ACK FM in the Morning

Nantucket Radio 97.7 ACK FM - True Island Radio

Doug Risher the morning Show Host of 97.7 ACK-FM from 6-10am Monday through Saturday, chats with men, women, and youth who make Nantucket the colorful, year-round arts, culture, and business community we love and embrace.

  1. On-Air with Doug – Peter Burke – Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce – Red Ticket Drawing 2025

    4D AGO

    On-Air with Doug – Peter Burke – Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce – Red Ticket Drawing 2025

    Doug sits down with Peter Burke, Executive Director of the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, to talk about one of the island’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Red Ticket Drawing, happening Christmas Eve on Main Street at 1 pm. Peter explains how the Red Ticket program works, why shoppers need to be present to win, and how the event supports local businesses while encouraging holiday shopping on Nantucket. The conversation also includes an important reminder for anyone who helped decorate trees around town, especially parents and teachers whose students created ornaments, to please remove decorations by January 2, 2026, and why meeting that deadline matters for the Chamber and town partners. Peter also shares where listeners can find more information about the Red Ticket Drawing and upcoming Chamber events as the community heads into the new year.

    8 min
  2. On-Air with Doug - Anne Kuszpa – Donation December with Housing Nantucket

    DEC 17

    On-Air with Doug - Anne Kuszpa – Donation December with Housing Nantucket

    Doug sits down in studio with Anne Kuszpa, Executive Director of Housing Nantucket, to discuss one of the most urgent challenges facing the island, the shortage of year round housing for working families. Anne offers a clear snapshot of where housing availability stands as the year comes to a close, outlines the financial and regulatory hurdles involved in creating and preserving affordable homes, and explains how donor support directly turns into real housing solutions. The conversation also highlights why individual contributions truly matter, especially during the season of giving, and why year end donations are so critical to Housing Nantucket’s momentum heading into the new year. Anne also shares how listeners can get involved, and to learn more or make a year-end donation, visit housingnantucket.org.

    8 min
  3. On-Air with Doug – Detective Keith Mansfield & Officer Andrew McNeilly – Citizen Police Academy

    DEC 16

    On-Air with Doug – Detective Keith Mansfield & Officer Andrew McNeilly – Citizen Police Academy

    Doug sits down with Detective Keith Mansfield and Officer Andrew McNeilly of the Nantucket Police Department to introduce the community to the new Citizen Police Academy, an engaging program designed to give residents an inside look at how the department operates. Detective Mansfield explains what the Academy is, who is eligible to participate, and how long the program has been offered, along with the inspiration behind bringing it to the public. The conversation highlights who leads the sessions, what a typical class looks like, and the hands-on activities and training participants can expect. Detective Mansfield also shares what graduates of the program often take away, including new skills, knowledge, and a deeper understanding of local law enforcement. The interview wraps up with details on how listeners can learn more and sign up to take part in this unique opportunity to connect with the Nantucket Police Department.

    7 min
  4. On-Air with Doug - Mary Casey - Hospital Thrift Shop Donation Days

    DEC 15

    On-Air with Doug - Mary Casey - Hospital Thrift Shop Donation Days

    Doug sits down with Mary Casey, Executive Director of the Hospital Thrift Shop on Nantucket, to discuss how this beloved island institution turns donated goods into meaningful support for Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Mary shares the mission of the thrift shop, details about the return of donation days starting in January, and what items the shop is most excited to receive. She explains how donations are processed, the vital role volunteers play, and why community participation through donating and shopping is key to the shop’s success. The conversation also highlights the shop’s incredible impact, including a record $660,000 donation as it wraps up its 96th year, benefiting the Gouin Village capital campaign for employee housing and a new physical therapy space. Listeners can learn more and get involved by visiting hospitalthriftshop.org.

    9 min
  5. On-Air with Doug - Heather Woodbury & Lisa Wisentaner - Sneaky Santa

    DEC 11

    On-Air with Doug - Heather Woodbury & Lisa Wisentaner - Sneaky Santa

    Doug sits down with Heather Woodbury of Wicked Island Bakery and Lisa Wisentaner of Nantucket Cycling and Fitness, the founders of Sneaky Santa, a heartfelt island tradition launched in 2020. Together, they share how this community-powered project partners with the Nantucket Hotel, local businesses, and generous donors to give a deserving family an unforgettable Christmas, complete with a two night stay, meals, gifts, and a beautifully decorated suite. Heather and Lisa also explain how Safe Place selects the recipient family each year and how they extend giving even further through their holiday trees filled with wish tags for Safe Place clients. They talk about the emotional moments of shopping from wish lists, the evolution of donations flowing through the NantucketGivingFund Venmo, and how community members can contribute by donating financially or choosing a wish tag to fulfill. This inspiring conversation shines a light on what can happen when a community comes together to lift up those who need it most and how listeners can join in by supporting Sneaky Santa this holiday season.

    8 min
  6. On-Air with Doug - Libby Buck of the LLNF - Christmas Bird Count 2025

    DEC 11

    On-Air with Doug - Libby Buck of the LLNF - Christmas Bird Count 2025

    Doug sits down with Libby Buck from the Linda Loring Nature Foundation to talk about the 71st Nantucket Christmas Bird Count, happening December 28. This 24-hour tradition brings volunteers together to record every bird spotted across the island, with last year’s effort tallying 138 species and more than 40,000 individual birds. Libby shares how the count has grown since 1954, how the island is divided into eight sections for teams to cover, and why anyone can participate, from experienced birders to those counting right from their backyard feeders. She highlights new ways to get involved this year, including a Zoom Q&A on December 18 at 5pm, and a compilation celebration at UMass Boston Nantucket Field Station at 6pm with a hybrid option for remote participants. New volunteers should register by December 19 at llnf.org.

    7 min
  7. On-Air with Doug - Peter Burke - Christmas Stroll 2025

    DEC 2

    On-Air with Doug - Peter Burke - Christmas Stroll 2025

    Doug sits down with Peter Burke, Executive Director of the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, for a festive look at the island’s holiday season and the beloved Nantucket Christmas Stroll. They talk about what’s included in this year’s Nantucket Noel and how Stroll fits into the larger celebration, the meaning behind the theme Shine On, Nantucket, and the exciting new events visitors and locals can look forward to. Peter shares how vital local businesses are during this quieter time of year, and how traditions like the tree lighting help build a full holiday experience. They also touch on the Stop and Shop lot closure, The Marketplace, and the Main Street stage. For more information, visit nantucketchamber.org.

    10 min
  8. On-Air with Doug - Nick Larabee - Nantucket Conservation Foundation

    NOV 18

    On-Air with Doug - Nick Larabee - Nantucket Conservation Foundation

    Doug spotlights a true island tradition with a look at the Milestone Cranberry Bog, one of Nantucket’s most iconic agricultural landscapes cared for by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. He’s joined by Nick Larabee, NCF’s Director of Land Management and a third-generation cranberry farmer, to talk about his family’s deep roots at the bog, the legacy of cranberry farming on the island, and what made this year’s harvest such a standout. Nick also shares how recent NCF investments, including new equipment, added staff support, and future infrastructure, are shaping the next generation of local cranberry production. Plus, he lets listeners know exactly where they can pick up fresh Nantucket cranberries this season.

    6 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Doug Risher the morning Show Host of 97.7 ACK-FM from 6-10am Monday through Saturday, chats with men, women, and youth who make Nantucket the colorful, year-round arts, culture, and business community we love and embrace.

Information

  • Creator
    Nantucket Radio 97.7 ACK FM - True Island Radio
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    378
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 ACK FM in the Morning
  • Show Website
    ACK FM in the Morning