney Nappa, Founder
Make Change for Change Corp.
(TAX ID 47-5594566)
Cell: 774-270-0925
www.makechangeforchange.org

In the News: Learn to skate, homeless resources challenged, Light up the Sky for Change

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

It was Learn to Skate Day at the Franklin arena, but it wasn't just any skate session. Members of the Boston Bruins organization and Blades, the big, brown Bruins mascot, mingled with the kids, handing out tips, high-fives and a hand after a spill. 

The Bruins organization stopped by the rink as part of Hockey Weekend Across America - a set of nationwide outreach programs to get children more interested in, and dedicated to, the sport. 

"Honestly, it takes me back. I remember when I was a kid, I did this in Medford. It's awesome to come out here with Blades and some of the Ice Girls," said Andrew Veneziano, the Boston Bruins youth hockey coordinator. 

"It gets kids on the ice, helps build a love for the sport."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160220/youth-skate-day-gets-kids-ont-ice-with-bruins-mascot-in-franklin

Advocates for the homeless are calling for additional resources to help people break a cycle of poverty. 

“I often feel like I’m offering people a treadmill to nowhere because it’s so difficult to help get them to a better place,” said Jim Stewart, director of First Church Shelter in Cambridge. 

The high cost of housing, access to regular medical care and discrimination are among the challenges the homeless face in Massachusetts.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160220/homeless-advocates-call-for-change

As the last glimmers of sunset faded into night, people trickled on to Fino Field Saturday, all with the same idea in mind: honor those who've lost battles to addiction. The intent was to launch Chinese lanterns, but the windy night quashed that idea. Instead, they gathered in a circle with candles and said the name of a loved one lost to addiction. 

Matt. Jimmy. Kelly. Ken. Gabe. Meghan. Rachel. Scott. Jenn. Amy... 

More than 100 people attended the Missin' Matt Foundation's Light Up The Sky for Change event. After a moment of silence, event organizers were able to light off three lanterns as the crowd watched on from the Fino Field parking lot.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160220/big-turnout-at-milford-event-to-honor-lives-lost-to-addiction

Tri-County Student Council Hosts Collection Drive for Homeless Veterans

The Student Council at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School recently hosted a collection drive for homeless veterans.

During the event, the students collected clothing and toiletries from members of the Tri-County community. On Friday, February 12, Student Council members Damaris Carter, of Medway, Hannah Galante, of Franklin, and Ashley O’Handley, of Plainville, turned in six boxes full of toothpaste, deodorant, winter jackets, and other essentials to representatives from the VA Medical Center in West Roxbury.

The idea for the collection drive began as a suggestion from freshman Adrianna Celeste, of North Attleborough. Celeste was inspired by the work of her grandmother, Fran Costa, who collects items to make care packages for homeless veterans.

The Student Council at Tri-County consists of four students from each grade who were elected by their peers to serve as the overall student governing body. In addition to their regular Student Government duties, this group is responsible for planning and coordinating civic, social, fundraising, and community service activities.

Fran Costa meets with Tri-County students Ashley O’Handley, Hannah Galante, and Damaris Carter, to organize items donated by the Tri-County community for homeless veterans

Introducing The Sugar Shoppe - a non-profit candy store!

A non-profit candy shop has arrived!

