WBZ’s Nichole Davis shares the stories people are talking about in your community each weekend
Never Forget: Boston's Holocaust Legacy Foundation Enshrines the Memories of Those Lost
Supporters Take the "Penguin Plunge" for Special Olympics of New Hampshire
It's a perfect time of year to get snuggly and stay inside where it's warm - unless you're trying to raise money for the Special Olympics of New Hampshire! This year's Penguin Plunge at Hampton Beach is coming up in just a few days, and people are raising money to help SONH provide sports training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Mark Ericson, the Senior Manager of Multimedia for Special Olympics New Hampshire, returns to the show to share details about this year's event and the upcoming Winni Dip in Laconia.
Lifelong Recovery Journeys Start at Marlborough's "Addiction Referral Center"
For decades, people with substance abuse disorder, and their families, have come to Marlborough's Addiction Referral Center seeking help. The Center provides access to meetings, detox centers, sober housing, a friendly smile, and much more. Many people who keep the Center have their own stories to tell about recovery. As we enter a new year, there's a new concern for the Center, as they need a permanent address to keep their work going for another 50 years. Tracey Gustafson, President of the ARC Board, and Mitch Bannon, a member of the Board, talk with Nichole about what they have to offer those in need, and their efforts to find a place to call home.
Haircuts and Healing for Black and Latino Men at Boston's "Barbershop Clinic"
It can be easier to take the first steps into therapy if you're doing it in a space where you feel comfortable, safe, and part of a community. For centuries, Black and Latino men have used barbershops as places to connect with their neighbors and friends. Black Brown Boston is taking that community tradition and channeling it into "The Barbershop Clinic", hoping to provide a space for Black and Latino men to open up and do some healing. Vania Arroyo, Founder and CEO of Black Brown Boston, and marriage and family therapist Rob Badgett join Nichole this week to talk about the program and their mission.
Bundle Up with Books for the Boston Public Library's Winter Reading Challenge
Get your bookmarks ready - it's time for the Boston Public Library's Winter Reading Challenge! This year, it's a global affair, with books and authors from all around the world in the spotlight. Anyone who takes on the challenge gets a special prize, too! Veronica Koven-Matasy, the BPL's Reader Services Supervisor, joins Nichole this week with details on the challenge and some recommendations to get started.
Heating Up the Workforce: Medford Wellington Service Company's Pathway to the Trades
Demand for skilled workers in the trades continues to grow, but there simply aren't enough people who are trained to meet the call. A Billerica-based company was among the many feeling the strain of the ongoing worker shortage, so they decided to take matters into their own hands and start their own training program, which has become incredibly popular. CEO Mike Lacrosse and People and Culture Manager Keri Brewin are on the show this week to talk with Nichole about the program and all it has to offer aspiring members of the trades.
"Castle of our Skins" Celebrates Boston's Black Art and Culture in a New Home
We have no shortage of talent here in the Greater Boston area, and for more than a decade, an organization called "Castle of our Skins" has been working to ensure the voices and stories of Black artists, performers, and musicians in our neighborhood are uplifted and appreciated. Recently, they were able to work with the city of Boston to secure a brand new home in Lower Roxbury, on Columbus Avenue. Co-Founder Ashleigh Gordon talks with Nichole about the group's history, mission, and plans for their new space, "Gold Hall".
Girl Scout Cookie Season in Massachusetts: Fun From Dough to Dollars
It's time to stock up on all your favorite Girl Scout cookies, everything from the classic Thin Mints and Peanut Butter Patties to the newer offerings like Lemonades. Each year, Girl Scouts around the country sell these tasty treats to raise money for their troops, but the lessons they learn are far deeper than just shelling out shortbread. Monica Roberts, the new Executive Director of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, talks with Nichole about this season's sale, a flavor that's going away (so you'll want to stock up!), and her vision for the future of Girl Scouting here in Massachusetts.
Cradles to Crayons Helps Massachusetts Kids Stay Warm and Cozy for Winter
As the snow and winter conditions settle in, many children here in Massachusetts simply don't have the proper clothing to stay warm in the cold as families struggle to find enough money to go around to pay for essentials. Cradles to Crayons Boston is based in Newtonville, and they work with agencies and non-profits around the Commonwealth to get comfortable, warm clothing and other personal supplies out to as many children as possible. Executive Director Alicia Kabir, who recently joined the team, talks with Nichole about their "Gear Up for Winter" initiative and her plans for the non-profit's future.
Shopping with Pride: The Massachusetts LGBT Chamber's 2024 Holiday Gift Guide
If you still have some gifts to pick up for the holidays and you want to support local small businesses, the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce says it's got you covered! The Chamber's new gift guide is out for the 2024 holiday season, highlighting LGBTQIA+ owned businesses all over the Commonwealth. From snacks to sweaters and beyond, Executive Director Alexandria Eberhardt says shoppers can get all kinds of ideas. She's on the show this week with Nichole to talk about the guide.