New England Weekend

Jennifer Curtis, the Executive Director of South Shore Stars, talks with Nichole about the work the organization has done for decades to provide children with educational and youth development opportunities. They support kids of all ages around the South Shore, from birth through high school! Deborah Re, the CEO/President of Big Sister of Greater Boston, joins the show with Melissa Steffy and Seer...

Bob Cox, the founder and executive director of the Bridge Club of Greater Lowell, joins Nichole to talk about the Club's mission - providing safety, solidarity, and support to those struggling with addiction around the Merrimack Valley and beyond. Bob details his own journey with substance abuse, and how a round of treatment in Florida sparked the Club's creation. He also talks about the services...

A non-profit on the North Shore, Build Health International, has been working for years to get critical health infrastructure and supplies out to developing countries. Now, they're breathing new life into medical supplies used at the "Boston Hope" COVID-19 field hospital. Sarah Sceery and Zac Chase of BHI join Nichole on the show to talk about the process and where the supplies are going. COVID-19...

Ransomware attacks have been in the news lately, but what are they, exactly? Do they just affect businesses and governments, or can individuals be hit, too? Stephanie Helm, Director of the MassCyberCenter, talks with Nichole about the ins and outs of these cyberattacks, how phishing can make you vulnerable, and how you can protect yourself. Todd Glickman, a volunteer at the Seashore Trolley Museum...

Chris Besse, the Public Information Officer at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, joins Nichole to talk about the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, which is already underway. Chris has tips on what you need to focus on to prepare for whatever sort of tropical weather comes our way, and insight about just how busy this storm season could be. Catherine T. Morris returns to the show to talk...

Zoe Bradford, co-founder and President of the Company Theatre in Norwell, joins Robert Cinnante, the President of the South Shore Conservatory, to talk about their respective upcoming summer seasons. Now that COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted here in Massachusetts, Zoe and Robert describe the measures they're taking to keep people safe as the venues reopen. They also take a look back on how t...

Marshall Strauss, co-owner of Cinema Salem, and John Andrews of Creative Collective join Nichole to talk about their renovations of the North Shore landmark. The theater closed during the pandemic and changed ownership during that time. Marshall and John talk about their vision to not only get the theatre back up and running, but also create a special space for the region's arts community. Chris C...

Dr. Terri Bright, Director of Behavior Services at MSPCA-Angell, joins Nichole on the show to talk about separation anxiety - that is, in your pets! Now that so many of us are going back to the office as restrictions ease, Dr. Bright has advice on what you should look out for and how you can help your dogs, cats, and other furry friends ease into this new schedule. Then, Nichole is joined by membe...

Renee McInnes, the CEO of NVNA and Hospice, joins Nichole to talk about the impacts of COVID-19 on the hospice industry. Renee has details on how nurses and health care providers are holding up, how they've had to innovate, and how they're helping to get the vaccine out to those who can't make it to vaccination sites. Nora Valdez, a Boston-based artist, talks with Nichole about her new project, "W...

Melissa Grenier and Meghan Lemay from the Alzheimer's Association of MA/NH join Nichole to talk about their upcoming event, the Virtual Family Conference. This event, set for May 14 and 15, features several speakers and integral information for those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. There's help and support, too, for families and caregivers of those diagnosed, and those who want to learn more...

Freya Shoffner of Shoffner and Associates joins Nichole for this week's episode to talk about all things small business: what sort of legal steps should you take if you just started a business during the pandemic? How do you go about getting assistance to keep your business up and running? Freya also talks about ways to get more women and BIPOC back into the workforce post-pandemic. See omnystudio...

The city of Boston recently released its new "All Inclusive Boston" tourism campaign, focusing on an equitable recovery for residents and businesses in each and every neighborhood. Colette Phillips from Colette Phillips Communications, Hilina Ajakaiye from the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Daren Bascome of Proverb join Nichole to talk about how the campaign came together, how...

