New England Weekend

Almost 20 years ago, Cherylann Walsh decided to make a change in her community, serving residents right out of her own home. That desire to help others has grown into Project Just Because, an organization in Hopkinton that makes sure everyone who needs a meal can get it, regardless of allergies, dietary restrictions, or family size. Project Just Because also works to keep residents safe, healthy, and full of joy through their programs. Cherylann and Erica Solitro join Nichole to talk about their efforts and how you can help them provide for Massachusetts families in need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, a little harbor seal named Cuyahoga was rescued off the shores of Cape Ann. This small seal was in awful shape and is getting some much needed TLC at the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay. Cuyahoga is one of many animals that find themselves stranded each year along the shores of New England. What do you do if you find a turtle or seal that's struggling? NMLC Executive Director Connie Merigo talks with Nichole about Cuyahoga's recovery and how you can help other animals in a similar bind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of robots, you may not necessarily think of them inside your body. A research team at Tufts University teamed up with Harvard researchers to do just that. They've discovered "anthrobots", tiny living robots made from human cells, and they say this could lead to major developments in modern medicine and healthcare. Prof. Michael Levin and Gizem Gumuskaya talk with Nichole about their research, the science and ethics of their discovery, and what they hope to see happen with this new creation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holiday season is here, and while this is normally a time full of joy and togetherness, it can also be a time of extreme loneliness for seniors who may not be able to get out and about as much as they used to, or aren't receiving as many visits from family and friends. Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly in Boston engage with seniors in public and affordable housing all year long, helping them socialize with their neighbors and learn new skills. Nikki Shults, Executive Director of LBFE Boston, joins Nichole on the show this week to talk about their work and their holiday plans for local seniors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beautiful banners have been installed along Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan. Each banner highlights one of Boston's Black female leaders - some you may know well, others you have yet to learn about. The public art project is the brainchild of Ed Gaskin, the Executive Director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets. It's a labor of love, and he talks with Nichole this week about how his vision to honor these powerful and beloved women is finally coming to fruition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The early winter darkness is here in New England, and that's got a lot of us settling in for the season. It's easy to sit at home, take more naps, get cozy... but it's also easy to slip into what's called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. It's not just a bad mood or the blues. Dr. Michelle DiBlasi, psychiatrist at Tufts Medical Center, talks with Nichole about what SAD is, how you can tell when you're dealing with it, and how to overcome it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Massachusetts emergency shelter system is officially overburdened, according to state data, and officials say they have to turn away families while putting them on a waitlist. While the ongoing migrant crisis is contributing to this, there are other factors forcing residents onto the streets, including inflation and the skyrocketing cost of housing. Pine Street Inn in Boston has been working for years to create more permanent supportive housing in the Boston area, hoping to uplift those who find themselves at their lowest and help them get back on their feet. Lyndia Downie returns to the show to update Nichole on their efforts and talk about what's fueling the Commonwealth's housing emergency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As more companies look ahead to a more sustainable future, researchers are taking a closer look at how non-recyclable materials like plastic can become greener for their work. Xheme, a startup in Newton at UMass Amherst's Mount Ida Campus, has been working for years on special additives that are getting the job done, and could eventually revolutionize how we store substances like blood. Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer Kumar Challa talks with Nichole about the science behind their additives and how UMass has helped them in their work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has been wowing audiences with its unique blend of metal and holiday music for decades, and their work has become a classic Christmas music choice in many homes. The band is heading back out on tour this month to put on another round of shows that they hope will continue to break artistic boundaries. Jeff Plate, the original drummer for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, talks with Nichole on this week's episode about what this year's tour has to offer, his local ties, the charity work the band does, and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems like each trip to the store these days is getting more and more expensive, no matter what it is you're buying. That's likely to become even more amplified as we enter the most expensive time of the year: holiday shopping season, which is also starting earlier