New England Weekend artwork

New England Weekend

269 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratings

WBZ’s Nichole Davis shares the stories people are talking about in your community each weekend. You can also hear the show live on iHeartRadio stations WBZ, WRKO, WTAG, WHYN, WZLX, WBWL, WXKS, and WJMN!

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Episodes

Cape Verdean-Jewish Passover Seder Goes Virtual, and Help for New England Musicians

March 13, 2021 15:00 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MB

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 the world. Gabriel Langfur is a professional trombonist who is serving as President of the Board o...

Community Fridges Support Boston's Neighborhoods, and Tips for Consumer Protection Week

February 27, 2021 15:15 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

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 Consumer Affairs in Revere, and Bill O'Hearn, Chief of the Consumer Advocacy & Response Division at t...

Planning for Summer Camp with the Trustees, and "Real F.R.I.E.N.D.S." at Boston City Hall

February 20, 2021 15:15 - 41 minutes - 57 MB

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 Hall. He talks with Nichole about his inspiration, the collaborative of other artists he worked wi...

Another Setback for Marshfield Veterans in Need, and Free Tax Help for Boston Residents

February 13, 2021 15:20 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

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 Director of the Boston Tax Help Coalition, explains the free tax prep services that are available f...

Dana-Farber Studies Pandemic Screenings, COVID-19 in the Funeral Industry, and Boston Fights HIV

February 06, 2021 15:00 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MB

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 Directors Association, talks about life in the funeral industry during the pandemic, and the Association...

New Leadership in MA's Black and Latino Caucus, and FORWARD Houses People with Autism

January 30, 2021 15:00 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MB

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 recent years. Kathy Ohman, the Founder of FORWARD, has details on the organization's work to help prov...

Elizabeth Stone House Suffers a Setback, and Farm-Fresh Food in Massachusetts

January 23, 2021 15:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MB

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 how the public can help. MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux talks with Nichole about winter farmer's ma...

"Repairing America" at the Boston Public Library, and Remembering Ollie the Bat Dog

January 16, 2021 15:20 - 40 minutes - 55.2 MB

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 president of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, joins the show to talk about the life and legacy of their ...

DPH Fights the Stigma of Addiction, and Pine Street Inn Helps Boston's Homeless Through COVID-19

January 09, 2021 15:30 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Deirdre Calvert, the Director of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services at the MA Department of Public Health, joins Nichole to talk about their new #StateWithoutStigMA campaign - a timely move as people struggling with substance abuse deal with increasing isolation because of the pandemic. Lyndia Downie, President & Executive Director of the Pine Street Inn in Boston, talks with Nichole about the efforts they're taking to help distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, and how the pandemic and dif...

BSO's "Holiday Pops" Goes Virtual, Winter Fire Safety Tips, and a Much-Awaited New Year Celebration

December 26, 2020 15:20 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

Like so much this year, the Boston Symphony Orchestra has had to make adjustments to how they celebrate the season with their "Holiday Pops" concert. Conductor Keith Lockhart joins Nichole to talk about their virtual move. Between holiday decorations and winter heating, fire safety is paramount this time of year. Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey has tips to keep you and your family safe. The virus is also forcing Boston's New Year's Eve celebration to go virtual. TK Skenderian...

"Black Nativity" Turns 50, the "Little Town" Tree Hunt, and Worcester Art Museum's Holiday Cheer

December 19, 2020 15:15 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Edmund Barry Gaither, the Director and Curator at the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Roxbury, joins Nichole to discuss this year's performance of Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity". This year's performance marks 50 years since the show arrived in Boston, and the pandemic's not stopping the museum from celebrating. Lynne Bourque and Alicia MacDonald from Littleton started a holiday tree scavenger hunt in their town four years ago, and they talk about how getting outsi...

Big Brothers Big Sisters Creates Connections, and "Somerville Remembers" Those Lost to COVID-19

December 12, 2020 15:15 - 37 minutes - 51 MB

Mark O'Donnell, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, tells Nichole about the program's efforts to connect kids in underserved communities with mentors at a time when both could use companionship and a friendly ear. Iaritza Menjivar of the Somerville Arts Council joins artist Asia Kepka to detail their work on the new "Somerville Remembers" project, which pays tribute to residents of the city lost to the COVID-19 virus.

