WCCA TV 194 "The People's Channel"

06/12/2026

Host of The Chandler Chat, former state senator Harriette Chandler, speaks with Megan Gauthier, Director of Admissions at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester, about dealing with Medicare and the US healthcare system more broadly. They address the rising costs of healthcare and the confusing array of plans, programs and networks that must be navigated in order to receive affordable care. They also speak on the services available at the Jewish Healthcare Center: https://www.wccatv.com/video/beacon-hill-chat/chandler-chat-495

If you have questions about Medicare or would like assistance planning for senior care, please call the Jewish Healthcare Center at: 508-798-8653 or visit online at: jhcCenter.org

The Chandler Chat airs exclusively on WCCA TV, Channel 194 in Worcester, and streams live at wccatv.com. WCCA TV is a nonprofit public access community media center. Donations are always appreciated and can be made at wccatv.com/donate. Thank you for your support!

06/12/2026

Wonder, a fast-growing food hall chain, is being built on the site of a closed Boston Market in Worcester.

The restaurant will be located at 14 Park Ave. Construction of Wonder is estimated to be completed in August, according to Daniel Brennan, who spoke on behalf of the restaurant in front of the Worcester License Commission on Thursday, June 11.

This restaurant allows customers to order from more than a dozen restaurants featuring different cuisines.

06/12/2026

On this second episode of a two-part series, host of Close to Home, Maureen Schwab, interviews Geoffrey Killebrew, Founder & President of FAM Jam Event Group Inc, 501c3 -- a local nonprofit rooted in the rich legacy of community empowerment. They discuss the 'The Worcester Renaissance Project' that aspires to build a creative, equitable future for Worcester through arts, entrepreneurship, and youth development: https://www.wccatv.com/video/close-to-home/close-to-home-603

For more info, please visit: FamJamEventGroup.org

'Close to Home' airs exclusively on WCCA TV, Channel 194 in Worcester, and streams live at wccatv.com. WCCA TV is a nonprofit public access community media center. Donations are always appreciated and can be made at wccatv.com/donate. Thank you for your support!

06/12/2026

The city recently unveiled "Gordon Hargrove Way" on Thorne Street near Friendly House, MA, honoring the longtime former executive director Gordon Hargrove, who helped expand the Worcester nonprofit’s work in social services, youth programming, food access, and emergency shelter.

The street designation covers Thorne Street from Wall Street to Plantation Street.

06/12/2026

'Connecting the Dots' is a non-traditional legal program hosted by attorney Liz Myska. In this episode, Liz is joined by Julia Karpicz, a higher-education scholar practitioner who helps students with disabilities acquire the access they need to pursue higher education: https://www.wccatv.com/video/connecting-the-dots/connectingthedots-165

'Connecting the Dots' airs exclusively on WCCA TV, Channel 194 in Worcester, and streams live at wccatv.com. WCCA TV is a nonprofit public access community media center. Donations are always appreciated and can be made at wccatv.com/donate. Thank you for your support!

06/12/2026

The Worcester License Commission voted unanimously on Thursday, June 11, to temporarily extend last call at city bars and restaurants to 3 a.m. throughout July 31 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Four public watch parties to be held on the Common

06/11/2026

From the Worcester Va**ng Task Force: Important To***co/Va**ng Policy Hearing -- The Dangers of Va**ng Among Youth in Our Community

Important Va**ng and To***co Policy Hearing on 6/15, 6:30pm at 25 Meade Street.

Written Comment must be submitted by Friday 6/12.

Please Come to Share Your Input!!

The proposed regulations include policies that support public health goals, such as capping the number of Smoke Shops. However, some policies, including the three-year grandfather exemption and changes to Smoking Bar density restrictions, would loosen certain existing density requirements. This could result in MORE to***co & v**e retailers in our city.

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From the City of Worcester

Board of Health

Notice of Proposed Regulation and

Opportunity for Public Comment



The Worcester Board of Health proposes to adopt a regulation under the authority of Massachusetts General Law c. 111, § 31. The proposed Regulation relative to Worcester Board of Health To***co Regulations includes the following provisions:

· To***co retailers must comply with applicable local and state signage requirements.

· Flavored to***co products may only be sold and used in Smoking Bars.

· To***co retailers to electronically acknowledge that they understand the regulations and are responsible for informing and training employees and required to furnish documentation upon request of Board of Health.

