New England Weekend

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With housing so tight in the Boston area, there's a lot of conversation about new construction - everything from affordability to rats. Another major factor: sustainability. Climate change is impacting New England faster than any other part of country, according to experts, and that means our architecture has to respond in kind. RODE Architects in Boston was founded by Eric Robinson and Kevin Deabler, who say they center sustainable design in all their projects. They join Nichole this week to talk about sustainable design, why climate-focused design is critical in future construction, and how they're working to get this done in one of the nation's most historic cities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When families are evicted from their homes, it can cause some serious ripple effects for the kids involved, including disruption of their education. There's a new pilot program in Boston that hopes to work with families to prevent evictions before they're carried out, and keep kids in their classes where they can continue to grow and thrive. Danielle Johnson, Boston's Director of Housing Stability, joins the show this week to share details about the "Access to Counsel" program, and explain the impacts of eviction on families with school-aged children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Holocaust is one of the darkest chapters in human history. Understanding the atrocities that were committed during that time is critical to ensure they are never repeated, but as the years go by, it appears the memory of the horrors of the Holocaust is fading to some, especially those in the younger generations. After a life-changing trip to Poland and the Auschwitz concentration camp, Jody Kipnis co-founded the Holocaust Legacy Foundation, and now, the Foundation's work has led to a new Holocaust museum right here in Boston. Jody joins the show to talk about her trip, the Foundation's work, and the plans for the museum that is already under construction in downtown Boston.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a perfect time of year to get snuggly and stay inside where it's warm - unless you're trying to raise money for the Special Olympics of New Hampshire! This year's Penguin Plunge at Hampton Beach is coming up in just a few days, and people are raising money to help SONH provide sports training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Mark Ericson, the Senior Manager of Multimedia for Special Olympics New Hampshire, returns to the show to share details about this year's event and the upcoming Winni Dip in Laconia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, people with substance abuse disorder, and their families, have come to Marlborough's Addiction Referral Center seeking help. The Center provides access to meetings, detox centers, sober housing, a friendly smile, and much more. Many people who keep the Center have their own stories to tell about recovery. As we enter a new year, there's a new concern for the Center, as they need a permanent address to keep their work going for another 50 years. Tracey Gustafson, President of the ARC Board, and Mitch Bannon, a member of the Board, talk with Nichole about what they have to offer those in need, and their efforts to find a place to call home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can be easier to take the first steps into therapy if you're doing it in a space where you feel comfortable, safe, and part of a community. For centuries, Black and Latino men have used barbershops as places to connect with their neighbors and friends. Black Brown Boston is taking that community tradition and channeling it into "The Barbershop Clinic", hoping to provide a space for Black and Latino men to open up and do some healing. Vania Arroyo, Founder and CEO of Black Brown Boston, and marriage and family therapist Rob Badgett join Nichole this week to talk about the program and their mission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Demand for skilled workers in the trades continues to grow, but there simply aren't enough people who are trained to meet the call. A Billerica-based company was among the many feeling the strain of the ongoing worker shortage, so they decided to take matters into their own hands and start their own training program, which has become incredibly popular. CEO Mike Lacrosse and People and Culture Manager Keri Brewin are on the show this week to talk with Nichole about the program and all it has to offer aspiring members of the trades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get your bookmarks ready - it's time for the Boston Public Library's Winter Reading Challenge! This year, it's a global affair, with books and authors from all around the world in the spotlight. Anyone who takes on the challenge gets a special prize, too! Veronica Koven-Matasy, the BPL's Reader Services Supervisor, joins Nichole this week with details on the challenge and some recommendations to get started.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time to stock up on all your favorite Girl Scout cookies, everything from the classic Thin Mints and Peanut Butter Patties to the newer offerings like Lemonades. Each year, Girl Scouts around the country sell these tasty treats to raise money for their troops, but the lessons they learn are far deeper than just shelling out shortbread. Monica Roberts, the new Executive Director of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, talks with Nichole about this season's sale, a flavor that's going away (so you'll want to stock up!), and her vision for the future of Girl Scouting here in Massachusetts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have no shortage of talent here in the Greater Boston area, and for more than a decade, an organization called "Castle of our Skins" has been working to ensure the voices and stories of Black artists, performers, and musicians in our neighborhood are uplifted and appreciated. Recently, they were able to work with the city of Boston to secure a brand new home in Lower Roxbury, on Columbus Avenue. Co-Founder Ashleigh Gordon talks with Nichole about the group's history, mission, and plans for their new space, "Gold Hall".