Creating Opportunities for Boston's Inner-City Youth, and Woburn Celebrates Hanukkah With Art

December 05, 2020 15:05 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MB

Robert Lewis Jr., President and Founder of the BASE in Roxbury, joins Teamsters Local 25 President Sean O'Brien to talk about their new partnership focusing on providing new job opportunities to inner-city youth. They talk with Nichole about their goals, their job training programs, and their hopes for future generations. Bonnie Roalsen, the Director of the Woburn Public Library, joins Nichole to talk about a new art exhibit, "Brighter Connected", which showcases Jewish art as we approach Han...

Staying Active with Special Olympics, Holiday Greetings for Boston Seniors, and Christmas Cheer for Hospitalized Kids

November 28, 2020 15:30 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Mark Ericson from Special Olympics of New Hampshire joins Nichole to talk about all the ways they're helping athletes stay active and healthy, even though some of their normal activities have been cancelled because of the pandemic. He also has details on their Virtual Torch Run and the upcoming Penguin Plunge! Emily Shea and Eugenia Soiles with Boston's Age Strong Commission explain how you can help them decorate holiday cards to keep seniors smiling this season. Christina Smart of Whitman's ...

Feeding Massachusetts Families During the Holidays, and Open Pantry Supports Springfield

November 21, 2020 15:30 - 38 minutes - 52.3 MB

Project Bread President Erin McAleer returns to the show to give Nichole an update on programs in place to help Massachusetts families stay fed and nourished this holiday season. She also has details on their FoodSource hotline, and information for those needing assistance because of the pandemic. Terry Maxey, the Agency Director at Open Pantry Community Services in Springfield, talks about critical services they provide for people in need, including access to housing for those in recovery an...

Catie's Closet Uplifts Disadvantaged Kids, and Cape Cod Volunteers Save Stranded Turtles

November 07, 2020 15:15 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Mickey Cockrell, the CEO and co-founder of Catie's Closet in Dracut, comes on the show to talk with Nichole about the non-profit, which gets toiletries, clothes, accessories and outerwear out to children and teens in need. Normally, they help operate "closets" in dozens of schools, but they've had to find a new way to get these critical supplies while children learn remotely. Karen Dourdeville, the Sea Turtle Stranding Coordinator at Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary, tells us why turtle...

"Freedom Songs" in NH, Affordable Dental Care in Waltham, and New Cancer Research Grants in Boston

November 01, 2020 02:15 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MB

Karla Hostetler, the Director of the Mariposa Museum in Peterborough, NH, joins Nichole to talk about the re-opening of the museum's "Freedom Songs" exhibit, which takes a look at the American experience through Black art. Karen Hallisey-Pesa, the program director of Regis College's Dental Hygiene program, joins student Jordan Ferris to talk about their efforts to offer affordable dental care to residents in the Waltham area. WBZ's Laurie Kirby has details on a major grant recently awarded to...

Domestic Violence in Massachusetts: Facts, Resources, and Help

October 25, 2020 02:25 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This week's show includes two women working hard to protect survivors. Diana Mancera, the Director of Membership and Programs at Jane Doe, Inc., talks with Nichole about how they team up with public and private agencies in Massachusetts to work on legislation and direct resources to those organizations. Kourou Pich, the Executive Director of HarborCOV in Chelsea, talks with Nichole about their work to provide immediate assistance to survivors, and...

Fall Excursions in New England 101: Weather, State Parks, and Great Hikes

October 18, 2020 02:20 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MB

WBZ-TV Chief Meteorologist Eric Fisher joins Nichole on the show to talk about the dry conditions we've been dealing with lately, how it affects the foliage forecast, and what we could have in store for the winter. DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery talks about COVID-19 precautions at the state parks, and the amenities they have to offer those who want to get outside. Marc Hurwitz has details on the Appalachian Mountain Club's hikes around New England, and some tips on hidden gems for you to fin...

