Springfield

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 #335 – Federico Mendiola and
the Frontera Grill Carry On

In Pioneer Valley Radio’s continuing narrative of how popular eateries in Western Mass. have faced the challenges of the COVID-19 era, PVR’s Lauren Brill spotlights the Frontera Grill and its owner, Federico Mendiola.

Federico’s story is a classic example of the manner in which a restaurant faces disruption and determines the necessary changes to a business model to accommodate the extreme limitations of the pandemic.

There is expert calibration in compassion for employees and solid and difficult choices to protect the future of a successful business.

Web: www.fronterafreshmex.com   •   Email: fronteragrillchicopee@gmail.com

Radio Show #319 – John DeVoie and Hot Table

John DeVoie’s Hot Table is a Western Mass. success and a high note in what is known as “fast casual” dining.

From one original location in Springfield to a total of 7, from Western Mass. to Central Mass. and into Connecticut, only the pandemic has slowed down Hot Table’s amazing growth.

In this program, John speaks candidly about the harrowing drop in revenue as a result of COVID-19, and his drive to continue his downtown Springfield Tower Square renovation.

Hot Table will reopen – and John’s optimism speaks for itself!

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

Radio Show #280 – Sheila Coon is Sharing the Cookie Love!

Sheila Coon made a sharp turn from a career in law to baking cookies!

With seven children, Sheila and her husband and business partner David have made HOT OVEN COOKIES a singular success in Springfield and Hadley!

It’s gratifying to Sheila to know that some folks are driving more than two and a half hours for cookies from her store!

You’ll hear in this program how her business has grown to two locations, with possibly more on the way!

Listen in –  you’ll more than likely soon be “sharing the cookie love!”

Web: www.hotovencookies.com • Email: hotovencookies413@gmail.com

 

Radio Show #279 – Caribbean Food a Big Success in Western Mass., With Yaad Food!

Springfield restaurateur Orlando Roberts has found success in adding Caribbean fare to the international cuisine mix in Western Mass.

Yaad Food brings Jamaican food to the region!  Yaad is the Jamaican word for “home,” the theme of the cuisine!

Together with partner Alexis Mercure, Orlando discusses the idea and the creation of Yaad Food in Springfield, and now, in its second and brand new location, in Chicopee!

Email: yaadfoodjar@gmail.com

Radio Show #273 – Kelly Dobbins and SOS

To Springfield’s Kelly Dobbins, SOS Means Serving Our Students.

Kelly Dobbins sat in his Springfield restaurant and pondered what he could do to make a difference and a contribution.

His thoughts turned to students and how to keep them from dropping out of school.

With that, SOS, or Serving Our Students, was born.

How does it work?  How is the mission implemented?

Those questions and more are addressed in this passionate and energetic conversation!

Contact Serve Our Students • See us on Facebook • Telephone: 413-543-1718

Radio Show #259 – Bob Plasse Keeps the “W.O.W.” in Westfield!

Retired actor Bob Plasse talks about his acting career and his ultimate transition to human services in Western Massachusetts, including his current love and avocation, Westfield On Weekends, or W.O.W!

Bob is at the heart of the city’s concerts, musical offerings, theatrical entertainment and larger scale city events.

Hear the entire story, as well as W.O.W’s summer and fall events, in this exclusive conversation.

Web: westfieldonweekends.com  •  Email:  events@westfieldonweekends.com

At Large with G. Michael Dobbs –
The Mayoral Races

G. Michael Dobbs takes a look at the local races for mayor.

At Large with G. Michael Dobbs – Cannabis

G. Michael Dobbs doesn’t smoke cannabis, and doesn’t see any harm in adults doing so. He does wonder if the current legal system is filling the need.

Radio Show #224 – Rob Brogle and the Connecticut Trolley Museum

Rob Brogle’s career as Technical Director of Sales at Collins Pipe and Supply Company does not keep him from his avocation as the president of the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor, CT.

The Connecticut Trolley Museum has over 70 pieces of rail equipment dating back to 1869.

When you visit, you can see historic passenger and freight trolley cars, interurban cars, elevated railway cars, passenger and freight railroad cars, service cars, locomotives, and a variety of other equipment from railways around Connecticut.

