Kate Merrill
Boston
WBZ-TV Morning Anchor Boston. Mom, wife, news junkie. Boston born and bred.
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Articles by Kate Merrill
Massachusetts playground ranked among 10 best in country for inclusivity
Playground at Massachusetts school praised for inclusivity CONCORD - The private playground at The Guild School for Human Services in Concord, Massachusetts is ranked as one of the ten best in the country for inclusivity. The Guild School playground The small space is making a big impact on those with special needs. Every detail matters here, starting with the seating. The benches are lower and more secure than most seats, so someone can roll up or sit with small child.
2,000 migrant students added to 74 Massachusetts school districts this academic year
PEABODY – The migrant crisis in Massachusetts has added about 2,000 students to schools in 74 different districts this academic year, according to the state. That means there are about 242 districts still not facing the issue of having a sudden, unexpected influx of migrant children in their systems. WBZ-TV graphic CBS Boston “A small handful of communities can’t take on this burden and do it well,” Peabody Superintendent Josh Vadala told WBZ-TV. His district is one of the 74.
2,000 migrant students added to 74 Massachusetts school districts this academic year Original
Massachusetts schools pave own path for migrant students, says state education secretary PEABODY - The migrant crisis in Massachusetts has added about 2,000 students to schools in 74 different districts this academic year, according to the state. That means there are about 242 districts still not facing the issue of having a sudden, unexpected influx of migrant children in their systems.
Adding migrant children to schools a challenge and an opportunity, superintendent says
PEABODY, Massachusetts ( WBZ ) -- Massachusetts has been struggling to find emergency housing for the growing number of homeless and migrant families coming into the state. The crisis has also forced several cities and towns to add dozens of new students to their schools on short notice. 2,000 migrant children in Massachusetts schools There are about 2,000 migrant children now enrolled in public schools across Massachusetts. "It's been a challenge.
Adding migrant children to Massachusetts schools a challenge and an opportunity, superintendent says
Massachusetts city comes together to help schools adapt to influx of new migrant students PEABODY - Massachusetts has been struggling to find emergency housing for the growing number of homeless and migrant families coming into the state. The crisis has also forced several cities and towns to add dozens of new students to their schools on short notice. 2,000 migrant children in Massachusetts schools There are about 2,000 migrant children now enrolled in public schools across Massachusetts.
Historic mill in Arlington has been making custom wood picture frames since 1864
Oldest continuously operating mill, Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington, is a piece of history ARLINGTON - A unique process to create picture frames lives on in Arlington. It's all thanks to a local woman who made it her mission to preserve the history of the town and the Old Schwamb Mill. The historic heavyweight on Massachusetts Avenue is still humming inside, pumping out its product nonstop since 1864. It is the oldest continuously used mill in the country.
Boston General Store draws inspiration from the past by selling items that "last forever"
By Kate Merrill Click here for updates on this story DEDHAM, Massachusetts (WBZ) — In an era of cheaply made and easily discarded consumer products, there’s a store in eastern Massachusetts looking to change the game. In the last ten years, the Boston General Store has grown from a website to a store in Brookline and now a second location in Dedham. What’s in the Boston General Store?
Boston General Store draws inspiration from the past by selling items that "last forever"
DEDHAM - In an era of cheaply made and easily discarded consumer products, there's a store in eastern Massachusetts looking to change the game. In the last ten years, the Boston General Store has grown from a website to a store in Brookline and now a second location in Dedham. What's in the Boston General Store? "We look for utilitarian goods that last forever, things that you're not going to want to replace within a year or two," owner April Gabriel told WBZ-TV.
Free, brand new, 3-bedroom home available to disabled veteran in Massachusetts
Disabled veteran in Massachusetts to receive free home thanks to "Come Home to Acton" project ACTON - A group of builders in Massachusetts are working together to build a home in Acton for a disabled veteran at no cost. Aaron Jeanson and his brother Mickey run Jeanson Builders. For them, this project is personal. "Words can't even describe that, it's going to be very special," Aaron Jeanson told WBZ-TV. The three bedroom, 1,800-square foot home is not only well-built, it's in a great location.
Worcester Art Museum connects "the local and the global" with impressive collections
WORCESTER - Visitors to the Worcester Art Museum can go on a ride through history from all around the world, with a pretty significant stop in medieval Europe. From suits of armor to medieval weapons of war, the Higgins Collection of Arms and Armor is the second largest collection of its kind in the country. Jeffrey Forgeng, the curator, started at the old Higgins Armory, where from 1930 until 2013 it was all things armor and the Middle Ages.