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some new data from the Boston Public Health Commission's "Health of Boston Mental Health Report" shows a concerning trend with young people in the city: more than 40% of Boston Public Schools students say they experience persistent sadness or hopelessness. That number is higher in students from marginalized communities, such as young women, those who identify as LGBTQ, or those who are Black or Latino. In response, the City of Boston has launched a new program called "Heads Up Boston", where trusted adults help young people become more comfortable with opening up to their peers about what can be a very difficult subject. Samara Grossman, Director of the Boston Public Health Commission's Center for Behavioral health and Wellness, talks with Nichole about the program and its impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you still have some gifts to pick up for the holidays and you want to support local small businesses, the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce says it's got you covered! The Chamber's new gift guide is out for the 2024 holiday season, highlighting LGBTQIA+ owned businesses all over the Commonwealth. From snacks to sweaters and beyond, Executive Director Alexandria Eberhardt says shoppers can get all kinds of ideas. She's on the show this week with Nichole to talk about the guide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the snow and winter conditions settle in, many children here in Massachusetts simply don't have the proper clothing to stay warm in the cold as families struggle to find enough money to go around to pay for essentials. Cradles to Crayons Boston is based in Newtonville, and they work with agencies and non-profits around the Commonwealth to get comfortable, warm clothing and other personal supplies out to as many children as possible. Executive Director Alicia Kabir, who recently joined the team, talks with Nichole about their "Gear Up for Winter" initiative and her plans for the non-profit's future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With so many families already struggling to cover monthly expenses, it can be even more complicated to try and stretch the paycheck to ensure kids get some special presents for the holidays. Action Boston Community Development, a non-profit helping people in the Greater Boston area connect to resources to get them out of poverty, says it's received thousands of requests for help with toys, but they have been struggling to meet demand. They are also collecting donations for their Winter Fund to keep families warm with winter clothing, heating assistance, and home winterization. President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler talks with Nichole about their efforts and shares important information about how you can help, or access assistance if necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here in New England, we haven't had a really bad cold snap yet this winter, but if we did, our power grid would be ready to handle it. That's the word from ISO New England, our regional power grid operator, which says it has more than enough juice to keep our lights and heaters going throughout the coldest winter months. Spokesman Randy Burlingame joins Nichole this week to talk about all the work going on behind the scenes to shore up the grid, forecast our demand, and keep the juice flowing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boston is beautiful this time of year, celebrating the holidays with decorations and lights adorning our generations-old historic homes and businesses. Visitors and residents alike have a chance over the coming weeks to see the city’s historic sights through the lens of the past, and learn how holiday traditions here have evolved through the centuries. Jeremiah Poope, a tour guide with the Freedom Trail Foundation in Boston, chats with Nichole about their Historic Holiday Strolls that are running until the end of the year, and shares some fun facts you may not have known about our city’s past!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While we often feel the urge during the holiday season to donate more to charity than we usually would, food insecurity doesn’t care what time of the year it is. It’s a major issue here in Massachusetts, and food banks around the Commonwealth are really feeling the stretch. Thousands of families in Western Massachusetts alone are struggling to put healthy food on the table each and every day, and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in Chicopee is a crucial part of the pipeline to make sure as many people as possible get access to nutritious meals. Executive Director Andrew Morehouse talks with Nichole about their efforts and shares details about how you can help them keep going.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For generations, audiences around the world have cherished “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens on the stage and screen. It’s a staple of holiday celebrations, and over at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, they’ve taken the classic story of the miserly, curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge and re-imagined it with a modern twist while preserving its core message of hope and redemption. Associate Director Annie Kerins joins the show to share details about this year’s performances, which run from December 15-22, 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people have a cell phone and digital presence these days, and it's hard to avoid using banking, communication, and travel online platforms. For survivors of domestic violence, these phones and digital connections can also serve as critical lifelines, but they are often compromised and manipulated by abusers who are trying to force them to stay in dangerous relationships. A first-in-the-nation program in Rhode Island hopes to educate and promote digital safety for survivors. Nichole speaks with AT&T's Atlantic States President, John R. Emra, Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center VP Gina Scordino, and Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association Executive Director Sid Wordell about their efforts to keep people safe online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, and here in Massachusetts, thousands of young people find themselves struggling to find a safe space to lay their head each night, something that's becoming even more difficult as we make our way into the winter months. Bridge Over Troubled Waters in Boston is a non-profit working with young people experiencing homelessness in Greater Boston to ensure they have a safer, brighter future ahead. President and CEO Elisabeth Jackson returns to the show to talk with Nichole about the factors fueling this trend, and how you can help them assist these young people as they turn their lives around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the 1980's, demand has been growing for the comprehensive assistance that Women's Lunch Place on Newbury Street in Boston offers women experiencing homelessness. As more and more women find themselves without