This week, Springfield District Court retired Judge William Boyle succumbed to a lengthy battle with ALS.
Glowing tributes seem to follow one theme: “beloved and missed.”
Tony Cignoli, international political consultant and a friend to the man known as “Billy” Boyle, presents his insight into the difference made by Judge Boyle on the bench, and remembers both the jurist and the man.
Hampden County Sheriff Cocchi’s 3rd cookout forged ahead through rainy weather, to another clear success.
The Sheriff hosted a wide array of VIPS from all walks of the public and private sectors.
Join us now for a review of some of the region’s notables and VIPs who took a moment in front of our microphones.
In this program, you will hear the voices of:
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi
Monson Chief of Police Steve Kozloski
Monson Town Administrator Evan Brassard
Former East Longmeadow Board of Selectmen Chair Paul Federici
State Representative Angelo Puppolo
CEO Baystate Health Systems Dr. Mark Kerouac
Chicopee Police Dept. Information Officer Mike Wilk
Former State Senator Brian Lees
Former State Senator Michael Knapik
At-Large Springfield Councilor Jesse Lederman
Springfield Parks and Recreation Chair Brian Santaniello
United States Senator Ed Markey
The quality of life for seniors has become a calling for Western Mass.’ Alicia Smith, the Programming Coordinator for the East Longmeadow Council on Aging at the Pleasant View Senior Center.
Organizing and devising events from fitness to wellness to legal issues to entertainment is an engaging role that Alicia truly enjoys.
Her personal and professional story unfolds in this program on Pioneer Valley Radio.
With a common thread of service to the public, in and out of the private and public sectors, Granby’s Wade Dubois, has moved seamlessly through a few varied careers.
In this program, Wade will trace his travels through the retail world of jewelry, a tour of duty in law enforcement, and now a new concept in mobile jewelry repair as “The Jewelry Medic.”
Email: wade@jewelry911.com • Tel: (413) 370-4880
Need to beat the heat?
Need the water and the beach?
Don’t want to drive for hours in traffic?
Horace Greeley once said “Go West, young man, go West!”
Well… Max Hartshorne says, “Go North!”
In this program, noted travel authority, Max Hartshorne of gonomad.com tells us about some great “swimmin’ holes,” off the beaten path in Franklin County!
Website: gonomad.com
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!
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!
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!
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
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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
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!
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.
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
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
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