Boston Chef Douglass Williams shares his roasted rack of lamb recipe
BOSTON - There's nothing quite like a good meal to warm your belly and fill up your soul in the cold winter months. And there's one chef in Boston giving guests a lot of both at his restaurants. Chef Douglass Williams, the owner and chef at MIDA, APIZZA and D.W. French, went to Savenor's Butchery and Market to find ingredients for his roasted rack of lamb recipe. Savenor's has a long history of excellence in the Boston area.
Establishing the National Energy System Operator
01/10/2024 Introduction and background As of today, 1 October 2024 (“NESO Commencement Day”), Great Britain’s (“GB’s”) electricity and gas system will be planned and operated by a newly designated independent, publicly owned organisation – the National Energy... Read more
"This is really something": East Boston friends are the minds behind popular online trivia game Movie Grid
EAST BOSTON - Inside their small East Boston apartment, two buddies from high school are at the center of an online addiction called Movie Grid. Sam Shulman and Alex Nunan are the brains behind Movie Grid, a daily online trivia game that's exploded in popularity. "It's a daily movie trivia game and it gives you nine grid boxes," said Nunan. The rules are simple. You get nine guesses to fill up the nine boxes, all about movies. The more obscure movie titles, the better.
Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester offers Christmas by candlelight
Hammond Castle in Gloucester is a stunning sight during the holidays GLOUCESTER - It's a North Shore gem that shines even brighter on the holidays. The Hammond Castle Museum puts on several events during December, and all of them are a sight to behold with a beautiful backdrop. Director of Visitor Services and Education Caleb McMurphy says the original owner had several historic pieces sent from Europe and installed in this unique home.
It Happens Here: Westboro's Sugar Shack teaching students real world skills
It Happens Here: Westboro's Sugar Shack employs students from adult transition program WESTBORO - Westboro is home to a popular sweet spot that's also providing opportunities to young adults from the local school district. At the Sugar Shack, they sell everything from fudge and throwback favorite to the hot new TikTok trends. And the employees are actually students.
"He's extraordinary"; Millbury artist with Parkinson's creates art with help of device that steadies tremors
Millbury artist with Parkinson's creates watercolor art with help of device that steadies tremors MILLBURY - Overcoming so much to create stunning watercolor paintings. A Central Mass man is making his mark on the art world despite a debilitating disease. Millbury's Michael Wackell has Parkinson's disease. But is still able to capture the beauty of New England within his art. After being diagnosed more than a decade ago, Wackell taught himself to paint with his non-dominant hand.
Massachusetts to pay back 22 school districts for cost of busing emergency shelter students
Massachusetts to pay back 22 school districts for busing emergency shelter students BOSTON - Massachusetts is offering a new pilot program to quickly reimburse some school districts that are facing a big increase in transportation costs because they're busing students living in emergency shelters. The move helps 22 smaller districts across the state. Without this program, the districts would have had to wait until next spring to be paid back for the increased busing costs.
Concord-Carlisle School District gets support from community in welcoming migrant children
CONCORD - At first, Concord-Carlisle School District Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter admits it was a real shock. Suddenly being told a group of migrant children will be entering your school system. "It's overwhelming, that's the first response," Hunter said. There were many questions. "You don't know, what you don't know. You don't know how many children there will be and what the needs are going to be. You have a moment of, 'OK, how are we going to do this,'" said Hunter.
Free tutoring services help students close pandemic remote learning gap
BOSTON – Math was never Olivia Martin's favorite subject, but remote learning during the pandemic made it even tougher when the Medford tween was in 4th grade. "It was hard. I felt like I was missing something," she told WBZ-TV. A recent study by the Center for School and Student Progress found Olivia has plenty of company. Their research showed the average student will need about 4.1 months of additional instruction to catch up in reading and about 4.5 months to make up the learning gap in math.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute researcher using spacing and color to make algebra easier
WORCESTER - Math can be overwhelming for students and when it comes to algebra, one Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) professor said it can make or break academic futures. That is why WPI Associate Professor Erin Ottmar is doing research for kids to see algebra in a new light. Ottmar said the mnemonic device "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" is meant to help students remember the order of operations of algebra. PEMDAS: Parentheses first, exponents, multiply or divide and then add or subtract.
