Brad Shepard

Radio Show #378 – Cheryl Malandrinos and Western Mass. Real Estate

Cheryl Malandrinos is a representative for the REALTOR® Association of Pioneer Valley, providing information and support to the real estate community of Western Mass., and also a real estate agent with Real Living Realty Professionals in Wilbraham.

Cheryl is versed in all manners of home sales for first time buyers, military relocation, the needs of seniors and other aspects of real estate.

The current state of home sales, the impact of COVID-19 and more is discussed in this exclusive program on Pioneer Valley Radio.

Radio Show #377 – Martha Tighe and
The Parish Cupboard in West Springfield

The Executive Director of the Parish Cupboard in West Springfield is delighted with the organization’s new location!

After a career in education spanning decades, Martha Tighe celebrates her 11th year in service to the community as the Executive Director of the Parish Cupboard, “Westside.”

In this program, Martha discusses the inner workings of the Parish Cupboard, it’s ongoing collection and distribution of food to West Springfield and the region, as well as what “food insecurity” means to her and to her staff.


Tel: 413-734-7969  •  Email: ParishCupboard@aol.com

Web: www.parishcupboard.com

Radio Show #376 – Mike Zabik and the “Right to Repair” Ballot Question

On election day, you will be faced with ballot question number 1, the so-called “Right To Repair.”

This initiative, as proposed, would require that motor vehicle owners and independent repair facilities be provided with expanded access to mechanical data related to maintenance and repair.

A “yes” vote would provide vehicle owners and mechanics access to wirelessly transmitted mechanical data.

A “no” vote would make no changes in the law governing this same access.

At Mike’s Auto Repair in West Springfield, owner, Mike Zabik represents many independent auto mechanics who believe very strongly in the passing of this initiative.

In this special program, Mike explains why this is important to you, your car, and your overall freedom of choice in the marketplace.

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

Radio Show #375 – Cindy Murphy and
“Each Moment We’re Alive”

Two-time cancer survivor Cindy Sheridan Murphy of West Springfield has founded an organization dedicated to women not unlike herself, who are coping with cancer.

The organization, “Each Moment We’re Alive,” works with women before, during and after their diagnosis and treatment.

What led her to this process, and how the pandemic has affected what the organization  does, is discussed in this exclusive interview with Pioneer Valley Radio!

Web: www.eachmomentwerealive.net • Email: cindy@eachmomentwerealive.org

Radio Show #374 – Anthony Cignoli Remembers Miguel “Mike” Rivas

A prominent advocate and political personality of the Latinx community in Western Mass. has passed away this week.

He is Miguel “Mike” Rivas.

From his distinguished service to our country in the Marine Corps, to his efforts on behalf of his community, Miguel Rivas is remembered as a strong and powerful voice for his people, and for all peoples of Western Mass.

In this program, Anthony Cignoli, who knew Miguel well, remembers him not only as a community organizer but as a trailblazer for the later successes enjoyed by figures such as Adam Gomez, Jose Tosado and others.

Radio Show #373 – Jeremie Lapointe and DementedFX

Aspiring art teacher and now a contractor, Jeremie Lapointe and his partners set out to create an authentically terrifying “haunted house” style experience in Holyoke.

And they succeeded!

So much so, that “DementedFX” of Holyoke has garnered  accolades throughout the Northeast!

This is not a typical witches and ghosts excursion, but rather an intense 20,000square foot chamber of biomedical horrors that has succeeded in delicious screaming fright and fun for its visitors!

In this conversation, you’ll hear how Jeremie achieved a Hollywood level of special effects to create a fright after fright trip through the facility!

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

Radio Show #371 – West Springfield’s Dan Murphy, and “Murph’s Magic”

Among your Western Mass. neighbors, you will find West Springfield’s Dan Murphy.

After a colorful career history of casinos, public utilities, law enforcement and more, Dan has settled into a business of marketing health products, as “Murph’s Magic.”

Dan believes these products were instrumental in helping him shed nearly 100 pounds!

This is the story he now shares with Pioneer Valley Radio.

Web: murphsmagic.net   •   Email: murphsmagik@gmail.com

Radio Show #369 – Kelly Shaw, The Cocoa Exchange and the Agawam Cinema

Local businesses helping local businesses!

Kelly Shaw, founding curator of the Cocoa Exchange, is reaching out to Kim Wheeler at the Agawam Cinema to help raise funds to offset the theater’s downtime during the pandemic!

Kelly is offering a percentage of sales of the goodies from the Cocoa Exchange on this Saturday, October 10th, at the Agawam Cimema’s showing of “Hocus Pocus!”

Kelly will be there in person to guide you through the delicious chocolate candies and nuts created by the Cocoa Exchange.

Listen in to this special program with Kelly for all the information!

Shop for a Cause  •  Web: The Cocoa Exchange

Radio Show #367 – Rob Gould and
Interskate 91 South

Rob Gould’s Interskate 91 South has been  a bright family fun spot in Wilbraham, and in the region, for decades.

When the pandemic took hold, Rob pivoted from skates and arcades to a remote learning resource for the area.

Now that some restrictions are lessening, and the recreation locations like Interskate 91 can ramp back up, Rob is excited to share with Pioneer Valley Radio his thoughts on reopening and his plans !

Radio Show #365 – Frank Nataloni and
Kitchens & Baths by Curio

For nearly half a century, Kitchens & Baths by Curio of Springfield has been renovating kitchens and bathrooms throughout the Pioneer Valley with great success.

What keeps a business viable through the decades?

How are they doing through the pandemic?

What are the observations of home decor through the changing times?

All this and more is explored in an exclusive conversation with the man behind the establishment, Kitchens & Baths by Curio, Frank Nataloni.

