New England Weekend

Haley House has come a long way since it opened up 60 years ago in Boston's South End. Today, it offers a range of services, including affordable housing, an urban farm, a soup kitchen, and a bakery cafe. But it's not just about providing food; it's about addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty. Executive Director Reggie Jean talks with Nichole this week about their commitment to building community, security, and trust in the South End and Lower Roxbury neighborhoods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the nation's food supply gets hit with more challenges, from parasite outbreaks to recalls, consumers are re-evaluating their shopping habits. Many are turning to local farmers for safer and more reliable options, support local producers say they're thrilled to have. Warren Shaw, the owner of Shaw Farm in Dracut and president of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau, joins Nichole this week to talk about the importance of supporting local farmers and the benefits of having a safe and reliable food supply in your community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A magical world is about to come to life at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston! This fall, the garden is transforming into a whimsical fairy village called Fairy Hollow, complete with custom fairy houses created by local artists. Other fun fairy-themed events are on the calendar, too, including a masquerade ball! Marissa Gallant, Director of Education at the Botanic Garden, shares details with Nichole about this charming event and other fall offerings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people head to the Berkshires to retire and live out their golden years. Soon, at the Berkshire Farm Sanctuary in Peru, founder Dori Scofield wants to make it possible for senior pups to do the same thing! The team at the sanctuary is working hard on the "Old Dog Inn", a safe, loving shelter solely for senior dogs that need a warm bed, roaring fireplace, and big yard to settle down in for their final years. Dori joins Nichole this week to share stories from her decades dedicated to animal rescue and talk about how you can help this new shelter become a reality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the new school year gets underway, educators and students are gearing up for a fresh start, but behind the scenes, schools are facing a one-two punch of budget cuts and rising costs. Educators are often left to dip into their own pockets to stock their classrooms. The state is stepping in with a new initiative to offer some relief for educators and child care providers who already give so much to help the kids in their lives. Education Secretary Dr. Stephen Zrike talks with Nichole about the Educator Discounts Directory and how the state is working on solutions to address fiscal challenges impacting our school districts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The timeless art of boat building is alive and well in Essex at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum! Now, the museum's offering a unique opportunity for you to learn the very same skills and traditions that have been revered for generations on the North Shore. By the end of the class, you'll have your very own boat to enjoy for years to come, made with your own two hands with help from experts. Executive Director K.D. Montgomery joins Nichole this week to talk about the museum's storied history and this special chance to join their mission to preserve this historic art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our AC's and sump pumps have been getting quite the workout this summer, but have you ever wondered what's going on behind the scenes at our power grid to ensure it can continue to meet our growing demand for electricity? This week, Nichole's joined by Mary Cate Colapietro, Senior Communications Specialist for ISO New England, to break down a new report that provides a comprehensive look at the region's energy landscape, from the impact of AI data centers to the role of renewable resources and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While millions of Americans either rely on Social Security for their retirement, millions more hope it will be solvent and available for them when it's time for them to make the transition. No matter how old you are, there are resources out there, especially online, to help you navigate the system and make the most of your benefits as you plan for your future. The trouble is, new research shows many Americans don't know how to access them. Bill Sweeney, the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for AARP in Washington, stops by the show this week to talk about this research with Nichole and offer some valuable advice on how you can get connected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Labor Day approaches, the Greater Boston Labor Council is gearing up for its second annual parade in the city's Back Bay, and this year's event promises to be just as vibrant and groundbreaking as the first. Darlene Lombos, President of the Greater Boston Labor Council, says this year's event in Copley Square will celebrate worker power, challenge corporate greed, and focus on getting out the vote. Darlene returns to the show to talk with Nichole about the resurrection of Boston's Labor Day parades, the efforts of the labor movement to connect with workers locally, and how you can get involved in the festivities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dedham-based Three Squares New England is gearing up for its 15th annual fundraising event to combat food insecurity in the Greater Boston area. The need is greater than ever to ensure funding comes in for their network of over 38 partner organizations, including food pantries, community farms, and food recovery initiatives. Marena Burnett, Executive Director of Three Squares New England, shares all the details about this year's Ride and Stride for Food with Nichole this week, along with information on how you can get involved, even if you don't want to bike or walk!