The Latest

Radio Show #322 – Criminal Attorney William Bennett Represents Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Superintendent Bennett Walsh

In an exclusive interview with Pioneer Valley Radio, Criminal Attorney William Bennett refutes the suspension of Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Superintendent Bennett Walsh, and the associated allegations of his mishandling of the COVID-19 crisis at the Home.

Attorney Bennett maintains that Superintendent Walsh made consistent and appropriate pleas for help from the state and other emergency agencies.

Meaningful help and support at that time was not forthcoming.

Bennett provides insight into Walsh’s present state of mind and his attitude toward returning to his previous position.

Radio Show # 321 – Hofstra University Journalism Major Lauren Brill

Pioneer Valley Radio’s newest summer intern, Lauren Brill of Granby, MA, is a journalism major going into her senior year at Hofstra University.  She is interviewed by PVR president Michael Harrison about being a college student during the pandemic, the state of journalism, and her plans for the future.

Radio Show #320 – Brian Juliano, Owner of Juliano’s Pools & Spas

He may be the president and the owner of the company… he may have almost 250 employees, and 130 trucks out in the field… but he’s also the guy who will come and check on the installation and the maintenance of your pool!

That’s the secret to the success of Brian Juliano and Juliano’s Pools & Spas!

And it isn’t a secret!

Juliano’s Pools has tens of thousands of satisfied customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island – Brian is licensed in all three states.

You also have the added benefit of interacting with the owner from the start of the project to the final finish. Brian provides his personal cell phone number to every customer.

In this conversation, you’ll hear Brian’s evident pride in the innovations he offers, as well as how the pandemic has affected his business in Western Mass.

It may surprise you!

Web: www.julianospools.com

Email: quotes@julianospools.com  •  service@julianospools.com

Radio Show #319 – John DeVoie and Hot Table

John DeVoie’s Hot Table is a Western Mass. success and a high note in what is known as “fast casual” dining.

From one original location in Springfield to a total of 7, from Western Mass. to Central Mass. and into Connecticut, only the pandemic has slowed down Hot Table’s amazing growth.

In this program, John speaks candidly about the harrowing drop in revenue as a result of COVID-19, and his drive to continue his downtown Springfield Tower Square renovation.

Hot Table will reopen – and John’s optimism speaks for itself!

Email: info@hottable.com  •  Web: www.hottable.com

Radio Show #318 – Pomeroy’s Vegetable Farm Carries On!

A silver lining in the pandemic cloud?  Possibly, at least as far as your fresh vegetables are concerned!

Neil Pomeroy and his family at Pomeroy’s Vegetable Farm in East Longmeadow are proud to carry on their tradition of providing the freshest vegetables the earth can sport.

Spinach, lettuce, peppers, spicy greens, peas and more, all are on the way as Pomeroy’s gears up for their full opening this summer.

Right now, Neil and his family offer certain vegetables through their Facebook page with appointment times for pick-up.

All pandemic and social distancing guidelines are supported.

Western Mass. folks are pleased to find Pomeroy’s a happy alternative to the lack of certain produce at the local supermarkets.

All of the produce at Pomeroy’s is organic, as well as herbicide, pesticide and GMO free!

You’ll hear more about the full array of fresh vegetables and how Pomeroy’s has steered through the days of COVID-19 in this exclusive program.

And try the spinach!

Email:  pomeroysvegfarm@yahoo.com  •  Facebook: Pomeroysvegetablefarm

Radio Show #317 – Southwick’s David Sutton, Heating and Air Conditioning Business Owner and President and Founder of One Call Away

In Southwick, David Sutton operates his heating and air conditioning business, but the greater meaning in his life is as the president of One Call Away, an organization that has touched lives and saved lives.

In this program, you will hear the inspiration for David to create this organization that provides help any time of the day or night to local veterans and others coping with PTSD.

In addition to the personal stories, you will hear about the full array of services Dave and his organization make available to our local veterans.

