New England Weekend

Susan Strate, the senior program manager for the Population Estimates Program at the UMass Donahue Institute, joins Nichole to talk about the ins and outs of the 2020 Census, and how the data collected from the count is used to directly affect our lives here in Massachusetts. Carmen Plazas and Lisa Simmons from the Massachusetts Cultural Council detail their new Racial Equality Listening Sessions, where they hope to spark a conversation with members of the Commonwealth's cultural sector to bring about meaningful, systemic change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc Hurwitz from Boston Restaurant Talk / Boston's Hidden Restaurants returns to the show for a six month check-in on the restaurant industry as it deals with fallout from the pandemic. Marc details some of the iconic New England eateries that have closed their doors, and some newcomers on the scene. Marc and Nichole also talk about how workers are feeling, how our eating habits are changing, and much more - also, answering listener questions!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samantha Phillips, the Director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, chats with Nichole about Emergency Preparedness Month. She's got tips for how you can ensure your family's ready for any disaster that comes, and how to do so affordably. Paddy Swanson, the Artistic Director of the Revels in Watertown, recalls the history of the group as they mark 50 years at the Sanders Theatre in Cambridge. He also has details about their upcoming Christmas celebration, and how the public can get involved to make their (singing) voices heard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christina Pendleton, the founder of LiKen, joins Nichole to talk about her efforts to provide comfort and help for Massachusetts teens struggling with the fallout from substance abuse in their families. Stephanie Helm of the Mass Cyber Center has details on their new mentorship program, which focuses on diversity as they connect young students with members of the cybersecurity industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

T. Michael Thomas, Founder of The People's Academy in Dorchester, joins Executive Director Tanisha Stephney on this week's show. They talk with Nichole about how the Academy works with disenfranchised young people in the city to teach them essential skills for the trades, and offers them life lessons to get them on a strong path for their future. Toni Eaton, the President and CEO of Old Colony Hospice in West Bridgewater, has details on their new "Threads Boutique" coming soon to Brockton. Profits from that store will help fund their new hospice home in Braintree.Bonus stories this week from WBZ's Karyn Regal, Kim Tunnicliffe, and Shari Small!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heidi Schork and Liz O'Brien from the Mayor's Mural Crew talk with Nichole about this summer's group of Boston teen artists, and how they helped kids handle the COVID19 crisis by channeling their creativity. Bill McKenzie, president of the Friends of Endicott Park, explains the efforts to revamp the Townley Family Children's Barn, a Danvers institution that's been around for more than a century. WBZ's Ben Parker guests on the show with Harry Kokkinis, the president of Table Talk Pies in Worcester, as they discuss the company's new bakery and what's ahead for the New England mainstay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Trautwein, Co-Founder of About Fresh, comes on the show to talk about their mission to get healthy food into the hands of Bostonians, and the programs they've rolled out to get it done. Sheena Collier, the founder of Boston While Black, details her new venture to help Black professionals network around Greater Boston, especially those who are new to the area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Boston's best known landmarks, honoring the first all-Black regiment to fight in the Civil War, is getting a major facelift. Liz Vizza with the Friends of the Public Garden returns to the show to give us an update on the restoration process. Then, we dive deeper into the history of the memorial, and how it connects to the renewed push for racial justice and equity, with L'Merchie Frazier, the Director of Education and Interpretation at the Museum of African-American History.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston's new Chief of Equity, Dr. Karilyn Crockett, joins Nichole on the show to talk about her new role in Mayor Walsh's new cabinet-level office at City Hall. Dr. Crockett, a Dorchester native who lectures at MIT, discusses the steps the city's taking to tackle systemic racism. Rodney Rowland, the Director of Special Projects and Facilities at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, tells Nichole how the museum has been weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they're trying to protect some of their historic homes from effects of climate change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Ritchie, the President of Boston's Museum of Science, joins Nichole to talk about the plans in place to get the museum up and running as part of Phase 3, and welcome the public back safely. Katie Hurwitz of Walpole tells Nichole about her new "porchfest" event in that town, and how she hopes to use live music to bring her community together as they fight COVID-19. Special guest interview from WBZ's Drew Moholland, who speaks with Olympic Gold medalist Meghan Duggan, a North Shore native!