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend, Gaelic football players are coming from all over the world to the Greater Boston area, as the USGAA Finals are taking place at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton! While Gaelic football may not be the best-known sport here in the United States, it has a close-knit community, and it's growing in popularity each and every year. This week, Allie D'Amico, a player with the Boston Shamrocks LGFC, shares information about the sport, this weekend's competition, and how those who are interested can get involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Testing is considered to be crucial when it comes to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but there are still many barriers that prevent people from getting screened and treated. Researchers at UMass Amherst have been working on some new technology that could be a major breakthrough in that effort: at-home HIV detection tests. Professor Chang Liu, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at UMass Amherst, and Dr. Helmut Albrecht, the Heyward Gibbes Distinguished Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of South Carolina, talk with Nichole about the potential for this technology, the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding HIV, and the need for education and awareness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world where living your entire life online seems to be the norm, a mother and daughter from Needham are challenging the status quo with their analog approach to mental health. Teri and Ella Macduff are on a mission to encourage authenticity and self-reflection through their organization, "Chasing Red Flags". This week, they talk with Nichole about their journey to create a special journal that's helping people all over the country slow down and develop a deeper connection with themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than 40 years, Congregation Shirat HaYam on Nantucket has been without a permanent home, holding services and events in spaces all over the island. That's about to change. They're taking a major step forward with the purchase of an historic property, the former Surfside Life Saving Station, and the vision is clear: it won't just be a synagogue, but a vibrant center for Jewish life on the island. David Gregory and Chuck Shoneman join Nichole on the show this week to talk about the progress they've made so far on the project, and share information on how you can help see it through.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Bedford's rich maritime history and expertise will be on display on August 13th as the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center hosts Scallopalooza! Not only will dozens of local fishermen take part in a scallop shucking contest, the event will also give you a glimpse into the equipment and technology they use to harvest the seafood we love to enjoy this time of year. Joe Ritter, Programs Manager at the Fishing Heritage Center, talks with Nichole this week about the center's mission and the plans for this upcoming event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Massachusetts, and New England as a whole, are often looked at as leaders in renewable energy and overall sustainability, there are still some roadblocks for business owners who want to make pledges to hit certain climate goals. Rising costs and changes in policy are making it increasingly difficult for all but the largest companies to make a meaningful commitment. James Boyle, the CEO and Founder of Sustainability Roundtable, Inc., joins Nichole this week for an in-depth conversation in which he shares insight about the state of the sustainability movement and advice for business owners looking to make these commitments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might be hearing the word "cyclospora" a lot more lately as the number of cases in this nationwide parasite outbreak continues to rise. There are lots of questions about how this is impacting us here in New England, from how it's impacting our produce to the symptoms those infected might be dealing with. This week, Nichole talks with Dr. Zoe Weiss, the director of Clinical Microbiology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, to learn how significant our risk really is and get educated about this tiny parasite that's causing some big problems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than three decades in New York City, the Museum of American Finance has made its way to Boston's Seaport District. At the new home on Commonwealth Pier, the museum is showcasing a treasure trove of educational programs and special artifacts, like George Washington's treasury bonds and a share certificate from the Boston Red Sox! Nichole is joined by President and CEO David Cowen, the president and CEO of the museum, as he shares the story of the museum's move from New York and its plans to make finance accessible to everyone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a growing group of collectors around the country who are fascinated with the smallest of items that can tell some big stories: a button, a pin, a poster. We're talking about political memorabilia, and enthusiasts from all over the country who are part of the American Political Items Collectors are coming to Danvers later this month for their National Convention. President Tony Lee takes a deep dive into the world of political ephemera on this week's episode with Nichole, and shares details about how you can stop by to get involved!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summertime is here, and it's the perfect time to enjoy both good food and some time in nature! Someone who knows quite a bit about both of those things is Marc Hurwitz of Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants, who also leads walks and hikes for the Appalachian Mountain Club around New England. He returns to the show this week to talk with Nichole about hiking safety, some of his new recommended hiking destinations, restaurant openings and closings in Greater Boston, and his thoughts on the overall industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The American Ancestors "Family Heritage Experience" in Boston's Back Bay has joined the Blue Star Museums program, which offers military families free admission to museums and other cultural institutions over the summer. Jennifer Zanolli, the manager of the Family Heritage Experience, talks with Nichole on this week's episode about this new partnership and how it uniquely offers military families a chance to explore their family history, including learning about past relatives who served, in a meaningful, hands-on visit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media has proven to be a boon for history lovers, as people all over the world generate content about their pastimes, families, neighborhoods, and much more. Derek Strahan of Longmeadow is the man behind the "Lost New England" and "Gravestones of New England" accounts on Instagram and Facebook, two accounts which have garnered big followings of people who can't get enough of the posts on places they've known and loved through the years. Derek talks with Nichole this week about why it's important to share the content he's found, how he pulls it all together, and how you can help him keep it going.