Brad Shepard

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!

Radio Show #349 – Storm Damage and Your Home Insurance, with David Matosky of
First American Insurance

Downed trees, damaged roofs – what to do first?

Get an estimate? Call a contractor?

Contact your insurance agent?

Here’s the rundown with David Matosky, Operations Director of First American Insurance of Western Mass.

David walks us through what is covered and what isn’t, what is our liability, what we can expect and how we can achieve it!

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

Radio Show #348 – Lighting Up Western Mass. with Priscilla Ress of Eversource

Heading into the weekend, it would appear that the long wait for the restoration of your electricity is at an end – at least as far as Eversource customers are concerned.

This special program may be especially welcomed by those who are weary of outage maps and voicemail in obtaining information on their electricity status.

In this interview, Priscilla Ress, spokesperson for Eversource, indicates the success the power company is having in finalizing the return of all their customer’s commercial and residential power.

This storm was deceptively brutal, and the repairs and cleanup operations have been extraordinary and challenging.

You’ll hear precisely why in this conversation.

Radio Show #347 – Safe Tree Removal,
with Bill Spears

Agawam’s Bill Spears, of Bill Spears Tree Service, believes this last storm might number among the five worst storms in his 40-year history in Western Mass.

In this conversation, Bill explains why he identifies this storm as so severe.

Bill also gives some important information regarding safe removal of trees, limbs, and related debris from your property.

Radio Show #346 – Koi Story

There is something “fishy” going on in South Hadley.

A small pet store has had its share of excitement in just a matter of weeks.

First, a break in, and then a visit from the South Hadley Building Commissioner, informing the owner that the store they’ve operated for seven years can no longer operate in its location – an unpleasant surprise for owners Catherine and Steven Knowles!

New England Koi was granted an operating license by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to operate its Koi sales and accompanying tea house.

However, the Building Commissioner is unimpressed with this matter, and still insists their entire operation be relocated.

In this conversation with Pioneer Valley Radio, owner Catherine Knowles recounts the entire episode and where it presently stands.

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

Radio Show #345 – Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and “Rise Up”

Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi is proud, as he should be, of his department’s production of an evocative and moving song, “Rise Up.”

The song is inspiring and heartfelt, and brings forth the feeling of the men and women of the Sheriff’s office.

What makes the song and accompanying video particularly unique is that it is performed only and entirely by the staff of the department.

Their level of talent and professionalism is stunning.

In this program, Sheriff Cocchi gives us the story behind the story of “Rise Up.”

The program concludes with the full audio version of the song.

Web: hcsdma.org  •  Email john.evon@sdh.state.ma.us

Radio Show #343 – “Nadim’s 20th!”

Springfield’s Mayor Sarno saw fit to honor Springfield restaurateur Nadim Kashouh on the occasion of his 20th anniversary in business in downtown Springfield!

Through the tornado, the October storm, the upheaval caused by downtown construction, and now the pandemic… Nadim’s focus and conviction to serve Springfield and Western Mass. has remained rock solid.

Reflections on over 20 continuous years in business – and the secret to his success – are explored in this special program.

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

Radio Show #342 – Attorney William Bennett Responds to the State Report on Bennett Walsh and the Holyoke Soldiers Home

As the story of ousted Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Superintendent, Bennett Walsh rolls on, Attorney William Bennett held a press conference at the Springfield Sheraton, Thursday, July 23.

In an address lasting more than an hour, Attorney Bennett reviewed what he believed to be a series of inaccuracies in the “Pearlstein Report,” as it has come to be known, and further pointed to an overall “poisoned atmosphere” emanating from the Baker Administration.

In this special program, you will hear specific segments of this press conference.

Radio Show #341 – Andrea Sullivan of
MOXY Boutique

Moving around the region and conversing with Western Mass. business owners, Pioneer Valley Radio’s Lauren Brill’s travels have taken her to South Hadley and MOXY Boutique.

Here, Lauren chats with the owner-operator, Andrea Sullivan.

You’ll hear a discussion of the changes in the operating model of the shop Andrea feels were necessary to adapt to the constraints of the pandemic.

The hours of operation, staffing, and general state of mind before and during the era of COVID 19 are also featured in this dialogue.

You’ll find Moxy Boutique in the Village Commons at 17 College Street in South Hadley.

Web:  www.moxyboutique.com

Radio Show #339 – Michelle Wirth and the Original Mercedes-Benz of Springfield
Drive-In Movie!

Mercedes-Benz of Springfield is hosting a drive-in movie fundraiser on Saturday, July 18 to benefit the Urban League of Springfield.

Live band Malado is performing at 7:30 p.m, and the movie, “The Lion King,” starts at 9 p.m.

All are invited to attend, and to arrive early to secure a spot.

Michelle Wirth joins PVR’s Brad Shepard with more information about this exciting and fun family event!

Email: www.mbspringfield.com/contact-us • Web: www.mbspringfield.com

Radio Show #338 – Smallpox, COVID-19, and Vitamin K – with Dramatic Health CEO Sean Moloney

Former Western Mass. marketing and communications professional Sean Moloney is the co-founder and CEO of Dramatic Health. The company features a new monthly podcast, “Game Changers in Medicine.”

