New England Weekend

We're a few weeks into hurricane season. Have you gone over what's in your "go bag", or double checked your evacuation zone? Not quite sure where to begin to make sure you're prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at us? Dawn Brantley, the Director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, returns to the show to talk with Nichole about what you should focus on for your preps, and how cuts in federal funding for disaster response could impact our region.

A cancer diagnosis can be devastating for anyone, but it's especially so when it happens to a child. Families rally to support their loved one while they navigate treatment, but it can take a toll on everyone involved. Anna's Pals, a non-profit in West Roxbury, is slowly but surely creating a special getaway for these families where they can sit back, relax, and take a breath on the Cape. Kristina Jerome, Founder of Anna's Pals, shares details about their efforts to build this beach home in her late daughter's memory.

With all the damage we've seen from massive storms that have hit the US in recent years, including some devastating flooding right here in Massachusetts, there are a lot of questions about who, exactly, should get flood insurance. Is it worth it? Bill Martin, CEO of Plymouth Rock Home Assurance, talks with Nichole about the pros and cons, and what you should consider if you're thinking about a policy.

Despite all the rain we've had this spring (so many Saturdays washed out!), it's still a great time to get outside and explore in the woods, in meadows, up trees - you name it. Trouble is, in all those places, you're at risk of picking up a hitch-hiker: a tick! They can share some pretty concerning illnesses, but there are ways to protect yourself. Dr. Joao Tavares, Infectious Disease Specialist at Cape Cod Healthcare in Hyannis, joins the show this week for some "tick talk".

Scammers are always going to try and find a way to steal your hard-earned money, your personal information, your medical details - anything they can get from you. These days, that also includes your home and property, and they're doing it through "quit claim deed scams". It's happening in New Hampshire, so Senior Assistant Attorney General Brandon Garod talks with Nichole this week about how this scam works and share steps you can take to make sure your property isn't stolen from under your nose.

These days, you can get pretty much anything you want out of a vending machine, but they're also playing an important role in Boston's public health efforts. North End Waterfront Health is using these machines to provide basic necessities and harm-reduction supplies to people who are unhoused, low on cash, or navigating substance use. David Perry, Director of Substance Use Disorder Services, and Nadya Zaltsman, a recovery coach at NEW Health, are on the show this week to talk about the importance of low-barrier, judgment-free options to help people in need.

There's a lot of food out there that's perfectly good to eat, but, for whatever reason, isn't easily sold. Perhaps it has bruises, it's *just* past the expiration date, or the packaging is off. Meals made for big functions often just end up in the trash if no one comes to consume them. Spoonfuls in Newton, a "food recovery" service, works each and every day to track down consumables that are destined for the landfill and redirect them to people in need around the Commonwealth. Erin Keohane, the Chief Advancement Officer at Spoonfuls, talks with Nichole about their process, why their services are needed more now than ever, and the roadblocks they're dealing with involving federal funding and support.

Most of the clothing in our closets is a few years old, max. Maybe you have some vintage in there, but nothing quite like the closet at the Plymouth Antiquarian Society. They have a treasure trove of clothing that, in some cases, is centuries old! As we approach the nation's 250th anniversary, the Society is highlighting some of its prized Revolutionary-era pieces. Executive Director Patrick Browne shares stories about the collection and talks about the efforts they take to preserve these special garments.This segment is the seventh interview in our series "Revolutionary Roots", where we take a closer look at the stories, people, events, and local ties that connect New England to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.

When we talk about the American Revolution, we're often talking about the patriots and revolutionaries who rose up and fought back against the British, especially in Massachusetts where so much of the movement took root. In Weston, there's a museum telling a story that you may not have heard that often: the story of the Loyalists, or Redcoats, who wanted to stay loyal to Britain. Katie Campbell, the Executive Director of the Golden Ball Tavern Museum in Weston, talks with Nichole about their new exhibit focusing on colonial espionage and sheds light into the life of a prominent Loyalist.This segment is the sixth interview in our series "Revolutionary Roots", where we take a closer look at the stories, people, events, and local ties that connect New England to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.

Do you know how much energy you're really using when you're generating those cute videos and photos on AI platforms like ChatGPT, Copilot or Gemini? It's likely a lot more than you think. With so many people utilizing these platforms, entering all kinds of prompts, it's very quickly starting to put stress on our power grid. Matthew Carrara of Doble Engineering in Marlborough talks with Nichole about what's really happening behind the scenes, and what needs to be done to ensure our infrastructure is able to keep up.

A few months back, Sasha Purpura from Daily Table in Boston joined the show to talk about the non-profit grocery store's mission: team up with local suppliers and farmers to ensure everyone has access to low-cost, healthy food. Some surprising news has developed: the board of Daily Table announced recently it was closing down all operations within a matter of days, a move that shocked advocates, community leaders, and residents. Sasha returns to the show to talk about what happened and share resources for those who are food insecure in Massachusetts.