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megan Winton, a research scientist with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, joins Nichole on the show to talk all things sharks! She details the different types of sharks we find off the coast of New England, and explains their behaviors. Megan also talks about the Conservancy's research, their Sharktivity app, and how people can keep themselves safe while they're near the water.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Simos, Associate Professor of Songwriting at the Berklee College of Music, joins Nichole to reveal the winners of this year's "Songs for Social Change" contest. Marion Larson, Chief of Information & Education at MassWildlife, delivers a primer on the piping plover - a cute, small shore bird that needs a lot of space on our local beaches this time of year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BAMS Fest Founder Catherine T. Morris joins Nichole to talk about the history of the urban arts festival, the relationships organizers build with creators of color in the Boston area and beyond, and how the festival's dealing with the coronavirus. Boston Restaurant Talk's Marc Hurwitz returns to the show to talk with Nichole about struggles owners are dealing with as they try to re-open for both indoor and outdoor dining. Marc lists some recent restaurant closures in the Greater Boston area, and offers some insider views on where the industry is going as we make our way into the "new normal".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathy Zagzebski, President and Executive Director at the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay, talks with Nichole about how the Center's keeping up its work to provide critical care for seals, turtles, and other animals brought in during the pandemic. Katherine Taylor, a photojournalist from Somerville, tells the story of her new project "Masks of Boston". Taylor photographs residents around Greater Boston, asking them who they wear their mask for, and how they're handling the effects of the pandemic in their daily lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Talbot, co-founder and Deputy Director of Artists for Humanity, tells Nichole about the organization's work to employ underserved teens in the city, provide them the space to create, and teach them critical business skills. Martha Plaza, a board member of Boston Pride, talks about this year's events - many of which are moving online as we deal with COVID-19. She also talks about what Pride is doing to support LGBTQIA+ communities of color.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amina Edwards and Sarika Mendu from MBAs Fight COVID-19 have details on how their organization’s working to help connect MBAs with business owners, non-profits, and government agencies that need extra support to navigate the coronavirus pandemic. William Hu from Docemus Tutoring talks about how students at Boston Latin formed the non-profit to help provide free tutoring for other students in the Greater Boston area, in hopes of tackling inequities in the American education system. Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone details the city’s new “Shared Streets” program, and talks about plans to keep residents safe and healthy from the pandemic as the state reopens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medway Superintendent Armand Pires talks with Nichole about his district's new partnership with the Wheelock College at Boston University. Together, they're creating a module to help teenagers learn healthy ways to handle stress and anxiety, especially through the pandemic. Meghna Marjadi's a PhD candidate at UMass Amherst, and she's been working on a study to learn more about baby river herring - a fish that was once abundant here in Massachusetts, but isn't any longer. She tells Nichole about her work, and has details on how your family can contribute. We also hear from MGH's Dr. John Iafrate, detailing Boston's recent coronavirus antibody study.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chuck Eaton, the Chief Executive of the Boy Scouts Spirit of Adventure Council, talks with Nichole about efforts to keep Scouts all over Massachusetts engaged and learning amid the pandemic. He also details plans for the Council's summer activities. Mike Keiley, Director of Adoption Centers and Programs at MSPCA-Angell, has updates about adoptions, fostering, and resources available for pet parents who are struggling to get by because of the virus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

