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 with to pull the exhibit together, and his hopes to create art that's accessible to everyone.

New England Weekend

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

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 for many Boston residents. Mimi also details other ways the Coalition can help boost financial health, and what she expects this tax season to be like because of the pandemic.

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

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's push to get priority access for a vaccine. Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn explains his recent call for a City Council hearing to find ways for the city to be more proactive in its fight against HIV and AIDS.

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

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 provide safe, accessible homes for people with autism on Cape Cod.

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

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 markets here in Massachusetts and all they have to offer. The two also talk about how farmers are helping combat food insecurity during the pandemic, and how our shopping habits are changing because of the coronavirus.

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

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 beloved bat dog, Ollie the golden retriever, who recently passed away.

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

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 #StopTheStigMA 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 difficult housing market's affecting their efforts to get people in safe, secure housing.

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

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 from First Night talks about how you can catch this year's 6+ hour lineup of performers from all over the region. WBZ's Carl Stevens has a touching story from Salem, about a group of friends who come together to help a woman in her final days.

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

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 Borque and Alicia MacDonald from Littleton started a holiday tree scavenger hunt in their town four years ago, and they talk about how getting outside for some fresh air's an extra special way to celebrate this season. Julieane Frost from the Worcester Art Museum details their ongoing holiday celebrations, "Zip Zoom Tours", and new exhibits as we enter the new year.

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

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.

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

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 Roalston, 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 Hanukkah.

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

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 been working for five years to collect toys and gifts each holiday to distribute to kids in psychiatric hospitals. She'll have details on how you can help. WBZ's Carl Stevens takes a closer look at the state of mental health in Massachusetts several months into the pandemic.

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

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 and assistance for teen mothers.

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

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 turtles are starting to wash up on Cape Cod's beaches, either "cold-stunned" or dead, and what you can do to help save their lives.

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

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 researchers at two Boston-area hospitals studying how race affects breast cancer treatment and survival rates.

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

WBZ’s Nichole Davis shares the stories from your community Saturday nights at 10:00 PM on WBZ NewsRadio 1030.

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New England Weekend

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