Fall News
Chipotle Mexican Grill and the London Vegetable Orchestra have collaborated on "From Ground to Sound," a song recorded at Abbey Road Studios using instruments made from vegetables to highlight Chipotle's 53 real ingredients. Musicians built flutes from corn, trumpets from jalapeños, a horn from peppers and an avocado pit, lettuce for percussion and even an onion bass, navigating challenges like ripeness and short time windows before the produce changed. The five-member group has performed globally, including a notable appearance at Windsor Castle in 2025 where King Charles joined them for a performance.
The Waffle House Index has become a prominent tool for gauging storm severity in the Southeast. By observing whether local Waffle Houses remain open, serve limited menus or close entirely, both residents and organizations like FEMA assess the intensity and impact of disasters. The chain has developed a robust disaster preparedness strategy, making it a reliable refuge during severe weather events. Waffle House operates a storm center and has invested in portable generators, a mobile command center and employee training for operating with limited resources. These measures allow many locations to stay open, providing comfort and essential services to communities even when other businesses are closed.
From back home in Western Mass: A Massachusetts school district's elementary garden program, now a decade old, involves 1,100 students from four schools in hands-on gardening activities. Students from kindergarten through sixth grade learn about farming and food by sowing, maintaining and harvesting a diverse range of crops in school gardens that serve as outdoor classrooms. "Sometimes we're growing rice; sometimes we're growing bok choy, strawberries, gooseberries or Thai basil. It depends on what the kids are excited about, and what feels relevant to them," said program leader Leila Tunnell.