You will also find examples from Brooklyn, Boston, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Springfield, Lynchburg, Montreal, and even Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

The events and history of the trolleys from Springfield to Hartford come alive in this conversation with Rob.

Email: office@ceraweb.org  •  Web: www.ct-trolley.org

Brad Shepard Today! Wednesday, January 23, 2019

JetBlue offers special Atlanta flights for Superbowl!
Springfield School Committee and City Council announce school building renovation programs.
Fire departments remind you to clear snow away from hydrants.
Chicopee Police looking for man who vandalized a church.
Ware School Committee approves contract extension for Superintendent DiLeo.
National Grid fined for its performance in the October 2017 storm.
Concern for the homeless due to the extreme cold; agencies willing to help.

Dr. Lori Paige,
Professor and English Department Chair
at American International College

Dr. Lori Paige is the chair of the English Department at American International College in Springfield and teaches classes in British and vampire literature. Her new book, The Gothic Romance Wave: A Critical History of the Mass Market Novels, 1960-1993, (McFarland; September 2018), takes a close look at this popular genre’s place in the publishing industry. You can find out more about the book at McFarlandbooks.com.

Radio Show #218 – Dr. Lori Paige,
Professor and English Department Chair
at American International College

Dr. Lori Paige is the chair of the English Department at American International College in Springfield and teaches classes in British and vampire literature.   Her new book, The Gothic Romance Wave:  A Critical History of the Mass Market Novels, 1960-1993, (McFarland; September 2018), takes a close look at this popular genre’s place in the publishing industry.  You can find out more about the book at McFarlandbooks.com.

Brad Shepard Today! Friday and the weekend, December 21, 2018

Free Christmas Day coffee at Cumby’s!
Two weeks left for Bright Nights.
White Lion Brewing moves into the former Spaghetti Freddie’s location at Tower Square.
2.4 million Mass. residents are on the move this year for the holidays!
New speed limits for Holyoke.
The Springfield Regional Chamber presents Jen Falcone on human trafficking and the business community at the MGM Training Room.
Special Christmas Concert in Agawam with Richie Mitnick – TODAY!
Bright Nights holiday schedule.

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 Today! Monday, October 22, 2018

Springfield traffic and road news for the week!
Historic lottery jackpot.
MGM Springfield at Halloween!
South Amherst’s Small Ones Farm and Halloween’s crop problems.
Ludlow’s St. Paul’s Church offers “Trunk or Treat!”
Massachusetts stink bug population – rising.
Business people on the move: Wade Michaels and Derrick Feuerstein.
Springfield’s Visitors Center moves to a new location.

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 #185 – Fr. Chris Stamas and Glendi

Fr. Chris Stamas has been the priest at the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield for more than 17 years.

He is proud to preside over the 40th anniversary of the Greek celebration of Glendi!

Music, food, exhibits, games and more abound for the entire family!

In this program, Father Chris discusses his personal background and history – from a career in engineering to the moment when he believes he heard the “calling” to change the course of his life and destiny.

How Fr. Chris finds life in Springfield as compared to his years in Lowell, MA  is also illuminating.

 

Radio Show # 151 – Maestro Kevin Rhodes, Springfield Symphony Orchestra

From fifteen different countries, and fifty different orchestras, internationally famous Maestro Kevin Rhodes makes Springfield his home, as the seventeen-year Music Director and Conductor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

Come inside the SSO as Kevin talks at length about his fascinating career spanning concerts, opera and ballet.

Find out what it is like to conduct orchestras in Springfield, Michigan and Boston!

Listen as Kevin talks about the joy in weaving pop culture music with the symphony’s more established fare.

Hear his exciting plans for this season and the next!

Radio Show #145 – School Safety and Preventing Violence with Chicopee Superintendent of Schools Richard Rege

The rise in violence in American schools, as well as the threat of violence, is a national issue.

It is here in the Pioneer Valley as well, as threats within the last couple of weeks have occurred in Springfield, Holyoke, and  in Chicopee.

In Chicopee, this issue is taken seriously.

In this program, Chicopee Schools Superintendent Richard Rege responds to Brad Shepard’s questions and in great detail outlines a series of protocols designed to ensure student safety and prevent violence.