Mix 104.1's "Clear the List" initiative helps Brockton teacher fill classroom with school supplies
BROCKTON – Brockton middle school teacher Linda Vinay is overwhelmed by the support she received from complete strangers ahead of the school year. Amazon packages just keep coming, boxes filled with everything she needs for the school year ahead - and all donated by strangers. "So in this giant box are binders we have close to 100 binders, Post It notes, wipes and highlighters," said Vinay, going through the supplies that she would normally have to buy on her own.
Mother riding first Pan-Mass Challenge for daughter recovering from brain tumor
BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) -- Nancy Hamilton fully admits, she is no cyclist. But this single mom is getting ready for the ride of her life. She's nervous but determined to join the pack at the Pan-Mass Challenge this weekend. "So on December 18th of this past year, my daughter had a stroke, with her friends going skiing, and after some testing, they found a golf ball-sized tumor in her brain," Hamilton told WBZ-TV. Her only child, 21-year-old Augusta, was diagnosed with a grade 2 glial tumor.
Mother riding first Pan-Mass Challenge for daughter recovering from brain tumor
By Kate Merrill Click here for updates on this story BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — Nancy Hamilton fully admits, she is no cyclist. But this single mom is getting ready for the ride of her life. She’s nervous but determined to join the pack at the Pan-Mass Challenge this weekend. “So on December 18th of this past year, my daughter had a stroke, with her friends going skiing, and after some testing, they found a golf ball-sized tumor in her brain,” Hamilton told WBZ-TV.
Mother riding first Pan-Mass Challenge for daughter recovering from brain tumor
BOSTON - Nancy Hamilton fully admits, she is no cyclist. But this single mom is getting ready for the ride of her life. She's nervous but determined to join the pack at the Pan-Mass Challenge this weekend. "So on December 18th of this past year, my daughter had a stroke, with her friends going skiing, and after some testing, they found a golf ball-sized tumor in her brain," Hamilton told WBZ-TV. Her only child, 21-year-old Augusta, was diagnosed with a grade 2 glial tumor.
It Happens Here: Chelmsford's Newhouse Wildlife Rescue gives tiny animals a second chance
CHELMSFORD - When your dog or cat gets sick, there are plenty of options for care. But what happens if you find an injured bird, squirrel, or other wild animal? You can bring them to Jane Newhouse at the Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford. The former veterinarian tech opened this unique spot after noticing the need. "We get a lot of hit by cars. We get a lot of animals that are treated for rat poison," she told WBZ-TV. The tiny, wild animals, hurt or abandoned are nursed back to good health here.
Special needs staff are stars of Omar's World Of Comics in Lexington
/ CBS Boston It Happens Here: Special needs staff are stars of Omar's World Of Comics in Lexington LEXINGTON - A Lexington family is creating opportunities for those with special needs with their comic book store run by their son. For those with special needs in Massachusetts, turning 22 is a difficult milestone. That's when state education services end and young adults are left to figure out their futures.
It Happens Here: Long-time friends saving good, unwanted meals with Brookline Food Rescue
By KATE MERRILL Click here for updates on this story BROOKLINE, Massachusetts (WBZ) — Thirty years ago, Victoria Schnoes moved into public housing in Brookline. That’s when her mission started. “There is a really big need for food support and food resources for a lot of the greater metropolitan Boston area,” she told WBZ-TV. So she started the Brookline Food Rescue.
Long-time friends saving good, unwanted meals with Brookline Food Rescue
/ CBS Boston BROOKLINE - Thirty years ago, Victoria Schnoes moved into public housing in Brookline. That's when her mission started. "There is a really big need for food support and food resources for a lot of the greater metropolitan Boston area," she told WBZ-TV. So she started the Brookline Food Rescue. Victoria and her friend Tom Capizzi got to work finding ways to get good food that was being trashed by local stores and restaurants and get it to people in need in their community.
High School graduates raising awareness of teen suicide with kickball tournament
By KATE MERRILL Click here for updates on this story WOBURN, Massachusetts (WBZ) — Noah Dhaliwal is using the beloved playground game of kickball to fight back against teen suicide. The Boston College junior started the “Kick it For a Cause” charity kickball tournament when he was a junior at Woburn High School. It was a tough time for one of his best friends. “Around that time, Sam came out with his story of his battle with his mental health,” Noah told WBZ-TV.
