New England Weekend

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We're almost halfway through the 20's (the 2020's, that is), but if you want to take a trip back in time to the 1920's, the Trustees of Reservations can help you out with that. Their "Roaring Twenties Lawn Party" returns to the Crane Estate in Ipswich August 3 and 4, showcasing all things 1920's like jazz music, swing dancing, vintage clothes, classic cars, and much more! Trina Schell, the Public Programs and Volunteer Manager at the Trustees, joins Nichole to talk about this festive event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you visit Boston's iconic Public Garden frequently, you might be familiar with the Garden's stunning willow trees that line the lagoon. Many have been there for decades, and that was the case for one of the most beloved trees of all: 3-D-09, which was recently taken down due to disease after growing there for more than a century, watching the city change dramatically around it. Liz Vizza, President of the Friends of the Public Garden, returns to the show to talk about the tree's history, why it was such a standout, and the Friends' plan to preserve the willows that remain.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.

It's almost time to party in Boston's South End! New England's longest-running Latine culture festival returns with an incredible musical lineup, tasty food, a parade, and plenty of fun. Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción's "Festival Betances" is all about inclusion, community, and expression.. IBA's CEO, Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, returns to the show with all the details about this special event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're far gone from the days of dial-up internet, and you'd think that everyone here in Massachusetts has access to reliable, high-speed broadband connections for work, play, and school. Unfortunately, that's not the case, but there is a new effort to get more information about where those gaps are around the Commonwealth. Jody Jones, the Senior Program Director at the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the MassTech Collaborative talks with Nichole about the importance of closing the "digital divide", and shares information about their new portal where you can weigh in on access.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many dogs work for the Boston Police Department each and every day, but the department has never had a comfort dog - until now! Copper the dog is BPD's first ever comfort dog, and she's in training with her handler, Officer Tim Wilson. Nichole talks with Officer Wilson, BPD Chief of Communications Mariellen Burns, and Copper about their training journey and her role in the community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's all fun and games these days in downtown Malden! The city has been putting a lot of effort into creating a gamer's paradise around the Malden Center MBTA stop, continually growing the "Gaming District" each and every year with more fun offerings. They say there is something for everyone, from the casual gamer to a console legend. Kevin Duffy and Tess Young join Nichole this week to talk about the initiative and how they're working to bring in even more exciting experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sumner Tunnel restoration project has been going on for some time, and you might remember last summer's closure that lasted nearly two months, causing major delays around Logan Airport and East Boston. MassDOT says they have to shut it down again for a few weeks so crews can get back in there and complete a good chunk of road work without having to worry about traffic or lane closures. Once it's all done, Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver says we'll see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the project. He joins Nichole this week to share the details for commuters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may not think about your local water, sewer, or electricity department when you think about hackers and cybersecurity problems. Unfortunately, federal officials say they're starting to see more and more of our utilities getting hit by cyber threats, often from hackers connected to places like Russia, Iran, and China. The Mass Cyber Center works with utilities, schools, businesses and government agencies to make sure they are protected against threats and train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Director John Petrozzelli returns to the show to detail these threats and talk about the resources in place to secure our systems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School's out for summer, and spirits are high at the Discovery Museum in Acton - not only because kids are having a blast in the space, but also because they are the recent recipient of a highly esteemed award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services! The museum is known for its efforts to embrace sustainability and inclusivity while providing local children a place to learn and grow. CEO Marie Beam talks with Nichole about the new award and their summer offerings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food insecurity has been a growing problem in Massachusetts for years, especially since the start of the COVID pandemic. Inflation hasn't helped, with food prices skyrocketing at the grocery store and at local restaurants. A new report from the Greater Boston Food Bank in collaboration with Mass General Brigham takes a closer look at the factors driving this concerning trend. Catherine D'Amato, President and CEO of the Food Bank, and Dr. Lauren Fiechtner, Director of Nutrition at the Mass General Hospital for Children, break down the highlights of the report with Nichole and share resources for those who are in need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is holding this year's "Out of the Darkness" overnight fundraiser walk right here in Boston. It's a critical fundraiser for the organization which works to provide resources for those who are struggling and hold space to have difficult conversations around a subject that still has a heavy stigma attached to it. People from all walks of life will come together for this event to share their stories, grieve, empathize, smile, and form connections throughout the 16-mile course. Erin Kenny, Overnight Senior Manager at the Foundation, joins Nichole to talk about the upcoming event and how the Foundation shines a light on mental health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We love our "Dirty Water" here in Massachusetts - that, of course, being the nickname for the Charles River, which has been infamous over the years for its polluted state. These days, though, thanks to the work of many environmental groups, including the Charles River Conservancy, the water is much clearer - to the point where you can actually swim in it! The Conservancy's "City Splash" event is coming up, whcere you can grab a floatie, dip your feet, dog paddle, or do a killer cannonball into the river to cool off on a hot summer day. Laura Jasinski, Executive Director of the Charles River Conservancy, talks with Nichole this week about the state of the Charles and this exciting event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the