WCCA TV 194 "The People's Channel"

01/24/2025

Local News: Worcester Launches Request for Proposals for Lease of Café/Retail Space in Union Station

WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester and Worcester Redevelopment Authority are seeking proposals from qualified individuals, companies, and organizations to lease approximately 209 square feet of space located on the first floor of Union Station, 10 Washington Sq., to operate a quick-service eatery and/or retail business that will benefit the patrons of Union Station and the surrounding area.

Union Station, one of the Commonwealth's most beautiful structures, underwent a magnificent restoration in 1998-1999. Today it serves as an inter-modal hub, hosting Amtrak, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail service to Boston, taxi service, as well as both intra- and inter-city bus services and free Wi-Fi access.

In addition to being a major transportation hub for Central Massachusetts, Union Station boasts two fine dining establishments, a beautifully designed 500-vehicle parking garage, and a Grand Hall for hosting public and private functions and events.

In the spring of 2024, the Worcester Regional Food Hub broke ground on its new headquarters, located on the ground level of Union Station. Once complete, the 6,000-square-foot space will house five production kitchens, state-of-the-art cooking, baking, and bottling equipment, cold and dry storage space, culinary classes, pop-up farmers markets, and a multipurpose community space. The Worcester Regional Food Hub’s new headquarters is expected to open in late spring 2025.

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority invites interested parties to tour the property with a WRA representative on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at 10 a.m.

Proposals are due at the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, Room 402, City Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts 01608 no later than Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at 10 a.m. Proposals from Minority and/or Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) are encouraged. Bid documents can be found at:https://www.worcesterma.gov/uploads/4d/ac/4dac83ad9a975a95d64ead5abf1e41fc/wra-rfp-union-station-cafe-space.pdf

Inquiries related to technical, procurement, or contractual matters must be submitted in writing to: Mr. Paul Morano, Assistant Chief Development Officer, Worcester Redevelopment Authority, City Hall, 455 Main Street, Room 402 Worcester, MA 01608.

01/24/2025

On this new episode of Tech Safe, host Cecelia Doucette interviews Shari Champagne, a Louisiana-based advocate for safe technology and Founder & Director of "You B The Change." They discuss the difficulties she has faced in running an animal sanctuary near a 5G cellular tower, the radiation from which has caused pain and distress for many of the animals she cares for. They also discuss how advocates from across North America are banding together to raise public awareness and fight big tech to ensure our shared environment is safe for human and animal life. Tech Safe is exclusively on WCCA TV 194, Worcester's Public Access Community Media Center since 1986. Stay tuned!

01/24/2025

"Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez has made it clear the district will defend students against immigration agents after policies put forth by President Donald Trump removed the protection of schools as safe havens."

Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez reaffirms policies as President Trump removes protections for schools as safe havens

01/23/2025

On this episode of The Chandler Chat, host Harriette Chandler speaks with Kyle Frisina, Director of the Prior Performing Arts Center, and Lauren Szumita, Director of the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, both exciting new arts and culture facilities at the College of the Holy Cross, offering students and visiting artists cutting-edge spaces to practice their passions, and open to the public hungry for world-class performing and studio arts: https://www.wccatv.com/video/beacon-hill-chat/chandler-chat-450 . The Chandler Chat is exclusively on WCCA TV 194, Worcester's Public Access Community Media Center since 1986.

01/23/2025

"The Worcester Historical Museum is inviting the community to celebrate its 150th anniversary with a Family Fun Day on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 30 Elm St. The event marks the grand opening of the museum’s re-imagined Fuller Gallery of Industrial History and will offer a variety of interactive activities, historical exhibits, and live demonstrations."

Free event features new exhibits, interactive experiences, and a look at Worcester’s industrial legacy

01/23/2025

On this episode of Tech Safe, host Cecelia Doucette welcomes Zoiy Galloay, a Safe Technology advocate based in Colorado and Founder of GoingWired.com. Zoiy speaks on her experience with EHS (Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity) and her struggle to opt out of her electric companies' smart meter for an analogue meter that doesn't emit hazardous EMFs (Electromagnetic Fields): https://www.wccatv.com/video/tech-safe/tech-safe-46 . Tech Safe is exclusively on WCCA TV 194, Worcester's Public Access Community Media Center since 1986.

01/23/2025

"New recruits at the Worcester Fire Department soon benefit from additional safety equipment, thanks to a $50,000 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant announced by State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine this week. State Sen. Peter Durant, R-Spencer, praised the grant’s impact, calling it a crucial investment in the safety of firefighters."

Funding to provide second sets of turnout gear for new recruits

01/22/2025

On this episode of Close to Home, host Maureen Schwab welcomes returning guest Kate Cote, Owner & Founder of Fur Love Comfort Cats – a faith-based pet therapy service in the Worcester area that helps bring comfort and spiritual healing to those recovering from mental, emotional or physical trauma. They discuss how Kate discovered her calling through her faith and love of cats. Accompanying her is the well-behaved therapy cat Jedediah, who tactfully keeps his catty remarks to himself for the duration of the program. For more info, please visit www.FurLoveComfortCats.com. 'Close to Home' is exclusively on WCCA TV 194, Worcester's Public Access Community Media Center since 1986. Stay tuned!

01/22/2025

Congratulations to WCCA TV producers Adam Rice and Frank Rocco for winning a prestigious award for the production of the Mechanics Hall concert "The Magic of Hollywood" 👏👏👏

WCCA-TV wins first place music and performance award for television production of Mechanics Hall orchestra concert.