The weather is warmer, the pollen is flying, trees are blooming... it's the perfect time to get out and explore all that New England's outdoors has to offer! If you're looking for a new hike to try, or a new restaurant to check out when you're done getting your wilderness fix, Marc Hurwitz can help. He's the man behind Boston's Hidden Restaurants and Boston Restaurant Talk, but he also leads hikes for the Appalachian Mountain Club throughout New England. Marc returns to the show to share some of his favorite spots and provide an update on the local restaurant industry.

Did you get your REAL ID yet? Earlier this week, the law requiring you to have one to fly domestically or enter certain federal buildings kicked in, and it's caused a bit of confusion for some who haven't been able to get one. Lines have been long at the RMV and appointments are tough to find. What happens if you need to travel and you don't have your updated ID? Dan Velez, spokesman for TSA New England, answers your questions about the ID's and the new regulations.

As health care advances, our medical devices have to evolve to keep up, which means they have to be connected to networks and the wider internet in ways they never were before. Unfortunately, that also means they're prime targets for hackers who want to steal your information and cause chaos. The recent "Device Talks Boston" conference focused, in part, on how the industry needs to catch up and put stronger security in place for our medical devices. Trevor Slattery, Chief Technology Officer at Blue Goat Cyber in Scottsdale, Arizona attended the conference, and stepped away to talk with Nichole about solutions for this problem.

This warmer weather is the perfect time to dust off the bike and hit the road for a good cause. Bike MS is holding its annual "Cape Cod Getaway" next month to raise money for the National MS Society, which works each and every day to find a cure for multiple sclerosis. The Getaway is a two-day affair, and you won't even have to rent a vacation house! Jennifer Dowdy, the Development Director of Bike MS, and Liam Kennedy, captain of Liam's Lucky Charms, join Nichole to talk about it.

Boston is the home to many of the region, nation, and world's most powerful people. That being said, not everyone can be truly influential. Boston Magazine has just released its latest list of the city's most influential people, and it includes all kinds of people: athletes, lawmakers, developers, even infants! Brittany Jasnoff, Executive Editor at Boston Magazine, dives deeper into the list with Nichole to talk about their process, what influence truly means, and some of their top picks.

Since the late 1980's, the team at Marshfield's "Road to Responsibility" has had one mission: assist those with intellectual and physical disabilities with living their lives to the fullest. They do so by providing essential services in day programs and community living, along with promoting inclusivity and understanding in the community at large. One of their new tools is a virtual reality program that's already become a major success. President and CEO Christopher White joins clinician Rebecca Ellis to talk about how they're introducing this technology into their programming.

More than a century has passed since the Melrose Symphony Orchestra started performing together, making the group the nation's oldest continuing all-volunteer orchestra. Another season is coming to an end, and the final concert is a packed potpourri of favorites, including a special guest. Conductor Yoichi Udagawa returns to the show with all the details about the upcoming show, and talks with Nichole about the season.

The rising cost of housing and essentials is making it more difficult for families and individuals to put nourishing food on the table. Since 1969, Project Bread in Boston has hosted the "Walk for Hunger", a community movement to bring awareness to this problem and raise much-needed money for hunger relief. Project Bread President Erin McAleer returns to the show to share the details with Nichole and give an update on their work to fight hunger in Massachusetts.

Trying to find a job these days can be overwhelming, draining, and downright frustrating. Here in the Boston area, there's a message from those in the hospitality industry: we're hiring, and we need you now! Meet Boston is putting on a new regional job fair, hoping to connect those who need work with opportunities in hotels, tourism, and restaurants, all huge contributors to the city's economy. Martha Sheridan, President and CEO of Meet Boston, and Conan Harris, Founder and CEO of Conan Harris and Associates, talk with Nichole about the resources and opportunities the fair has available for those who need a job.

There are many ways to promote healthy aging, including getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking your medicine properly. Also important: staying active and connected with your community! For many seniors, loneliness and isolation can take a big toll on mental and physical health. Now that the weather is warmer, Boston Parks and Rec is rolling out its "ABC Forever Young" program, offering local seniors the opportunity to come together and play some fun games! Damien Margardo, Program Manager at Boston Parks and Rec, talks with Nichole about what they have to offer.

It was almost 250 years ago to the day when residents of Concord ended up playing a critical role in the American Revolution, as it was there, and in neighboring Lexington, where the first shots of the war were fired. The town has embraced that pivotal history throughout the centuries, including at the Concord Museum, where dozens of historical objects connected to the events of that Wednesday in 1775 are now on display. Museum Director Lisa Krassner joins Nichole on this week's show to talk about their plans for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution on April 19th and what they have to offer in this new exhibit.This segment is the fifth interview in our series "Revolutionary Roots", where we take a closer look at the stories, people, events, and local ties that connect New England to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.