Nantucket's COVID-19 Grief Project, the Mad Love Music Festival, and Help for Ice Skaters

October 11, 2020 02:15 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

Sarah Munsen from Nantucket Cottage Hospital joins Nichole to talk about their new Grief Project, launched to help residents of the island work through the difficulties brought on in life by the pandemic, and the losses they've felt. Kathleen Jodka, the founder of the Mad Love Music Festival, explains the ways they're modifying their event this year to bring the spirit of the event to everyone's home. WBZ's Kim Tunnicliffe talks with Lara Shelton of Wayland, a professional ice skater who deta...

Safety for Seniors with Mass Home Care, Help for MA's Homeless, and a New Year at Berklee

October 04, 2020 02:05 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MB

Lisa Gurgone, the Executive Director of Mass Home Care, tells Nichole about a new rideshare program in the Merrimack Valley for seniors to get to and from their appointments. She also has details on services to help keep their loved ones safe and healthy during the pandemic. Cecilie Pope, a volunteer with Circle of Hope, talks about the Needham nonprofit's efforts to get critical supplies out to the homeless here in Massachusetts as we make our way into fall. Plus: part of a conversation betw...

The 2020 Census in Massachusetts, and Conversations on Racial Equity with MCC

September 27, 2020 02:25 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MB

Susan Strate, the senior program manager for the Population Estimates Program at the UMass Donahue Institute, joins Nichole to talk about the ins and outs of the 2020 Census, and how the data collected from the count is used to directly affect our lives here in Massachusetts. Carmen Plazas and Lisa Simmons from the Massachusetts Cultural Council detail their new Racial Equality Listening Sessions, where they hope to spark a conversation with members of the Commonwealth's cultural sector to br...

COVID-19 and the Boston Restaurant Scene, 6 Months Later

September 20, 2020 02:15 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MB

Marc Hurwitz from Boston Restaurant Talk / Boston's Hidden Restaurants returns to the show for a six month check-in on the restaurant industry as it deals with fallout from the pandemic. Marc details some of the iconic New England eateries that have closed their doors, and some newcomers on the scene. Marc and Nichole also talk about how workers are feeling, how our eating habits are changing, and much more - also, answering listener questions!

MEMA's Tips for Emergency Preparedness, and Virtual Celebrations with the Revels

September 13, 2020 02:20 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MB

Samantha Phillips, the Director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, chats with Nichole about Emergency Preparedness Month. She's got tips for how you can ensure your family's ready for any disaster that comes, and how to do so affordably. Paddy Swanson, the Artistic Director of the Revels in Watertown, recalls the history of the group as they mark 50 years at the Sanders Theatre in Cambridge. He also has details about their upcoming Christmas celebration, and how the public can ...

LiKen Helps Teens Displaced by Substance Abuse, and Mass Cyber Center's New Mentorship Program

September 06, 2020 02:10 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

Christina Pendleton, the founder of LiKen, joins Nichole to talk about her efforts to provide comfort and help for Massachusetts teens struggling with the fallout from substance abuse in their families. Stephanie Helm of the Mass Cyber Center has details on their new mentorship program, which focuses on diversity as they connect young students with members of the cybersecurity industry.

The People's Academy Teaches the Trades, and Old Colony Hospice Debuts 'Threads Boutique'

August 30, 2020 02:25 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

T. Michael Thomas, Founder of The People's Academy in Dorchester, joins Executive Director Tanisha Stephney on this week's show. They talk with Nichole about how the Academy works with disenfranchised young people in the city to teach them essential skills for the trades, and offers them life lessons to get them on a strong path for their future. Toni Eaton, the President and CEO of Old Colony Hospice in West Bridgewater, has details on their new "Threads Boutique" coming soon to Brockton. Pr...

Mayor's Mural Crew, New Life for the Townley Children's Barn, and the Future of Table Talk Pies

August 23, 2020 02:15 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MB

Heidi Schork and Liz O'Brien from the Mayor's Mural Crew talk with Nichole about this summer's group of Boston teen artists, and how they helped kids handle the COVID19 crisis by channeling their creativity. Bill McKenzie, president of the Friends of Endicott Park, explains the efforts to revamp the Townley Family Children's Barn, a Danvers institution that's been around for more than a century. WBZ's Ben Parker guests on the show with Harry Kokkinis, the president of Table Talk Pies in Worce...

