In this inspiring episode of ExcessiveBanter, we introduce the rebirth of a legendary name in vocational education — the Don Bosco Trade High School, now returning to the South Shore of Boston as a private, coeducational Catholic trade school.

Host Paul MacLellan, a proud Don Bosco Tech Boston alum and Board Member, shares how this reimagined institution will offer young men and women across Massachusetts a meaningful, hands-on alternative to traditional high school education — rooted in technical skill, faith, discipline, and purpose.

Set to offer programs in Electrical, HVAC, Carpentry, Plumbing, and CAD, alongside core academics and spiritual formation, Don Bosco Trade High School is poised to reshape how we educate future professionals — not just in MA, but as a national model for what trade schools can and should be.

This episode is an open invitation to business leaders, unions, educators, donors, and anyone invested in our future workforce. Learn how you can help us raise the funds to open doors for students, expand access to financial aid, and build a path where every student — regardless of background — can thrive.

🔧 This isn’t just about rebuilding a school. It’s about restoring pride in the trades — for every student ready to build a better future.

This episode of ExcessiveBanter Gary & I talk to long time friend and Jimmy Fund Clinic at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute Play Lady...Lisa Scherber.

For over 30 years Lisa has been delivering smiles, hugs and support to children and their families at the Boston Jimmy Fund Clinic. With what started as a volunteering opportunity soon turned into a career changing journey that has transformed herself and many others along the way. The energy brings into the lives of those she meets is contagious and needs to be shared to all.
Grab a comfy spot, relax and be prepared to take in all that is what we could ever dream to aspire to personally and professionally.

Recipe for Joy:

• One part Smile
• One part Fun
• And a HUGE heaping helping of Fluff

To volunteer for future events or to connect with Lisa:
lisa_scherber@dfci.harvard.edu

Or to donate to the Jimmy Fund:
https://www.jimmyfund.org/ways-to-give/

This episode we speak to Kijana Rose who is the heart and soul of I&I Rose Garden. Everything about her lived experience has shaped her vision for 22 Birch, Rosindale MA - and the innovative future of seed-to-sale ecosystem expansion in the cannabis markets. She brings a health and wellness emphasis to everything she does, integrating and emphasizing education and empowered consumerism into product and experience design.

Kijana holds two degrees from Northeastern University, including a Master's in Public Health, and is also a practicing yoga teacher trainer and instructor. Her professional experience in the corporate and non-profit worlds have not only prepared her for success as an entrepreneur, but also for building a new breed of business that emphasizes inclusivity, sustainability, and equity in everything it does.

Stay up to date on Kijana and I&I Rose Garden's future endeavors.
www.iandirosegarden.com