The Inside North Central Massachusetts Podcast

This week we're joined by Tom McMullen and Kristy Livingston, Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director of Heywood Wakefield Commons in Gardner. Tom and Kristy have both been with Heywood Wakefield Commons since before the doors opened in 2011 and truly think of their residents as family. Listen in as they share what makes this affordable assisted living community so special, from the programming and community life to what families should know when exploring assisted living as an option. 

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This week we're joined by Lindsey English, Founder and President of Fostering Change, Inc. in Leominster. Lindsey's own experience in the foster care system drove her to want to give back, and what started as a small Christmas gift drive has grown into a nonprofit supporting hundreds of foster children across Central Massachusetts each year through annual drives and emergency placement support. Tune in to hear her story and learn how you can get involved, including their Supplies for Success Back-to-School Drive running through August 12th. Learn more at linktr.ee/FosteringChangeMA.

 

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This week we sit down with Dona Neely, Executive Director of The Great Exchange in Devens. Dona left the corporate world to pursue her passion for sustainability and waste prevention, and what started as a one-time swap event in 2007 has grown into a program serving hundreds of organizations across Massachusetts and beyond. In this episode, Dona shares how The Great Exchange helps businesses understand the real impact of what they throw away, while connecting them to area nonprofits and schools that can put those resources to work. 

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This week, we sit down with Jake Miskin, writer and producer of the film Shattered Ice, Dr. Leeanne Hadsell of Mount Wachusett Community College, and Dr. Allison Beckler of TaraVista Behavioral Health and the Reliant Foundation. Jake shares the story behind the film, inspired by the loss of five classmates during his high school years in Needham, and his mission to bring it to college campuses nationwide. Together, the guests discuss the power of storytelling to normalize the conversation around mental health and suicide prevention and the role community plays in healing. Tune in, then catch the screening of Shattered Ice at Mount Wachusett Community College on June 17th at 6:00 PM. All proceeds benefit LUK, Inc. Tickets at mwcc.universitytickets.com.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses the topics of mental health and suicide.

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Join us on the road at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, where the Rose family has been keeping a working New England farm alive and thriving for generations. We sit down with owners Al and Nancy Rose to talk about what it takes to grow a family farm into a year-round destination, from the farm store and Brew Barn to wood-fired oven pizzas and a calendar full of events. Don't miss their brand new New England Cider & Strings Festival on June 20th and 21st, including a disc golf tournament on the brand new course built by their son John. Heading to Boston for the World Cup? Stop by Red Apple Farm at Boston Public Market and try their new signature cider slushy.

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Join us on the road at Pop by Posh Party Designs at their new space in Leominster. We dive into owner Jodie Tucker's career path from nails to mail to balloons and events, and the entrepreneurial spirit she has modeled for her daughters. Listen as Jodie discusses the art and skill that goes into each custom balloon and prop she creates for events, and what it means to set the scene for clients' milestone moments.

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Join us on the road with Care Central VNA & Hospice. We venture to their Gardner headquarters which also serves as the location of their adult day health center, diaper pantry and new Memory cafe. Kristin Mattson, Chief Development & Clinical Care Transition Officer, talks about the healthcare landscape in North Central MA and the commonwealth, and where Care Central VNA & Hospice fits within it. Mattson talks about home health, access to care, addressing barriers, and how their continuum of programming helps families and patients navigate some of their toughest moments. 

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Grab your paddle and join us on the road at Rt. 12 Pickle in West Boylston. Listen to owner Ben Minsk talk about how a casual invitation to try pickleball led to a newfound passion for the sport and a second career as a business owner. Hear Ben talk about how he and his team have worked to turn his vision of a welcoming indoor pickleball community into a reality for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether it's your first time trying the sport, you're a seasoned player, or you're looking for a unique experience for your next family, friend or corporate outing, tune in and hear how you can join in the fun.

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Just in time for the first day of Spring, we head out into the sun to chat with Anthony and Brittany Knowles, the owners of Bin There Dump That Central Massachusetts. They talk about their entrepreneurial journey which included leaving full time roles to take over as the company’s owners along with expansion of their territory and the addition of more dumpsters to better serve customer needs. Whether you are doing spring cleaning, cleaning after a disaster, downsizing, dealing with yard waste or need a dumpster for a construction project, listen in and hear about the attention to detail and the care that goes into every dumpster rental.

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This week, we take a ride over to the Catalytic Consulting, Inc. offices to catch up with CCO and Principal Consultant, Todd Vroman. Todd talks about how their team of industrial innovation experts works across five different service areas to help a wide range of businesses, from early-stage startups to small and medium-sized established companies, looking to accelerate their innovation strategies and projects. Todd discusses their process and how they can integrate into existing teams. He also goes into his background in organizational psychology, what drew him to this work, and how he became part of the Catalytic Consulting, Inc. team. He also talks about their new initiative for manufacturers.

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