New England Weekend

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The heat of the summer is starting to fade, and now that autumn has arrived, we're getting into a season full of foliage, apple picking, and hiking - complete with tasty warm meals to keep you going throughout the day! Marc Hurwitz of Boston Restaurant Talk leads hikes around New England for the Appalachian Mountain Club, and he returns to the show this week to talk about his recent trips, recommendations, the state of the restaurant industry, and bar pizza.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crisp days of fall are starting to settle in, and that means it's time to celebrate the cranberry harvest! Each year in Harwich, the community comes together for the Harwich Cranberry Arts and Music Festival, where you can find unique arts and crafts from local artisans, performances from New England bands, and all the tasty food you can eat. Kathy Kirch and Bob Weiser share all the details on this week's show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than 40 years, King Richard's Faire in Carver has been the place for Renaissance lovers to step back in time to sixteenth century living, complete with jousting, artisans, costumes, performers, musicians, and those big turkey legs you can snack on. Aimée Shapiro Sedley, the Chief Operating Officer of the Faire, joins Nichole to talk about what's in store for this year's event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Late summer is a great time to enjoy an evening walk on the beach, a campfire after dinner, Friday Night Lights, or grilling on the back porch. Unfortunately, mosquitoes and the viruses some of them are carrying are making it a lot harder to enjoy those simple pleasures these days. West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been in the headlines lately, and Nichole talks with Massachusetts State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown to answer some of the big questions surrounding this growing public health problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Salem's usually known this time of year for getting a bit spooky, there's a lot of excitement for another big festival, and this one's all for the lovers of the written word! This year's Salem Literary Festival runs from September 4-8, both online and in-person, with all sorts of fun and informative events for bibliophiles and aspiring writers. Nichole speaks with Jean Marie Procious, Executive Director of the Salem Athenaeum, author Betty Cayouette, and WBZ-AM alum/Salem Lit Fest Committee Member Diane Stern about this family-friendly event!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are all kinds of therapies out there to help what ails you - art, music, animals, and much more - but have you heard of surf therapy? Gnome Surf is a non-profit working on the South Coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and their mission is to help people who are neurodivergent, disabled, suffering from PTSD, and many others reduce their anxiety, improve their focus, and learn how to love the water. COO Jen Potter joins the show this week to talk with Nichole about their efforts and how this special therapy is changing lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the coming weeks, 18 men who are incarcerated at the Norfolk County Correctional Center will be learning some serious kitchen skills through a new collaboration between the Snapchef Foundation and the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office. The aim is to help these justice-involved individuals get on the right path after they're released with these culinary skills under their belt and a clear path to a new career. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott and Carley Snopkowski at SnapChef talk with Nichole about this new program and why it's so important to set these people up for success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big change is on the way over the next few months for two long-time local zoos. John Linehan has led the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham - known together as Zoo New England - for decades. Now, he says it's time for him to step aside. John returns to the show to talk with Nichole about his work in conservation, why he thinks now is the time to leave, and the beloved animals he's been able to forge lasting connections with over the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The emergency shelter crisis in Massachusetts has reached a critical stage. State officials, including Governor Healey, have made moves to limit just how long families can utilize the shelter system, saying the influx of migrants and residents using the system has pushed it to a breaking point. Agencies like Heading Home in Boston have been working tirelessly to uphold the state's "Right to Shelter" law and ensure as many people as possible have a roof over their head. Heading Home CEO Danielle Ferrier joins Nichole this week to talk about the situation and what needs to happen to turn this concerning trend around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communities along the shores of the Merrimack River, and the health of the people who live in them, are the focus of a new study by a research team at Boston University. The study focuses on "combined sewer overflows", events that are triggered by heavy rains and severe weather that send thousands of gallons of harmful bacteria and sewage into the river. Dr. Beth Haley, a BU URBAN Trainee, joins Nichole this week to talk about the impact of these overflows on residents and what can be done to mitigate this problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been decades since World War II, a conflict that shaped the world as we know it today. You can learn about it in history books, photographs, and newsreels, but you can also get up close and personal with some of the vehicles that were right there on the battlefield alongside the soldiers who fought for freedom against the Axis alliance. The American Heritage Museum in Hudson is hosting a special tank demonstration August 17-18, and Hunter Chaney, Director of Marketing at the Museum and Collings Foundation, joins Nichole on this week's show to talk about this educational, fun event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are lots of very good dogs with jobs out there, helping people with physical and mental disabilities live more accessible lives. Through the years, the folks at NEADS World Class Service Dogs in Princeton have noticed more and more people are trying to pass off their pets as legitimate service dogs, which can put businesses, public facilities, and cultural centers in a bit of a bind. Cathy Zemaitis, the Chief Development and Programs Officer at NEADS, joins Nichole to talk about their new "Red Vest" initiative which offers information and training to help tackle this sensitive problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinema fans have made their way to the Berkshires for nearly 40 years to take part in the Berkshire Jewish Film Festival, watching thought-provoking movies that highlight Jewish culture, history, and contemporary issues. The event is even more poignant this year amid the hostage crisis in the Middle East and a resurgence of anti-Semitism around the country, including here in New England. Artistic Director Beth Kruvant has details about this year's lineup and panelists, and talks with Nichole about the importance of such an event for the local Jewish community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shakespeare fans have been flocking to Boston Common for years to take in the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's summer productions. From the Bard's best known classics to some lesser known titles, the performers do this night after night for free in hopes of boosting accessibility to the arts. Now, the Company is taking its next step, putting its own spin on a Christmas classic for the very first time. Founding Artistic Director Steven Maler joins Nichole this week to talk about their Common production, "A Winter's Tale", and their efforts to expand their offerings into the winter season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The heat and humidity have been downright oppressive at times around New England lately, and it's hard for humans to stay cool in such conditions. For dogs and cats, it's much more complicated thanks to their thick fur and body development. Each summer, many pets come down with heatstroke, or even die, because they are left in a hot car - even for just a few minutes. Dr. Edward Schettino, President and CEO of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, talks with Nichole about their "Too Hot for Spot" campaign and offers some critical tips to help keep your pet safe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.