MATTNOYES.NET - OUT AND ABOUT

2009 "Celebrate the Gift of Life" Blood Drive is a success

In a collaborative effort between NECN, the American Red Cross, and YOU, we've raised over 2,100 units of blood in our 2009 "Celebrate the Gift of Life" blood drive.  With 35 locations spread across New England, the generosity of our donors improved the quality of - or outright saved - lives for so many patients in need.  The following is one clip from the day's coverage - for the video gallery from the blood drive, click here.

Sesame Street stars Elmo and Cookie Monster join me for weather as Sesame Street Live visits New England!

It was a childhood dream come true - just about two and a half decades later than when the dream occupied my mind - hangin' with Elmo and Cookie Monster!  With Sesame Street Live in New England this weekend, Elmo and Cookie had time to spare, and were wonderful to stop by our NECN studios!  After performing a dance for our news anchor, Karen Swensen, both Sesame Street stars made their way over to my "Weather Wall," where I stand in front of my weather maps.  Believe it or not, Elmo had done the weather before!  So, it was time to get creative, and I asked them to both break out their ski moves in anticipation of a big ski weekend.  Enjoy the video here, and if you'd like to find out more about Sesame Street Live - with performances in Lowell, MA, Kingston, RI, and Burlington, VT, you can click here to visit their website!

January 15, 2009 - Heath Brook School, Tewksbury, MA

My second annual visit to the first grade at the Heath Brook School was wonderful, and I love the travel mug you gave me, too!

Chef Ceci Carmichael teaches Latoyia and me a thing or two about clementines...from Spain!

Chef Ceci Carmichael was in the NECN studios for Morning Report at 9, 10 and 11 AM on Friday morning, and after my weather segment, I couldn't help but stroll over to see what she and Latoyia Edwards were cookin' up!  Ceci showed a ton of possibilities using fresh clementines from Spain - her favorite, freshest clementine to enjoy!  My job was zesting the clementines for the dressing, and the salad we put together was fantastic!  Ceci is going to give a free kids cooking class Saturday, January 17, from 10:30 AM until noon at the Museum of Science in Boston.  Space is limited, so if you want to be there, be sure to RSVP by sending your request to MBaile@Weber-Shandwick.com, including the names and ages of those attending.

And for fresh clementines, Ceci says check out clementinesfromspain.com!