New England Weekend

Underwear isn't something we talk about that often, but when you don't have it, it can be a major problem! With the price of clothing skyrocketing, 1 in every 3 kids in Massachusetts is clothing insecure, and that number is worse when it comes to underwear access. Cocotree Kids of Natick has grown from a small neighborhood collection to a statewide operation, connecting tens of thousands of kids to clean, hygienic underwear. On this week's show, founder Catherine Maloy tells their story and discusses their efforts to get the community involved to serve 100,000 local kids.

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A common practice in the animal rescue world has some people scratching their heads this time of year. Many rescues and shelters hold off adoptions of black cats in October, concerned that they'll be adopted for nefarious purposes or abandoned after Halloween. Is this superstition-based decision really necessary? Mike Keiley, Vice President of the Animal Protection Division at MSPCA-Angell in Jamaica Plain, says absolutely not! He talks with Nichole this week about the misconceptions surrounding black cats, and how you can help them connect these cats with loving forever homes.

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As fall sets in, we New Englanders are bracing for the potential damage to our homes and property that comes with Nor'easters and winter storms. With the rise of scammers and unscrupulous contractors, it's essential to be prepared and do your due diligence before hiring someone to fix up your home. Paula Fleming, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at the BBB of Eastern New England, joins Nichole this week to share valuable advice on how to navigate the hiring process and avoid getting scammed in the process.

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Grafton's Willard House and Clock Museum is not just a museum; it's a treasure trove of history with a collection of exquisite historical clocks that spans centuries. The museum's about to receive a massive gift of over 100 clocks, a donation made possible by a generous collector from Texas, but some major upgrades need to take place before they arrive. Robert C. Chaney, a third-generation clockmaker and the museum's Executive Director, joins Nichole this week to delve into the history of the renowned Willard family, the incoming collection, and the capital campaign that's underway to ensure this collection is secured for future generations to enjoy.

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The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has become a staple of the holiday season over its 30 years on the road, entertaining audiences of all ages. This year, they're coming back to Worcester on November 28th to perform their rock opera, "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve". It promises to be an impressive show with lasers, pyrotechnics, dancers, a compelling story, and, of course, amazing music. Jeff Plate, the band's drummer who's been part of the lineup since day one, returns to the show to talk about TSO's history, the vision of founder Paul O'Neill, their efforts to give back to local charities, and the upcoming tour.

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As the tariff spat between Washington and Ottawa escalates, the special bond between New England and our neighbors to the north is being put to the test. This week, we're exploring what this developing trade war means for our regional economy and what it could do to the close partnership New England has worked to develop with Canada for decades. Jonathan Gruber, the Ford Professor for Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, discusses the potential consequences of this trade war, including the impact on local small business owners and the tourism industry.

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It's that time of year when certain types of marine wildlife lovingly dubbed "Marine Misfits" find themselves find themselves in a precarious position. They end up drifting off course and stranding on the shores of Cape Cod, a move which often leads to deadly consequences. Carol "Krill" Carson, the founder of the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance, joins the show this week to discuss the plight of these animals, the non-profit's efforts to rescue as many stranded "misfits" as possible, and how you can help make a difference.

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As fall arrives in New England, you might take a moment to appreciate the vibrant foliage and reflect on the beauty of nature. Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge and Watertown is a great place to do that, with its stunning landscape spanning 175 acres of grounds. The cemetery has been a place of reflection and inspiration since it was founded in the 1830's, and it also serves as a hub of community activity, including for an upcoming "Cemetery Cinema" event in conjunction with the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline. Bree Harvey, the cemetery's VP of Cemetery and Visitor Services, talks with Nichole about the cemetery's rich history and its innovative approach to programming.

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Newton-based Spoonfuls works each day to help those around the Commonwealth in need by recovering food from local farms, restaurants, stores, and other businesses that would otherwise end up in landfills. So far, they've been able to provide enough meals for more than 5.5 million people! Their biggest fundraiser of the year, the "Ultimate Tailgate", is coming up on October 29th at the Roadrunner in Brighton. Founder Ashley Stanley talks with Nichole about the importance of food recovery in a wavering economy, the organization's efforts, and how some of Boston's top chefs are stepping up to help them do this critical work.

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Haley House has come a long way since it opened up 60 years ago in Boston's South End. Today, it offers a range of services, including affordable housing, an urban farm, a soup kitchen, and a bakery cafe. But it's not just about providing food; it's about addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty. Executive Director Reggie Jean talks with Nichole this week about their commitment to building community, security, and trust in the South End and Lower Roxbury neighborhoods.

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