New England Weekend

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A new public art project in Boston's Dorchester and Roxbury neighborhoods is showing off some special works of art by nine Black photographers. It's a collaboration between Greater Grove Hall Main Streets and WHERE ARE ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE AT, a grassroots organization dedicated to boosting representation of Black and Brown artists in art museums' permanent collections. Photographer and activist Archy LaSalle joins Nichole this week to talk about the bus stop art project and the work he's doing to promote diversity in New England's art scene. PLUS: With a variety of potential threats facing the region at any given time, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency recently teamed up with leaders around New England to launch a brand new training center for first responders and municipal employees. Dawn Brantley, Acting Director of MEMA, talks with Nichole about what this new center will do to help emergency managers respond more effectively to climate change, cyber attacks, storms, and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After delays connected to COVID-19, a first-of-its-kind program is finally up and running for women incarcerated at the New Hampshire Correctional Facility for Women in Concord, NH. This "Prison Outreach Program" connects woodworkers with inmates to teach them important skills that can translate into a career, or hobby, once they leave custody and start over. Leah Woods and Lynn Szymanski join Nichole to talk about how the program is making a difference and how they're doing it with limited resources. PLUS: Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston say they have discovered a potential new weapon to be used against the COVID-19 virus: a "decoy drug"! Dr. Gordon Freeman, Professor of Medicine at DFCI, and Clinical Fellow Dr. James Torchia talk with Nichole about the science behind this, and what the decoy could mean for treatment moving forward, especially for immunocompromised people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the late 1990's, National Consumer Protection Week has been a time for Americans to learn about how we can make more educated decisions when it comes to how, where, and why we spend our money. Bill O'Hearn, Chief of the Consumer Advocacy and Response Division at the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, joins Nichole this week to offer some insight into your rights as a consumer, and how you can avoid scams. PLUS: Spring is on the way, and this spring will be special for Project Bread. The anti-hunger non-profit is hosting its "Walk For Hunger" back in-person for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic! Noa Rosen, Events Manager for Project Bread, has details on this year's event and how you can get involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's episode is the second in a two-part series on human trafficking. For this portion of the series, we are focusing on the impacts of sexual and labor exploitation right here in New England. Julie Dahlstrom, Director of the Immigrants' Rights and Human Trafficking program at the Boston University School of Law, talks with Nichole about what's being done from Beacon Hill to local police departments to stop this devastating criminal enterprise. PLUS: Transitioning from the battlefield to the home front can be difficult for veterans, many of whom find the support they were promised when they were discharged simply doesn't materialize. Bill Moore, the founder of "Project New Hope", returns to the show to talk about the resources they have for New England veterans, and their no-cost veterans' retreats to help service members heal.++ CONTENT WARNING: human trafficking, sexual abuse, child abuse ++See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Human trafficking affects millions of people not just around the world, but also right here in New England. So many cases go unreported each and every year, and it's incredibly easy for trafficking to take place right under our noses without most of us even realizing it. This week's episode is the first in a two part series on human trafficking. Victor Boutros, the CEO and co-founder of Human Trafficking Institute, talks with Nichole about the broader scale of the problem, and what HTI is doing to try and put a stop to it, one step at a time, in conjunction with law enforcement. PLUS: For more than 40 years, Food for Free has been working hard in the Boston area to help save perfectly edible food from ending up in the dumpster, and getting it into the hands of people who lack access to healthy meals. Ben Engle, the COO at Food for Free, explains their process and how you can help make it happen.++ CONTENT WARNING: human trafficking, sexual abuse, child abuse ++See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When he was young, Jesse Setaro of North End Fitness spent many years in the foster care system. With the help of a very special mentor, he was able to rise above poverty, homelessness, and instability to build a happy and successful life. Now, Jesse wants to give back to foster kids in Boston through "Project F", a special gym and mentoring program that would give orphans and foster children a safe place to thrive and grow. Jesse joins Nichole to talk about his plans for the gym and how you can help him get the doors open. PLUS: Several lawmakers on Beacon Hill have filed a bill that, if passed, would allow a process called "natural organic reduction" in Massachusetts, otherwise known as "human composting". Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster), a main sponsor of the bill, explains the process and why she feels it's important to make it available for Massachusetts residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sitting on Route 2 or the Mass Pike in traffic is no one's idea of a good time. There's a new study underway to take a closer look at how Massachusetts could be connected by rail along the Northern Tier, between North Adams and Boston. State Senator Paul Mark joins Nichole to talk about why it's critical to beef up infrastructure in western Massachusetts, what constituents have to say about it, and what the rail system would have to offer those who want a different way to explore. PLUS: After two years of plunging virtually, it's time to get chilly in person to support Special Olympics NH! The Winni Dip and Penguin Plunge are back in-person this year on the shores of Hampton Beach and Lake Winnipesaukee. Mark Ericson has all the details if you want to take part to help a great cause.