Creating Healthier Communities in Boston Through Food, and Connecting Boston's Black Professionals

August 15, 2020 02:05 - 40 minutes - 55.1 MB

Josh Trautwein, Co-Founder of About Fresh, comes on the show to talk about their mission to get healthy food into the hands of Bostonians, and the programs they've rolled out to get it done. Sheena Collier, the founder of Boston While Black, details her new venture to help Black professionals network around Greater Boston, especially those who are new to the area.

Boston's Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial: Past, Present, and Future

August 02, 2020 02:10 - 38 minutes - 52.9 MB

One of Boston's best known landmarks, honoring the first all-Black regiment to fight in the Civil War, is getting a major facelift. Liz Vizza with the Friends of the Public Garden returns to the show to give us an update on the restoration process. Then, we dive deeper into the history of the memorial, and how it connects to the renewed push for racial justice and equity, with L'Merchie Frazier, the Director of Education and Interpretation at the Museum of African-American History.

Introducing Boston's Chief of Equity, and Strawbery Banke Struggles with Rising Seas

July 26, 2020 02:05 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MB

Boston's new Chief of Equity, Dr. Karilyn Crockett, joins Nichole on the show to talk about her new role in Mayor Walsh's new cabinet-level office at City Hall. Dr. Crockett, a Dorchester native who lectures at MIT, discusses the steps the city's taking to tackle systemic racism. Rodney Rowland, the Director of Special Projects and Facilities at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, tells Nichole how the museum has been weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they're trying to prote...

Boston's Museum of Science Gets Ready to Reopen, and Walpole's Porchfest for Music Lovers

July 19, 2020 02:05 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MB

Tim Ritchie, the President of Boston's Museum of Science, joins Nichole to talk about the plans in place to get the museum up and running as part of Phase 3, and welcome the public back safely. Katie Hurwitz of Walpole tells Nichole about her new "porchfest" event in that town, and how she hopes to use live music to bring her community together as they fight COVID-19. Special guest interview from WBZ's Drew Moholland, who speaks with Olympic Gold medalist Meghan Duggan, a North Shore native!

Sharks: Fact and Fiction with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

July 12, 2020 02:00 - 36 minutes - 49.7 MB

Megan Winton, a research scientist with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, joins Nichole on the show to talk all things sharks! She details the different types of sharks we find off the coast of New England, and explains their behaviors. Megan also talks about the Conservancy's research, their Sharktivity app, and how people can keep themselves safe while they're near the water.

Berklee Students Sing for Social Change, and Piping Plovers 101

July 05, 2020 02:00 - 41 minutes - 56.3 MB

Mark Simos, Associate Professor of Songwriting at the Berklee College of Music, joins Nichole to reveal the winners of this year's "Songs for Social Change" contest. Marion Larson, Chief of Information & Education at MassWildlife, delivers a primer on the piping plover - a cute, small shore bird that needs a lot of space on our local beaches this time of year.

BAMS Fest Uplifts Creators of Color, and COVID-19's Impact as Restaurants Reopen

June 28, 2020 02:15 - 43 minutes - 59.5 MB

BAMS Fest Founder Catherine T. Morris joins Nichole to talk about the history of the urban arts festival, the relationships organizers build with creators of color in the Boston area and beyond, and how the festival's dealing with the coronavirus. Boston Restaurant Talk's Marc Hurwitz returns to the show to talk with Nichole about struggles owners are dealing with as they try to re-open for both indoor and outdoor dining. Marc lists some recent restaurant closures in the Greater Boston area, ...

NMLC Navigates COVID-19 to Help Animals, and Somerville Photographer Captures "Masks of Boston"

June 21, 2020 02:25 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Kathy Zagzebski, President and Executive Director at the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay, talks with Nichole about how the Center's keeping up its work to provide critical care for seals, turtles, and other animals brought in during the pandemic. Katherine Taylor, a photojournalist from Somerville, tells the story of her new project "Masks of Boston". Taylor photographs residents around Greater Boston, asking them who they wear their mask for, and how they're handling the effects ...

