Part of our “new normal” is working from home, or “working remotely,” as we are presently mandated.
This means the levels of our normal business computer security may be compromised.
Here is tech expert Dave Raiche, of Raiche Consultants Inc., with a checklist of what you can do to keep your home computers protected and your business’ cyber security at an optimum level.
Web: www.raicheconsultants.com • Email: bob@RaicheConsultants.com
“To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.”
This is the mission statement of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield.
The organization is experiencing an impact from COVID-19, and in this special program, Chief Advancement Officer Bo Sullivan discusses the club’s efforts to keep vital community services intact and ongoing.
Web: www.bgcwestfield.org • Email: www.bgcwestfield.org/contact-us
Deb Schultz has been operating Munchy’s Malt Shop in Westfield for just about a year, and certainly never bargained on the present circumstances as anything she needed to be prepared for!
In this program you can learn a bit more about the business, and what Deb is doing to survive.
Perhaps – if you have a hankering for a float, a malt or some ice cream – you might be able to help!
Email: munchys@customized–solutions.com
Offering fine dining, two banquet rooms featuring live performers, and gatherings including bridal showers and birthday parties, Tucker’s in Southwick is faced with an emotionally draining cutback in staffing, as well as a loss of revenue, due to the COVID-19 shut down.
In this special program, manager, Karen Anderson lays out the current status of the restaurant, and the measures being taken to reassure their employees and their customers that the Tucker’s brand is alive and well.
Carryout and delivery service for certain menu items is ongoing, and you are urged to take advantage!
Email: tuckersrestaurant@comcast.net • Web: www.tuckersrestaurant.com
At DelfsHaven Designs in West Springfield, owner Brett Berchin is doing what he loves.
He is a craftsman whose creativity with wood has been praised from here to Boston and New York City.
But now, the COVID-19 pandemic and the related shut down of business life in Western Massachusetts, has Brett very concerned for his well-being and his company’s very survival.
In this conversation, you will hear how it has affected him, and what he is doing to cope.
Web: delfshavendesignsma.com • Email: contactus@delfshavendesignsma.com
Bill Collins of the Center Square Grill and fellow regional restaurateurs have created a vehicle to keep their operations afloat, their employees intact, and their customers satisfied.
“We’re All In This Together” is a gift card promotion to the benefit of all involved!
Learn how you can be a part of this plan!
Listen to the details in this program… and consider the opportunity to participate!
Chances are, one or more of your favorite places to dine is involved!
Web: www.centersquaregrill.com • Contact: Contact Us
For those feeling cooped up and extremely anxious, there is a way to cope and still not compromise social distancing.
Getting out of the house to walk the dog, ride a bike, take a drive, hike a trail are all possible and effective ways to reduce the stress of our present “new normal.”
Max Hartshorne has some tips on places to go that are truly hidden treasures in our region.
As a bonus, you will also hear some useful tips on reducing stress.
Web: gonomad.com • Email: editor@gonomad.com
How to talk with your children about what’s happening, how to cope with prolonged “cabin fever” at home, the destabilizing of a loss of routine and more… Kim Lee explores coping strategies for all of these conditions and more in this special program.
How much information is enough – and how much is “too much”?
Additionally, Kim Lee, Vice President of the Massachusetts Mental Health Association, presents ways for those in need to reach out for support.
Email: klee@mhainc.org • Web: mhainc.org
Here is a special report on the effects of coronavirus on Western Mass. live entertainment.
This program touches on many of the venues in the region – theatrical, musical, and otherwise – with information on schedule changes due to concerns about the possible spread of the illness.
Pioneer Valley ArtsBeat reporter Mark Auerbach talks with Brad Shepard and shares a rundown on postponed and /or cancelled shows at community theaters from Springfield as well as the professional stages of Hartford, Boston, and New York.
Holding tickets for a show? Not sure what to do? Listen in.
As coronavirus continues to affect all aspects of daily living in our region, its impact on medical professionals and the entire health industry has been well-documented.
Can it impact something as routine as a visit to the dentist?
The answer is yes!
Here in Western Mass., many may have questions and concerns about how dental professionals are coping with this new challenge.
In this special program, Cecile Calabrese from Agawam Dental Arts and the practice of Dr. Michael Calabrese responds to this question.
You’ll hear what steps have been taken to protect the health of patients and dental professionals alike, ensuring their mutual well-being.
Web: www.agawamdentalarts.com • Email: contactus@agawamdentalarts.com
Dawn Creighton, Woman of Influence 2016, and Professional Woman of the Year 2015, has added to her impressive resume the new Chief Workforce Development Officer at Greenfield Community College.
In this special program, Dawn outlines her new career stop that she clearly relishes, but moreover, the happy surprise of the vibrant community at the heart of Franklin County.
Dawn brings to life her discovery of the cultural center of Greenfield and Franklin County!