perfect time of year for kids to grab their bikes and get out to explore the world around them, be it a city street or some nearby woods. While many young people grow up with access to bikes, not every child has that same opportunity, and that's where Mutt Society comes in to help. They team up with fellow bikers to fix trails, support young athletes, and get bikes into the hands of underserved young people, including at an upcoming event in Pathways in Lynn. Trent Sanders, co-founder of Mutt Society, joins us to talk about how you can help them make sure every child has a bike to enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pets of all shapes and sizes fill a critical role for seniors, providing them support, care, and companionship. However, having a pet doesn't come cheap, especially with all the bills that pile up: food, grooming, toys, leashes, veterinary care, the works. Many seniors on fixed incomes find it difficult to keep up with those bills, and that's where ElderPet comes in to help. They work with seniors on the New Hampshire Seacoast to ensure they have everything they need to make sure their beloved pets stay by their side for as long as possible. Jerilee Zezula, Treasurer of ElderPet, joins us to talk about their history and efforts, and what you can do to keep them going.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veterans around the nation, including right here in New England, are finding themselves facing mental, physical, and emotional battles as they try to re-adjust to life at home. Soldier On in Pittsfield wants to ensure those who gave so much for our country have everything they need, and that their service and sacrifices are never forgotten. They're committed to finding or creating permanent housing, health care, mental health services, and much more for veterans around the Northeast. CEO Bruce Buckley stops by the show this week to share all the details with Nichole and talk about how veterans in need can find help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off of the summer travel season, and it's important to make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape as you head on out your adventures. Mark Schieldrop at AAA Northeast spoke with Nichole for a few minutes about early summer vehicle maintenance and what you should focus on for a quick checkup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Young people around the nation are struggling with a mental health crisis that's only been exacerbated since the height of the COVID pandemic. Anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts are nothing new to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and young people are often more willing to open up about their mental health struggles. The NAN Project is working one-on-one with young people, their schools, their families, and even local law enforcement to offer support and solutions. Jake Cavanaugh, Executive Director of The NAN Project, joins Nichole this week to tell their story and share details about their efforts in schools around Massachusetts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Massachusetts has some of the best health care in the world, there are still stark disparities when it comes to Black maternal health. Mass General Brigham is addressing these concerns through its "United Against Racism" initiative, and one of the methods the health care system is working to reduce these disparities is through the use of doulas. Dr. Allison Bryant, Associate Chief Health Equity Officer at Mass General Brigham, joins Nichole this week to talk about the "Birth Partners Doula" project, the benefits doulas can provide for those giving birth, and how the project is going so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, a community organization in Boston's South End that has been supporting Latinx residents for decades, is about to break ground on its new home: La CASA, a new arts and culture center that hopes to amplify voices and ideas not just in Boston, but also serve as a space to bring New England's Latinx communities together. IBA CEO Vanessa Calderón-Rosado stops by the show this week to talk with Nichole about their mission, plans for construction, and the work IBA is doing to help protect and uplift Boston's Latinx residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May is Haitian Heritage Month, which makes this the perfect time for Boston's new Haitian cultural center, the Toussaint L'Ouverture Cultural Center, to open its doors in the West End. Nestled in Lovejoy Wharf, the Center promises to offer education, information, music, arts, and so much more for Boston's growing Haitian community. Dr. Elizabeth Louis, a member of the Executive Committee at TLCC, shares the vision for the center with Nichole on this week's episode, and also has details on the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that spring is here, it's time to take a hike! Or several. New England has everything you could possibly want when it comes to nature, all within a couple hours' drive. We have no shortage of restaurants for a post-hike nosh, too. Marc Hurwitz of Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants returns to the show to talk about his excursions with the Appalachian Mountain Club, his latest recommendations, and closures around the area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In April, to mark Earth Week, state officials in Massachusetts announced a new $775,000 grant will be used in the coming months to put more air sensors in place around the Commonwealth, with a special focus on "environmental justice" communities - low-income and under-served cities and towns that often feel the worst impacts of pollution and climate change. MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple has details about the plan and how they hope to use the data to put policy in place that will improve air quality for those communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two mothers on the South Coast of Massachusetts are teaming up to help children with special needs enjoy the outdoors like so many other kids do: biking! Alissa DeSousa and Lindsay Best-Greenspan both have children with special needs, and they were able to see first-hand the difference adaptive bikes made in the kids' lives. Now, they're on a mission to make sure as many children as possible can have access to one. They join Nichole this week to talk about their efforts, their inspiration, and how you can help them reach their goal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than 35 years, supporters of the Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have walked each year along the Boston Marathon Course from Hopkinton to Boston, raising money and spirits to find a cure for cancer. This year's course will look a little bit different, but that doesn't mean the mission will be any different this time around. Jimmy Fund Vice President Suzanne Fountain stops by the show to talk about this change to the course, how the fundraising makes a difference, and what you need to know if you want to take part in this year's Walk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erosion on Cape Cod is certainly nothing new, but in recent years, the Atlantic Ocean has been chewing up more and more of the shoreline. These tidal troubles are forcing communities to think ahead to a future without some of their most beloved shoreline properties, and that problem is front and center at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, where the consistent erosion has forced the Fish and Wildlife Service to demolish their long-standing Visitor Center. Refuge Manager Rick Nye talks with Nichole this week about their decision to take down the building, his concerns for protected wildlife, and how they're trying to get ahead of Mother Nature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For generations, potable water from the Quabbin Reservoir has been enjoyed by residents in dozens of cities and towns in central and eastern Massachusetts. However, many communities that line the reservoir don't have access to this precious resource, and as a new study looks to expand the MWRA network, many Quabbin-area residents feel they're not getting proper recompense for providing this water to much of the Commonwealth. Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester) says it's time to change that. She joins Nichole on the show this week to talk about her new bill on Beacon Hill that she hopes will create more equity when it comes to water distribution from the Quabbin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homelessness can impact anyone, and it doesn't always take much to get you to that point - even one or two life events can completely up-end your path. John Lane is someone who knows that all too well. John was living a comfortable life when addiction struck and took him down a path of very hard lessons. Now, John has come full circle, and he's teamed up with Pine Street Inn to use his life experience to help others who are struggling. John is on the show this week to tell his story, offer advice, and share information about Pine Street Inn's permanent supportive housing services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After four years off due to COVID, Japan Festival Boston is back! Later this month, Boston Common will be home to the city's largest festival dedicated to all things Japanese culture: food, kimono, origami, tea ceremonies, ikebana, cosplay, and so much more. Ara Mahar, the PR manager for the festival, joins Nichole this week to talk about all this free family-friendly event has to offer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just months until the November elections, the campaigns are heating up, and so is the political rhetoric, both on and offline. Election interference on social media is nothing new at this point, but another major player is making its presence known for this election cycle: artificial intelligence. Dr. Weiai "Wayne" Xu, Associate Professor at UMass Amherst, focuses his courses and research on political communities and discourse online, along with artificial intelligence's impact on how we disseminate and learn information. He talks with Nichole this week about what we know, what we're still learning, and best practices for gathering the facts through the elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Childhood is full of pure, unadulterated joy through the little things - playing outside, eating a new snack, meeting friends, laughing at cartoons, and much more. For many families, those joys aren't as easy to come by due to poverty, food insecurity or chronic illness. Since 2006, the Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation has been working with franchisees, customers, local organizations and charities, and many others to offer special programs and resources for kids in need, and their families, too! Chair Victor Carvalho joins Nichole on the show this week to talk about their work and how you can help them spread joy to vulnerable kids around the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S.S. Constitution - affectionately dubbed "Old Ironsides" - is a symbol of resilience, strength, history and honor. It stands out on the Boston skyline, and so does the woman at the helm! Commander Billie J. Farrell is the first woman to ever command the vessel, leading dozens of sailors, and she's had a storied career in the Navy. In April, she'll be receiving the "Third Lantern" award from Old North Illuminated at the "Lanterns & Luminaries" event. Commander Farrell talks with Nichole about her journey through the Navy, what it's like living as a transplant in New England, the legacy she wants to leave behind to women in the service, and the upcoming award ceremony.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living with breast cancer is an emotional, physical, and mental rollercoaster. One woman who knows that personally is Jacquie Bishop, a Boston resident who is fighting it for a second time. She's choosing to share her story of strength and vulnerability in hopes of removing the stigma from the mental and physical health struggles that come along with a diagnosis. She's also hoping to encourage people in the Black community to develop more proactive habits to take care of their breast health. Jacquie and Nichole discuss her diagnosis, treatment, and much more in this interview.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Embrace Boston recently released its "Harm Report", a comprehensive look at how slavery and centuries of systemic racism against Black Bostonians has impacted seven key aspects of life, including housing, transportation, healthcare and income. The report also outlines suggestions from the team at Embrace Boston on how the city can move forward in a more equitable manner and address the harms against the Black community. Vice President of Arts and Culture Elizabeth Tiblanc and Director of Digital Strategy and Production Gregory Ball return to the show this week to talk with Nichole about the research that went into the report and provide an overview of the results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kids are incredibly resilient, but it can be hard to be strong all the time when you're suffering from a chronic condition like asthma, epilepsy, or heart problems. The same goes for their parents. Managing health conditions and trying to provide as "normal" a childhood as possible can take a toll on families. Luckily, Zebra Crossings in Dover, NH is there to help! Executive Director Deb Taylor and Program Director Emily Mundy join Nichole this week to talk about their special programs that not just help boost confidence and self-love in children with chronic conditions, but also give families some respite in a safe, understanding environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among all the foods that are quintessentially "New England", maple syrup is close to the top! We're in sugaring season right now, and it doesn't last too long - just a matter of weeks. Farmers, sugar house owners, and hobbyists are working long hours to try and make the most of what the trees choose to provide this year. Melissa Leab of Ioka Valley Farm in Hancock is also a member of the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association, and she joins Nichole this week to talk about the sugaring process, how this year's warm weather is impacting the product, and how you can celebrate Maple Weekend at sugar shacks around the Commonwealth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.