Email: rangerdave4@comcast.net  •  Web: onecallawayfoundation.org

Tel: 413-478-7748 (24 hrs.)

Radio Show #316 – Agniezka Valenta,
Another Western Mass. Business Professional Now Working From Home

Agniezka Valenta, better known as “Aggie,” is a wife, mom, author, marathon runner and business professional rolled into one.

Aggie was born in Poland and moved to Massachusetts at age 9. She is fluent in Polish and conversational in Spanish.

Her three children (the youngest has autism), have provided Aggie with the background to publish children’s books dealing with the condition.

At Morgan Stanley, Aggie, a financial advisor, concentrates on wealth management strategies and portfolio management.

In this program, Aggie touches on the reorientation of her daily life – away from her familiar work environment and into the “new normal” of a vibrant and busy household.

Web:  advisor.morganstanley.com/aggie.valenta

Email: aggie.valenta@morganstanley.com

Radio Show #315 – For Sheila Coon, the Fight for the Survival of Hot Oven Cookies Continues on Many Fronts

Hot Oven Cookies, in two locations in Western Mass., is a success!

The customers come from quite far away for these specially baked cookies.

However, for owner and operator Sheila Coon and her husband, the struggle for survival includes not only the pandemic, but issues with a landlord, and a setback in not qualifying for relief funds from the city’s “Prime The Pump” program.

Sheila’s story is riveting and highly emotional.

Radio Show #314 – Nick Adams, Western Mass. Real Estate Broker, Works From Home

Holyoke real estate broker Nick Adams has not missed a beat – continuing his efforts for Keller Williams while working from home.

Nick is also a performer at heart in his “other life,” indulging his acting skills in local theatrical offerings and “rocking out” with a band.

Unfortunately these endeavors, obviously, are on hold for the moment.

Nick remains upbeat, and is another Western Mass. neighbor making the best of a tough situation!

Email:  www.kwpioneervalley.com/agents/56458/Nick+Adams#emailme

Web: www.kwpioneervalley.com

 

Radio Show #313 – Kimberly Wheeler and the Agawam Cinemas

To be dark, silent, and empty is an unnatural and a forlorn state for a movie theater.

However, Kim Wheeler’s spirits are remarkably good as the Agawam Cinemas remain dormant due to the pandemic.

Kim keeps moving forward with special events, including auctions and curbside movie theater refreshments!

Another auction is coming up, and your popcorn and soda is waiting!

Web: www.agawamcinemas.org •  Email: agawamcinemas@gmail.com

Radio Show #312 – Glenn Welch, President of Freedom Credit Union, Donates $55,000
to First Responders

Freedom Credit Union has donated $55,000 to various organizations who are supporting first responders.

In this special program, FCU President Glenn Welch runs down the list of organizations who will receive some part of these funds.

There are other special programs FCU is offering to help their customers in this difficult time. Glenn discusses those in further detail.

Web: www.freedom.coop •  Email: www.info@freedom.com

Radio Show # 311 – Massachusetts Ranks #1
in a National Survey of Coronavirus Help –
with Jill Gonzalez of WalletHub

WalletHub, a personal finance and research website, has released findings on the level of help each state offers its populace in coronavirus care.

Massachusetts has ranked #1.

Jill Gonzalez is a public policy expert and a financial literacy advocate. Her appearances include NBC Nightly News, Fox Business Network, Wall Street Journal Live and C-SPAN’s Washington Journal. She has been a guest on NPR’s Marketplace, CBS Radio and ESPN Radio.

In this exclusive program on Pioneer Valley Radio, analyst Jill Gonzalez explains exactly why, and what methodology was employed in these findings.

Web: wallethub.com • Email: media@wallethub.com

Radio Show #310 – Terese Lee Napoli of Especially For You In Home Services

Terese Lee Napoli, a licensed, insured and certified Massachusetts hair stylist, is mobile!

She will come to your home by appointment and spend the time that is necessary to offer her full array of hair services.

She prides herself on her closeness and deep care of her clients.