than ever. Deloitte Global recently released its forecast on holiday spending, and Evan Sheehan, Deloitte's Retail, Wholesale and Distribution Leader in Boston, breaks down the numbers with Nichole - they might surprise you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of Americans suffer from at least one chronic condition, and the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of those illnesses can make it very difficult to navigate the fast-paced world of business. Lilly Stairs is a "serial entrepreneur" who knows about these difficulties first-hand, as she has multiple chronic conditions. Now, she's offering a space for other ambitious women in business to network, focus on their health, and find community. Lilly joins Nichole on the show this week to talk about the Chronic Boss Collective and all it has to offer, including in-person events here in Boston.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fall's here, and it's the perfect time to get out and explore the diverse beauty of our region in nature and on your plate! Marc Hurwitz of Boston's Hidden Restaurants and Boston Restaurant Talk returns to the show with his latest recommendations on fun fall hikes and restaurants to visit to fill up after. He also talks with Nichole about the latest restaurant openings and closings around the Boston area, and offers his thoughts on the state of the local restaurant industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data out this month shows Black Bostonians not only have the highest rates of infant mortality - more than three times the rate of white infants - but they also have the highest rates of premature births and low birth weight. City officials say these stark inequities need to be addressed immediately. Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, goes through the data in the report with Nichole, and discusses the city's plans to turn these trends around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time to get spooky! Well, maybe not THAT spooky if you're having some Halloween fun with the kids. The Trustees of Reservations are hosting a long list of fun and frightening events for the entire family all over Massachusetts, everything from barnyard costume parties to eerie tours at the Old Manse. Catherine Shortliffe, Associate Director of Public Programming at the Trustees, joins Nichole to talk about some of their offerings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, and here in Massachusetts, for many different reasons, thousands of young people are struggling to find shelter each and every night. Bridge Over Troubled Waters is working hard to connect with these young people and lend them a helping hand in hopes of helping them process, recover, and go on to thrive. President and CEO Elisabeth Jackson talks with Nichole about their efforts and their upcoming fundraising gala.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the cost of living skyrockets, families around the Commonwealth are feeling the strain, and leaning more on community services and non-profits like Catie's Closet in Dracut. Catie's Closet is being called on far more frequently these days for crisis response to help fight homelessness and child poverty while providing essentials for the growing influx of migrant children in Massachusetts. Their SOS Urgent Response Program Fund is now all but emptied. CEO and Co-Founder Mickey Cockrell joins Nichole this week to explain the sharp jump in need and what they need from the public to continue making sure every child is clothed and taken care of.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Old North Church has stood proud in Boston's North End for 300 years, and it's probably best known for its role in Revolutionary War history. However, more than 1,100 bodies have been laid to rest over the years in the church's crypt, which recently underwent a major restoration project. Director of Education Catherine Matthews has details on the project, which is about to be completed with the final installation of the crypt's restored doors, and a look back at the famed church's impact on Boston.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NVNA and Hospice in Norwell has been serving the South Shore community for more than 100 years, but this year, they are celebrating a big anniversary: the 10th year of their hospice home, the Pat Roche home in Hingham. CEO Renee McInnes talks with Nichole about NVNA's history, and the two get into a deeper conversation about what hospice can do for families, and how you know when it's time to consider it for a loved one facing life's biggest transition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's almost time for Medicare open enrollment, and it can be very confusing! From changing plans to costs and coverage, going through your options can quickly get overwhelming. Enter an expert: Mary Hsieh, the Head of Government Programs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Mary and Nichole break down the important information you need to know before open enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7, 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of young people with developmental and intellectual disabilities have developed critical life skills and gained confidence through the "Threshold" program at Lesley University in Cambridge. The program has been around for decades, but it's about to get a big update. University President Janet Steinmayer's son, Ben, attended the program, and continues to flourish with the connections and expertise he learned through Threshold. They join the show this week to talk with Nichole about their experience, the history of the program, and