High School graduates raising awareness of teen suicide with kickball tournament
WOBURN, Massachusetts (WBZ) -- Noah Dhaliwal is using the beloved playground game of kickball to fight back against teen suicide. The Boston College junior started the "Kick it For a Cause" charity kickball tournament when he was a junior at Woburn High School. It was a tough time for one of his best friends. "Around that time, Sam came out with his story of his battle with his mental health," Noah told WBZ-TV. "It's personal," said Sam Gerry, of the tournament and its goal to prevent suicide.
Woburn High School graduates raising awareness of teen suicide with kickball tournament
/ CBS Boston WOBURN - Noah Dhaliwal is using the beloved playground game of kickball to fight back against teen suicide. The Boston College junior started the " Kick it For a Cause" charity kickball tournament when he was a junior at Woburn High School. It was a tough time for one of his best friends. "Around that time, Sam came out with his story of his battle with his mental health," Noah told WBZ-TV. "It's personal," said Sam Gerry, of the tournament and its goal to prevent suicide.
Self-taught chocolatier shares lessons from around the world in Boxboro shop
/ CBS Boston BOXBORO - Two friends are sharing their love of world travel and finding sweet success with their small business in Boxboro. Lavanya Selvaraj wanted to re-create the British truffles that her best friend Neethu loved when they were studying in Scotland. Despite no training in chocolate, or even desserts, the result was magical and surprising. That gave the lifelong friends an idea - why not share them with the world? "I just went door by door. I even walked to couple stores from my home.
Boston's MassArt creating next generation of innovators
/ CBS Boston It Happens Here: MassArt students bring art and culture to Boston's Longwood neighborhood BOSTON - It's the section of Boston most famous for its medical community. From Boston Children's, Beth Israel and Brigham and Women's to Harvard Medical school, forty percent of Boston patient visits happen here. But it's also where you will find roughly 29,000 students, at eleven colleges and schools. Those schools include Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Alewives Tap Room owners out to top their husbands in beer industry
BOSTON - If you're looking for a place to watch March Madness in Boston, the Alewives Tap Room is a game changer of its own. It's owned and operated by two women out to top their husbands, who own the Newburyport Brewing Company. Allison Fisher and Crystal Rimoczy are the brains behind the beer at the High Street Place bar. Rimoczy says those who hear it's two women who own the tap room there's often, "surprise and shock. 'Oh beer?
Is social media stealing our focus? One author says definitely
BOSTON - One author believes we are losing our focus - and social media is one of the factors that's causing it. Johann Hari spent three months in Provincetown without an Internet connection as a way to break free from it all. He says it needs to stop. Now. "If you're struggling to focus and pay attention, if your kids are struggling to focus and pay attention, it's not your fault," says Hari.
It Happens Here: West End nonprofit helps young homeless adults get a new start
BOSTON (WBZ) -- Jaysally Alves knows what is like to not have a place of her own. "I've been on and off homeless since the age of eighteen," she told WBZ-TV. The 22-year-old has struggled, since aging out of the foster system four years ago. "With being a homeless youth there comes with a lot of embarrassment and comes with a lot of being scared and angry at people," Alves said But now she is gearing up for a new job and a new start to her life. "I'm going to be working at a day care center.
It Happens Here: West End nonprofit helps young homeless adults get a new start
By KATE MERRILL Click here for updates on this story BOSTON (WBZ) — Jaysally Alves knows what is like to not have a place of her own. “I’ve been on and off homeless since the age of eighteen,” she told WBZ-TV. The 22-year-old has struggled, since aging out of the foster system four years ago. “With being a homeless youth there comes with a lot of embarrassment and comes with a lot of being scared and angry at people,” Alves said But now she is gearing up for a new job and a new start to her life.
Women recovering from alcoholism find success with sobriety podcasts
New Hampshire Ice Castles announces opening date NORTH WOODSTOCK, N.H. - More than a month after the official start to winter, the Ice Castles finally have an opening date.The popular New Hampshire attraction will open Friday, January 27 - the latest opening in the season since it opened a decade ago because of the mild weather."Mother Nature has thrown us a few challenges this season, which delayed our opening," CEO Kyle Standifird said.
Emerson Hospital surgeon continues holiday tradition with elaborate gingerbread masterpiece
/ CBS Boston Emerson Hospital surgeon continues holiday tradition with elaborate gingerbread masterpiece CONCORD - One look at Dr. Andrea Resciniti's impressive Gingerbread house, and it's clear it took time and dedication. But Resciniti is the first to admit there was no real plan. Resciniti is a general surgeon at Emerson Hospital. Come holiday season, this is her gift to the community. "I have a semi-vision. I make the first part and look at it and build off it," Resciniti said.