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each year, the "Winter Walk" brings members of the Boston community together to end the stigma surrounding homelessness, amplify the stories of the unhoused, and find solutions to work toward substantive change. Executive Director Ari Barbanell joins Nichole this week to talk about the event, their expansion to western Massachusetts, and how you can get involved. PLUS: Volunteering can be a bit daunting if you've never done it before. Sometimes, you don't even know where to begin! That's where Boston Cares comes in, with connections to hundreds of schools and non-profits that could use your help. Sara Hamilton, Executive Director, talks about the path to volunteering, and we'll also hear from Cecilia Falcao, a long-time volunteer, about her experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NEADS, based in Princeton, helps all kinds of good dogs live to their fullest potential by training them to be service and therapy dogs. Before they can go through that training, they need a solid upbringing. Heather Romanoff, the Manager of Raiser Operations at NEADS, talks with Nichole about their search for puppy raisers in Worcester County, and what volunteers can do to set these puppies up for success. PLUS: As we exit the height of the COVID pandemic, our region's kids need mentoring, guidance, and support, now more than ever. Mark O'Donnell, President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, has details on the need for mentorship, and how you don't have to be perfect to boost a child who needs a friend. ALSO: Many people are choosing a different career path post-COVID, with the trades becoming more and more popular. Nancy Houle at Minuteman Technical Institute in Lexington has details on their upcoming workforce development courses, which many can attend for free thanks to some new state funding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year! As we kick off 2023, many of us are taking the first few weeks of the year to take a closer look at our personal finances. Ryan Davies, Chair of the Finance Department at Babson College, joins Nichole on this week's show to offer some insight and advice on budgeting, savings, and much more as we all try to navigate this volatile economy. PLUS: Making a New Year's resolution is one thing. Keeping it is another. Usually, the latter doesn't happen. Deborah Carr, Professor of Sociology at Boston University, explains why we tend to fall off the wagon when it comes to our resolutions, and shares some tips to help keep us on track.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a festive time over at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, as the resident animals are surrounded by thousands of tiny, bright lights. "Zoo Lights" has been going on for years at the Zoo, and Zoo New England President John Linehan returns to the show to talk about how it all came together, how you can enjoy the gorgeous displays, and what's new at the zoo. PLUS: Now that winter's officially here, we're starting to see some quintissential New England snow and ice storms. The state of New Hampshire says they need more plow drivers to help keep the roads clear and safe. Richard Arcand from NHDOT joins Nichole to talk about their available opportunities. AND: Even though we're through the height of the pandemic, we're not out of the woods this holiday season when it comes to viruses. Between flu, RSV and COVID, a lot of people are sick right now! Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, the Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, is back on the show with an update on how Boston is handling the situation, what the city's offering to help, and what health experts predict this holiday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beautiful handmade glass ornaments are glistening this Christmas over at the Sandwich Glass Museum! The "Glassblower's Christmas" event at the museum on Cape Cod is a fun way to learn all about the historic art of glassblowing while celebrating the season. Andrew Snell, Retail Manager at the Museum, talks with Nichole about this family-friendly Christmas experience. || This Christmas, you can step back in time by heading out to Central Massachusetts. "Christmas by Candlelight" is back at Old Sturbridge Village, and Communications Director Christine Freitas has all the details on what the beautifully decorated Village has to offer for those who come to celebrate (hint: there's cocoa!). || The holidays can be a very difficult time for people in recovery. Dr. Ximena Sanchez-Samper from Charles River Recovery in Weston shares advice and insight for those working hard to stay sober this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Festival of Lights is coming up, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston will be filled with light, hope, cheer, and joy on Thursday, December 15th. That's because the Museum, in collaboration with the Jewish Arts Collaborative and Combined Jewish Philanthropies, is once again hosting their very special Hanukkah at the MFA event! Laura Mandel, the Executive Director of the Jewish Arts Collaborative, joins Nichole to share the details of the event, which is open to one and all. PLUS: Millions of diabetics are finding themselves in a no-win situation these days: pay for their insulin, or pay other critical bills, like heat or food. The skyrocketing cost of the critical diabetes drug is forcing many to cut back or go without completely, which can lead to dangerous consequences. Dr. Marie McDonnell, the Director of the Diabetes Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, breaks down what insulin is, why it's so imperative that diabetics have it, what's causing the price to rise so high, and what patients can do to get the medicine they need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.