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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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, shares details with Nichole about this charming event and other fall offerings.

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As the nation's food supply gets hit with more challenges, from parasite outbreaks to recalls, consumers are re-evaluating their shopping habits. Many are turning to local farmers for safer and more reliable options, support local producers say they're thrilled to have. Warren Shaw, the owner of Shaw Farm in Dracut and president of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau, joins Nichole this week to talk about the importance of supporting local farmers and the benefits of having a safe and reliable food supply in your community.

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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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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 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 about the Educator Discounts Directory and how the state is working on solutions to address fiscal challenges impacting our school districts.

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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 joins Nichole this week to share stories from her decades dedicated to animal rescue and talk about how you can help this new shelter become a reality.

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Our AC's and sump pumps have been getting quite the workout this summer, but 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? This week, Nichole's joined by Mary Cate Colapietro, Senior Communications Specialist for ISO New England, 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 and beyond.

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The timeless art of boat building is alive and well in Essex at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum! Now, 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.

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Dedham-based Three Squares New England is gearing up for its 15th annual fundraising event to combat food insecurity in the Greater Boston area. The need is greater than ever to ensure funding comes in for their network of over 38 partner organizations, including food pantries, community farms, and food recovery initiatives. Marena Burnett, Executive Director of Three Squares New England, shares all the details about this year's Ride and Stride for Food with Nichole this week, along with information on how you can get involved, even if you don't want to bike or walk!

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