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.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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