WGBY Teen Program Returns for 4th Season

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SPRINGFIELD - The locally produced "Making It Here: TeenStyle" begin its fourth season Monday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m.

One of WGBY's most popular programs, it tells the stories of hard-working and creative teens from across western New England.

"The teens featured this season are all just getting into the work force, and they each offer a unique story about their experience with this process," said producer Meagan Murphy Forget.

Returning as hosts are Shelby Leshine, 17 of Longmeadow and Donnelle Tennyson, 19 of Springfield.

Among the enterprising teens profiled this season include Web designer Brendan Ciecko of South Hadley, who has created sites for the likes of Mick Jagger and Natalie Cole, and Valerie Jursek of Greenfield, who is an electrical lineman interning with Western Mass Electric Co.

Don "Toot" Cahoon, head coach of the nationally ranked University of Massachusetts hockey team, and chef Ana Jaramillo, a culinary instructor for Dean Technical High School, will be among the weekly professionals who talk about their experiences in getting started on a career path in the show's "Business 411" segment.


The popular "Backstage Pass" segment returns to "TeenStyle" with performances ranging from reggae to jazz by area teens with aspirations of careers in music. All of the performances from this season will be available for online streaming and many songs will be available for download.

Introduced in May 2005 to WGBY's lineup of local programming, "Making It Here: TeenStyle," shot entirely in high-definition, is designed to reach into the energetic youthful communities of western New England and profile enterprising teenagers and the work they do every day.

"TeenStyle has become one of WGBY's most successful local series. And it's not just teens watching the show; we hear from plenty of adults across the region who are impressed by what they see in the local teens we profile: a motivation and entrepreneurship that's rarely covered in the media," said executive producer Lynn Page.
 
WGBY continues to seek suggestions for teens to be featured; names of potential candidates may be submitted by clicking here.

WGBY is a community-supported public broadcasting organization.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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