Tony Fogg, the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Tanglewood Director, joins Nichole to talk about the upcoming season of concerts at the legendary venue. This season will be a bit shorter than most because of COVID restrictions, but there will still be plenty of incredible shows to see! Tony also details the precautions Tanglewood is taking to keep patrons and musicians safe. Andy Nash is the Meteorolog...

Marc Hurwitz of Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants returns to the show. He talks with Nichole about life in the restaurant industry now that restrictions are starting to ease. Marc also has updates on restaurant closures around the region, and offers up some recommendations for those looking to try something new. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Wilson is getting ready to run across the country. The Newburyport native joins Nichole to talk from the shores of Hermosa Beach, California about his upcoming trip. Michael has details about his motivations, his plans to get back home, and the charities he's hoping to support. Scott Johnson from Connecticut recently went viral for his extraordinary Boston sports memorabilia collection, bu...

Over the past few years, the historic homes at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire have been feeling the brunt of sea level rise. The museum has put together a new exhibit, in connection with their partners, for visitors to see first hand what the effects of climate change are doing to the museum, and how they can help. Rodney Rowland, the Director of Facilities and Environmental Sustaina...

Sandy Gibson, the co-founder of Better Place Forests, joins Nichole to talk about a new way to memorialize loved ones who pass: surviving family members picking out a special tree in the Berkshires of Massachusetts or the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut, and spreading ashes underneath it. Sandy has details on how families can take part, and the company's push to promote conservation efforts in New...

Luisa "Nana" Barros and Rebecca Ottinger from the Cape Verdean-Jewish Passover Seder join Nichole to talk about the history of the event, which brings together two disapora cultures to celebrate community and love. This year is the 15th anniversary of the event, and it's the first time it's going virtual, thanks to COVID. Nana and Rebecca have details about how you can take part from anywhere in t...

Grace and Dave, two residents of Boston's Allston-Brighton neighborhood, join Nichole to talk about community efforts to help those in need through special refrigerators set up around the city. The two talk about the process of teaming up with local businesses, sourcing the fridges, and how you can get one going in your neighborhood. After that, we hear from Allan Fitzmaurice, the Director of Cons...

Julie Bernson, the Associate Director of Learning at the Trustees of Reservations, talks with Nichole about their diverse offerings for day camps this coming summer. Julie also details the extensive steps they're taking to keep kids safe from COVID-19, and a special camp option for adults! Jamaal Eversley, an artist from Randolph, has his "Real F.R.I.E.N.D.S." exhibit on display at Boston's City H...

Nichole speaks with Robert Corley, the CEO of Neighborworks Housing Solutions of Massachusetts, about a recent fire at the Marshfield Veterans Home. The facility was in the middle of a significant renovation, and not long from opening to take in veterans who are homeless. Robert talks with Nichole about the help they need from the community, and what's next for the project. Mimi Turchinetz, the Di...

Nichole checks in with Dr. Toni Choueiri, the director of the Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, about a new study focused on cancer screenings. Many stayed home instead of getting their recommended screenings in the early months of the pandemic. What does that mean for the fight against cancer now? C.R. Lyons, President of the Massachusetts Funeral Directo...

Nichole is joined by Massachusetts state representatives Chynah Tyler of Roxbury and Carlos Gonzalez of Springfield - both members of the state's Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. Rep. Tyler is about to become the youngest woman to ever lead the Caucus. The lawmakers talk with Nichole about the priorities of the Caucus in the new legislative session, and the strides the Caucus has made in recen...

Nancy Owens Hess, the Executive Director of Elizabeth Stone House in Boston, tells Nichole about their new project - a brand new center to help with transitional housing, child care, and community engagement for adult and child victims of domestic violence. Weeks before the center was supposed to open, there was a major accident, which is setting their timeline back by months. Nancy has more on ho...

Michael Colford, the Director of Library Services at the Boston Public Library, talks with Nichole about the library's new theme for 2021, "Repairing America". Colford details their schedule of guest speakers, and the organizations they're working with to help facilitate community conversations, provide educational resources for career development, and pick up a good book. Mike Ramshaw, team presi...