++ CW: domestic violence, sexual assault ++Stephanie Brown, the CEO of Casa Myrna in Boston, joins the show to talk about the state's "SafeLink" hotline program, which is powered by their advocates. She also provides information about what to look for when it comes to domestic violence, how advocates are handling the coronavirus crisis, and the resources available to help those in need. || SAFE-LINK HOTLINE: 1-877-785-2020 || https://casamyrna.org/get-support/safelink/ ||Dan Yeager, Executive Director of the New England Museum Association, explains the impacts of the coronavirus on museums, big and small, across New England, and the measures those institutions are taking to try and stay open – not just now, but after the virus, too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attorney Nicole M. Bluefort answers listener questions about landlord and tenant rights connected to the coronavirus crisis, and details new emergency assistance for renters and homeowners in Massachusetts. Bill Moore, President of Project New Hope in Worcester, provides details about the food drives the organization holds twice a month, helping veterans of all ages ensure they have the food and supplies necessary to get by.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Waterman, CEO of Girls Inc. in Worcester, talks about the organization's new program to help get critical hygiene supplies into the hands of teens who need them. Kim Szeto, Public Art Program Director for the New England Foundation for the Arts, has details on the foundation's "Public Art Learning Fund", and how artists all over the region can take advantage of funds to help them grow in their practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CPA Katie Seekell joins Nichole to answer listener questions about the upcoming coronavirus stimulus payments, which are expected to arrive in the coming weeks from the federal government. Chad Bennett of Dark Monk in Charlestown explains how he and others at the makerspace made the decision to change course, and channel their efforts into getting health care workers personal protective equipment they desperately need.Charlestown Face Shield Project GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/face-shields-for-local-boston-hospitalsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thomas Wilkins, the Boston Symphony Orchestra's new Artistic Advisor for Education and Community Engagement, talks with Nichole about the "Concert for Our City" and the power of music in trying times. Audrey Conquergood, the Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Boston, has details on the group's new fund to ensure children in need all over Massachusetts have the essentials as unemployment soars and food insecurity becomes more prevalent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jean McMurray, the Executive Director of the Worcester County Food Bank, talks with Nichole about navigating the significant uptick in demand. She also touches on the status of local food pantries in her area, and how hoarding at grocery stores is cutting into the Bank's donations.Dr. David Brendel, a psychiatrist from Belmont, answers questions about how the coronavirus can affect your mental health, and offers guidance on how to handle these trying times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston-area restaurant blogger Marc Hurwitz (Boston Restaurant Talk, Boston's Hidden Restaurants) talks with Nichole about the effects of coronavirus on the state's restaurant industry, and the thousands of workers losing their jobs because of restrictions in place. They also consider what the industry might look like after the virus threat subsides. How many of these restaurants that closed down will be able to open their doors again?Erin McAleer, President of Project Bread, talks with Nichole about resources for people who suddenly find themselves in a food-insecure situation, either from losing their job or not being able to go to school.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. David Hamer, Professor of Global Health and Medicine at the Boston University School of Public Health and School of Medicine, comes on the show to talk about the coronavirus pandemic. Nichole talks with him about how the virus presents, what to expect in the coming weeks, and how to take care of yourself. Plus, he answers listener questions! Ed Chase, the Director of CCRI at MassHousing, is also on the show. Four brand new grants were just approved for sober housing and recovery programs in Massachusetts. Ed and Nichole talk about those in depth, and the process that officials use to determine who gets those grants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playwright Lisa Rafferty joins Nichole to talk about her new work, "ONWARD - Votes for Women". The documentary play highlights some of the voices and perspectives of women who fought to secure the right to vote, and those who continue the fight for equal rights today. Ricky DeSisto of Cardinal Cushing Centers and Kathryn Prioli of South Shore Bank talk about their upcoming St. Patrick's Day fundraiser to send this year's graduating class at Cardinal Cushing on the "Trip of a Lifetime" to Disney World!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Aaron Schmidt, assistant professor of microbiology at the Harvard Medical School and Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard answers listener questions about coronavirus. He also talks with Nichole about what the virus is, how much risk we are really under, and ways people can take effective preventive measures. Michelle Loglisci with Massachusetts Residents Against Crumbling Concrete has the story of thousands of homes in central and western Massachusetts, built with concrete from a Connecticut quarry. The concrete was discovered to be contaminated with a mineral, pyrrhotite, which causes concrete to crumble. Now, the foundations of those homes are cracking, and she tells Nichole residents are desperate for help from Beacon Hill and the federal government to save their longtime homes - and avoid financial disaster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston City Councilors Michelle Wu and Ed Flynn talk about their interactions with constituents in