the upcoming changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts is hosting its annual Mass Black Expo in early October, a three-day event focused on networking, sharing information, and providing resources to help Black business owners thrive. BECMA's President and CEO, Nicole Obi, joins Nichole on this week's show to talk about the unique challenges Black-owned businesses face, not just in Massachusetts, but nationwide. She also has details on her organization's efforts to promote a more equitable and inclusive economy, and what the event has to offer for aspiring entrepreneurs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leaving the prison system, no matter how long one has been incarcerated, can be confusing, scary, and frustrating, with little support on the outside to help people re-integrate into society. The Essex County "Women in Transition" program is a minimum security pre-release program, helping women recovering from addiction make their way out of incarceration and start a healthy life. Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Murphy joins Nichole to talk about the program, their mission, and the program's impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chowder lovers, an upcoming event in New Bedford is just for you! For years, residents of the New Bedford area have made their way to the coast for the Chowderfest, a tasty event that helps people sample all the savory soups the South Coast has to offer. This year's no different, with the One SouthCoast Chamber hosting this year's 18th Annual Blount Fine Foods New Bedford Seaport Chowderfest on September 30. Katie Greene, Vice President of Marketing and Events at One SouthCoast, has all the details this week about this year's event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Autumn arrives this weekend with yet another round of rain. Most of the summer has been wet, to the point where some cities are seeing close to record rain totals for the year, and it's not even October! What is causing all of this wet and humid weather? Plymouth State University Meteorology Professor Eric Hoffman breaks down the weather patterns we've been stuck in and offers some insight into what we can expect here in New England for the coming fall and winter months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The city of Boston has lofty goals when it comes to climate, including a push to become a completely carbon-neutral city by the year 2050. There are several initiatives underway to work toward that goal, including a brand new program by Climate Culture Boston called "SHINE": Solar Helping Ignite Neighborhood Economies. Frank Lowenstein from Climate Culture Boston, a spinoff of Rare, returns to the show to talk about this new push to bring green jobs and renewable home energy to marginalized neighborhoods with the help of established community organizations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artisans in and around Attleboro are teaming up for a great cause: to fight food insecurity in their neighborhood. They're doing it using clay, glaze, a kiln, and a really good bowl of soup! Members of Empty Bowls Attleboro work throughout the year to create unique, stunning soup bowls to help generate income for local non-profits helping to feed those who are hungry. Sarah Mott and David Laferrier join Nichole this week to talk about their mission and their upcoming event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're into food that's not just good for you, but also good for farmers and the local economy, you'll want to make your way to the Rose Kennedy Greenway on September 17th. That's when Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts is hosting its annual Boston Local Food Festival, and there will be all kinds of tasty treats to try! Kerry Kokkinogenis and Caroline Brocker from SBN Massachusetts have all the details on this week's episode, and they talk with Nichole about how the recent floods impacted local crops.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honeybees play a vital role in keeping our plants and crops healthy, but experts say they're facing an increasing number of threats, both human and environmental. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has its very own program to help residents and professional beekeepers alike boost honeybee health! Chief Apiary Instructor Dr. Kim Skyrm is a hive full of knowledge about bees, and he joins Nichole this week with tips on how you can protect these special insects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School districts around the Commonwealth, especially in rural areas, are struggling with budget cuts, classrooms that aren't fully stocked, and teachers reaching into their own pockets to pay for much-needed supplies. Many rural schools are facing significant funding challenges, and while there's some help from Beacon Hill, State Senator Jo Comerford (D-Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester) says it's not enough. She joins the show this week to talk about her efforts to convince her fellow lawmakers to increase state funding and support for those communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classrooms these days look far different than they did even just 10 years ago. Instead of pencils, overhead projectors and chalkboards, you'll find tablets, interactive whiteboards and laptops. Tech experts say innovative technologies in the classroom are here to say, including artificial intelligence. Dr. Sarah Kyriazis, Principal of the Wawecus Road School in Worcester, joins the show this week to talk about their new "Spark Academy" program, which hopes to create a "future-ready hub of innovation" at the school.