Young Bostonians Embrace Creative Entrepreneurship, and 50 Years of Boston Pride

June 14, 2020 02:30 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Jason Talbot, co-founder and Deputy Director of Artists for Humanity, tells Nichole about the organization's work to employ underserved teens in the city, provide them the space to create, and teach them critical business skills. Martha Plaza, a board member of Boston Pride, talks about this year's events - many of which are moving online as we deal with COVID-19. She also talks about what Pride is doing to support LGBTQIA+ communities of color.

MBAs Fight COVID-19, Somerville's Shared Streets, and Boston Latin Students Help Peers Learn

June 07, 2020 02:30 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Amina Edwards and Sarika Mendu from MBAs Fight COVID-19 have details on how their organization’s working to help connect MBAs with business owners, non-profits, and government agencies that need extra support to navigate the coronavirus pandemic. William Hu from Docemus Tutoring talks about how students at Boston Latin formed the non-profit to help provide free tutoring for other students in the Greater Boston area, in hopes of tackling inequities in the American education system. Somerville ...

Stress Relief for Medway Teens, the Quest for River Herring, and Boston's COVID-19 Antibody Study

May 17, 2020 02:30 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Medway Superintendent Armand Pires talks with Nichole about his district's new partnership with the Wheelock College at Boston University. Together, they're creating a module to help teenagers learn healthy ways to handle stress and anxiety, especially through the pandemic. Meghna Marjadi's a PhD candidate at UMass Amherst, and she's been working on a study to learn more about baby river herring - a fish that was once abundant here in Massachusetts, but isn't any longer. She tells Nichole abo...

Scouts Look Ahead to Summer, and a Pandemic Pet Update with MSPCA

May 10, 2020 02:20 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Chuck Eaton, the Chief Executive of the Boy Scouts Spirit of Adventure Council, talks with Nichole about efforts to keep Scouts all over Massachusetts engaged and learning amid the pandemic. He also details plans for the Council's summer activities. Mike Keiley, Director of Adoption Centers and Programs at MSPCA-Angell, has updates about adoptions, fostering, and resources available for pet parents who are struggling to get by because of the virus.

SafeLink's Support for Domestic Violence Victims, and New England's Museums Navigate COVID-19

May 03, 2020 02:30 - 36 minutes - 49.9 MB

++ CW: domestic violence, sexual assault ++ Stephanie Brown, the CEO of Casa Myrna in Boston, joins the show to talk about the state's "SafeLink" hotline program, which is powered by their advocates. She also provides information about what to look for when it comes to domestic violence, how advocates are handling the coronavirus crisis, and the resources available to help those in need. || SAFE-LINK HOTLINE: 1-877-785-2020 || https://casamyrna.org/get-support/safelink/ || Dan Yeager, Ex...

Your Questions on COVID-19 Housing Concerns, and Project New Hope's Help for Veterans

April 26, 2020 02:30 - 42 minutes - 58.4 MB

Attorney Nicole M. Bluefort answers listener questions about landlord and tenant rights connected to the coronavirus crisis, and details new emergency assistance for renters and homeowners in Massachusetts. Bill Moore, President of Project New Hope in Worcester, provides details about the food drives the organization holds twice a month, helping veterans of all ages ensure they have the food and supplies necessary to get by.

Worcester's 'Girl Pad' Project, and New Grants for New England's Artists

April 19, 2020 02:30 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Victoria Waterman, CEO of Girls Inc. in Worcester, talks about the organization's new program to help get critical hygiene supplies into the hands of teens who need them. Kim Szeto, Public Art Program Director for the New England Foundation for the Arts, has details on the foundation's "Public Art Learning Fund", and how artists all over the region can take advantage of funds to help them grow in their practice.