Naturally, the pandemic has reduced her opportunity to serve her clients, but not her spirit.

This program will present more of this unique business and about Terese as well.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/3Butterflys  •  Email: esp4umobilesalon@gmail.com

Radio Show #309 – Bonni-Lynne Sandler and HeartnSoul Yoga Therapy & Wellness
of Wilbraham

At HeartnSoul Yoga Therapy & Wellness of Wilbraham, Bonni-Lynne Sandler is continuing to serve her clients as best she can, in a virtual capacity with a full range of mind and body wellness.

In this conversation, you will hear how much more there is to traditional yoga, and its applications for grief therapy, anxiety, depression, pain management, and – naturally – the physical benefit.

Online yoga sessions being offered without charge can counteract the “cabin fever” and uncertainty so many are experiencing right now.

Web: heartnsoulyoga.net  •  Email: info@heartnsoulyoga.net

Radio Show #308 – Cathie Walz and The Blue Marble in Northampton Carry On!

We’ve heard from many essential businesses that have reinvented themselves to minimize the pandemic’s impact.

However, some “non-essential” businesses are having a very different experience.

Cathie Walz at the Blue Marble and Little Blue in Northampton offers an all too familiar story.

Web: thebluemarble.biz  •  Email: bluemarblegifts@aol.com

Radio Show #307 – Mike Zabik at Mike’s Auto Service Helps the Parish Cupboard

The Parish Cupboard in West Springfield needs help!

They are running low on food, and donations of either cash or food stuffs are urgently needed.

At Mike’s Auto Service & Repair in West Springfield they are going all out to help the Cupboard with this emergency food drive.

In this program, featuring Mike Zabik, you can hear how you may be able to participate.

Mike’s Auto is making collection, and in some cases even pick up and delivery, available!

Web: www.mikesautoservicerepair.com • Email:  info@mikesautoservicerepair.com

Radio Show #306 – Gardening Therapy at Graziano Gardens

It’s been recommended that an effective way to fight depression and anxiety while stuck at home would be to turn attention and activity to gardening!

Sprucing up the front and back yards seems to bring folks out to Graziano Gardens in East Longmeadow in healthy numbers, despite the current conditions.

In fact, Chris Graziano says that business is good!

You can hear how his business has responded to the health crisis, as well as his outlook in general.

Web: grazianogardens.com •  Email:  cdgraz@verizon.net

Radio Show #305 – Cookie’s Cafe Rises
to the Challenge!

Undaunted by COVID-19 and the related health emergency, Cookie Torres at Cookie’s Cafe in East Longmeadow continues to offer the breakfast fare that the area has truly welcomed in record time since her opening.

You will have to pick it up curbside, but it’s a small effort to make to enjoy her unique breakfasts and lunches!

But Cookie has a special offer for first responders and health workers… and you need to hear it from Cookie herself!

Web:  www.cookiescasacafe.com  •  Email: www.cookiescasacafe.com/contact us

Radio Show #304 – Shawn Weaver…
Working Through the Crisis and
Keeping People Connected

Shawn Weaver at Northeast IT Systems in Westfield continues to work through the crisis.

His days are split between working from home and from his office as well.

In this program, you’ll hear his story, his state of mind, and his general outlook… it’s a common one to essential workers throughout our region.

Web: www.northeastit.net  •  Email: info@northeastit.net

Radio Show #303 – Behind the Scenes of the Million Mask Team Plane Airlift,
with Gene Hartigan

When Governor Baker moved to import a million masks for the Commonwealth to battle back COVID-19, he faced some formidable obstacles.

Passports and other time-consuming details required quick action.

To circumvent the bureaucracy, the Governor turned to Gene Hartigan of the U.S.-China Partnership Committee.

Here, Gene offers a behind-the-scenes look at this mission.

Gene joins Brad Shepard in an exclusive conversation on this operation, as well as some theories as to the origin of the virus and the overall impact on U.S.-China relations going forward.

Web: afrimednetwork.org  •  Email: afn@AfriMedNetwork.org