Brad Shepard

Radio Show #256 – Ashley Gearing
Comes Home!

From Western Mass. to Memphis – and now around the globe – it’s been a whirlwind fantasy story for Ashley Gearing, an authentic country music star, at the age of 28!

Her solo career has hit extraordinary heights and has brought her into the sphere of top stars!

She needs no introduction in this area, where she has been performing since the age of 12.

Ashley has now moved her solo career into a new band with three other girls, branding themselves “Farewell Angelina”

The band, with its signature tight harmonies and fusion of guitar and violin, will return to Western Mass. with their first appearance at the Iron Horse in Northampton.

In this program, Ashley reflects on her journey, as well as how the “Women and Wine” concert tour developed!

Radio Show #255 – Carl Ohlin and the
East Longmeadow Fourth of July Parade!

This year’s signature East Longmeadow Fourth of July Parade coincides with the town’s 125th anniversary!

Carl Ohlin notes this, as well as other special events in the celebration!

The parade is on schedule for the Fourth, and promises to be every bit the red, white and blue crowd-pleaser that is its heritage.

The identity of this year’s Parade Grand Marshal, and other elements that make the event distinctive, are presented in this enjoyable program with Carl!

Radio Show #254 – Star Spangled Springfield! With Judy Matt and the Spirit of Springfield

With Independence Day coming, Judy Matt and the Spirit of Springfield are proud to present another edition of “Star Spangled Springfield!”

In this program, you will hear a rundown of the day, from the music and entertainment at Riverfront Park, to the grand finale of the fireworks over the river as presented by the famous Grucci Brothers!

You’ll find out how this event comes together, as well as some tips on attendance, parking and more!

Radio Show #253 – The Wonderful Story of
“Bob the Bike Man”

Ensuring that your life makes a difference, or perhaps leaving the world a little bit better than it was, or however you wish to think about it, these feelings are exemplified by the life led by Springfield’s Robert Charland, more affectionately known as “Bob the Bike Man.”

And Bob’s story has gone well beyond Western Mass.  In fact it has been the subject of a film, CBS Evening News, and coverage in People magazine.

Bob Charland is a deputy with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, a teacher at the Willie Ross School for the Deaf, and a Girl Scout leader.

After being diagnosed with a terminal neurodegenerative brain disorder, Bob proceeded to quickly settle his own affairs and to move full steam ahead on his pet project – restoring junked bicycles and distributing them among the disadvantaged children of the region.

More than a thousand bikes have been gifted to underprivileged youngsters through Bob’s organization, PEDAL THRU YOUTH.

Here is the story of  life that makes a difference, the story of a man who knows that how much time we have is not as important as what we choose to do with it.

Email: contact@pedalthruyouth.org    •   Web: www.pedalthruyouth.org

Radio Show #252 – Hoai Le and Pho Delicious!

Taking its place among the unique eateries of Western Mass., Hoai Le introduces Pho Delicious in East Longmeadow!

Pho Delicious promises an authentic Vietnamese dining experience.

In this conversation with Pioneer Valley Radio’s Brad Shepard, Hoai takes great pride in his locally owned and operated restaurant.

Independent, and not part of a chain, Pho Delicious stands on its own.

Hoai Le, his wife and family forge a strong connection with all those who come for lunch or dinner, and insure that Pho Delicious lives up to its name!

Visit us on Facebook!

Radio Show #251 – Eric Letendre and
the Eric Letendre Dog Training School

Aggressive or unruly dogs are very common in our region and can be a problem.

Lunging or snapping at other dogs or other people can expose you to litigation – or worse!

Originally from Feeding Hills, and now branching out across the state, Western Mass.’ Eric Letendre, the “top dog” at Eric Letendre Dog Training School, can help get your dog to respond to proper commands and maintain acceptable and safe behavior.

Even if the dog is straining at the leash, or will not come when called, Eric, his books, website and email accessibility can help!

Eric chats with Pioneer Valley Radio’s Brad Shepard about the common problems and misconceptions of effective dog training!

Web: ericletendre.com  •  Contact us here.

Radio Show #250 – A Weekend In Worcester With Max Hartshorne

Western Mass.’ all-purpose gadabout and travel authority Max Hartshorne has a great suggestion for a three day weekend – or anytime.