Your Questions on Stimulus Payments, and Charlestown Makers Help Health Care Workers

April 12, 2020 02:30 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

CPA Katie Seekell joins Nichole to answer listener questions about the upcoming coronavirus stimulus payments, which are expected to arrive in the coming weeks from the federal government. Chad Bennett of Dark Monk in Charlestown explains how he and others at the makerspace made the decision to change course, and channel their efforts into getting health care workers personal protective equipment they desperately need. Charlestown Face Shield Project GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/face...

The Concert for Our City, and Emergency Essentials for Kids

April 05, 2020 02:35 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MB

Thomas Wilkins, the Boston Symphony Orchestra's new Artistic Advisor for Education and Community Engagement, talks with Nichole about the "Concert for Our City" and the power of music in trying times. Audrey Conquergood, the Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Boston, has details on the group's new fund to ensure children in need all over Massachusetts have the essentials as unemployment soars and food insecurity becomes more prevalent.

Demand Ramping Up at MA Food Banks, and COVID-19's Effect on Mental Health

March 29, 2020 02:35 - 41 minutes - 57.1 MB

Jean McMurray, the Executive Director of the Worcester County Food Bank, talks with Nichole about navigating the significant uptick in demand. She also touches on the status of local food pantries in her area, and how hoarding at grocery stores is cutting into the Bank's donations. Dr. David Brendel, a psychiatrist from Belmont, answers questions about how the coronavirus can affect your mental health, and offers guidance on how to handle these trying times.

COVID-19 Attacks the Massachusetts Restaurant Industry, and Sudden Food Insecurity

March 22, 2020 02:25 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Boston-area restaurant blogger Marc Hurwitz (Boston Restaurant Talk, Boston's Hidden Restaurants) talks with Nichole about the effects of coronavirus on the state's restaurant industry, and the thousands of workers losing their jobs because of restrictions in place. They also consider what the industry might look like after the virus threat subsides. How many of these restaurants that closed down will be able to open their doors again? Erin McAleer, President of Project Bread, talks with Nic...

COVID-19 in New England, and a Boost for Sober Housing

March 15, 2020 02:30 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Dr. David Hamer, Professor of Global Health and Medicine at the Boston University School of Public Health and School of Medicine, comes on the show to talk about the coronavirus pandemic. Nichole talks with him about how the virus presents, what to expect in the coming weeks, and how to take care of yourself. Plus, he answers listener questions! Ed Chase, the Director of CCRI at MassHousing, is also on the show. Four brand new grants were just approved for sober housing and recovery program...

Honoring the Fight for Suffrage, and the "Trip of a Lifetime"

March 08, 2020 03:30 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

Playwright Lisa Rafferty joins Nichole to talk about her new work, "ONWARD - Votes for Women". The documentary play highlights some of the voices and perspectives of women who fought to secure the right to vote, and those who continue the fight for equal rights today. Ricky DeSisto of Cardinal Cushing Centers and Kathryn Prioli of South Shore Bank talk about their upcoming St. Patrick's Day fundraiser to send this year's graduating class at Cardinal Cushing on the "Trip of a Lifetime" to Disn...

Your Questions Answered on Coronavirus, and Residents Fight Crumbling Foundations

March 01, 2020 03:15 - 47 minutes - 65.8 MB

Dr. Aaron Schmidt, assistant professor of microbiology at the Harvard Medical School and Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard answers listener questions about coronavirus. He also talks with Nichole about what the virus is, how much risk we are really under, and ways people can take effective preventive measures. Michelle Loglisci with Massachusetts Residents Against Crumbling Concrete has the story of thousands of homes in central and western Massachusetts, built with concrete from a Co...

Coronavirus in Massachusetts: Separating Fact From Fiction

February 23, 2020 03:30 - 29 minutes - 29.6 MB

Boston City Councilors Michelle Wu and Ed Flynn talk about their interactions with constituents in neighborhoods directly affected by Coronavirus fears, including Chinatown and the South End. They also discuss the hit to businesses, and resources for Bostonians to get more information about the virus. Mikaela McSherry, the Senior Director of Program Operations at Cambridge Network, talks about Chinese exchange students living in Massachusetts, how they're dealing with the pandemic, and suppor...

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