Web: www.gcc.mass.edu • Email: CreightonD@gcc.mass.edu
Contribution Clothing is a mission-driven online boutique with a focus on female empowerment and community support.
In this program, you can hear what Contribution Clothing is, and what brought its owner and CEO Kelly Partridge to the desire to create it!
In her own words,”Contribution Clothing is more than an online boutique. It is a way for me to take a very negative personal experience and turn it into something positive. It is a way for women to connect, and to feel confident. It is a growing community of badass women!”
Email: contributionclothing@gmail.com • Web: contributionclothing.com
Long-standing restaurants of all manner of cuisine in West Springfield are ending their days.
Debbie Wong, the Monte Carlo, and the White Hut have stood for decades, satisfying the tastes of West Side diners!
Only the White Hut has attracted the restaurant “cavalry” of Messrs. Yee and Picknelly, in another rescue operation.
The latest departure from the scene is 1105 Main, formerly the Hofbrauhaus.
After two eras of rebranding, owner Joe Stevens has opted to close down and sell off the real estate.
In this program, Joe relates the circumstances motivating his decision, provides some insight into why the dining scene is changing, and also what is next for himself!
Maestro Rhodes will fill Symphony Hall with romance and delight, performing classics of the Great White Way, this Saturday, February 22nd, at 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy Broadway love songs from composers including Irving Berlin, Lerner and Loewe, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim.
Selections include “I Could Have Danced All Night” (My Fair Lady), “If Ever I Should Leave You” (Camelot), “If I Loved You” (Carousel), “Agony” (Into the Woods), “Getting Married Today” (Company), “Song That Goes Like This” (Spamalot), “Somewhere That’s Green” (Little Shop of Horrors)… and many more!
SSO is asking for donations at this concert for the Dakin Humane Society.
To participate, please bring a donation on concert night and leave it in one of the donation bins at Symphony Hall.
Email: BoxOffice@springfieldsymphony.org or Info@springfieldsymphony.org
Website: www.springfieldsymphony.org
Doug Sousa, on behalf of the Outdoor Sportsmen’s Expo Group, joins us on Pioneer Valley Radio to talk about the 2020 edition of the Springfield Sportsmen’s Show!
This outstanding event takes place on February 21-23 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The show includes the best of hunting, fishing, boating and adventure recreation.
If it’s a part of the outdoor world, you’ll find it at the 37th Annual Springfield Sportsmen’s Show!
Web: www.osegsportsmens.com • Email: doug@osegshows.com
The Golden Age of Radio comes alive for the 15th year in a row at Mount Holyoke College!
The music, the performers, the commercials and all of the fun of this bygone form of entertainment is brought to you live and on stage!
Our special guest, MHC Music Director Mark Gionfriddo, is the creator of this show, and also appears on stage.
“The Big Broadcast!” is a re-creation of a live 1940’s radio variety show featuring the Jazz Ensembles (Big Band Jazz, Vocal Jazz, and Chamber Jazz) performing well-known tunes and hidden gems from the swing era and the Great American Songbook. For the last 15 years, the show has been emceed by Brian Lapis (WWLP-TV22 meteorologist) in the role of host “Fred Kelley,” while Gionfriddo appears as bandleader “Matt Morgan.”
For 42 years and three generations, Sorrento Pizza has kept West Springfield and Western Mass. well-fed with pizza and assorted delightful Italian cuisine!
Here, owner Patsy Albano proudly presents Sorrento’s new look and new bar!
It’s a family affair at Sorrento, with Patsy and wife Sheila.
You’ll also find out why Sorrento has become a “go to” spot for “West Side” professionals in all walks!
Web: www.sorrentopizzawestspringfield.com
Email: sorrentopizza413@comcast.net
John Heaps Jr., the longest continuously serving CEO in the 147-year history of Florence Bank, is stepping down in just a few months.
In a candid conversation with Brad Shepard, John discusses his storied career in Western Mass. banking.
John details the transition in stewardship for the institution and its future expansion.
Florence Bank’s unique relationship with its customers is just one source of pride for John Heaps.
Web: www.florencebank.com • Email: customerservice@florencebank.com
Many versions of the musical “Les Miserables” have been performed over the years – in many languages, permutations, and even in concert.
Did you know there is a “school edition” for youth performers?
It comes your way from the Unity Players of Springfield.
Here, the director of the production, Darcie Farber, gives us an inside view of this forthcoming production!
Think a school production of this musical might pose a reduction in some of its hard-hitting themes?
You might well be surprised!
Email: Darcie@UUSpringfield.org
Web: www.UUSpringfield.org/Community Theater: Unity House Players
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno supports the use of facial recognition technology in the Springfield Police Department.
Councilor Melvin Edwards and other members of the council do not believe that this is the time to move forward on its implementation.
A moratorium has been proposed by the council, and rejected by the Mayor.
Here, Councilor Edwards presents his position on the issue.