Looking to break away for a day or more? How about Worcester, Massachusetts?

Max Hartshorne of gonomad.com paints an appealing picture of a vibrant city with great restaurants, art, and culture.

Max picked up on a perceptible enjoyment and appreciation of the people and  their pride in their city.

All in all, there is much to appreciate – and it’s only a car ride away!

Email: Editor at GoNOMAD.com  •  Web: www.gonomad.com

Radio Show #248 – Payton Shubrick,
Cannabis Entrepreneur

Springfield’s Payton Shubrick of 6 Bricks, LLC, has entered the recreational cannabis shop sweepstakes in the Pioneer Valley, with her proposal for 6 Bricks, LLC to locate at 250 Albany Street in the McKnight neighborhood.

Payton’s shop would be local and family-owned, immediately distinguishing it from outside companies vying for the coveted city operation licenses.

Parking, security, qualifications, and what makes her shop hit just the right “key” for “Gasoline Alley” is covered in this special program.

Radio Show #247 – George Myers and the Amherst Cinema

George Myers is the General Manager of the Amherst Cinema – a movie theater that offers Western Mass a “one of a kind” movie experience.

George presides over far more than a conventional movie house.

The Amherst Cinema is a happy confluence of crowd-pleasing “popcorn movies” – foreign, independent, art house films, and in general, film material that you are not likely to see at your neighborhood theater.

How these films are selected, and the other distinctive aspects of the Amherst Cinema, are presented in detail by George Myers in this program.

Web: amherstcinema.org/ • Email: info@amherstcinema.org

Radio Show #246 – Colin Tracy, The Firefly Creative, and Urinetown!

Colin Tracy is the Theater Director of the Evangel Assembly of God in Wilbraham.

With The Firefly Creative, he is also the “new community theater kid on the block!”

Colin’s background is an interesting fusion of theater education, instruction, and the clergy as well.

As producer, director, music director and more than likely utility cast member, Colin’s “maiden voyage” production is the off-Broadway hit, with the most unusual title: “Urinetown.”

What is it like to create a community theater from the ground up?

And why this particular show to introduce The Firefly Creative?

All that and more is under discussion with Colin in this special program.

Email: colin.tracy.creative@gmail.com

Web: www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-firefly-creative/x/20292775

Radio Show #245 – Dawn Erickson and the
St. Mary’s Parish Auction

Westfield’s Dawn Erickson has transitioned from a career in media promotions and sales to managing several businesses, taking care of two young daughters and still finding time to add a professional setting and boost to the St. Mary’s Parish Auction this Saturday, April 27, 2019.

In this conversation, you’ll hear just how exciting this auction promises to be!

You’ll find all manner of items including sports memorabilia!

Beer, wine, and a great opportunity to help the kids and perhaps pick up some great deals!

Radio Show #244 – “God Bless America” Banned Due to Alleged Racism of Signature Performer Kate Smith

A new controversy has emerged featuring the much loved Irving Berlin song, “God Bless America.”

The issue has flashed from Philadelphia to New York City, affecting not only this iconic song, but two major league sports teams, and all hinging on a famous female vocalist who has been dead for 33 years.

The signature version of this song is by radio and recording star Kate Smith, whose recording of a 1931 song has lyrics interpreted by today’s standards as extremely racist. This has resulted in the use of “God Bless America” being temporarily and most likely permanently discontinued by the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Yankees.

In Philadelphia, the statue of Kate Smith outside the stadium had been covered in a shroud, and subsequently has been completely removed.

Pioneer Valley Radio’s Brad Shepard appeared with WMAL, Washington, D.C. guest host, Michael Harrison, to discuss the many levels of this issue, particularly where political correctness and historical context meet.

Radio Show #243 – Springfield City Councilor
At-Large Jesse Lederman Speaks Out!

From single use plastic bags, the ‘Welcoming City” ordinance, the cannabis industry, the proposed raise for the council, the council’s relationship with the mayor, to the Stop & Shop strike, Jesse Lederman makes his position clear on these and other city and regional issues.

