Brad Shepard Today
The Writers' Group with Bernadette Duncan
At Large with G. Michael Dobbs
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The Latest

Radio Show #212 – Cambridge Credit
Counseling Corp.

Serving Western Massachusetts and the nation from its Agawam offices, Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is considered to be one of the top credit counseling services in the nation.

Utilizing its special arrangements with major credit card companies, Cambridge Credit can offer a comprehensive program to alleviate excessive credit card debt.

The financial services under their umbrella are wide ranging, and offer workable solutions to many situations challenging to today’s consumers.

In this special program, Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. president and CEO Christopher Viale presents an overview of options to resolve inordinate credit card debt, and additionally, a relatively new program to cope with the emergence of huge student loan debt.

The options possible include forgiveness, cancellation and discharge.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, Cambridge Credit Counseling Corporation is in a unique position to provide meaningful assistance you might not have thought available.

Email: info@cambridgecredit.org   •  Web: www.cambridge-credit.org

 

Radio Show #211 – Jordan Goodman,
“America’s Money Answers Man”

In Jordan’s November visit, he discusses the effect of the midterm elections on the major financial markets, home sales opportunities for veterans, the home heating season, predictions for holiday retail sales, and credit card issues.

Pioneer Valley Radio Discussed on International Television Network!

Pioneer Valley Radio was the topic of conversation on television network RT America this past Friday (11/9) on its show, “The Big Picture.”  Program host Holland Cooke and TALKERS magazine publisher (and Longmeadow resident) Michael Harrison discuss how “media micro-brew” operations like PioneerValleyRadio.com are replacing local coverage diminished by radio industry consolidation and newspapers’ beleaguered business model.  To view it, please click here.

Radio Show #210 – Carol de Carlo, and the Enormous, Endangered Shires

A team of 2800 lb. Shires – a horse breed more endangered than the giant panda – will strut their stuff at Equine Affaire, North America’s Premiere Equine Exposition & Equestrian Gathering, on Sunday, November 11 at 1:15 pm in the Mallory Building at the “Big E” in West Springfield.

With only 360 Shires worldwide, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these magnificent animals up close and personal!

Carol de Carlo has done a study, and relates the history and current precarious existence of the Shires in this special program.

For more information: Email: camelothot@comcast.net  •  Web: equiculture.org

Radio Show #209 – Jennifer Connolly, Executive Director of Junior Achievement of Western Mass.

From Maine to Western Mass., Jennifer Connolly has moved seamlessly from a career in education to the Executive Directorship of Junior Achievement of Western Mass.

Jenn is proud of her 12 years in this post, and of JA’s efforts on behalf of the young people of Western Mass.

What’s the difference between working in Maine and in Western Mass.?

Jenn elaborates on this, as well as the big events JAWM has coming up – the Stock Market Challenge and the 100th Anniversary of Junior Achievement.

This is especially significant as Springfield is the birthplace of Junior Achievement.

Radio Show #208 – Bill Collins, The Center Square Grill, and the Shriners Hospital

Noted restaurateur Bill Collins believes in “giving back” to his community.

In this case, his award-winning restaurant affords him an opportunity to raise funds for the Shriners Hospital.

This effort, mobilized by Bill, is based in a measure of gratitude to Shriners for very personal reasons, and he is willing to share those reasons with us in this program.

Web: centersquaregrill.com
Email: bill.spoleto@gmail.com

Radio Show #207 – Danny Eaton at the Majestic Theater presents “The War and Walt Whipple”

For Danny Eaton, playwright, producer and director at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, the next show is a very special one.

Rooted in reality, it features an earlier generation of his own family during the time of World War II.

“The War and Walt Whipple” is a very personal production to Danny, as it is written by himself, and inspired by accounts of events handed down through the years.

In this special program, the plot of this heartwarming night in the theater is presented in detail.

Radio Show #206 – Max Hartshorne and the Hidden Hills of Western Mass.

Travel writer, editor and latter-day explorer Max Hartshorne has a new adventure to share.

It’s the Hidden Hills of Western Massachusetts, referring to the Southern Berkshire Hilltowns, specifically the towns which do not have an exit from the Massachusetts Turnpike.

These towns include Becket, Blandford, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Granville, Hawley, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Otis, Plainfield, Russell, Westhampton, Williamsburg, Windsor, and Worthington.

Max’s website provides you with a link to outdoor recreation in these beautiful places: kayaking, hiking, restaurants, weddings, and shopping. Hear it all with Max in this special program!

You can email Max at: editor@gonomad.com

Radio Show #205 – Geoff Diehl for U.S. Senate

Geoff Diehl represents the 7th Plymouth district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

As of September 2018, he is the Republican candidate in the upcoming Senate race facing incumbent Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Coming off of his second contentious debate with Sen. Warren, in an exclusive conversation on Pioneer Valley Radio, Diehl responds candidly to questions and issues surrounding his debate performance and overall strategy.

A Little Light Music!


Western Mass.’ online Pioneer Valley Radio’s Brad Shepard took his music show to an appreciative audience at the Longmeadow Senior Center, Longmeadow, MA, on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

With accompanist Richie Mitnick at the keyboard, the show consisted of great pop standards and songs from Broadway shows including “The Music Man,” “Fiddler On The Roof,” “Man of La Mancha,” “The Fantasticks” and “Chicago.”  The music-packed hour-plus performance also elicited quite a few laughs from Brad’s impromptu remarks!

