Meet Jerry, one of our founding Board Members!

Why did you choose to serve on the Stop Handgun Violence Board?
I had worked in gun violence prevention in California in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. When John Rosenthal began SHV in 1994 it was an easy transition.

Having hunted in New Hampshire and Canada as a youth, I had knowledge of firearms and gun safety. It was obvious to me that the evolution of the gun culture to military-style firearms with large capacity magazines was in no way a second amendment right. The NRA had simply evolved from a gun safety promoter and habitat protection advocate to the “Madison Avenue” of the gun industry convincing legal citizens to arm themselves against criminals armed by NRA endorsed legislation.

What is your most memorable Gun Violence Prevention event?
The Million Mom March in D.C. was definitely memorable. I remember walking with Hillary Clinton for a couple of miles; I got to speak with her a bit and was really impressed.

Has gun violence personally impacted you?
My nephew; a very sweet, talented, gentle guy working for the TSA, and a father of 3 young girls; came home, upset at something and shot himself in the head with his family present.

What’s your favorite Massachusetts destination?
Shogun sushi restaurant in Newton!

Fun Fact:
I read a story about a blue whale carcass coming ashore at Vandenberg Air Force base. It was below a 90 foot cliff in a restricted area but I just had to try and recover it for display. I organized a group from San Luis Obispo and called Dr. Chuck Woodhouse in Santa Barbara who put together more volunteers, got some people to donate winches and a crane and got approval from the Air Force. We worked for 3 months in the waves cutting off meat from the bones and hauling them up the cliff one at a time. The upper skull alone weighed 2 1/2 tons! So, If you are ever at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History check out the skeleton of the 72 foot blue whale, the largest, most complete one in the world!

Celebrate Jerry’s commitment to end gun violence and join him at our 25th Anniversary party on October 24, 2019.

Meet Oedipus, a founding Board Member.

How many years have you served on the Stop Handgun Violence Board?

Since its inception [1994].

Why did you choose to serve on the Stop Handgun Violence Board?

Common sense to curb gun violence, a national health emergency.

What is your most memorable Stop Handgun Violence campaign?

Creating a CD while programming WBCN that raised over $200K for SHV. Also, the walk from sportscaster extraordinaire Bob Lobel’s house to mine to raise awareness about SHV and sensible gun laws.

Has gun violence personally impacted you?

I prefer to live abroad where it is safer.

What’s your favorite Massachusetts destination?

Logan

Fun fact:

Toured Japan with David Bowie. 

Celebrate Oedipus work to end gun violence and join us at our 25th Anniversary party on October 24, 2019.

Meet Kyle, she joined the Board in 2015.

Why did you choose to serve on the Stop Handgun Violence Board?

My father, Michael Kennedy, and John Rosenthal started SHV 25 years ago with the pioneering goal of changing Massachusetts gun laws and culture so that real change could begin. My involvement with SHV and the movement in general reflects my family’s commitment to reducing the senseless gun violence that pervades our society, and I’m proud to carry on that legacy.

What is your most memorable Stop Handgun Violence event?

I loved celebrating the 20th anniversary 5 years ago. My father was an honoree, and I had the privilege to accept the award on his behalf. I’m looking forward to celebrating the 25th!

What’s your favorite Massachusetts destination?

My family and I love vacationing on Nantucket island.

Fun fact:

I ran the Boston Marathon this year!

Celebrate Kyle’s commitment to end gun violence and join her at our 25th Anniversary party on October 24, 2019.

Meet Steve, a senior board member for 15 years.

Why did you choose to serve on the Stop Handgun Violence Board?

Because John has led the fight for common sense gun reform.

What is your most memorable Stop Handgun Violence event?

[At the billboard unveiling] Seeing the Parkland parents immigrating from Columbia to give their son a better life, only to see him gunned down in his school.

What’s your favorite Massachusetts destination?

Chatham Bars Inn with child. Before it was The Vineyard.

Fun fact:

Old guy with a 3 year old.

Celebrate Steve’s dedication to end gun violence and join him at our 25th Anniversary party on October 24, 2019.

Meet Matt, a Board Member for over 10 years.

Why did you choose to serve on the Stop Handgun Violence Board?

John asked –  I also grew up in a poor tough blue collar neighborhood and understand the importance of addressing this issue.

What is your most memorable Stop Handgun Violence event?

Concerts Across America

What’s your favorite Massachusetts destination?

Nantucket

Fun fact:

I’m old, fat, and boring.

Celebrate Matt’s commitment to end gun violence and join us at our 25th Anniversary Party on October 24, 2019.

Meet Barbara, a founding Board Member.

Why did you choose to serve on the Stop Handgun Violence Board?
In the mid ‘90s Boston and many other communities were experiencing a huge increase in gun violence. It was a growing problem and an issue that both John Rosenthal and I felt passionate about. We wanted to create awareness of the danger of handguns in our communities and also drive policy advocacy.

What is your most memorable Stop Handgun Violence event?
Most memorable event for me was the unveiling of the very first SHV billboard.

Has gun violence personally impacted you?

No, but we cannot wait to be personally impacted by gun violence to take a stand and demand action on an issue that has affected millions of other Americans.

What’s your favorite Massachusetts destination?

Ballston Beach, Truro

Fun fact:

I have amazing “Parking Karma”. First discovered when I drove from Providence, RI to in Bethel, NY to attend “Woodstock” (Yes, that Woodstock!). I got a great parking space ¼ mile from the entrance to the music festival.

Celebrate Barbara’s work to end gun violence and join us at our 25th Anniversary party on October 24, 2019.

Meet Ben, a Board Member for 9 years.

Why did you choose to serve on the Stop Handgun Violence Board?

Our National gun policies and the horrific and senseless loss of life that results is a tragic disgrace. SHV plays an essential role in reducing gun violence by advocating for change at the National level and ensuring Massachusetts continues to be a model for the nation in gun violence prevention.

What is your most memorable Stop Handgun Violence event?

The unveiling of the Joaquin Oliver Billboard.

What’s your favorite Massachusetts destination?

Boston

Celebrate Ben’s commitment to end gun violence and join us at our 25th Anniversary Party on October 24, 2019.

Meet Lisa, who recently joined as a Board Member this year.

Why did you choose to serve on the Stop Handgun Violence Board?

Working in my previous position with Slowey/McManus Communications on SHV projects, I have seen firsthand the organization’s dedication to its vital mission, and its effectiveness. In that time – just a few short years – the frequency of gun violence has escalated at a frightening pace. It’s unacceptable and preventable. SHV is right to hold our national leaders’ feet to the fire on this and I’m proud to support it.

What is your most memorable Stop Handgun Violence campaign?

The Concert Across America to End Gun Violence

What’s your favorite Massachusetts destination?

Toss up between Fenway Park and Crane Beach!

Fun fact:

I have met (and interviewed!) Jane Goodall.

Celebrate Lisa’s work to end gun violence and join her at our 25th Anniversary party on October 24, 2019.