New England Weekend

The Battlegreen Run Foundation has been a staple in the Lexington community since 1996, growing its annual race into a beloved event that brings the community together to help dozens of local non-profits. This week, the Foundation's president, Steve Sartori, talks with Nichole about how the event has evolved over the years, and shares information on how you can still get involved before the November 1st race. Peter Noonan, president and CEO of Supportive Living, Inc., one of the Foundation's partners, shares how the race has helped to raise critical awareness and funds for brain injury services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While we're still feeling the pinch of high gas prices at the pump and high food prices at the supermarket, these hikes are really having an impact on the people who bring us our favorite foods on the go: food truck owners! This week, Michael Crooks, owner and operator of the Sarcastic Swine food truck in Abington, talks with Nichole about the challenges of running a food truck business in today's economy, and the logistics of working in a mobile barbeque restaurant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.