This Month at WCCA TV, The People’s Channel

Hello friends! We hope everyone is having a nice summer while staying safe and healthy! As Massachusetts is about to enter Phase 3 of reopening, WCCA TV continues to prioritize COVID-19 Safety Protocols through its daily operations. Studio procedures have been modified to accommodate a safe, clean, and near-touchless production process. Space in our studio is limited to a total of four people, including camera operators. Staff and volunteer users are required to clean and disinfect all work areas thoroughly before and after each use. Our edit rooms are single-use only and they must be scheduled in advance. People editing are required to wear a mask and gloves. No food is allowed in the studio or edit suites. Staff and community volunteers & guests will wear face mask at all times, where physical distancing is not possible. All staff and WCCA TV members are required to maintain social distancing at all times.

To reserve your time, call 508-755-1880, or contact your WCCA TV production facilitator to schedule production and/or editing. We ask for your patience and understanding during these challenging time as we are working very diligently to be accommodating to both your needs and safety. We appreciate your kindness and support!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook or Twitter. On Instagram, we are wccatv13.

WCCA TV Special Presentations

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Sal Arcuri and Eli Velez from Arcuri Moda Salon in Worcester to talk about the reopening of barbershops and salons in the Commonwealth.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Magdelene Barjolo, one of the organizers of the Solidarity Protest at Worcester Common. Magdelene informs us that the purpose of these peaceful protests is to call attention to racial injustices being committed against our black communities and to inspire systemic change.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Brian Sora, Director of Operations with DiLeo Gas in Worcester, to discuss their program of giving away gift cards to clients of the Worcester Community Action Council.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Fred Taylor from Worcester Branch NAACP (Carpenters Union) to talk about recent Solidarity Protests in Worcester. Fred wants to tell people that despite their frustration, violence is not the answer.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features WCCA TV’s Executive Director, Mauro DePasquale, who explains WCCA’s reopening protocol and welcomes back our members and producers.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Jason & Linda Grimshaw, both teachers at Leicester Public Schools. They discuss the challenges of teaching separate classes remotely in their house, as well as having their children learning remotely at home.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Dennis Lipka & Anna Kosterski from Worcester Regional Transit Authority. They talk about the impact of COVID-19 on public transportation, what has WRTA done during these challenging times, and where to go from here.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Vincent Pedone to discuss his work as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents and as Chairman of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority. Viewers will gain insight on how Massachusetts State Colleges and Universities are preparing to repopulate their student body. Vincent also discusses the impact of COVID-19 upon WRA and the many projects that are ongoing, including the Worcester Red Sox Stadium

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Mark Gallant, owner of The Dogfather food trucks and WooTrucks. Mark addresses the dramatic impact of the pandemic on the food truck business, particularly at a time when many outdoor festivals and concerts have been cancelled.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Peter Dunn, the Chief Development Officer for the City of Worcester, to talk about upcoming developments and events in Worcester.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Michael Onett from Faith and Family Supportive Care & Hospice to talk about the COVID-19 rules related to hospice, the three pillars of hospice structure, and what should a patient or family ask before choosing a hospice.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features two members of the African Community Education – Kaska Yawo, the Executive Director & Co-Founder, and Tim O’Neil, the Marketing & Fundraising Manager. They talk about the ACE organization and programming, how they have adjusted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how people can help support their efforts.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Troy Siebels, President & CEO of The Hanover Theatre in Worcester. Troy talks about the ramifications of having to cancel a significant portion of their season due to COVID-19, plans on moving forward, and how will the experience at the theatre be different than before the pandemic.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Gary Benacquista, Director of Operations at Grid Hospitality Group, owner of Worcester Beer Garden & Pavilion. Gary will discuss the reopening of outdoor dining, the new Beer Garden menu, how dining out is going to change, their plans to keep their guests & staff safe, and what dining and live music may look like in the future.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features WCCA TV’s Development Officer, Michael Coogan. Mike talks to WCCA’s Executive Director, Mauro DePasquale, about The Jazz Fest which has been postponed to 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic, the reopening of the station, and information on how to access WCCA TV.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Sulma Rubert-Silva, Interim Director at Worcester Public Library, to talk about the reopening of the library; the curbside pickup service now available for borrowers; summer reading; renovation project, and additional library information.

This edition of ‘Daily Breaking’ features Kathy Gagne, Executive Director at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. She talks about the interruption of the presentations at the hall as a result of COVID-19, as well as the impact of damage from a severe storm this past spring. Kathy also talks about future plans for Mechanics Hall.