This is a six-part series about the serendipitous events, chance encounters, and unlikely heroes and heroines behind some of the world’s most significant medical discoveries.

In this conversation, Sean stresses how critically important it is to observe the history of the smallpox epidemic and how the response to it creates connection to present day COVID-19.

You will also hear the history of the discovery of Vitamin K and its fascinating applications for newborns.

Email: podcast@gamechangersinmedicine.com

Web: www.gamechangersinmedicine.com

Radio Show #337 – Fred King Remembered


For more than 45 years, regional media personality Fred King carved out an enviable and unforgettable niche in Western Mass. radio and television.

On Fred’s passing, former colleague Bo Sullivan remembers his years teamed with Fred.

In this special program hosted by Brad Shepard, Bo presents glimpses of the public and private man.

Radio Show #336 – Pete Scully: Profile of a Western Mass. Uber Driver!

He’s been an actor, singer, health care worker, family man – and now Pete Scully drives for Uber.

And he loves it!

What’s enjoyable for him in his ride sharing career in Western Mass?

In this program, Pete goes into some detail about “Ubering” in our region in the pre- and post-pandemic era!

Radio Show #334 – Adele Hill and the East Longmeadow VIRTUAL Fourth of July Parade!

Not content to let East Longmeadow’s formidable Fourth of July Parade disappear completely from consciousness this year, East Longmeadow Rotary Club Secretary, Nurse Practitioner, and Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve
Adele Hill has joined forces with East Longmeadow Community Access Television and others to bring you this first – and perhaps only – virtual edition of the parade!

You’ll find out what to expect in this exclusive interview on Pioneer Valley Radio!

Web: www.elrotaryclub.org   •  Email: eltogether@aol.com

Radio Show #333 – Lorraine Gorham and The Coalition to Fund the Holyoke Soldiers Home

Speaking on behalf of a newly formed organization, The Coalition To Fund The Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, member Lorraine Gorham is excited about a big event planned for July 3rd.

This event to raise awareness about the organization includes food, beverages, and music!

Lorraine Gorham provides the specifics of this event (being held as close to the Fourth of July as feasible) in this interview exclusively on Pioneer Valley Radio.

It is hoped that as many as possible will come out to support this organization, as they work for a better Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.

Radio Show #332 – John Flynn Wins His Sixth Consecutive Term on the Selectboard of Hampden, Mass.

Long-serving Hampden selectman John Flynn triumphs in his sixth bid for the Board of Selectmen in the town’s election.

In this exclusive interview on Pioneer Valley Radio, Selectman Flynn reflects on his years on the board.

Mr. Flynn also comments on the impact of the pandemic on local business, public safety, and gives an update of the town’s litigation with the School Committee.

Web: www.hampdenma.gov/people/john-d-flynn •  Email: Contact Us

Radio Show #331 – Tara Franklin – Actress, Director, and Baker of Sweet Sam Bakes Cookies!

When does an actress/director go from baking cookies part-time to baking cookies full-time?

When a pandemic closes the theaters and halts productions, of course!

This is the story of Tara Franklin –  teacher, actress, director and entrepreneur.

Tara is the Associate Artistic Director/Director of Education at the Chester Theater Company in the Berkshires, and the woman behind “Sweet Sam Bakes.”

In Tara’s own words, “The shop is named after my son, who has loved helping me in the kitchen since he was very small.  We have been baking, packaging and sending these beautiful and delicious treats to our friends and family for years. They make wonderful gifts for anyone on your list.”

Web: www.etsy.com/shop/SweetSamBakes  •  Email: m.me/136746696968116

Radio Show #330 – Springfield City Councilor Michael Fenton Discusses MGM Springfield’s Reopening… Is It When – or If?”

The new health and safety guidelines, handed down to the Mass. Gaming Commission by the state, are causing MGM Springfield operators to question the impact of the protocols on revenue and on the entire casino experience.

Councilor Fenton presents insight from deep within the issue.

He also provides an opinion on Springfield Police reform proposals, and the possibility of a lawsuit lodged by the Council against the Office of the Mayor.

Email: mfenton@springfieldcityhall.com  •  Web: www.springfield-ma.gov

Radio Show #329 – At Mike’s Auto Service, Mike Zabik Clarifies Inspection Schedule Confusion

Some auto inspection deadlines for certain months have been extended by the Registry.

Some months have not.

Mike Zabik, at Mike’s Auto Service & Repair in West Springfield, explains what you need to do and when.

Mike also has some great tips for summer driving and the effects of hot weather on your car!

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

Radio Show #328 – East Longmeadow’s
Carl Ohlin, and The Year Without a Parade

Count the annual East Longmeadow 4th of July Parade as another victim of COVID-19.

This institution in East Longmeadow for all the cities and towns and people of Western Mass. has been officially canceled.

Longtime organizer of the parade Carl Ohlin speaks exclusively to Pioneer Valley Radio and outlines the efforts, input and discussion of how the parade might have been adjusted to be consistent with current COVID-19 guidelines, as well as the final decision to skip the event entirely for this year.