Web: www.jesseforspringfield.com • Email: CouncilorLederman@gmail.com

Radio Show #242 – Rita Caputo-Capua and
the Red Rose Pizzeria

Rita Caputo-Capua, one of the “dynamic Caputo sisters,” co-owner and manager of Springfield’s iconic Red Rose Pizzeria, happily makes her life and her foreseeable future in this well-loved restaurant!

Why not? She literally grew up in it!

Now, as the Red Rose makes its fourth expansion, with a visible pizza kitchen planned, Rita’s excitement over this and her pride in the Red Rose’s line of signature sauces and dressings, make each day an adventure!

Determined not to be swallowed up by the casino, The Red Rose has maintained its identity and continues to be a family operation. Rita makes it very clear that she has no intention of slowing down and is delighted to ride well into the future doing exactly what she is doing now.

In this program, Rita reflects on the relationship between the restaurant, MGM Springfield, and the South End, and takes us through an average day in her life.

Website: www.redrosepizzeria.com

Radio Show # 241 – Dennis Lopata,
Western Mass. Health Professional

With a career in healthcare in Western Mass., Dennis Lopata, the Executive Director of the Life Care Center of Wilbraham, reflects on his 34-plus years of experience in the field, and his plans to continues that path into the future at the Life Care Center.

The rewards, the challenges, the changes – all mark this journey.

2399 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095 • (413) 596-3111
lifecarecenterofwilbraham.com

Radio Show #240 – Louanne Lortie Happy in Hampden at Lou’s Bagel Nook!

Nestled in a warm and comfortable spot in quiet Hampden, Mass., you will find Louanne Lortie and her crew at Lou’s Bagel Nook!

Seven days a week, Lou is never too busy to chat with her customers over coffee and a wide assortment of the venerable bagel.

Since 2016, Lou and her crew have given new life, love, and care to this modest establishment, and her customers, creatures of habit, know just what they want in their coffee and bagel choices.

In this program, you will hear just what her shop and her career mean to her and to Western Mass.

Radio Show #239 – Al Zippen and the End of the Melha Shrine Circus

After 64 proud and joyous seasons, the Melha Shrine Circus at the Big E, a Western Mass. tradition, fades into history.

Why the end of this annual event?

“Mr. Circus” himself, Melha Shrine’s Allen Zippen, gives us a peek inside the tent and some insight as to why this has happened.

Was it social media? PETA?

Al sheds light on this and more in this EXCLUSIVE program on Pioneer Valley Radio.

Radio Show # 238 – Tina Gorman’s
Wacky Tacky Westfield Day!

Westfield is celebrating its 350th birthday!

It’s a citywide event, and it was well-served at the Council on Aging by Executive Director Tina Gorman’s “Wacky Tacky Westfield Day” Luncheon!

More than a hundred joined in the fun, wearing their tackiest, wackiest Westfield-themed getups!

There was great food, and music too!

In this program, Tina paints a vivid picture of the fun!

Web:cityofwestfield.org   •   Email: t.gorman@cityofwestfield.org

Radio Show # 236 – Karen Levinsky,
The Crossing Guard

Among the unsung heroes of public service in the Valley you will find the crossing guards.

They are the unassuming people who commit hours to the safety of school kids throughout our region.

This winter, when the temps were in the teens, if school was in session, they were still resolutely stationed at our crosswalks and intersections.

Why would Karen Levinsky devote her time to this calling in this winter weather?

The answer is easy… she loves kids!

Radio Show #235 – Cesar Ruiz and Golden Years Homecare Services

The Ruiz family suffered a great loss in 2016 when the patriarch, Cesar Ruiz, Sr., passed away.  This was the catalyst for Golden Years.  Lifelong friends Lisa and Vincent Santaniello also shared Cesar’s dream; they believed in it so much that they became partners in Golden Years.

Golden Years Home Care Services of Massachusetts is a private-duty elder care agency providing superior-quality, compassionate home care services to those who need assistance performing their day-to-day tasks due to a disability, injury or aging. Golden Years provides a comprehensive range of senior home care services, including personal care and companion care, so that your loved one can lead a happy and rewarding life at home in the company of their friends and family members.

In this program, founder Cesar Ruiz takes us inside the Golden Years experience, and is very candid about the personal reasons that motivated his efforts.

Web:   goldenyearsusa.com/about-us  •  Email:  cruiz@goldenyearsusa.com