No matter why you love baseball - ballparks, the players, the skill, the atmosphere - it's also perfect fodder for poets around the world to talk about their love of the game. Worcester is home to the National Baseball Poetry Festival, celebrating the intersection of America's pastime and the timeless art of poetry. This year's event at Polar Park and other venues includes all kinds of exciting activities, and everyone is invited. Founder Steven Biondolillo talks with Nichole about everything the Festival has to offer on this week's show.

Baseball and music lovers come together each year for the "Hot Stove Cool Music" benefit concert, which raises money for underserved youth through the Foundation To Be Named Later. It's a brainchild of baseball writers Jeff Horrigan and Peter Gammons, with a nod to the sport they love. This year, the event is celebrating its 25th anniversary with some epic guests. Former Red Sox pitcher Lenny DiNardo, now a sports analyst at NESN, is co-hosting this year's event. He joins Nichole this week to share all the cool details about this hot event.

Since the days following the Revolutionary War, the Massachusetts Historical Society has been dutifully documenting events and stories that have made up the American experience, especially here in New England. That includes a one-of-a-kind look into how the war for independence played out back in the 1700's. Chief Historian Peter Drummey joins Nichole with new information about their exhibit "1775 - Rebels, Rights, and Revolution", and a deeper look into what it takes to preserve history.This segment is the fourth interview in our new series, "Revolutionary Roots", where we take a closer look at the stories, people, events, and local ties that connect New England to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.

Dorchester's Louis D. Brown Peace Institute was founded more than 30 years ago out of a mother's grief and pain. Chaplain Clementina Chery created the Institute to honor her late son, Louis, who was gunned down in the streets of Dorchester at just 15 years old in 1993. Now, the institute is known for the Mother's Day Walk for Peace and other work to not just prevent gun violence, but also help the families impacted by it. Chaplain Chery says she and the Institute want to take their work to a new level with a new Center for Healing, Teaching, and Learning. She shares the details with Nichole and explains how the community can help make the Center a reality.

April school vacation in Massachusetts is just a few weeks away. If you're doing a staycation this time around, or if you don't have any plans just yet, you might be thinking about what you want to do with the kids. The City of Boston says it's got a special event planned for girls age 7-12: the All-Girls Sports and Wellness Festival! Jennifer Misiaszek from Boston Parks and Recreation joins Nichole this week to talk about everything the event has to offer in hopes of empowering Boston's girls.

Tariffs have been imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, impacting farm and dairy products like wheat, corn, cotton, chicken, fruits, vegetables, and beef. Farmers and ranchers have been voicing their concerns about this, saying if the tariffs stick, it could hike prices for farmers and consumers alike, and strain an industry that's already, in some cases, struggling to get by. Warren Shaw, the President of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation and the owner/operator of Shaw Farm in Dracut, talks with Nichole about the potential local impact of these tariffs on farmers.

The legendary poem about Paul Revere from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poignantly lays out the dramatic events that unfolded between Boston and Concord on April 18, 1775, setting the stage for the opening battles of the Revolutionary War. Revere wasn't the only man who made the crucial ride to warn the minutemen, but thanks to that poem, Revere's efforts became stuff of legend. Nina Zannieri, Executive Director of the Paul Revere House in Boston, joins Nichole to talk about the work to preserve Revere's legacy and the celebrations they have planned for the 250th anniversary of Revere's ride.This segment is the third interview in our new series, "Revolutionary Roots", where we take a closer look at the stories, people, events, and local ties that connect New England to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.  

Finding a bargain these days is far more streamlined than it used to be - no more clipping coupons around the kitchen table! Couponing apps are all the rage with influencers on social media who are helping their followers save a buck or two as we deal with high prices on just about everything. Julia Belkin, the Boston woman behind Freebies and More on Instagram and TikTok, joins Nichole to share some tips and tricks.

While the nation's big birthday party is coming up next year, in just a matter of weeks, Massachusetts will mark 250 years since the "shot heard 'round the world" - the battles of Lexington and Concord, which sparked the war against the British for American independence. The colonists were ready for the British that day thanks to careful planning and a group of militia members called the "Minute Men". Even today, the Minute Men's spirit is preserved by the Concord Minute Men, led by Captain Carl Sweeney. He talks with Nichole about what it's like to re-enact American history and their plans for this year's Patriots Day celebrations, and shares a bit of history, too.This segment is the second interview in our new series, "Revolutionary Roots", where we take a closer look at the stories, people, events, and local ties that connect New England to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.  