Welcome to the Sugar Shoppe (www.sugarshoppe.org) Your neighborhood Non-Profit Candy Shop...  Life is Short, Make it Sweet!  WE ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN! Tues/Wed/Thurs 10-5pm, Fri 10-4pm, Sat 12-4pm *We will add additional hours once the volunteers are in place and trained.   First off, thank you to everyone who came out for our "soft" opening this past Saturday! It was a huge success! If you couldn't make it out, please come by anytime... WE ARE OPEN! (see above hours) Second, we hope you enjoyed your goodies! Whether it was gummies, sours, old school candy, jelly bellies, delicious chocolate TRUFFLES or samples of the FUDGE (coming this week!!) we hope you were happy!! Last, we would like to answer a common question that we hear people ask..."Why are you a non-profit? how does that work?"  Well here is the WHY...Once upon a time lived over 500,000 people in MA who are homeless on a given night.  Most (70%) were staying in residential programs but the rest (30%) were found in unsheltered locations. Nearly 25% of all homeless people were children under the age of 18, 10% were between the ages of 18 and 24, and 65% were 25 years or older. *Stats from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 2014.  We chose the non-profit route as a mission to help cure homelessness in MA. The Sugar Shoppe is the HOPE portion of helping (gift baskets for moms and kids) and the long term mission is the HOUSING (www.makechangeforchange.org).  YES! all net proceeds go towards this fund. Our mission is to help and have fun while doing so, meeting a lot of new people along the way and bringing the community together for a great cause.  PLEASE SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Forward this email Make Change for Change | 334 Union Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Homelessness is a problem that can be solved - Invisible People @home on PBS

Mark Horvath is working to eliminate homelessness. I was fortunate to meet Mark a couple of times in Chicago when we went to a conference together. His story and passion is real. How real? Watch this four minute trailer for the documentary that is soon to be broadcast on PBS to get a sense of this reality.

@home is a documentary that tells the story of modern U.S. homelessness and one man’s fierce commitment to end it. PBS will air this documentary on March 25, 26 and 28 (see times below). Mark Horvath has experienced the highs and lows of the American Dream, from a successful career in television to barely surviving, homeless and addicted, on Hollywood Boulevard. @home follows Mark as he finds his voice again, hitting the streets with a digital camera and a smartphone to ask homeless people about their own experiences. 

“The invisible guy didn’t intend to become homeless. I didn’t plan on living on the street. Everyone on the streets has their own story, some made bad decisions, others were victims, but none of them deserve what they have been left with, and it is a reflection of our own society that we just leave them there. Please always remember, the homeless people you’ll ignore today were much like you not so long ago” said Mark Horvath.

Mark Horvath’s work has garnered the attention of social media gurus, politicians, advocates, and the American public, and he’s become a respected, independent voice on this issue. It is through this lens that @home, a documentary film produced by Kindling Group, explores the reality of homelessness in America today. @home follows Mark on a cross-country road trip, as he visits communities that are springing up all over this country in tents, by-the-week motels, and storm drains — and shares his struggle to make homelessness in America visible.

Website: http://www.athomedocumentary.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athomecampaign

Twitter: https://twitter.com/home_campaign

Mark with his pet lizard years ago

The broadcast schedule for the documentary is as follows:

Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 PM
Thursday, March 26 at 12:00 AM, 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Saturday, March 28 at 1:00 PM ET

"How can I help get them off the streets?" (video)

For six years, Michael Leoni has documented the lives of homeless teenagers living in Los Angeles, interviewing nearly 400 for a film that he hopes shines a light on the problem.
Still unfinished, the film, "American Street Kid," depicts young people trying to survive life on the streets. 

Through the course of filming — compiling hundreds of hours — the Franklin High School graduate found himself nearly homeless once and had to cope with the deaths of two of the teenagers he aimed to help. 

Despite the adversity, Leoni, born Michael Leon, won’t stop until the film is released. 

"It’s really, really, tough subject matter," Leoni said in a recent telephone interview from Los Angeles. "We’ve kept going, and now we’ve got to see the hope."

You can finish reading the full artcile here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140202/NEWS/140209631/1994/NEWS#sthash.isD2TXHS.dpuf


You can view the promo video here (7 minutes)




and find our more about American Street Kid here
http://www.americanstreetkid.com/

In the News - suburban poor, town clerks, train fights

Wellesley panel focuses on suburban poor

by Laura Krantz/Daily News staff

Town clerks head for Beacon Hill workshop

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Fights mar ride home after Franklin High loss

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Marry Christmas

1 - This Christmas enjoy the holiday trains from South Station:



2 - follow this link to a great Christmas story (be patient for the first commercial, the story is worth waiting for)

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4003490&affil=wpvi

3 - and to recognize our countrymen and women serving in the military:



Merry Christmas to one and all!


PS - thanks to Joan at Songs of Experience for the link to ABC News