a place to call home, the day shelter opens its doors to offer a warm meal, clean clothes, a fresh shower, and much more. They're now asking for help to get some critical repairs done so they can keep offering this help for decades more. CEO Jennifer Hanlon Wigon joins Nichole on the show this week to talk about their mission and need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While we have yet to see some snow, that's not stopping many of us from decorating and getting into the holiday spirit! The city of Peabody is working with local businesses, including Granite Coast Brewing Company, to hold their annual Holiday Stroll on Saturday, November 30th. Plenty of fun activities are planned, and there will be all kinds of snacks to enjoy, too! Granite Coast Marketing Manager Amy Luckiewicz shares details about the event with Nichole on this week's show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food safety is all over the headlines right now, and not just because we're getting ready to make our Thanksgiving feast. Not one, but three E. coli outbreaks have been making the news, and there are a lot of questions about how these outbreaks happen. Dr. Shira Doron, Chief Infection Control Officer at Tufts Medicine, returns to the show to talk with Nichole about the outbreaks and offer advice on food safety through the holidays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you haven't started your holiday shopping yet, you are ceretainly not alone. We're getting into peak shopping season, but you may not be as willing to shell out cash this year on presents due to high prices and inflation. Each year, Boston-based Deloitte does a survey on our spending trends, and the results may be surprising. Anthony Jardim, a Principal at Deloitte, joins Nichole to break down the numbers and trends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With so many veterans facing mental health challenges and isolation stemming from their time in service, they often find they can't access the meaningful connections they need to stay in a healthy place. Sunday, November 17th is National Warrior Call Day, a time when we take a few minutes to reach out to the veterans and service members in our lives and ask them how they are really doing. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) is a co-sponsor of the Senate Resolution marking the day, and she joins Nichole on this week's show to talk about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you hear talk about hospice, you're usually talking about humans, not pachyderms. However, on the South Coast, Ruth the elephant, who's been living for decades at the Buttonwood Park Zoo, is entering hospice as she nears the end of her life. Ruth has been a highlight at the zoo for generations, with residents from all over the South Coast and beyond coming to spend time with her. Zoo Director Gary Lunsford talks with Nichole about her health conditions and the decision to transition her care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November is National Entrepreneurship Month, and this is the time when we shout out all our small business owners working hard in our communities to chase their dreams. It's difficult work and comes with a lot of challenges, but many owners say it is just as rewarding and completely worth it. Steven M. Stroum of Framingham has had quite a bit of experience and is sharing his dynamic story through his memoir, "Success and Self-Discovery". He talks with Nichole about his journey and offers up some advice for those who want to start on their own entrepreneurial path.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you're taking part in Medicare Open Enrollment for the first time or reviewing your current plan, there are plenty of changes that can be difficult to navigate. Renee McInnes, CEO of NVNA and Hospice in Norwell, is here on the show share valuable insights on how to maximize your benefits, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions on coverage for the upcoming year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Bedford's fishing industry has been a cornerstone of the South Coast economy for centuries. It's also led the city to become a melting pot of traditions and culture, as people from all over the world come to the city to find their way into the industry. This month, the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is opening a new exhibit to focus on those workers' stories called "Casting a Wider Net". NBFHC Director Laura Orleans and Project Manager Emma York join the show this week to share the details of this comprehensive exhibit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're finding yourself up doomscrolling until 2:00 in the morning, grinding your teeth, or fighting a lot more with people on the other side of the aisle, you are far from alone. Polls show the majority of Americans are dealing with some kind of election-related stress, and it's taking a toll on us as we approach this consequential vote. Tony Cunningham, psychologist and Director of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Center for Sleep and Cognition, shares tips and healthy coping mechanisms on this week's show, and talks with Nichole about the psychological drivers behind all this animosity and stress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the weather in recent days has been incredibly warm, even record-breaking at times, winter is coming sooner than later. Experts say now is the time to get your heating system ready and make repairs, but what if money is tight and you're worried about paying for your heating bills? Enter the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, which offers much more than just financial assistance to families in need. Beth Ann Strollo, CEO of Quincy Community Action Programs, breaks down the details with Nichole this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Girl Scout cookies can be incredibly addictive right out of the box, but imagine them transformed into a completely different type of tasty dessert! That's the assignment for a group of local bakers and chefs who are coming together in Boston's Seaport later this month for the "Cookies and Cocktails" event to benefit the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. Valerie Nin, Executive Pastry Chef at Grill 23 in Boston, is one of the chefs competing in this tasty event. She joins Nichole on this week's episode to talk about the event, her idea for the competition, and the Girl Scouts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The transition back to civilian life can be rocky for some veterans. It's critical to ensure they have a dedicated support system in place to help, but, unfortunately, many