neighborhoods directly affected by Coronavirus fears, including Chinatown and the South End. They also discuss the hit to businesses, and resources for Bostonians to get more information about the virus. Mikaela McSherry, the Senior Director of Program Operations at Cambridge Network, talks about Chinese exchange students living in Massachusetts, how they're dealing with the pandemic, and support they're receiving from host families and schools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bethany Coito, Youth Services Coordinator for the New Bedford Public Library, is on the show this week to talk about their new program called “Wash and Read”. The library’s stocking books in laundromats around the city to keep kids entertained and engaged while parents take care of their laundry. Yoichi Udagawa, conductor of the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, details the symphony’s upcoming concert that focuses on friends, and special pieces that celebrate those relationships. Dr. Jennifer Schwartz is the Medical Director of Health Services at Wellesley College. The school’s started up a one of a kind partnership with Newton-Wellesley Hospital, where the hospital’s essentially taken over all the health services for students on campus. She joins Nichole to break down the services this covers, where the idea came from and how the rollout is going.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rep. Chynah Tyler (D- Suffolk 7th) comes on the show to tell us about the Boston Black Restaurant Challenge. She talks with Nichole about the restaurants involved in the Challenge, how it was developed to honor Black History Month, and the extra set of hurdles Black business owners face - not just in Boston, but around the country. Genevra Morse, Director of Education and Online Programs for the New England Historical Genealogical Society, is on the show to talk about the Society’s new “Four Nation” Concert Series. This is the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower landing, but the history is far more complex than many of us may realize. Genevra explains the roles of the Dutch, English, and Wampanoag in the story of the Pilgrims, and details the lecture-concert series that kicks off next week with music that has roots from centuries ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janet Lipkin, the volunteer coordinator at the Sudbury Senior Center, talks with Nichole about their program dedicated to helping seniors access important medical equipment. Erosion's wearing away at a neighborhood in Eastham, on the Outer Cape, and Town Administrator Jacqueline Beebe details the town's plan to fight back against the waves. Plus, bonus stories from WBZ's Ben Parker, Carl Stevens and Kim Tunnicliffe!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nichole's joined by Marc Hurwitz, author of two well known Boston-area restaurant blogs – Boston’s Hidden Restaurants and Boston Restaurant Talk. We discuss the state of the Boston restaurant industry – why are so many of our favorites closing? He also gives us some recommendations, and we talk about road trip suggestions where you can get a great meal around New England.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nichole speaks with four experts about all facets of postpartum depression, from the biology behind it to signs and symptoms. She also discusses resources for sufferers in New England and around the country, efforts to fight the stigma, and legislation from Beacon Hill to Capitol Hill.She's joined by Jessie Colbert, the Executive Director of the Mass. PPD Fund; Dr. Leena Mittal, the Director of the Division of Women's Mental Health at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Associate Medical Director for MCPAP for Moms; Dr. Lauren Brown, a clinical perinatal psychologist who volunteers with PSI Massachusetts; and Jamie Zahlaway Belsito, the founder of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance.CONTENT WARNING: Suicide, depression, violence, mental healthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Project Bread's Erin McAleer joins Nichole to talk about the state of food insecurity in Massachusetts, and what's being done to help everyone put food on the table. Mark Rousseau, a marine biologist with the Department of Marine Fisheries, talks about the Commonwealth's five artificial reefs off the coast, and how materials we discard can be turned into habitats for marine life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massachusetts State Treasurer Deb Goldberg tells Nichole about the state's new program to help families save for college from birth, Baby Steps. Julie Leven, Founder and Artistic Director of Shelter Music Boston, talks about the group's performances in homeless shelters and rehab centers across the state, and their mission to help those going through a vulnerable time through music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massachusetts' Deputy State Fire Marshal, Maribel Fournier, comes on the show to talk about all things fire safety as we get ready for the long winter ahead. Brooke Maher, the event director for Boston's First Night celebration, has all the details about the events scheduled to ring in the new year. WBZ reporters Kim Tunnicliffe, Carl Stevens, Karyn Regal and Kendall Buhl bring us stories from the holiday season around Massachusetts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan Turnquist, the executive director of Orchard House in Concord, talks about their efforts to remember Louisa May Alcott, the author of "Little Women", as excitement grows for the new movie. Rodney Rowland of the Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, NH has details about the museum's Candlelight Stroll, taking you back in time to holidays past.