For decades, the METCO program has helped to connect students from Boston with their counterparts at schools around Greater Boston, working to bridge the gap of educational inequity. It's a program that grew out of the push to de-segregate Boston schools during the height of the civil rights movement, and all these years later, it's still breaking barriers by opening minds and opportunities in more than 30 communities. Dr. Kandice Sumner, President and CEO of METCO (who's also an alum!) joins Nichole this week to reflect on the program's successes over the past 60 years and share details about the upcoming Opportunity Ball on May 1.

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It's been months since Jamaica was devastated by Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms that's ever been recorded in the Atlantic basin. The cleanup and rebuild is expected to take years, if not decades, but as the storm made its way out of the headlines, the much-needed assistance started to dwindle, too. JAM'N 94.5's DJ Pup Dawg is celebrating 25 years in the industry by pulling together reggae icons at Big Night Live on May 7th, and it won't just be any party - he's rallying the community to send some big love and assistance down to Jamaica! Pup joins Nichole to talk about his big anniversary and share details about the upcoming event.

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If you've ever driven around on a damp, spring night here in New England, you've probably seen some little animals on the move trying to cross the road in front of you. For turtles, salamanders, frogs and other like creatures, this is a crucial migration, because it's tied to breeding, feeding, and survival. Unfortunately, it can often be deadly, but a new program in New Hampshire is trying to help, with the installation of new tunnels and wildlife crossings to keep these animals safe. Sandi Houghton, a Wildlife Diversity Biologist with NH Fish and Game, joins Nichole and Brett Amy Thelen, the Science Director at the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, NH, for more on this story.

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Despite the recent snow, spring is here in Massachusetts, and it's a perfect time to get out and explore all the beautiful parks Greater Boston has to offer! Many of them are connected by the more-than-century-old Emerald Necklace, which is stewarded by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy. The Conservancy is offering the public a chance to experience those parks on two wheels with some upcoming community bike rides, and Carlen Singmaster, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Conservancy, joins Nichole to share the details.

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Over the past quarter-century, the state of healthcare has changed dramatically, with new cures and treatments becoming available for conditions that have been around for far longer. While there's no cure yet for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a lot of progress has been made when it comes to research and support, and much of that progress is thanks to the Jett Foundation of Norwell. Eric Snyder, President and CEO, and Maura Carroll, the Director of Development, talk with Nichole about the Foundation's storied history, their efforts, and their upcoming event to celebrate their 25th year.

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Not all of us can be a meteorologist, but any of us can help them ensure their severe weather warnings and forecasts are as accurate as possible. While the forecasters have a lot of tools available at their disposal, there's nothing quite like eyes on the ground, and that's where you come in. Hundreds of thousands of people around the country are trained as part of the SKYWARN Spotter Network, and local classes are starting soon if you want to get involved. National Weather Service Boston's Lead Meteorologist, Bryce Williams, shares details with Nichole in this week's episode.

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Greater Boston is full of philanthropists and grassroots non-profits that are dedicated to doing good in underserved communities. The Boston Women's Fund has just released a new first-of-its-kind report that goes through the financing for these non-profits, tracking exactly where the money goes. They found only a tiny fraction of the billions in available funding is going to organizations that support women and girls of color. Boston Women's Fund CEO Natanja Craig Oquendo, and Jessica Martin, a research consultant for the Fund, join Nichole to explain what they found, discuss the contributing factors, and offer their advice for a fairer future.

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April vacation isn't far off, and instead of vegging away in front of the TV or iPad, the City of Boston is rallying kids to get involved in the upcoming Mayor's Cup Street Hockey Tournament! Teams from all over the city are coming to Dorchester to compete, and they're not just in it for the bragging rights. There's a great prize, too! Damien Margardo from Boston Parks and Recreation returns to the show to share all the details parents need to know to get their kids involved.

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Families on the South Shore have relied on, and enjoyed, their local YMCA for more than a century, and that's not changing anytime soon! Tens of thousands of people utilize the South Shore YMCA's programs each year, which include everything from youth programs to social services like a food pantry. Newly appointed President and CEO Trevor Williams says they've got a blueprint to expand their offerings to assist even more residents over the coming years. He talks with Nichole about their new "Together We Thrive" plan and the upcoming "Taste of the South Shore" event.

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Often, when you go to the doctor or psychiatrist and tell them you're in a funk, or not feeling like yourself, they'll prescribe you a pill or some other type of medicine. However, in some cases, instead of being handed a prescription for an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medicine, patients are being prescribed visits to local art and culture institutions, like museums, community centers, and the theater. Nichole talks with Erik Holmgren, Manager of Advancement and Strategic Partnerships at the Mass Cultural Council, and Chris Appleton, Founder and CEO of SocialRx, about their efforts to connect more Bay State residents to these life-changing programs.

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