New England Weekend

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MASSPIRG recently teamed up with Environment Massachusetts to conduct the annual "Get The Lead Out" survey, and it appears the Bay State has a lot of work to do. Massachusetts received a C- in this report card, which took a closer look at what's being done to provide safe drinking water to students in schools around the Commonwealth. Deirdre Cummings, Legislative Director at MASSPIRG, joins the show this week to break down the report with Nichole and talk about efforts on Beacon Hill to help clean up our schools' water supplies.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.

In the days leading up to this year's Juneteenth holiday, Embrace Boston is returning with its "Embrace Ideas Festival". It's a celebration of Black culture, art, music, and thought-provoking ideas from the community about anti-racism work, equity, and Boston's future. This year's event is three days long, packed with events sure to inspire change and foster dialogue (and delight your taste buds, too!). Elizabeth Tiblanc, Vice President of Programs at Embrace Boston, talks with Nichole about this year's event and what Juneteenth means to the Black community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Boston Planning and Development Agency recently approved a plan for the Comfort Inn on Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester to be transformed into permanent supportive housing for seniors. The project got some blowback from neighborhood groups and lawmakers, but Pine Street Inn says it's a critical step to help unhoused seniors make their way off the streets and rebuild their lives. Lyndia Downie, Executive Director of Pine Street Inn, talks with Nichole about the project, the fight over the Long Island Bridge, and their upcoming workforce development graduation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gaming can be a very beneficial tool when it comes to learning life skills. Guild Chronicles, based in Lexington, have created a special roleplaying game and educational program to help autistic and neurodivergent kids learn social-emotional skills. Andrew Harris, CEO and Founder of Guild Chronicles, joins Nichole this week to talk about the game and how Guild Chronicles works with schools and therapists to support young people and their development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School's almost out for summer, and the City of Boston says it has more jobs available for young people than ever before! Their SuccessLink program connects young people with opportunities all over the city, including non-profits and at City Hall. Rashad Cope, Deputy Chief of the Worker Empowerment Cabinet and the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, joins Nichole this week to talk about the program, and we also hear from a local teen about his experience. ALSO: Some big plans are in the works south of Boston to help kids who learn differently. South Shore Stars in Weymouth is opening up its own school for children who have dyslexia and other language-based learning differences! Executive Director Jen Curtis returns to the show with all the details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the cost of utilities so high, it seems like it would be a dream come true for someone to reach out at random and tell you they can help you lower your utility bills. The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office says many of these "competitive energy suppliers" are anything but a dream, and, in fact, over time, they can turn your budget into a nightmare. Nathan Forster and Elizabeth Anderson from the AG's office join Nichole on the show with information on how you can protect your wallet. PLUS: The Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts is connecting small business owners around the Commonwealth while offering resources to help them give back to their communities. One of those small business owners, Aelen Unan of Ninawa Zero Waste Clothes, talks about what sustainability means to her and how it's influenced her business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While pregnancy and childbirth can be a joyous time full of excitement and exhiliration, that's not the case for every parent. Post-partum depression isn't just "baby blues", and it can turn very serious very quickly. The MassPPD Fund's mission is to provide resources and support for parents finding themselves in this scary place, and they're holding their annual "Flourishing" event May 13th. Former Boston morning show host Loren Raye is emceeing the event, and she joins Nichole with all the details. PLUS: Roxbury Community College is about to celebrate a major milestone birthday - 50 years serving the neighborhood, and the city of Boston at large, by promoting educational opportunities, diversity and equity. Jennie McDonald-Brown, the school's Executive Director of Development, has all the details about their three-day-long "Homecoming" celebration for alumni, and everyone from the neighborhood's invited to come celebrate!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naloxone (aka Narcan) has proven to be a powerful tool in fighting the opioid epidemic. State officials in New Hampshire are launching a new program to make sure it's publicly available for anyone who needs it in a time of crisis. Jennifer Sabin, New Hampshire's Opioid Response Director, joins the show with details on the NaloxBoxes that are going up all over the Granite State. PLUS: The nation's oldest continuing all-volunteer orchestra is about to wrap up an incredible 105th season with their May Pops concert! Conductor and Music Director Yoichi Udagawa returns to the show to talk about the Melrose Symphony Orchestra's upcoming show. ALSO: Boston-based "Master Trainer" Jonathan Kroll is out with his first guidebook, "Preparing Leadership Educators". WBZ's Laurie Kirby spoke with him about his special leadership development program and how people can improve their techniques.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Community is everything, especially when you're living far from home. Drawing from the love they have for their Irish backgrounds, the founders of Mná Mheiriceá are working to create a new women's networking group in Boston not just for the Irish diaspora, but for all women. Megan Greeley joins the show with all the details. PLUS: Spring is here, and that means baby animals are coming into the world! Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield is holding their annual Baby Animals Festival. Nathaniel Silver, Executive Director and CEO of Hancock Shaker Village, has more on how you can get up close and personal with adorable piglets, chicks, lambs, and other cuties. ALSO: Forecasters at the National Weather Service are gearing up for stormy weather this summer, and they need your help on the ground! Bryce Williams, Meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Norton, joins Nichole with all the info you need to know about their upcoming round of SKYWARN classes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Young people often feel left out of the conversations around recovery from substance abuse, even though more and more are finding themselves caught up in the grips of addiction. They need support and validation from people who "get it" and understand what they are going through. Enter Massachusetts Young People in Recovery, who's working hard to show people recovery is possible. Haley Barbieri, Program Director of MYPiR, joins the show this week to tell us about their efforts. PLUS: The wool's going to be flying in Waltham, with lambs, rams, ewes, and other animals on the grounds of Gore House. It's almost time for the annual Sheepshearing Festival, but it's about so much more than chasing around sheep. Emily Robertson, Marketing Manager at Gore Place, has all you need to know about this fun event!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine calling 911 for a serious emergency, only to be told it could be 30, 45... even 60 minutes before help could get to you. There's a significant ambulance workforce shortage here in New England, and around the country, too - but it didn't develop right away. Rich Raymond, CEO of Armstrong Ambulance in Arlington, joins Nichole on the show this week to talk about how it's impacted not just his company, but the industry as a whole, and what needs to be done to turn this trend around. PLUS: Did you know doing your taxes here in Massachusetts could help stop animals around the Bay State from becoming homeless? It's true. The Massachusetts Animal Fund has been working hard for more than a decade to help spay and neuter efforts, and find furry friends a happy and healthy home. Sheri Gustafson from the Fund is on the show to talk about how you can help by simply filling out a line on your tax forms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that spring's here, we're starting to make our way outdoors and travel around the region again, trying fun new foods and enjoying new experiences... but the regional restaurant scene looks very different now than it did before the pandemic. Marc Hurwitz of Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants returns to the show to talk with Nichole about outdoor dining, ghost kitchens, staffing struggles, and much more - including his personal recommendations around the region. PLUS: Allergy season isn't messing around this year. It seems we're struggling with symptoms earlier than ever! Dr. John Foster, Chief Medical Officer at NEW Health in Boston, explains why this is happening and offers up some helpful tips to try and keep allergies from taking over your life this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.