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzanne Maas, the Interim Executive Director and President of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, has details on this month's Festival of Trees in Wellesley, and how critical this fundraiser is to the group. Robb Osinski and Betty Gower of Bambu Global, based in Lowell, talk about groundbreaking technology that allows people to "turn off" their tattoos, and how they plan to help people with chronic medical conditions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean O'Brien, the President of Teamsters Local 25, talks about their annual Christmas toy drive, and other charitable work union members are taking part in. Adam Vaccaro, transportation reporter for the Boston Globe, talks about the "Seeing Red" Spotlight investigation, and the state of transportation in Massachusetts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Hanney, owner and producer of the North Shore Music Theater in Beverly, comes on the show to talk about the return of a holiday classic. Concord's getting ready for a huge cheese parade, and Concord Cheese Shop owner Peter Lovis has all the details. Dr. Jillian Frank, a psychologist from Brookline, details her project that brings new life to American Girl dolls and gets them to foster children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dar Heikkinen, the Director of Outreach for the Clay Soper Memorial Fund in Winchester, talks about "If They Had Known", a documentary created to remember a life taken too soon and prevent more teen deaths from the mixture of alcohol and prescription drugs. Kara Elliott Ortega, Boston's Chief of Arts and Culture, talks about the city's search for its first ever Teen Poet Laureate. Julia Driscoll and Grace Moore talk about their upcoming Wicked Women Makers Market, which gives South Shore artisans a chance to showcase their creations. Special stories, too, from WBZ reporters Carl Stevens and Kim Tunnicliffe!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mélida Arredondo, co-founder of the Arredondo Family Foundation, joins Herb Chambers Companies CEO Alan McLaren in the studio to talk about their annual turkey drive to benefit low-income veterans, families of the fallen, military families, and active duty members. Jason McCuish, a teacher at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, and his student, Erick Hernandez, have details on their leadership group, SkillsUSA, and their push to build an inclusive playground at Harrington Elementary School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jasmine Grace, founder and director of Bags of Hope Ministries, comes on the show to tell her incredible story. Grace was trafficked for years, and was able to escape her abuser, only to fall victim to a drug habit. She details her path to sobriety, and how she's now able to pay it forward to help other women through her non-profit. This is the complete interview; an abridged version ran on broadcast radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lynn Margherio, the CEO and Founder of Cradles To Crayons, talks with Nichole about clothing insecurity, how it affects low income families, and what we can do to help kids stay warm this winter here in Massachusetts. CherylAnn Gengel, the co-founder of Be Like Brit in Worcester, explains how her group is trying to assist their orphanage in Haiti from afar as political unrest continues. Ellen LeBow, an artist from Cambridge, details the decades of unique placemats she made for the now-shuttered Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nichole speaks with Abby Kelly, the owner of Gluten Free New England, about living with food allergies and her directory of gluten-free-friendly establishments in New England. Lyndia Downie of Pine Street Inn joins the show to talk about their 50th anniversary fundraising drive to create more stable housing for Boston’s homeless. Liz Vizza, the Executive Director of the Friends of the Public Garden, has details on renovations coming to the Shaw 54th Memorial on Beacon Hill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nichole talks with New Bedford's Superintendent of Schools, Thomas Anderson, about new family engagement centers in the city's schools. Kay Herlihy from the Greater Haverhill League of Women Voters talks about her city's part in the suffragette movement and previews the weekend's Suffragette Parade. Darrin Korte and David Lightfoot Bellow from Cambridge's The Hip Hop Transformation tell us how they help teens tap into their creativity while learning about hip-hop music and culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's "New England Weekend" debuts! Nichole speaks with Marty Martinez, Boston's Chief of Health and Human Services, about the city's "Mass and Cass 2.0" plan. She also talks to this year's winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, Dr. William Kaelin of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Associate Professor Nikolay Anguelov at UMass Dartmouth about "fast fashion" and learning to shop sustainably.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.