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Community Music Center of Boston has been working around the city for decades to provide music therapy, music education, creative programming, and much more to people of all ages. This year, they're celebrating a major anniversary and getting ready for a big move, too! Chief Advancement Officer Zachary Sheets and Rachel Chao, Director of Programming and Community Engagement, talk with Nichole about the Center's mission and efforts, explain the benefits of music therapy, and share details about their upcoming transition into Roxbury's Nubian Square.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local pride will be on full display July 19th at Malibu Beach in Dorchester, as teams from nine Boston neighborhoods will compete to win the Hoodlympics! Organized by Black Brown Boston, this event brings together people from all over the Hub for friendly competition in field-day style games like Foam Dodgeball, Steal the Bacon and Tug of War. The winning team gets bragging rights, but a fun day is promised for all who show up. Vania Arroyo, Founder of Black Brown Boston, joins Nichole this week to share the details of this upcoming event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June is Men's Health Month, and over at the Whittier Street Health Center in Roxbury, men and boys will get all the help they need to get on a healthy track at the upcoming Men's Health Summit on June 27th! From screenings to informative panels, the focus will be on men and boys of all ages, giving them the resources and tools they need to live healthier, happier, stronger lives. Frederica M. Williams, CEO of Whittier Street Health Center, talks with Nichole about the history of the summit, the state of healthcare equity in Boston, and what visitors to the summit can expect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vacant lots all around the city of Boston are getting some new life, thanks to the Boston Food Forest Coalition. Residents, community groups, permaculture advocates, and many others from around the Hub are coming together to revamp these open spaces, turning them into community "food forests" where anyone can come and have a bite of berries, fruits, veggies, and much more. Orion Kriegman, Founding Executive Director of the Boston Food Forest Coalition, talks with Nichole this week about how a food forest is created, why they're important, and how you can get involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston's Roxbury neighborhood once thrived as a center of Black entrepreneurship through systemic struggles, and for decades, it was known as its own “Black Wall Street.” The stories of the neighborhood are being given new life in a documentary called "The Way We Were", showcasing oral histories of Roxbury's Black business owners and families that made the neighborhood so successful. It's all part of a greater research and storytelling effort that's being led by Marie Firmin, CEO of Black Biz Dev. She joins the show this week to share details about the documentary and an upcoming event on Martha's Vineyard, along with Crystal Christmas-Thompson, who was interviewed for the film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the years, the Boston Public Library has had all kinds of designs for their cards, but now, they're looking to add a few more. These designs, however, will be coming directly from the public. The BPL is running a contest, asking patrons to submit art that showcases what "Free to All", the mission of the Library, means to you. Bailey Watroba, Senior Public Relations Associate at the BPL, returns to the show with details on this contest, which is underway through June 15.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's more interest in train travel these days, thanks to higher gas prices, but the efforts to expand access to passenger rail around the Commonwealth have been going on for many years now. Several improvement and expansion projects are already underway through MassDOT's "Compass Rail" initiative, with a significant focus on Central and Western Massachusetts. Meredith Slesinger, MassDOT's Rail and Transit Administrator, joins Nichole to talk about their expansion efforts and the benefits of access to passenger rail services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you make your way to Boston and stop by the 1965 Freedom Plaza, near the Embrace statue, you'll find dozens of names etched in the tiles. Those names honor icons in Boston's history who may not be as well known, including Harry Hom Dow. He was known for breaking barriers in the legal world and through his civic life, and it was because of that work that Embrace Boston and Everyone250 chose to name this year's "Embrace Honors" after him. Nichole talks with one of the honorees, Suzanne Lee, President Emeritus of the Chinese Progressive Association, along with Embrace Boston's President and CEO, Imari Paris Jeffries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, Merrimack Valley residents haven't been able to go to LeLacheur Field in Lowell and cheer on their beloved Spinners, as the team folded during the MLB's restructuring of the minor league system. That's all about to change, as the team's under new ownership and in a new league. What won't be changing is the family fun, food, and everything else that makes up the Lowell Spinners experience. Opening Day is May 29th, and this weekend, Nichole talks with Principal Owner/CBO Marc Deschenes and Chairman/CEO John Croteau to learn about what they have in store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here in Massachusetts, members of the team at Samaritans Southcoast in Westport are often the ones you connect with when you call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline. They recently secured a major contract from the state to provide those services for not just southeastern Massachusetts, but the entire Commonwealth 24/7 by the end of the year! It's a challenge Executive Director Darcy Lee says they're ready for. She talks with Nichole about how they're preparing for this new responsibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking for a new car? Get ready to pay up. We're seeing record high prices for new vehicles around the country, including here in New England. It's rare to find one that comes in under $30,000, with more luxury vehicles, SUV's, and pickup trucks on the lots than affordable sedans. Why the change, especially when so many Americans are struggling to get by? Nichole spoke with John Marthinsen, Professor of Economics and International Business at Babson College in Wellesley, to get insight and answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes, for those living paycheck to paycheck, just a couple extra hundred dollars a month can make a major difference when it comes to quality of life and staying afloat. The city of Salem teamed up with UpTogether and Salem State University to run an experiment: what would happen if dozens of lower-income residents and families received an extra $500 each month for a year, no questions asked? Early analysis shows encouraging results. Mayor Domenic Pangallo and Professor Thomas Piñeros Shields from the North Shore Policy Lab join the show this week to share what they learned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1920, when it opened up as a three-room settlement house on Wall Street in Worcester, Friendly House's mission has stayed the same: do everything they can, in any way they can, to ensure residents have the resources they need to not just get by, but thrive. In many ways, the need for Friendly House and its programs is more dire than ever, and the team is ready to help. Executive Director Trish Appert and Director of Social Services Josefina Velez join Nichole on the show this week to tell their century-old story of community service and detail the programs they have available for those in need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It takes just seconds for a dog to escape - an accidentally unlocked door, a slightly-too-loose harness - and it can be absolutely devastating when you realize your beloved pet is gone. Hundreds of volunteers at Missing Dogs Massachusetts are ready and waiting to help, with flyers for social media, trapping services, and much more, all at no cost. Kris Ericson, President of Missing Dogs Massachusetts, talks with Nichole about their work and why it's so important for these volunteers to ensure as many pups as possible return home to their family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High-speed internet is critical for work, school, shopping, and many other ways we engage in everyday life. While most Massachusetts residents utilize broadband internet connections each and every day, there are still thousands of people who don't have access, both in rural and urban areas. New federal funding is giving Massachusetts the boost it needs to lay the groundwork to get everyone connected. Michael Baldino, the Director of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech in Westborough, talks with Nichole about the state's efforts to get everyone online and how this new federal funding will help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prices at the supermarket, gas pump, and on your energy bill are only going up by the day, and a lot of people around New England are starting to feel the pinch. Food insecurity in Massachusetts is reaching levels we haven't seen in a long time, if ever. To get a better idea of just how much assistance is needed, the Greater Boston Food Bank teamed up with Mass General Brigham to put together a comprehensive report, complete with suggestions on what needs to be done to turn this trend around. Catherine D'Amato, President and CEO of the Greater Boston Food Bank, returns to the show to break down the report's findings with Nichole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, the METCO program has helped to connect students from Boston with their counterparts at schools around Greater Boston, working to bridge the gap of educational inequity. It's a program that grew out of the push to de-segregate Boston schools during the height of the civil rights movement, and all these years later, it's still breaking barriers by opening minds and opportunities in more than 30 communities. Dr. Kandice Sumner, President and CEO of METCO (who's also an alum!) joins Nichole this week to reflect on the program's successes over the past 60 years and share details about the upcoming Opportunity Ball on May 1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been months since Jamaica was devastated by Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms that's ever been recorded in the Atlantic basin. The cleanup and rebuild is expected to take years, if not decades, but as the storm made its way out of the headlines, the much-needed assistance started to dwindle, too. JAM'N 94.5's DJ Pup Dawg is celebrating 25 years in the industry by pulling together reggae icons at Big Night Live on May 7th, and it won't just be any party - he's rallying the community to send some big love and assistance down to Jamaica! Pup joins Nichole to talk about his big anniversary and share details about the upcoming event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever driven around on a damp, spring night here in New England, you've probably seen some little animals on the move trying to cross the road in front of you. For turtles, salamanders, frogs and other like creatures, this is a crucial migration, because it's tied to breeding, feeding, and survival. Unfortunately, it can often be deadly, but a new program in New Hampshire is trying to help, with the installation of new tunnels and wildlife crossings to keep these animals safe. Sandi Houghton, a Wildlife Diversity Biologist with NH Fish and Game, joins Nichole and Brett Amy Thelen, the Science Director at the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, NH, for more on this story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the recent snow, spring is here in Massachusetts, and it's a perfect time to get out and explore all the beautiful parks Greater Boston has to offer! Many of them are connected by the more-than-century-old Emerald Necklace, which is stewarded by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy. The Conservancy is offering the public a chance to experience those parks on two wheels with some upcoming community bike rides, and Carlen Singmaster, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Conservancy, joins Nichole to share the details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.