Brad Shepard

Radio Show #222 – John Heaps, Jr.,
President and CEO of Florence Bank

John Heaps, Jr., President and CEO of Florence Bank, enjoys a long banking history in Western Mass.

He grew up in Springfield, and began his banking career at Valley Bank & Trust Co.

The latest branch of Florence Bank has attracted attention due to its innovation of “pod” style teller services, and even the amenities of a coffee bar!

In this conversation, John explains the Florence Bank concept of re-imagined brick and mortar banking, and what makes Florence Bank unique in the Valley.

Web: www.florencebank.com  •  Email: customerservice@florencebank.com

Radio Show #221 – Bryant Whitsett,
Box Paper Scissors in Feeding Hills

For Bryant Whitsett, his new business in Feeding Hills, Box Paper Scissors, is very much a family affair – two nieces and a nephew comprise the staff!

Agawam is happy to welcome this new store, which features an amazing variety of business needs in one location – mailing, shipping, mailboxes, tee shirts, key cutting, shredding, notary services, a conference room and much more!

In this program, Bryant outlines how they provide one-stop conveniences to businesses as well as individuals at Box Paper Scissors, 1325 Springfield St  9, in Feeding Hills.

Email: bknuck@comcast.net

Web: www.boxpaperscissors.com

 

Radio Show #217 – The Music Man From
Feeding Hills, Richie Mitnick!

For more than thirty years, Richie Mitnick has been filling Western Mass. with music!

And the peak of this effort takes place every year during the holiday season, with a full-length concert featuring a variety of local vocalists!

In this program, the spotlight also picks up Kathie Mitnick, distinguishing the two as the music-making couple very well-known to our region.

From a career in retail musical instrument sales, to dances, concerts, and music for all occasions, Richie covers the four corners of the Commonwealth.

This year’s concert becomes the “the concert that almost wasn’t.”

Listen in!

Website: richiemitnickmusic.com

Radio Show #216 – Western Mass.
Actress/Director Cate Damon Invites You to
“Home For The Holidays” at the Majestic Theater!

Cate Damon remembers very well the classic holiday TV specials hosted by no less than Bing and Andy and many others…

Set in the star’s living room, other performers and guest stars would “drop in” for a quick greeting and a holiday song.

Well, the Majestic Theater in West Springfield’s highly-anticipated holiday special pays loving tribute to those great shows – live for you on stage!

It’s opening night for “Home for The Holidays 2018”!

And in this  program, Brad Shepard’s special guest is the director of this yuletide celebration!

Cate Damon gives us an inside view of how this show comes together, and what makes it such a treat year after year  for its audiences.

 www.majestictheater.com

Radio Show #214 – The Western Massachusetts Holiday Season

What a difference a year makes!

In this holiday feature program, Brad Shepard and special guest Michael Harrison examine the changes in the season, from last year to this.

Gift giving, the malls, online shopping, stress levels, the casino, and legalized recreational marijuana are all under discussion.

Where does it go from here?

Radio Show #213 – Ashley Tresoline and
Bella Foodie!

Springfield’s Ashley Tresoline, after being diagnosed with a serious illness, decided to find a new path toward healthy eating without compromising the enjoyment of traditional Italian dishes.

The result is her business – Bella Foodie!

It’s a celebration of good health and fine dining!

Classes, parties, special events, and a monthly menu created for pick-up or delivery for Western Mass. families on the go are all a part of the Bella Foodie experience!

You can hear about this and more, including Ashley’s very personal story, in this program with Brad Shepard.

Email: ashley@bellafoodie.net  •  Web: www.bellafoodie.net

Brad Shepard and Senator Eric Lesser on ELCAT

Pioneer Valley Radio’s Brad Shepard, in a co-production with East Longmeadow Cable Access Television, presents a one-hour telecast with Mass. State Senator Eric Lesser.

Topics of conversation include the Senator’s continued efforts toward a high-speed east-west rail connection in the state, the ongoing opioid crisis, efforts to keep seniors in their homes with affordable care, recreational marijuana, and a controversial stance on the electoral college.

The program will air on local cable, and online on both ELCAT and Pioneer Valley Radio. Click here to watch!

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 country.

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 Corp. 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.

Brad Shepard Today! Friday, and the weekend, November 9, 2018

Longmeadow Big Y renovated!
Getaway U-Haul leads police on a Mass. Pike chase.
Northampton parking rates going up!
17 year-old Westfield youth creates “Buddy Benches” for his school.
Enormous, Endangered Shire Horses come to the Equine Affaire at the Big E! (with Carol de Carlo).
A Big Mooncake for Little Star at the Eric Carle Museum.
Fake Kohl’s coupon warning.
AARP Veterans Day scam.
Making history, Amherst government changes over to the Town Council form.
Brad Shepard and Richie Mitnick to perform at Bright Nights Ball at MGM Springfield!

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 #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.

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 #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.