Brad Shepard Today
The Writers' Group with Bernadette Duncan
At Large with G. Michael Dobbs
Expert Neighbor with Matthew B. Harrison

The Latest

Radio Show #231 – Paul Federici Explains the New Tax Laws

When the new tax laws were enacted, the government decided to change the tax tables that employees withholdings are based on to reflect the new tax rates. Many people received more in their net pay due to the fact that their federal tax withholdings were reduced.

Confusing?  Tax preparer and accountant Paul Federici, at Paul L. Federici and Associates, puts all this in perspective – what has happened and how it affects you and your tax preparation this season.

You will also hear some useful tips and advice!

Web: bsrcpa.com

Radio Show #230 – Doug Sousa and the OSEG Springfield Sportsmen’s Show!

This weekend, the great outdoors moves indoors at the Big E!

It’s time for the OSEG Springfield Sportsmen’s Show!

The latest gear, along with demonstrations and seminars, are all at the Better Living Center!

The man behind the organization of this huge undertaking is writer, promoter, columnist, and vice president of the Outdoor Sports Expo Group, Doug Sousa!

In this special program Doug provides a look behind the scenes at this top outdoor sports expo!

Hunting, fishing, boating, and more – for the avid sportsman or simply the spectator!

Email: doug@osegshows.com  •  Web: www.osegsportsmens.com

Radio Show #229 – Special Report on Scams with Chicopee Police Officer Michael Wilk

You’ve all heard about the Publisher’s Clearing House scam, already successful in bilking seniors out of large sums of money.

The phone is the primary port of access for this con game, but lately it has taken an even more ugly turn.

This is presented in full detail by Public Information Officer Michael Wilk.

Officer Wilk also touches on additional scams that are presently active in Western Mass.

We believe that knowledge is power, and in this case, protection.

Please listen in – and inform others of this program!

Radio Show #228 – Jordan Goodman,
“America’s Money Answers Man”

In this visit with “America’s Money Answers Man,” Jordan examines the current state of student loans, some alternatives to literally no-interest-bearing savings accounts, a car-buying service that could save Western Mass. car buyers thousands of dollars on a new vehicle, and a program to help those in fields such as medicine, law enforcement, the military and other service fields save money buying or selling a home called “Heroes Come First.”

It’s all here with Jordan Goodman, heard exclusively in Western Mass. here on Pioneer Valley Radio!

Radio Show #227 – Korey DeGray Bruno Has Some Exciting News!

Korey DeGray Bruno, in addition to her long-standing duties as the Choral Director at Westfield High School and the Music Director at Holy Trinity Church of Westfield… is “getting the band back together!”

The much loved music legacy from Western Mass., The Knightsmen Band, is ending its hiatus and making a long- anticipated comeback!

Formerly known as Corey and the Knightsmen in honor of its founder and lead singer Corey DeGray, the band is very much a family affair.

And a generational one at that.

Continuing her late dad’s tradition as lead vocalist,with musician and husband , Tony Bruno, and now a third generation, they are performing again!

Korey shares her story – the joy, the challenges, the perseverance through family calamity, and most of all the music!

Welcome back to The Knightsmen!

Radio Show #226 – Kelly Shaw and the
Cocoa Exchange!

Kelly Shaw works the third shift at Western New England University, and still makes time for her entrepreneurial efforts with The Cocoa Exchange!

This may sound like a lot, but it really isn’t if you love chocolate!

Kelly enjoys theatrical efforts in the region as well.

Care for a chocolate martini served in your home?

Nothing is impossible – as you’ll find out in this program.

Email: suprfrkhed@aol.com • Web: www.mytcesite.com/kellyshaw

Radio Show #225 – Tom Kielbania Jr… From Chicopee to Hollywood, He Kept the Sound of the 80s Alive!

Some may know him as the man behind the Chicopee Kielbasa Festival, but Tom Kielbania Jr., along with his band mates, kept the sounds of the music of the 1980s pumping throughout Western Mass. and Northern New England with the 80s tribute band, Orange Crush.

Today, retired from that scene, Tom leads a quieter life, spending his time taking care of his many children.

In this program, Tom looks back fondly over the years when his music career took him from Chicopee to Hollywood, supplying music for many different projects and presentations!

Radio Show #224 – Rob Brogle and the Connecticut Trolley Museum

Rob Brogle’s career as Technical Director of Sales at Collins Pipe and Supply Company does not keep him from his avocation as the president of the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor, CT.

The Connecticut Trolley Museum has over 70 pieces of rail equipment dating back to 1869.

When you visit, you can see historic passenger and freight trolley cars, interurban cars, elevated railway cars, passenger and freight railroad cars, service cars, locomotives, and a variety of other equipment from railways around Connecticut.

You will also find examples from Brooklyn, Boston, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Springfield, Lynchburg, Montreal, and even Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

The events and history of the trolleys from Springfield to Hartford come alive in this conversation with Rob.

Email: office@ceraweb.org  •  Web: www.ct-trolley.org

Radio Show #223 – Joe Stevens and the Story Behind the New 1105 Main

Western Mass. restaurateur Joe Stevens continues his fine dining adventures, transforming the venerable Hofbrauhaus into 1105 Main in
West Springfield!

This sparkling new restaurant represents a dynamic change from the previous venue –  and a new journey for Joe!

What’s the thinking behind this rebranding?
What’s it like to move through this kind of transition?
What’s the style, cuisine, and atmosphere of 1105 Main all about?

Listen in!

