We're getting into perfect biking weather, and in just a couple of weeks, Winchester's Marlowe Foundation hopes you'll join them for a very special ride. They're biking from Winchester up to Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire, all to raise money for some local non-profits doing important work with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Stephen Roge, Co-Founder of the Marlowe Foundation, shares their story with Nichole and explains how you can take part.

This week, Amtrak introduced its brand new Acela trains to the Northeast Corridor, running inaugural trips between Boston and Washington. Officials say this upgrade has been a long time coming, with new "tilt" technology to provide a smoother ride and the potential for faster trips. Amtrak senior spokesman Jason Abrams talks trains with Nichole, sharing details about the new amenities and what you can expect on your next trip.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Project Save Photograph Archive in Watertown. Over the years, the archive's founder, Ruth Thomasian, has worked tirelessly to collect photographs of Armenian life. These photos showcase the Armenian experience before, during, and after the diaspora, and highlight how Armenians have been able to come together in community around the globe. Executive Director Arto Vaun joins Nichole on the show this week to discuss the archive's history, mission, and plans for the next 50 years.

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.