New England Weekend

A magical world is about to come to life at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston! 🧚‍♀️

This fall, the garden is transforming into a whimsical fairy village called Fairy Hollow, complete with custom fairy houses created by local artists. Other fun fairy-themed events are on the calendar, too, including a masquerade ball!

Marissa Gallant, Director of Education at the Botanic Garden, shared details with Nichole this week about this charming event and other fall offerings. Listen to the at the link in our bio, or find it on streaming services like the app.

Many people head to the Berkshires to retire and live out their golden years. Soon, at the Berkshire Farm Sanctuary in Peru, founder Dori Scofield wants to make it possible for senior pups to do the same thing! 🐕

The team at the sanctuary is working hard on the "Old Dog Inn", a safe, loving shelter solely for senior dogs that need a warm bed, roaring fireplace, and big yard to settle down in for their final years. 🏡

Dori recently joined Nichole on the show to share stories from her decades dedicated to animal rescue and talk about how you can help this new shelter become a reality. Listen to the at the link in our bio, or find it on platforms like the app.

Our AC's and sump pumps have been getting quite the workout this summer, and you might have just installed some brand new heating pumps to keep your house warm this winter. Have you ever wondered what's going on behind the scenes at our power grid to ensure it can continue to meet our growing demand for electricity? 🔌

Nichole was recently joined by Mary Cate Colapietro, Senior Communications Specialist at ISO New England in Holyoke, to break down a new report that provides a comprehensive look at the region's energy landscape, from the impact of AI data centers to the role of renewable resources as we plan for the future ⚡

Listen to the now at the link in our bio! 💡

As the new school year gets underway, educators and students are gearing up for a fresh start, but behind the scenes, schools are facing a one-two punch of budget cuts and rising costs. Educators are often left to dip into their own pockets to stock their classrooms. 🏫

The state's Executive Office of Education is stepping in with a new initiative to offer some relief for educators and child care providers who already give so much to help the kids in their lives. Education Secretary Dr. Stephen Zrike talks with Nichole on this week's show about the Educator Discounts Directory and how the state is working on solutions to address fiscal challenges impacting our school districts. 💸

You can listen to the at the link in bio, and find the directory here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-educator-discounts

The timeless art of boat building is alive and well in Essex at the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum!

This fall, the museum's offering a unique opportunity for you to learn the very same skills and traditions that have been revered for generations on the North Shore 🚣🏻‍♀️ By the end of the class, you'll have your very own boat to enjoy for years to come, made with your own two hands with help from experts.

Executive Director K.D. Montgomery joins Nichole this week to talk about the museum's storied history and this special chance to join their mission to preserve this historic art. Listen to the now at the link in our bio, or find it on your favorite service, including the app!

Earlier this month, Gaelic football players from all over the world came to the Greater Boston area for the USGAA Finals at The Irish Cultural Centre in Canton! 🍀

While Gaelic football may not be the best-known sport here in the United States, it has a close-knit community, and it's growing in popularity each and every year. Allie D'Amico, a player with the Boston Shamrocks Lgfc, joined Nichole to talk about the sport, the competition, and how those who are interested can get involved on a team locally!

Listen to the at the link in our bio, or find the episode on your preferred platform, including the app.

For more than 40 years, Shirat HaYam Nantucket has been without a permanent home, holding services and events in spaces all over the island. That's about to change.

They're taking a major step forward with the purchase of an historic property, the former Surfside Life Saving Station, and the vision is clear: it won't just be a synagogue, but a vibrant center for Jewish life on the island!

David Gregory and Chuck Shoneman joined Nichole on the show recently to talk about the progress they've made so far on the project, why they chose this special building to plant permanent roots, and share information on how you can help. Listen at the link in our bio, or find the on your preferred streaming service, including the app.