01/22/2025

WCCA TV's local, independent, eclectic music-video show, Video Jam, hosted by Tracy Foley, will feature music from Kenilworth Katrina, Rick Trevino (Official), The Formalist, Porter Block Music, Karson City Rebels, Elmiene, and Jon B. Tune in on Friday, January 24, at 9 PM to WCCA TV, Channel 194 in Worcester MA. The show streams live at the same time at wccatv.com, where you can also download past shows (just search video-on-demand for Video Jam). Enjoy!

01/22/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/22/2025 -- Division of Public Health to Launch H.O.P.E. For Youth Strategy

WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester Division of Public Health is hosting an event Thursday to unveil its Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (H.O.P.E) strategy, which aims to build capacity in youth-serving groups for sustainable substance misuse prevention and promotion of general well-being.

The event brings together people from all works of life with the common interest of promoting youth health in Worcester, Shrewsbury, and Grafton. Representatives from governmental agencies, schools, faith-based leaders, youth leaders, youth serving organizations, substance misuse providers, and counselors will be in attendance.

The event is open to the public. Individuals can register for the event online.

WHAT: H.O.P.E. For Youth Strategy Launch

WHO: Worcester Division of Public Health, Organizations from Worcester, Grafton, and Shrewsbury

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 23, 4:45 p.m.

WHERE: Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St.

01/17/2025

WCCA TV will be closed Monday, January 20, 2025 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

01/17/2025

"Clark University is turning up the heat on climate change—by launching the School of Climate, Environment, and Society, a bold initiative aimed at tackling the world’s most pressing environmental crises. Set to open in Fall 2025, the school combines cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary learning to create innovative solutions for a changing planet."

New school launches in 2025 to address climate change through an interdisciplinary lens

01/17/2025

Worcester Regional Airport is launching a new aviation education program targeting middle school students in Worcester Public Schools (WPS). The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), Heart of New England Council, Scouting America, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, and WPS have joined forces to create the Exploring Aviation program, set to debut on Jan. 29.

Innovative partnership aims to inspire future aviation professionals

01/17/2025

On this episode of The Chandler Chat, host Harriette Chandler speaks with Kyle Frisina, Director of the Prior Performing Arts Center, and Lauren Szumita, Director of the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, both exciting new arts and culture facilities at the College of the Holy Cross, offering students and visiting artists cutting-edge spaces to practice their passions, and also open to the public. 'The Chandler Chat' is exclusively on WCCA TV 194, Worcester's Public Access Community Media Center since 1986. Stay tuned!

01/17/2025

Local News: New DEI Curriculum Implemented for WPD Academy as New Class Begins

WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester Police Department’s (WPD) Academy Class 1-25, which began the week of Jan. 13, is the first class to participate in the new Community Policing and DEI-Focused Curriculum for new Student Officers, as developed in partnership with the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EODEI).

The new curriculum is implemented across 12 sessions, spread over the Academy’s six month-span. Key topics include the history and evolution of policing and its impact on marginalized communities, the socialization of individuals, understanding microaggressions, understanding and mitigating bias, and the importance of community engagement in policing.

The DEI curriculum will be incorporated into the full WPD Academy program, which also includes training in criminal and constitutional law, de-escalation, motor vehicle stops, fi****ms, patrol procedures, first responder medical training, and fair and impartial policing, in addition to intense mental and physical training.

“This new curriculum is focusing on community policing through a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice lens, emphasizing respect, equity, and cultural humility in interactions with all residents,” said Chief Equity Officer Kevin Lovaincy. “It is one of several initiatives being implemented in partnership with WPD to improve training, policies, and practices to ensure our officers are equipped to handle the diverse needs of our community.”

“As always, the Worcester Police Department is looking to enhance training and follow best practices throughout Massachusetts and the country,” said Interim Police Chief Paul Saucier. “Having worked with Kevin Lovaincy on this project, I am grateful that we will be able to add this training to the academy’s rigorous curriculum.”

The DEI curriculum was approved by the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee, which oversees training standards of municipal police officers. The Academy training program is led by Worcester Police officers and officials who are experts in the field and certified academy instructors, and Lovaincy is facilitating the new DEI sessions. Following the completion of the Academy, graduate officers will continue to receive DEI-informed trainings as well as follow-up resources and support.

“This new curriculum is a great partnership and effort between the Worcester Police Department and Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “It is one of several initiatives we are undertaking to ensure that the police department continues to equitably serve its residents and that the department is constantly adapting as community needs change. I commend both departments for their collaborative work and I look forward to seeing the results.”

City Manager Batista previously charged the EODEI and WPD to develop a comprehensive set of initiatives designed to address both the findings of the previously conducted WPD racial equity audit and the Department of Justice report. The DEI curriculum follows the previously announced hotline to report alleged misconduct. In addition, the Chief Equity Officer is now a member of the WPD Policy Review Board to provide a DEI perspective when reviewing policy and potential updates to ensure they align with equity and inclusion goals.

“These are just a few of the action steps we have already put in place, with additional measures in development,” said Lovaincy. “We will continue to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, and residents to foster a culture of trust and collaboration. We recognize that building trust takes time, and we validate people’s lived experience, and we are fully committed to this process.”

The class of 19 student officers is expected to graduate at the end of June.

01/17/2025

A new Planet Fitness is coming to Worcester. The new location will open at 90 Front St. this summer, next to the former CVS that closed in 2023.

The gym, known for its low monthly rates, will open a third location in Worcester.

01/16/2025

Brian C. is an avid watcher of our 'Hidden Treasures' show, hosted by WCCA's long-standing host Bill Safer. Thank you for watching and supporting our local programming, Brian!

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