New England Weekend

Just two decades ago, Boston's Seaport neighborhood had a very different look: hundreds of acres of vacant concrete, used mostly for industrial purposes. You'd never believe it if you went there now, with former mayor Tom Menino's vision for an "Innovation District" having come to fruition. One of the main players in the development of the Seaport is The Fallon Company, and they recently topped off their final building on Fan Pier. Executive Managing Director Richard Martini joins Nichole to share the ins and outs of this decades-long project and his thoughts on the neighborhood's evolution.

Over in Easton, the House of Possibilities provides an array of services, training opportunities, and even a respite space for people with disabilities, all in the hopes of helping them find community and live as independently as possible. Recently, HOPe received a major grant from the Yawkey Foundation which they say will be transformative for their work. President and CEO Katie Terino talks with Nichole about their plans for the grant, their "home away from home", and their efforts to promote inclusivity.

Boston's North End is always the place to go for a filling meal and a warm welcome, but feast season is when the neighborhood truly shines! The Fisherman's Feast is the oldest continuously running Italian festival in the North End, and it returns this summer for its 115th year. From the ever-popular meatball contest to the iconic "Flight of the Angel", there will be plenty to enjoy and learn. Louis Strazzullo, Co-Chair of the Fisherman's Feast, talks with Nichole about the festival's deep roots to Sicily, the renowed traditions, and everything you can expect if you stop by August 14-18.

For more than 35 years, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester have offered a secure place for young people to be during the summer months, when they're not in school. This time of year is considered a "high-risk" period for violence and gang activity involving kids and teens, and the "Safe Summer Streets" program provides an engaging environment through sports, art, music, special events, and much more. CEO Bob Scannell and SVP of Operations Mike Joyce join Nichole this week to talk about this program, which they came up with together, and how it's made an impact curbing youth violence in their neighborhood.

Each and every year, the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts serve thousands of girls throughout the Commonwealth, offering them opportunities to build leadership and life skills. This time of year, it's all about summer fun through camps, troop activities, and much more, but it's important to ensure every child who wants to take part has the chance to do so. Theresa Lynn, CEO of GSCWM, talks with Nichole about their efforts to ensure girls in underserved communities have access to these programs, their upcoming events, and a very special camp anniversary.

Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire is going to be full of music, fun, dancing, and connection later this month for this year's New England BIPOC Festival. This event celebrates the many different cultures, racial backgrounds, and ethnicities that make up the fabric of life in New England, and it's completely free for the public to come and enjoy. David Vargas, Vice Chair of the Festival's board, joins Nichole to talk about this festival that has blossomed from a parking lot gathering to a beloved, growing regional event.

Nearly one out of every ten women around the globe have a chronic disease called endometriosis. This gynecological condition can be incredibly painful, at times debilitating. Advocates say the medical industry hasn't given this condition the attention it deserves, and many patients say they don't feel heard when they try to explain their symptoms. Lawmakers on Beacon Hill are now considering a bill that would create a special task force focused on improving research and treatment. Dr. Pietro Bortoletto, co-founder of Terra Fertility in Dedham, and his patient, Madeleine Rodriguez, join Nichole to talk about the condition and the efforts to bring more awareness to its impacts.

Kids love new books, no matter where you live! In the eastern Caribbean, many schools and libraries don't have enough books for children to enjoy, something that's contributing to child illiteracy. While people here in the US pull together book drives with the best of intentions, oftentimes, the books that arrive are either in bad shape or not culturally relevant. Hands Across the Sea buys books new and works with people in the Caribbean to distribute them where they're needed most. Ben Engle, the Executive Director of Hands Across the Sea, joins Nichole to talk about their mission.

Colorectal cancer is showing up more often in younger generations, such as millennials. This type of cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death, but it's also easily preventable with regular screenings. It can be challenging for people in underserved communities to get access to these screenings, or even learn about them, so Mass General Brigham is making an effort to get the word out. Dr. Allison Bryant, MGB's Associate Chief Health Equity Officer, returns to the show this week to share information about this important campaign.