Westboro company's mattress donation helping charity change lives
/ CBS Boston WESTBORO - The holiday season is always difficult for charities helping people in need. But Mark's Moving and Storage in Westboro stepped up with a generous gift that will help hundreds sleep better at night. "We realized there were a lot of people who needed mattresses. That there are actually people that are sleeping on the floor, and no one deserves to sleep on the floor," business owner Mark Silverman said. Silverman started the company 45 years ago.
Wareham cannabis company creates gummy aimed at helping people diet, workout
/ CBS Boston WAREHAM -- When it comes to marijuana, people tend to think of "the munchies" and not exercise. However, married couple and cannabis entrepreneurs Angela Brown and Brian Cusick said they are creating a gummy to give users an energy burst. The pair co-founded the company "Coast Cannabis" and operate it in Wareham. "When I was consuming it, I had a burst of energy," said Brown. "I was going to the gym. I actually had a lot of success with getting on a workout plan.
Drew's Stews in Reading emphasizing local ingredients in soups Original
/ CBS Boston READING - The pandemic changed how many people worked, learned and socialized. For Drew Maggiore, it changed how he looked at his job. So, he followed his passion and changed careers. Now, he's celebrating his first full year in business at Drew's Stews and More! "I've always loved soup. Soup has always been my go-to food. People have always told me I'm pretty good at making it," he told WBZ-TV. During the pandemic Maggiore quit his consulting job and started cooking.
Help kids get back to school by changing anxiety to anticipation and excitement Original
/ CBS Boston BOSTON -- Saying goodbye to the care free days of summer can be tough. "Every year, I feel a little bit, you know, worried," one elementary school boy told WBZ-TV while he was visiting Castle Island in South Boston recently. "You want to validate that. Say it's ok, it's normal," advised Massachusetts General Hospital Child Psychologist Ellen Braaten. To help ease that anxiety, Braaten suggests parents start the transition a few days before classes begin.
Which stores have the best back-to-school prices? Original
/ CBS Boston BOSTON - With the cost of back-to-school supplies on the rise, finding the least expensive items is critical for families. To find which store had the cheapest options, WBZ-TV anchors Liam Martin and Kate Merrill went shopping with their children. Liam headed to Target with his second grader Everly and kindergartener Asher.
Many early readers are behind on benchmarks entering new school year Original
DRACUT - Even though Breanna O'Toole of Dracut spends a lot of time reading with her young children, she worries about the impact of the COVID pandemic on their school readiness. Her kindergartener spent much of the pandemic learning remote, and her toddler missed out on the preschool experience. "I did feel like that was a concern for me. We had some struggles socially already. I was concerned that [remote learning] would put everyone behind," she said.
Strongwater Farm gets a sweet surprise with WBZ's Ice Cream Social
/ CBS Boston TEWKSBURY - The horses are always the stars at Strongwater Farm in Tewksbury. The therapeutic equestrian center is all about improving the quality of life and health of people with special needs. Through professionally supervised horse therapy, they support thousands of clients here. "When you come to Strongwater Farm, you are on your own journey, and we can help you get there and help you find that peace," Executive Director Maria Antonioni said.
Acton opens environmentally-friendly fire station of the future
/ CBS Boston ACTON - As communities try and go green, Acton is making a big investment in the environment at their fire station. One look at the brand new station in town and you can see why it's already a big hit. From the gym to the private bunk rooms, station number four has all the newest features. The glass bi-folding garage bay doors even look cool. But it's not just the look, it's actually the goal.
FDA approves first treatment for alopecia
/ CBS Boston LEXINGTON - The FDA just approved the first treatment of alopecia areata or baldness. The drug known as Olumiant from Eli Lilly works by blocking the immune system from attacking hair follicles. And they are not the only company about to change lives. Lexington-based Concert Pharmaceuticals says it has its own treatment which has been successful in clinical trials. CEO Roger Tung says the pill currently known as CTP-543, brings back a full head of hair in more than 40% of its patients.
How social emotional learning builds skills to help kids improve their mental health
PEABODY (CBS) – Third graders at the McCarthy Elementary School in Peabody are reading "Wilma Jean the Worry Machine." It's a story about a red-faced little girl who worries about everything. But through the course of the book, she learns to make herself feel better.
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