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry in Waltham got an eviction notice recently - and it's forcing them to leave their long-time quarters very quickly. Trouble is, they don't have anywhere to go yet, and the Middlesex Human Service Agency needs your help to find a space for them to set up shop so they can keep serving people in need all over the Boston area. CEO Robert Mills joins Nichole this week to talk about the eviction, the services they provide, and how you can help the soup kitchen and food pantry find a new home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COVID's back on the scene, as more and more people start to test positive while we make our way out of the summer months. There are so many questions out there about where we go from here with the virus: do we get a new booster or wait? Should we be masking? What's going on with long COVID? Dr. Shira Doron, Chief Infection Control Officer over at Tufts Medical Center, joins Nichole this week to answer questions and offer her insight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women and BIPOC representation in business boardrooms is better than it's ever been, but there is still quite a lot of work to do. That's the story in a new report from Deloitte and the Alliance for Board Diversity called "Missing Pieces". It takes a closer look at diversity at Fortune 500 companies, specifically in their leadership, on both a state and national level. Nichole speaks with Jess Ackerman, an Audit Readiness Leader at Deloitte, about the survey and its findings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the new state budget Governor Maura Healey recently signed into law, there is a new program offering up some hope for adults here in Massachusetts who either want to go to college for the first time or finish a degree they may have had to leave behind. WBZ's Laurie Kirby spoke with Ray DePasquale, President of Massasoit Community College in Brockton, about this new program and the benefits of returning to get a degree, no matter your age.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jaws has become a classic New England-centric movie over the years, but it turns out, behind the scenes, it was anything but easy to put together. In fact, it was so chaotic that a new comedy on the stage highlights all the production maladies. It's called "The Shark is Broken", and New England theater owner Bill Hanney is lending his talents to the show to make sure it's a resounding success. He returns to the show this week to talk about the show's journey to Broadway, along with what's happening these days at the North Shore Music Theatre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working families around New England and the country are struggling to find balance when it comes to child care. Not only is it more expensive than ever, but it's becoming more and more difficult to find a space for children in programs. Centers closing during the height of the pandemic made the problem that much worse, forcing parents out of the workforce. Politicians on both sides of the aisle say it's time to find a solution to this growing crisis. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) spoke with Nichole recently to share her thoughts on the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long-time residents of the South Coast of Massachusetts, especially New Bedford, grew up with Silmo syrup in their milkshakes, frappes and other treats. Decades ago, the business closed down, but New Bedford City Councilor Ian Abreu is bringing it back to life, while keeping it all in the family. He talks with Nichole on this week's show about how he's re-introducing his grandfather's recipes to a new generation, and what's coming down the pipeline from Silmo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A coalition of businesses, activist groups, lawmakers and others around Massachusetts are teaming up to support a bill on Beacon Hill called "I AM", which hopes to expand free access to menstrual products in public places around the Commonwealth, including schools and prisons. Mass NOW is one of the advocacy groups that's part of the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Coalition, and Executive Director Sasha Goodfriend joins Nichole on the show this week to talk about what the bill entails. She also dives into the prevalence of "period poverty" here in Massachusetts and the impact it can have on someone's life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toy Burton, a longtime Roxbury resident with deep ties to the neighborhood, realized one day that her community was missing something: resources to help them open up and be vulnerable about mental health problems and thoughts of suicide. Enter "DeeDee's Cry": a nonprofit she founded in 2017 to connect BIPOC residents of Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan and beyond to mental health and counseling resources that haven't always been accessible. Toy is also the woman behind the Roxbury Unity Parade, which celebrates and unifies the neighborhood each and every year. She joins the show this week to talk with Nichole about her mental health journey and her efforts to help those in need through her organizations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It started as something you could find behind the doors at the veterinarian's office: xylazine, a drug that's most frequently used to sedate animals so they can be treated. Now, it's found its way into the illicit drug market far faster than anyone expected, and combined with fentanyl and other opioids, it's proving to be especially deadly. Julie Burns, President and CEO of Rize