When you're struggling or living alone, it can mean the world for someone to ask if you're okay. Seniors, people with disabilities or medical problems, and anyone else who is vulnerable in Norfolk County have access to a free program that provides frequent wellness checks when others may not be able to do so. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott and NCSO Officer Cheryl Bambery are on the show this week to talk with Nichole about how the program works, why it matters, and how it's already being lauded for helping people in their time of crisis.

A herd of magical unicorns is waiting for you to come say hello in Jefferson! The Farm at SummitWynds is holding its annual Unicorn Festival July 25, 26, and 27. It promises to be a memorable time with food, pony rides, a bouncy house, live music, and much more on the 32-acre farm in Central Massachusetts. Owner Amy Parker and her daughter, Amanda Morse, share all the details about this enchanting event with Nichole on this week's show.

There's nothing quite like a tasty, nutritious meal full of fresh ingredients, especially if they're locally sourced. For almost two decades, the people behind the Island Grown Initiative have been working to build a local food system, helping the island's year-round residents ensure they always have healthy food on the table while teaching young people how to continue the work. Noli Taylor, Co-Executive Director of Island Grown Initiative, joins Nichole on the the show this week to tell their story.

If you've ever applied for federal student aid to go to college or university, you've likely heard of Pell Grants. Students from working-class families around the country often rely on these federal grants to fill out their financial aid. However, as part of the new spending plan just passed by Congress, some big changes could be coming for those grants that are worrying local higher education officials. Nate Mackinnon, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges, talks with Nichole about the impact this could have on the state's community colleges and overall affordability for those who want to expand their education.

Tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents are officially unemployed, and trying to find a job isn't easy these days. Often, when you're switching careers, it can be difficult to know where to start, or what resources are available for you. ABCD and MassHire are teaming up to open a brand new career center in Roxbury's Nubian Square! ABCD's President and CEO, Sharon Scott-Chandler, returns to the show to talk about all it has to offer.

While being a mom can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be exhausting mentally, physically, and emotionally, and sometimes you just want to connect with other mothers to get a boost. Boston Moms, a spinoff of Wicked Good Mom Media, says it's got just the thing for local moms this summer: "Wicked Good Playdates" at shopping centers around Greater Boston. Meghan Block, Owner of Wicked Good Mom Media, joins Nichole this week to discuss the importance of connection for mothers, no matter the age, and share details about the upcoming events.

Independence Day is on the horizon, and the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge is holding a special celebration of America through the arts! "We Hold These Truths" will feature music, history, food, fun, and much more for people of all ages. Rockwell's known for his iconic paintings and drawings that highlight the experiences of mid-century America, which makes it a fitting place to celebrate our independence. Kathryn Potts, the museum's Chief Leaning and Engagement Officer, joins the show this week to share the details of the upcoming event and all the campus has to offer.

We're a few weeks into hurricane season. Have you gone over what's in your "go bag", or double checked your evacuation zone? Not quite sure where to begin to make sure you're prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at us? Dawn Brantley, the Director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, returns to the show to talk with Nichole about what you should focus on for your preps, and how cuts in federal funding for disaster response could impact our region.

With all the damage we've seen from massive storms that have hit the US in recent years, including some devastating flooding right here in Massachusetts, there are a lot of questions about who, exactly, should get flood insurance. Is it worth it? Bill Martin, CEO of Plymouth Rock Home Assurance, talks with Nichole about the pros and cons, and what you should consider if you're thinking about a policy.

A cancer diagnosis can be devastating for anyone, but it's especially so when it happens to a child. Families rally to support their loved one while they navigate treatment, but it can take a toll on everyone involved. Anna's Pals, a non-profit in West Roxbury, is slowly but surely creating a special getaway for these families where they can sit back, relax, and take a breath on the Cape. Kristina Jerome, Founder of Anna's Pals, shares details about their efforts to build this beach home in her late daughter's memory.

These days, you can get pretty much anything you want out of a vending machine, but they're also playing an important role in Boston's public health efforts. North End Waterfront Health is using these machines to provide basic necessities and harm-reduction supplies to people who are unhoused, low on cash, or navigating substance use. David Perry, Director of Substance Use Disorder Services, and Nadya Zaltsman, a recovery coach at NEW Health, are on the show this week to talk about the importance of low-barrier, judgment-free options to help people in need.