· Exemption to the 500-foot retail-to-retail buffer for locations that held a Retail To***co Product Sales Permit within the prior three years as of the effective date.

· Updated density restrictions allowing Retailer to operate within 500 feet of a Smoking Bar and allow Smoking Bars to operate within 500 feet of one another.

· Standardized suspension periods and fines.

The Board of Health will accept public comment on the Regulations during a public hearing to be held at the Worcester Division of Public Health, 2 Meade Street, Conference Room 109, Worcester, MA on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6:30PM. The meeting will also be available virtually. Written Comment Accepted Until 6/12.

Va**ng is Not Harmless

Va**ng is the act of inhaling an aerosol produced by a battery-operated device. This aerosol is created by heating a liquid that may contain ni****ne, flavorings, and other chemicals, including ma*****na and CBD. Heating increases their strength and addictiveness, increasing the potential damage to the brain and lungs, especially for young people.



Did you Know

High Rates of Use: According to the Massachusetts Youth Health Survey, over 30% of high schoolers have tried e-ci******es.

The "One Pod" Equivalent: Products like JUUL contain high ni****ne concentrations. Va**ng a single JUUL pod is equivalent in ni****ne consumption to inhaling 200 puffs or an entire pack of traditional combustible ci******es.

Impact on Health: The CDC and Surgeon General state that e-cigarette use among young people is unsafe. It can damage brain development, cause respiratory illnesses, and directly affect oral health (e.g., gum disease, tooth decay).

Youth are being targeted by companies on purpose - This is not your fault, but we all need to act. (makesmokinghistory.org)



Youth are turning to v**es to cope with stress and for emotional support (TruthInitiative.org)



This primes the brain for other addictions and substances (NIH)



They are marketed at lower prices to encourage impulse buys by young people. (makesmokinghistory.org)



There are many under-the-counter sales to minors. Although flavors are illegal (since 2020) they are still being sold.



The majority (90%) of smokers begin smoking before the age of 25, and over 5 million youth and young adults (ages 25 and under) smoke. (Center for Behavioral Health and Quality)



Worcester has more smoking bars than any city/town in MA and a high density of smoke shops! (Worcester Telegram July 2025) This creates a culture in our community that va**ng is acceptable.



V**es and V**e products are available in smoke shops, convenience stores, in gas stations and from peers.

RESOURCES TO GET HELP:

Quit Now Hotline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW

(1-800-784-8669)

Mass.Gov:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/get-the-facts-about-va**ng

My Life My Quit Program:

A FREE program that provides tailored, confidential support for youth 12–17 years old.

Text "Start My Quit" to 36072, call 1-855-891-9989, or visit mylifemyquit.com to take the first step.

Catch My Breath:

Educational and Professional development tools for educators, providers, etc. -- Catch.org

06/11/2026

TONIGHT!! Movies on the Common kick off with “Wicked: For Good.”

Head down to Worcester Common Oval for a FREE outdoor movie night under the stars! Pre-movie entertainment starts at 6 pm. Movie starts at 7 pm.

Bring your own blankets and chairs or use seating available on the Common. The first 100 attendees will receive FREE popcorn from Minuteman Kettle Corn, and the first 50 attendees will also receive a free food/drink voucher to use at one of the on-site food vendors. Don't miss it!

*WCCA TV is proud to serve as a Supporting Media Partner for the Out to Lunch Festival & Farmers' Market and the Movies on the Common series*

One more sleep until the first Movie on the Common of the summer. ✨ Join us for a FREE outdoor movie night on Thursday, June 11, and see *Wicked: For Good.*

⬇️ D E T A I L S ⬇️

⏰ Pre-movie entertainment starts at 6 pm. Movie starts at 7 pm.

🪑 Come early! Space is limited. Bring your own blankets and chairs or use seating available on the Common.

🍿 The first 100 attendees will receive FREE popcorn from Minuteman Kettle Corn, and the first 50 attendees will also receive a free food/drink voucher to use at one of our on-site food vendors!

🌮 Refreshments can also be purchased on-site, at one of many Downtown restaurants just steps away from the Common, or you’re welcome to bring your own.

🎬 All movies will be shown on the Worcester Common Oval.

🎞 Movies will be shown with English closed captioning for those who are deaf and hard of hearing.

📽 At this movie night, there will also be English descriptive video service from Eye Audio Radio available for those who are blind or have low vision.