Massachusetts, talks with Nichole about their efforts to fund new research into test strips, another method of harm reduction that could potentially help to turn this crisis around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In just a few weeks, a new store's going to be opening up in Dorchester's Bowdoin/Geneva neighborhood, but it's not your typical grocery store. It's a food co-op, owned collectively by the members of the surrounding community and the store's employees. John Santos, the General Manager and CEO of the Dorchester Food Co-Op, joins Nichole this week to talk about the benefits of a cooperative for a neighborhood, the buildout, their mission, and what they have to offer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The heavy rains have been seemingly non-stop throughout much of western New England, especially in Vermont, a state which has made national headlines for the devastation suffered through the recent floods. David Bonanno is a longtime actor at the Weston Theatre Company in Weston, Vermont, a short drive north of Brattleboro. He talks with Nichole about the impact of the floods and the resilience of small-town communities coming together to clean up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In just a few weeks, the world premiere of a rock opera is coming to the Company Theatre in Norwell, and it's a production that tells the story of a strong young woman you may have learned about in your history books: Joan of Arc. "Born To Do This" is the brainchild of Zoe Bradford, a playwright and co-founder of the Company Theatre. She returns to the show to talk about the show and her creative process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summertime is the perfect time for hikes, picnics, BBQ's, days at the beach - all sorts of outdoor excursions. We often bring a lot of single-use plastics like water bottles, food wrappers, and utensils with us, and a good amount of that plastic doesn't end up in the trash bin. It ends up in the ocean. Dr. Anja Brandon, the Associate Director of U.S. Plastics Policy at Ocean Conservancy, joins Nichole this week to talk about a new report detailing just how much plastic pollution is out there, and why recycling efforts aren't working the way we hoped they would.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've been seeing billboards, ads, and news reports about it. The Sumner Tunnel that brings traffic from East Boston into downtown Boston is closing for almost two months straight. But why now? And what do crews have to do that will take two whole months, sparking some serious traffic troubles? MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver gives us a behind-the-scenes rundown of what's getting done in the tunnel, and details alternative travel methods for commuters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After stints in the military, FBI, and the private sector, John Petrozzelli is taking the reins at the Mass Cyber Center, helping direct policy and education efforts when it comes to cybersecurity here in Massachusetts. He spent time this week with Nichole to talk about his ideas for his time at the Center, his background, and the Center's efforts to help protect people online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dialup internet access just doesn't cut it these days. We have so much to stream, send, and create! Reliable high-speed internet is a critical tool not just for socializing, but also for work and health care access, among many other areas. Rural areas have struggled to keep pace with the infrastructure, but that's changing in western Massachusetts. State Sen. Paul Mark (D-Becket) returns to the show to talk with Nichole about the plan to get rural towns connected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While rare diseases often get left behind in the race for cures, a new approach from the National Institutes of Health hopes to make clinical trials more efficient, less expensive, and more accessible to patients who are suffering from rare genetic diseases. WBZ's Laurie Kirby spoke with Dr. Julie Gerberding, CEO of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, about the new "Bespoke" Consortium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Both the state and federal COVID-19 public health emergencies recently expired, as vaccination rates rise and infection rates decline. Health officials say this doesn't mean COVID is no longer a concern - merely that it's made its way into an endemic phase. The Massachusetts Coalition for Health Equity says many people who have disabilities or are immunocompromised feel like they're being overlooked, left behind, and put in danger with the ending of the public health emergencies.Two members of the Massachusetts Coalition for Health Equity join the show this week to talk with Nichole about their concerns: Lara Jirmanus, a physician at Cambridge Health Alliance, and Colin Killick, the Executive Director of the Disability Policy Consortium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting your first bike as a kid opens up a whole world of freedom and fun, but it's not always easy for parents who are struggling to get by to provide one for their children. Mutt Society, a local group dedicated to promoting physical and emotional well-being through bikes, is teaming up with Pathways in Lynn to gift dozens of bikes to the children of Pathways students. Trent Sanders, Co-Founder of Mutt Society, joins Josh Shepherd, the Director of Student Services at Pathways, to talk with Nichole this week about the bike drive, their missions, and how you can help kids get outside to explore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.