WCCA TV Program Notes

• Tune in to a new episode of Racism, We Can Live Without It – a WCCA TV Special Presentation produced by Barbara Roberts. This is a candid and ongoing series of discussions, with a focus on a caring search for non-violent solutions to unjust problems such as racism that is hurting us all. This episode features Barbara Roberts – Mathematician and Peace Activist, Bil Gardiner – Photographer and Community Activist, Scott Shaeffer Duffy – Catholic Worker in Worcester and Peace Activist, and Mauro DePasquale – WCCA TV’s Executive Director. Exclusively on WCCA TV 194 in Worcester, also streaming live worldwide at www.wccatv.com
• It’s City-Budget time in Worcester! This is the topic of discussion in a new episode of Rosen’s Round Table hosted by City Councilor Gary Rosen. In another episode, Gary and his panel members talk about the challenges that landlords are facing due to the ongoing pandemic.
• Tune in to all new episodes of Soapbox in July. Host of the program and WCCA TV’s Executive Director, Mauro DePasquale, interviews Tina Grosowsky, Project Coordinator at the Central Mass Tobacco-Free Community Partnership; Deb Tully and Michelle Scavone from Wholly Cannoli in Worcester; and Jackie Ngo and George Robert from the Worcester Voter Registration Initiative, who talk about the mission of WVRI and the various outreach programs they’ve developed to inspire/encourage people to vote. There is something for everyone on WCCA TV194, The People’s Channel!
• Healthy Living is a WCCA TV show that features interviews with medical doctors and allied health individuals regarding important health-related issues. Host of the program, doctor Donald Pelto, chats with podiatrist Dr. Chris Bromley. The topic of discussion is toenails and lasers. In another episode, Dr. Pelto’s talks to Dr. Joseph Saka about practice management tips.
• Welcome to a new episode of Hidden Treasures! Host of the show, Bill Safer, helps you learn how to find that hidden antique or collectible that just may add cash to your life. Bill welcomes to the show Rock & Gem Collector, Larry Bull. Larry has brought some of the rocks, minerals and gems he’s found in New England.
• WCCA TV’s BANDEdge returns for a new season! This is local music show shot live, spotlighting Worcester area bands, solo singers/songwriters, and instrumentalists. This episode features Pope, Marcus + Co. ‘BANDEdge’ is a great venue to be seen and heard. All genres are welcome. To be featured on the show, contact Mauro DePasquale at mauro@wccatv.com or call 508-755-1880 ext 111.
• What It’s Worth is a WCCA TV program definitely worth watching! Host of the program, Tommy Colletta, chats with WCCA TV’s Executive Director & Professional Musician, Mauro DePasquale, about the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had upon musicians.
• Perspectives, with Asima Silva and Hank Stolz, features local and national guests sharing their perspectives on politics, current events, religion, and more. Asima’s guest is Imam Abdul-Latif Sackor, who talks about his journey to Islam.
• Activate Worcester, hosted by Ron Motta, is a WCCA TV program that shows viewers how to participate and become active in Worcester. Ron’s guest is Frank Rocco, the station Engineer at WCCA TV, to talk about his job and upcoming TV Production classes.
• Human Touch, hosted by Augustine Kanjia, is a program that spotlights refugees and help viewers learn about their struggles, stories, challenges and triumphs in order to bring about understanding and change. Augustine’s guest is Hillary Ochieng’ Ang’ila to talk about his journey as an immigrant in the US. Augustine also talks about some of the conspiracy theories linked to COVID-19.
• Sound Check, with Stefano Trafecante, is a documentary-style music program featuring local artists and musicians in the Worcester area. Local Mix 13 is an arrangement of local talent and images.
• WCCA TV’s independent, eclectic music-video show, Video Jam, with host Tracy Foley, will feature new music from from Laura Bryna, Ksenia & Stevie Mackey, Carmine Appice, Gavin Haley, Lovers & Poets, The Bobbleheads, and Hooked Like Helen. Tune in on Fridays at 9 PM and Saturdays at 7 PM to WCCA TV194 in Worcester, also streaming live worldwide at www.wccatv.com. Keep on jammin’!!
• Tune in to a new episode of Senior Speak. WCCA TV is making sure the show goes on and local seniors stay connected and informed during these challenging times. This episode features Senior Center member Edith Morgan. ‘Senior Speak’ airs on WCCA TV, Cable Channel 194 in Worcester, on Tuesdays at 12:30 PM and Wednesdays at 12 PM.

About WCCA TV

Worcester Community Cable Access is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation administering public access cable television for Worcester, Massachusetts. Our mission is:

• To advance democratic ideals by ensuring the people have access to electronic media
• To provide a platform for first amendment rights and for artistic and cultural expression
• To promote co-operative relations with those who serve the public interest
• To promote communication through community use of media

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WCCA TV, Channeling Worcester Community Since 1986!