Radio Show #204 – Robert Holland a.k.a. Holland Cooke

In 1968, a young man named Robert Holland graduated from East Longmeadow High School.  He went on to Westfield State and then entered the field of radio locally at WHYN and WSPR.  Known professionally as Holland Cooke, he established himself as a big time player in the radio industry as an air personality and program director at major stations on the East Coast and eventually became an influential national consultant.  This past year, he entered a new phase in his career as the host of a weekend TV talk show called “The Big Picture” on the RT America Network.   Several weeks ago, the ELHS class of 68 held its 50th reunion which Holland – now a resident of Rhode Island – enthusiastically attended.  Michael Harrison caught up with him for this exclusive Pioneer Valley Radio interview.

Website: www.hollandcooke.com

Radio Show #203 – Bob Russell,
American Pest Solutions

As the fourth generation of the Russell family steers American Pest Solutions solidly into the future, Bob Russell, president since 1995, has seen it all – and in more than 10,000 Western Mass. homes!

Bob loves his work and is truly proud of the efforts and success his family has attained in keeping homes free of unwanted pests – pests that can be a danger to public health!

In this special program, you will also learn more about what to be on your guard for at this time of year… and when to call in the pros!

Web: www.413pestfree.com/springfield-pest-control

Email: bugs@413pestfree.com (Bob Russell – personal)

Radio Show #202 – Andrew Smith and
Smith & Son Jewelers

Andrew Smith is a man who loves his work.

And he has been at it all of his life.

And his business has been at it for a century.

Andrew Smith is celebrating an amazing professional milestone – the 100th Anniversary of Smith & Son Jewelers of Springfield!

This is a family operation in Western Massachusetts devoted to its loyal customers.

The future of watches?  In doubt, as millennials tend to not use them in favor of their cell phones?

Andrew’s thoughts on this might surprise you!

For more information, email: andrew@smithandsonjewelers.com

or visit their website: www.smithandsonjewelers.com.

 

Radio Show #201 – Jordan Goodman,
“America’s Money Answers Man”

In a continuing series of programs devoted to financial news of use and benefit to Western Mass., Jordan Goodman looks at the challenge of continually rising interest rates.

The impact on loans, credit cards and other essentials is specifically defined by Jordan in his latest appearance on Pioneer Valley Radio.

Breaking consumer information and tips on how to take advantage of current conditions highlight this program.

How has the contentious Kavanaugh confirmation affected the markets?

You will hear Jordan’s thoughts on that as well!

Radio Show #200 – East Longmeadow’s Michelle Provencher and “The Love Mich Collection”

Michelle Provencher of East Longmeadow exited her career as a paralegal and followed a dream.

She had taught herself to sew, and always saw herself in the fashion industry.

Realizing one day that the paper sleeve on her iced coffee just wasn’t preventing the condensation, and was also not aesthetically pleasing, a realization that iced coffee should not be excluded from high fashion developed, and… The Love Mich Iced Coffee Cozy was the result!

This entrepreneurship has been successful to the point where the handmade accessories are snapped up as quickly as they are created, and the true challenge is in supply meeting demand!

This fascinating story unfolds in this program.

Radio Show #199 – Dan Chraplak and
Dan’s Domestic Auto Repair

Career auto technician Dan Chraplak realized his ambition and set up shop on his own.

Dan’s life and work is settled in West Springfield, where he is well known for his efforts to work with customers and go a little further to keep their costs down and his standards up.

At Dan’s Domestic Auto Repair, Dan proudly maintains that he “can fix anything!”

Dan is also very involved in his young son’s performing efforts and accomplishments – you will be surprised to learn what they are!

 

Radio Show #198 – Robert Dominick,
L&R Residential Home Window Tinting

Bob Dominick of Feeding Hills was born at Westover and toured the world, as he grew up, with his Air Force dad.

Upon returning to Feeding Hills, he moved through several business situations until he found his present career in the unique world of home window tinting!

What it’s all about, and what it means to this Western Mass. resident and business person, is the subject of this program!

Interested? You can reach Bob at 413-335-1516 or landrresidentialwindowtinting.com.

Radio Show #197 – Mike Desmarais, and Huntington’s Comfort Kitchen and Bar

Throughout his career as a noted Western Mass restaurateur, Agawam’s Mike Desmarais now brings fine dining to Huntington.

As the owner of The Comfort Kitchen and Bar, Mike embraces the different set of challenges that a restaurant in our “hilltowns” represents.

Mike’s pride in the Comfort Kitchen’s signature dishes, from a steaming Chicken Pot Pie (a local favorite) to the unique Shrimp and Grits, is unmistakable!

 

Radio Show #196 – Paul Kozub, Creator of
V-One Vodka

Paul Kozub, a Western Mass. entrepreneur, family man and creator of the wildly successful V-One Vodka, took a chance.

Leaving behind a promising career in banking, he pursued his desire to create an original vodka.

The result is V-One now found in liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout the Pioneer Valley.

Paul’s efforts led him to explore his own heritage in Poland, prompting a love affair with that locale and its culture that continues to inform his work.

Though V-One is a national and international brand, Paul’s deep attachment to Western Mass. keeps his home base right here.

In this conversation, you will hear Paul’s personal history, his thoughts and feelings through 13-plus years of experimentation and trial and error.

Paul’s almost lyrical account of his first excursion to Poland, and this year’s cocktail creation for the Big E, are additional highlights!

Radio Show #195 – Nicole Bessette
of Marvel Cleaners – Residential and Office Cleaning

Westfield’s Nicole Bessette exited a career in law, insurance, and other pursuits to devote herself to working with her husband, Mike in their own cleaning company here in Western Mass.

Clearly, the husband and wife who clean professionally together, stay together.

Nicole and Mike seem happy and satisfied in their work, as Nicole conveys in this special program.

You can hear how they handle all manner of cleaning jobs, including junk removal, hoarding, and biohazards!

Nicole and Mike describe Marvel Cleaners as, “a two-person, co-ed cleaning team. We are friendly, experienced, detail oriented, thorough and non-judgmental. Let us make your home SPARKLE!”