fall through the cracks. There's a brand new veterans center in Plymouth where veterans can access comprehensive services to help them address their unique needs and get set up for success. Charles Gagnon, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Massachusetts, talks with Nichole this week about their work with the state to get the center up and running, and everything they have to offer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utilizing public transit systems can be challenging for those who are visually impaired. Keolis North America, the company that runs the MBTA Commuter Rail, is rolling out a new partnership with an app called Navilens to help bridge the accessibility gap. Giant, colorful QR codes are being put up around certain commuter rail stations to help disseminate information through the app, and Adam Ross, Manager of Customer Experience at Keolis, explains how the system works to Nichole on this week's episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halloween is the busiest time of the year in Salem, with people coming from all over the world to take part in Haunted Happenings. You may not have known this, but Salem, for a time, was known as home to the Ouija board. A Danvers-based board game company recently came out with an update to this spooky game which pays tribute to Salem's deep history. Phil Orbanes, Co-Founder of Winning Moves Games, shares details about the game and the company's deep connection to a well-known gaming giant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of Boston's civic leaders are getting ready to pack their bags and head back to school, but not in the way you'd think. City councilors, state and federal lawmakers, community leaders and many others are teaming up with 826 Boston for their very first Civic Leaders Week of Tutoring, which runs from October 21-24. 826 Boston is a Roxbury non-profit dedicated to helping students find their voice through creative, thoughtful and educational writing, and Executive Director Corey Yarbrough talks with Nichole about their mission, their plans for the tutoring week, and the work they do with students in some of Boston's underserved neighborhoods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lung cancer is the one of the most dangerous forms of cancer that exists. Here in the US, it is the leading cause of cancer deaths each and every year, and often, people don't realize they have it until it's too late. Hildy Grossman's diagnosis caught her by surprise, and as a performer, she decided to use her experience to start Upstage Lung Cancer, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and funding to fuel research to find a cure. Hildy shares her dynamic story with Nichole, along with details about the impact they've already made to bring an end to this insidious disease.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The heartbreak and destruction in the Southeast in the wake of Hurricane Helene is overwhelming. Hundreds are dead and the damage is nothing short of catastrophic. An untold number of people will have to find a way to start all over again, and that also includes animal rescuers. The MSPCA has been working since the storm hit to offer whatever help they can to keep animals safe. Mike Keiley, the Vice President of Animal Protection at the MSPCA, talks with Nichole about their efforts and what you can do to assist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A scam email has been going around in recent weeks that has been so concerning, several local police departments have issued warnings about it. The scammer tells you that they're able to spy on you through your computer or your phone, and they then threaten to release a bunch of info about you if you don't pay up. How do these emails work? Who is behind all this? Why is this one making such a mark? Professor Amir Houmansadr at UMass Amherst breaks this down with Nichole and talks about how you can protect yourself against these scammers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With many adults in Massachusetts struggling with food insecurity, Daily Table has set up several non-profit grocery stores in Greater Boston to try and connect families with fresh, healthy food at a price that won't break the bank account. One of their most popular programs provides shoppers on SNAP with a significant discount on fruits and vegetables, but that program has unexpectedly been stopped. Sasha Purpura, CEO of Daily Table, talks with Nichole this week about what happened and how the community can help make sure everyone can stay nourished.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King's Chapel is a must-see stop on the Freedom Trail in Boston. It's been an active church for hundreds of years, and there's so much history to take in, including the stories of the families buried in their crypt. The church is embracing the eerier side of history through the Halloween season, offering special after-hours crypt tours where you'll be led by candlelight. Gianna Russi, History Program Director at the Chapel, joins Nichole to talk about all the spooky details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next week, Pine Street Inn in Boston will be holding a special voter registration drive at their 140 Clarendon complex. This drive is all about challenging misconceptions about the rights of those who are unhoused to cast votes in the upcoming election, and helping everyone who wants to vote get registered to do so. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll is also scheduled to make an appearance! Lyndia Downie, Executive Director at Pine Street Inn, is back on the show with all the details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of people in recovery are expected to gather at Carson Beach in South Boston on October 5 for the Shatterproof Walk. Shatterproof is a Connecticut-based non-profit that works to stop the stigma surrounding substance abuse and addiction by bringing people together in community. They also provide critical resources for people who want to find help and get on the road to recovery. Kirsten Seckler, Marketing Director for Shatterproof, shares information about the upcoming walk and Shatterproof's mission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each and every holiday season, the Dover, NH Fire Department is able to hand out toys to hundreds of families thanks to the generous gifts to the department's Toy Bank, which has been running for decades. Now, this year's holiday mission is in jeopardy due to a devastating flood. Firefighter and paramedic Mike Kilday joins the show this week to talk about how you can help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.