Web: www.kitchensandbathsbycurio.com

Email: www.kitchensandbathsbycurio.com/contact-us

Radio Show #362 – Springfield Police Department Information Officer Ryan Walsh

Springfield Police Department Information Officer Ryan Walsh discusses the morale of the department, particularly in the wake of the Compton, CA shooting.

Ryan talks about the dirt bike striking a Springfield police officer, the forthcoming event “Springfield Day” with the police department, the recent successes of the narcotics division, the confiscation of illegal weapons, and the progress in the investigation into the vandalism done to the Black Lives Matter mural on Court Street.

Web:  www.springfieldpolice.net

Radio Show #361 – COVID-19 Getaways
with Max Hartshorne

Pioneer Valley Radio’s travel authority and all purpose “gadabout,” Max Hartshorne presents a great way to defeat the close quarters of the pandemic and enjoy the North Shore of the Commonwealth.

Max believes you do not have to endure the Bourne or Sagamore Bridge to get to the Cape, when there is a delightful alternative.

In this program, Max takes you on a “cook’s tour” of Cape Ann, including Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea and more!

Fine dining, beaches, state parks, hiking, biking and more are detailed!

Web:  gonomad.com  •  Email: editor@gonomad.com

Radio Show #360 – Pam Reipold of Travel Kuz and a New Technique for Sanitizing School Buses

Franklin County’s school buses, as provided by F.M. Kuzmeskus of Gill, Mass. and Travel Kuz, has a new and faster way of cleaning and sanitizing the buses on the route managed by the firm.

In this special program, Vice President of Executive Operations Pam Reipold relates the effort she made in reaching out to Bete Fog Nozzle of Greenfield, Mass. to create a process by which two buses at a time may be “fogged clean!”

This technique replaces  the cumbersome  and lengthy method of wiping the buses down by hand.

According to Pam, the fogging process is safe, and far more reliable in killing any and all germs.

Web: www.travelkuz.com  •  Email: pam@travelkuz.com

Radio Show #359 – Andy Yee and the Bean Restaurant Group: The White Hut, 13-31 Elm and More!

Andy Yee and his partners in the Bean Restaurant Group have prodigiously expanded their eateries throughout the region.

Notable successes include the rescue of iconic establishments such as The Student Prince and the White Hut.

In this program, Andy discusses the experiences of reviving thought-to-be-defunct restaurants, as well as his group’s intriguing plans for a high-end bistro as a part of “The Court Square Project,” aka “13-31 Elm.”

 

Radio Show #356 – An Impromptu Primary Day Conversation With Former State Senator
Brian Lees

Doing his civic duty, and with great pride, former State Senator, Clerk Of Courts, and Senate Minority Leader Brian Lees chatted about the election, the current state of the Commonwealth, the nation, and the impact of the pandemic on voting.

Brian reflected on his long career of public service to Massachusetts in several  capacities, and now very much enjoys settling into the private sector as a consultant for businesses on government relations.

Radio Show #355 – Late and Former Springfield Mayor William “Billy” Sullivan Remembered
by Tony Cignoli

William C. Sullivan, who served as the 48th mayor of Springfield in the mid-1970s, has passed away at the age of 95.

The sad news was announced last evening (8/26) by current Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. The former mayor was a resident of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. He served his nation during World War II.

Personal recollections of his life and work for the city of Springfield mark this exclusive interview with international political analyst and consultant Anthony Cignoli.

Tony knew Sullivan well, and speaks with a deep respect for the man and his legacy.

Radio Show #354 – Giguere’s Used Appliances is Ready for the Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend!

Josh Bergeron, Sales Associate at Giguere’s Used Appliances in Chicopee, is ready for the tax-free weekend in Massachusetts!

After being on the front lines for three of them in the past, he knows what to expect and what to be ready for!

Giguere’s offers all brands of used appliances – refrigerators, gas and electric stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers and wall ovens.
The inventory changes daily as additional items are required.

The showroom is located at 200 Exchange Street in Chicopee.

Josh provides info on delivery, warranties, and more in this exclusive conversation.

Tel: 413-593-6839  •  www.gigueresappliances.com

Radio Show #353 – Thom Westfield Infant Toddler Services

Courtney Moreno and Tracey Farnsworth of Thom Westfield Infant Toddler Services join Brad Shepard in a conversation detailing the role of this organization in Western Mass.

Thom Westfield Infant Toddler Services is a non-profit agency that provides early intervention, in-home (Telehealth currently) services for toddlers and their families. They’re trying to let families know that they are here to help, at no cost to them, as insurance covers all of it. Due to COVID-19, the potential for children slipping through the cracks has increased greatly, especially with doctor visits having been limited for several months.

Web: thomchild.org  •  Email: www.thomchild.org/contact-thom

Radio Show #352 – Chicopee’s Aldenville Concert Series on TV, with Jay Buckley!

After several postponements and ultimate cancellation, Chicopee TV, in cooperation with the Chicopee Department of Parks and Recreation and other city agencies, have come up with a solution…. put the series and its performers on TV!

Chicopee TV’s producer Jay Buckley joins us to recount the creation of this concept and the subsequent video productions.

Web: www.chicopeetv.org   •   Email: jbuckley@chicopeeps.org

 

Radio Show #351 – Robert “Bob the Bike Man” Charland Reaches Out to Ohio!

Nothing gets in the way of Bob the Bike Man when a child with special needs needs a bike!

When Bob heard the news of a boy in Ohio, who needed a trike specially customized for his disability, Bob got to work!

As he’s done more than a thousand times, he created the bike and then contacted the state police with a plan to get the bike to 8-year old Silas in Cleveland!

In this program, Bob relates the wonderful and inspiring story of the partnership he’s achieved with state police departments from here to Ohio to get this bike on its journey to young Silas!