🎥 Find out more at: moviesonthecommon.com

📸: Jullian Valadares

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Thanks to the 2026 sponsors & partners who’ve made this year’s Movies on the Common possible! 🍿

Presenting Sponsors: City of Worcester, Massachusetts & Downtown Worcester BID

Downtown Booster: Quinsigamond Community College

Premier Media Partners: 98.9 NASH ICON Worcester, 100 FM The Pike, 104.5 XLO, WCUW 91.3

Supporting Media Partners: Manny Jae Media, WCCA TV 194 "The People's Channel", 90.5 WICN, Worcester Central Kids Calendar

06/11/2026

'Coffee with Konnie' is a WCCA TV program featuring engaging conversations with successful local entrepreneurs, media personalities, and community advocates, hosted by former Worcester Mayor Konnie Lukes.

In this episode, Konnie sits down with Steve D'Agostino to talk about his decades-long career in journalism and news media, involving both print and radio in the Worcester area. They discuss the evolving media landscape at both the local and national levels, and examine how the internet and the rise of artificial intelligence have contributed to growing concerns about credibility and public trust in the news. They also guide viewers how to distinguish fact from fiction by verifying information through multiple sources and recognizing signs of bias in news coverage. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking discussion!

'Coffee with Konnie' airs exclusively on WCCA TV, Channel 194 in Worcester, and streams live at wccatv.com. WCCA TV is a nonprofit public access community media center. Donations are always appreciated and can be made at wccatv.com/donate. Thank you for your support!

06/11/2026

Community News: Worcester County Bar Association (WCBA) Elects Attorney Padraic Rafferty as its President-Elect



(Worcester, MA) - The Worcester County Bar Association's Annual Meeting was held on June 9, 2026, at the Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston and was attended by almost 190 members. Attorney Padraic Rafferty was elected president-elect of the association. Attorney Rafferty will serve as President-Elect from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, at which time his term begins as President of the 900-member association.

Attorney Rafferty currently serves as the Clerk-Magistrate of the Uxbridge District Court. Prior to his appointment, he was an Assistant Clerk-Magistrate in the Worcester District Court, serving under Clerk Magistrate Brian D'Andrea for several years. Additionally, for several years he worked as a prosecutor for District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. and as a litigation attorney at the law firm of Eden Rafferty. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Wentworth Institute of Technology and both a Master of Laws and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School.

At the meeting, Attorney John Shea was re-elected to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the organization. Attorney Shea is a partner at the Mirick law firm.

Elected to serve two-year terms on the WCBA Executive Committee which starts on September 1st were attorneys:

• James Bradbury

• Richard Farrell

• Fernando Figueroa

• Kevin Powers

• Kristine Romano

• Philip Wojtanowski

• Rubby Wuabu



Current WCBA President Maura Tansley (a partner at the Tansley | Halloran law firm) presented the Honorable Timothy S. Hillman Judicial Excellence Award to Hon. William Ritter, an associate justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court. This prestigious award honors a federal or state court judge who demonstrates the outstanding qualities of judicial excellence, including integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, professional ethics, creativity, sound judgment, intellectual courage, and decisiveness.

In addition, she presented the President's Awards to attorneys Greg Benoit, Victoria Carbone, Michael Hussey, and Jorge Villali and to paralegal Brianna Brothers. These awards are presented in honor of the individual's dedication to the legal profession and for their service to the Worcester County Bar Association.

Also, three WCBA members were recognized with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of their fifty years admitted to the practice of law, their dedicated service to the legal profession, and active involvement in the WCBA. Recipients included recently deceased attorney Neil S. Davis, retired judge Jan Heinrich, and attorney Bruce Ledoux.

Attorney Tansley finishes her term as President on August 31, 2026, at which time Attorney Kanchana Fernando will begin her term as President. Attorney Fernando currently serves as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Worcester County Juvenile Court, a role she has had for approximately 3½ years. Prior to that, she worked for approximately 12 years as an Assistant District Attorney for the Office of District Attorney Joseph D. Early. She earned her bachelor's degree from Northeastern and her law degree from Suffolk University School of Law.



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About the Worcester County Bar Association

The Worcester County Bar Association is dedicated to promoting the administration of justice, upholding the rule of law, and advancing the professional development of its members. Through community outreach, legal education, and service, WCBA fosters access to justice and strengthens the legal community. Learn more at www.worcestercountybar.org.