November Recipient – Jane Handel

Jane Handel is a sophomore at Needham High School. In the eighth grade Jane came up with the concept for her community project when she saw that some books were being discarded. A lover of books, Jane rescued those books and distributed them to schools. That rescue was the inspiration that eventually became the program, A Book from Mom, in 2004 at the women’s state prison, MCI-Framingham. Women prisoners can choose a new book to share with their child at every visit. Barnes and Noble have chosen this project for their holiday charity for the second year in a row. This year the program is expanding to provide for the pre-release facility next to MCI Framingham with books for children reuniting with their mothers before the mother’s release. Jane’s own love for reading and reading with her mother goes back to her early childhood; Jane’s mother read daily to all her children. In the fourth grade Jane and her mother were in the first Books & Bridges, a Mother and Daughter group, started by the Needham Youth Commission. Four mother and daughter pairs from two groups started that year are still meeting and sharing their joy of reading. Jane is a member of the Concert Chorale at Needham High School, a member of the all-girls a capella group, the Treble Rebels, and she is in the school musical, 42^nd St. Outside of school, Jane has completed the training program of the Samaritans of Greater Boston and has a weekly shift on their help line. 

Needham Youth Commission Representative

Katy Colthart Abblett

Katy has been a social worker at the Needham Youth Commission since April 2000. She enjoys working in the Needham Community and is proud to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Needham youth. 

Needham Business Association Representative

Walter M. Collins

Walter Collins is the Owner/Administrator of Briarwood Rehabilitation Center located at 150 Lincoln Street, in Needham. Walter and his family purchased Briarwood in January of this year. In addition to skilled nursing and short term rehabilitation, Briarwood also offers long term and specialized Alzheimer’s care. Briarwood is delighted to be a part of this important community program.