Some big changes have been happening behind the scenes at two of Boston's best-known mentoring organizations, and you may not have even noticed. That's exactly how they planned it! Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts and the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston have merged in hopes of helping more kids around the region reach their full potential. Big Sister Association President and CEO Annissa Essaibi-George and Big Brothers Big Sisters President and CEO Mark O'Donnell share details about the merger with Nichole and talk about what this means for mentoring access around Eastern Massachusetts.

When we talk about Boston's history, it's easy to focus on the familiar stories of colonialism, the Revolutionary War, and the Founding Fathers. The true stories of the city aren't complete without the contributions of Boston's diverse communities, who have played crucial roles in shaping the cultural, economic, and social fabric of the Hub. Everyone250 is a new coalition of arts and cultural organizations ensuring those diverse stories are told as we look ahead to the nation's 250th birthday. Jeneé Osterheldt, Dr. Imari Paris Jeffries, and Brian Boyles, Co-Chairs of Everyone250, talk with Nichole about their mission and upcoming events.This segment is the first interview in our new series, "Revolutionary Roots", where we take a closer look at the stories, people, events, and local ties that connect New England to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.  

Each and every day, Jake Prusha, a member of the US Coast Guard stationed in Boston, takes part in a grueling challenge called the "Murph" workout, which honors a Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan back in 2005. Prusha's doing this for 100 days - not to get fit, but to raise awareness of members of the military and first responders who are grappling with mental health challenges. Jake talks with Nichole about his story, why this challenge means a lot to him, and how you can help him raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. (Find Jake on Instagram at @jakeprusha.)

Back in 1958, passenger rail service came to an end between Boston and the South Coast of Massachusetts, leaving cities like Taunton, New Bedford, and Fall River without train access to the largest city in New England. Now, decades later, South Coast residents are about to get that access back, as the MBTA is starting up service in late March. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng joins the show to discuss the long-running project, what riders can expect, and what comes next.

By the year 2030, experts say most work opportunities will require applicants to be strong in their digital literacy skills, including knowledge of artificial intelligence systems. As we work with future generations to get them ready for the workforce, schools are coming up with creative ways to teach those skills. Enter "hack-a-thons", where students are presented a complex problem and they have to use those skills to find a solution - and Roxbury Community College's Computer Science Club is about to host one for the very first time! Derek Goodwin, student organizer of the event, and faculty advisor Dr. Mya Bowen join the show to talk about hack-a-thons and what they hope theirs will accomplish.

Even though it's downright frigid outside, the Franklin Park Zoo and Zoo New England are embracing all things tropical at their new "Orchid Adventure" exhibit! Visitors can spend time with some special animals as they admire a lush display of stunning flowers - some real, some "brick". Josh Meyer, the Zoo's Horticulture and Sustainability Curator, joins the show to talk about how he keeps the orchids healthy and everything guests will get to experience when they stop by.

In places like Massachusetts where the cost of living is higher than average, many low-income families are having to make a difficult choice each day: pay critical bills and buy food, or pick up hygiene necessities like soap and toothbrushes. Often, the heat and food win out, but that's where Needham's Hope and Comfort Hygiene Hub comes in, making sure families in need are connected to hygiene supplies - even working with local schools to do it. Kerry Carter, the CEO of Hope and Comfort Hygiene Hub, returns to the show to talk about a new grant they received that will help them distribute these items to hundreds of kids in the Chelsea Public Schools.

For more than 30 years, Our Neighbors' Table in Amesbury has been working in the Merrimack Valley to help people who are food insecure get access to the nourishment they need with dignity and grace. They've opened up two "free markets" so people can feed their families while still having a choice over what they bring home, but Our Neighbors' Table also offers community meals and home delivery services for those who need them. Lyndsey Haight, Executive Director of Our Neighbors' Table, talks with Nichole about their mission, the local food supply chain, how they foster community, and more.

Children's museums are a great place for kids and adults to thrive, learn, and play, but you often find them in larger cities - not so much in smaller towns. That's changing in Franklin, as two mothers who have been friends for years are making moves to open up the Children's Museum of Franklin, promising interactive exhibits, imaginative play, and much more. Co-Founders Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher share all the details with Nichole on this week's show, and also discuss ways the community can contribute to help open the doors within the next few months.

February is Black History Month, and the Freedom Trail Foundation is offering special tours highlighting the rich and often overlooked history of African-Americans who've made an impact on the city's history. The tours promise a great walk around Boston, some enlightening and enriching conversations, and education from 18th century costumed guides playing the roles of iconic Black Bostonians. This week, a guide from the Foundation playing Phillis Wheatley joins Nichole to talk about the Foundation's work and these special tours.

Coming up next month in Dartmouth, One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to celebrate local female entrepreneurs and business leaders at their Women's Forum and Expo! Women who attend will be able to network, share ideas, and learn all about the impacts of burnout from an expert. Katie Greene, the Chamber's Vice President of Marketing and Events, returns to the show to talk with Nichole about this inspiring event.