Email: contact@1105main.net   •  Web: www.1105main.net

Radio Show #222 – John Heaps, Jr.,
President and CEO of Florence Bank

John Heaps, Jr., President and CEO of Florence Bank, enjoys a long banking history in Western Mass.

He grew up in Springfield, and began his banking career at Valley Bank & Trust Co.

The latest branch of Florence Bank has attracted attention due to its innovation of “pod” style teller services, and even the amenities of a coffee bar!

In this conversation, John explains the Florence Bank concept of re-imagined brick and mortar banking, and what makes Florence Bank unique in the Valley.

Web: www.florencebank.com  •  Email: customerservice@florencebank.com

Radio Show #221 – Bryant Whitsett,
Box Paper Scissors in Feeding Hills

For Bryant Whitsett, his new business in Feeding Hills, Box Paper Scissors, is very much a family affair – two nieces and a nephew comprise the staff!

Agawam is happy to welcome this new store, which features an amazing variety of business needs in one location – mailing, shipping, mailboxes, tee shirts, key cutting, shredding, notary services, a conference room and much more!

In this program, Bryant outlines how they provide one-stop conveniences to businesses as well as individuals at Box Paper Scissors, 1325 Springfield St  9, in Feeding Hills.

Email: bknuck@comcast.net

Web: www.boxpaperscissors.com

 

Radio Show #220 – Robert L. Howarth of Hampden, Massachusetts

Bob Howarth, retired State Representative, criminal defense attorney, and Circuit Court Judge, reflects on his storied career of service to Western Mass.

The six-term former State Rep. shares some great anecdotes of his years “on the bench,” as well as his feelings about the law and the changes in the culture of today.

Radio Show #219 – Jordan Goodman,
“America’s Money Answers Man”

The holidays are over, and here come the staggering credit card bills!
Western Mass. winter energy costs.
Interest rates, loans and mortgage rates going forward.
The cost of the government shutdown in the Pioneer Valley.
The “Heroes Come First” program for our veterans.

It’s all in this program, with “America’s Money Answers Man,” Jordan Goodman.

Radio Show #218 – Dr. Lori Paige,
Professor and English Department Chair
at American International College

Dr. Lori Paige is the chair of the English Department at American International College in Springfield and teaches classes in British and vampire literature.   Her new book, The Gothic Romance Wave:  A Critical History of the Mass Market Novels, 1960-1993, (McFarland; September 2018), takes a close look at this popular genre’s place in the publishing industry.  You can find out more about the book at McFarlandbooks.com.

Radio Show #217 – The Music Man From
Feeding Hills, Richie Mitnick!

For more than thirty years, Richie Mitnick has been filling Western Mass. with music!

And the peak of this effort takes place every year during the holiday season, with a full-length concert featuring a variety of local vocalists!

In this program, the spotlight also picks up Kathie Mitnick, distinguishing the two as the music-making couple very well-known to our region.

From a career in retail musical instrument sales, to dances, concerts, and music for all occasions, Richie covers the four corners of the Commonwealth.

This year’s concert becomes the “the concert that almost wasn’t.”

Listen in!

Website: richiemitnickmusic.com

Western Mass.’ Pioneer Valley Radio Receives Worldwide Attention

Veteran broadcast consultant Holland Cooke (who hails originally from Springfield, MA) acknowledges the growing importance and prestige of the new digital “radio” platform, Pioneer Valley Radio.

In this highly informative conversation on RT America, Cooke notes the continued challenges print media faces, while simultaneously noting the rise of the online hyper-local media innovation, as exemplified by Pioneer Valley Radio!

Watch the video here!

Radio Show #216 – Western Mass.
Actress/Director Cate Damon Invites You to
“Home For The Holidays” at the Majestic Theater!

Cate Damon remembers very well the classic holiday TV specials hosted by no less than Bing and Andy and many others…

Set in the star’s living room, other performers and guest stars would “drop in” for a quick greeting and a holiday song.

Well, the Majestic Theater in West Springfield’s highly-anticipated holiday special pays loving tribute to those great shows – live for you on stage!

It’s opening night for “Home for The Holidays 2018”!

And in this  program, Brad Shepard’s special guest is the director of this yuletide celebration!

Cate Damon gives us an inside view of how this show comes together, and what makes it such a treat year after year  for its audiences.

 www.majestictheater.com

Radio Show #215 – Jordan Goodman,
“America’s Money Answers Man”

Seasons greetings from “America’s Money Answers Man!”
In Jordan’s last program of the year, he notes the current dismal economic news from Wall Street – shrinking profits and a decline in small business optimism – but also the record-breaking, history-making personal spending for the holiday season. How is this reconciled?
Listen to his analysis!

Radio Show #214 – The Western Massachusetts Holiday Season

What a difference a year makes!

In this holiday feature program, Brad Shepard and special guest Michael Harrison examine the changes in the season, from last year to this.

Gift giving, the malls, online shopping, stress levels, the casino, and legalized recreational marijuana are all under discussion.

Where does it go from here?

Radio Show #213 – Ashley Tresoline and
Bella Foodie!

Springfield’s Ashley Tresoline, after being diagnosed with a serious illness, decided to find a new path toward healthy eating without compromising the enjoyment of traditional Italian dishes.

The result is her business – Bella Foodie!

It’s a celebration of good health and fine dining!

Classes, parties, special events, and a monthly menu created for pick-up or delivery for Western Mass. families on the go are all a part of the Bella Foodie experience!

You can hear about this and more, including Ashley’s very personal story, in this program with Brad Shepard.

Email: ashley@bellafoodie.net  •  Web: www.bellafoodie.net