West Springfield

Radio Show #296 – Western Mass Small Businesses Work Against Adverse Conditions

At DelfsHaven Designs in West Springfield, owner Brett Berchin is doing what he loves.

He is a craftsman whose creativity with wood has been praised from here to Boston and New York City.

But now, the COVID-19 pandemic and the related shut down of business life in Western Massachusetts, has Brett very concerned for his well-being and his company’s very survival.

In this conversation, you will hear how it has affected him, and what he is doing to cope.

Web: delfshavendesignsma.com  •  Email: contactus@delfshavendesignsma.com

Radio Show #288 – “The Changing Face of
West Springfield Dining” with Joe Stevens

Long-standing restaurants of all manner of cuisine in West Springfield are ending their days.

Debbie Wong, the Monte Carlo, and the White Hut have stood for decades, satisfying the tastes of West Side diners!

Only the White Hut has attracted the restaurant “cavalry” of Messrs. Yee and Picknelly, in another rescue operation.

The latest departure from the scene is 1105 Main, formerly the Hofbrauhaus.

After two eras of rebranding, owner Joe Stevens has opted to close down and sell off the real estate.

In this program, Joe relates the circumstances motivating his decision, provides some insight into why the dining scene is changing, and also what is next for himself!

Radio Show #286 – Doug Sousa and the 2020 Springfield Sportsmen’s Show at the Big E!

Doug Sousa, on behalf of the Outdoor Sportsmen’s Expo Group, joins us on Pioneer Valley Radio to talk about the 2020 edition of the Springfield Sportsmen’s Show!

This outstanding event takes place on February 21-23 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The show includes the best of hunting, fishing, boating and adventure recreation.

If it’s a part of the outdoor world, you’ll find it at the 37th Annual Springfield Sportsmen’s Show!

Web: www.osegsportsmens.com  •  Email: doug@osegshows.com

Radio Show #284 – Come Back To Sorrento in West Springfield! With Patsy Albano!

For 42 years and three generations, Sorrento Pizza has kept West Springfield and Western Mass. well-fed with pizza and assorted delightful Italian cuisine!

Here, owner Patsy Albano proudly presents Sorrento’s new look and new bar!

It’s a family affair at Sorrento, with Patsy and wife Sheila.

You’ll also find out why Sorrento has become a “go to” spot for “West Side” professionals in all walks!

Web: www.sorrentopizzawestspringfield.com

Email: sorrentopizza413@comcast.net

Radio Show #269 – Donut Dip in
East Longmeadow

Pioneer Valley Radio’s Michael Harrison and his wife, AIC professor Bernadette Duncan Harrison, stopped by the legendary coffee/donut shop Donut Dip at 648 N. Main Street in East Longmeadow on Thursday morning (10/17), only to have found the store closed due to its roof having blown off in the storm that ripped through the area.

As they were about to pull out of the empty parking lot, Paul Shields, president of Donut Dip, came out of the darkened shop and explained what had
happened. The Harrisons offered their friendly concern and were about to leave when Shields offered to bring each of them out a cup of hot coffee to alleviate their disappointment.  Michael Harrison thought that this was an extraordinary example of customer service and exemplary character and interviewed Shields on the spot for Pioneer Valley Radio.

Check out their brief conversation. Donut Dip has two locations in the area – in addition to East Longmeadow, they also have a store at 1305 Riverdale Street in West Springfield.  The company was started in 1957 by Paul Shields’ grandfather, Robert Shields.

At Large with G. Michael Dobbs –
The Mayoral Races

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

Radio Show #223 – Joe Stevens and the Story Behind the New 1105 Main

Western Mass. restaurateur Joe Stevens continues his fine dining adventures, transforming the venerable Hofbrauhaus into 1105 Main in
West Springfield!

This sparkling new restaurant represents a dynamic change from the previous venue –  and a new journey for Joe!

What’s the thinking behind this rebranding?
What’s it like to move through this kind of transition?
What’s the style, cuisine, and atmosphere of 1105 Main all about?

Listen in!

Email: contact@1105main.net   •  Web: www.1105main.net

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 #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 #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 #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 #194 – Mike Zabik and
Mike’s Auto Service

Mike Zabik leads a happy existence in a family business, devoted to keeping the cars of the region in solid repair and on the road!

Born in West Springfield, Mike has been knee-deep in automotive technology from the time he graduated high school to the present.That is more than thirty years of accumulated automotive knowledge and experience.

He can be found every day at Mike’s Auto Service in West Springfield.

In this program, you will also gain some valuable info on what ponding, flooding and related rain issues can do to your vehicle.

Brad and Richie – Live in Concert!


Pioneer Valley Radio’s Brad Shepard wrapped up his summer concert schedule with a “bang” in West Springfield, at the Morgan Road Pavilion, with a solid 90 minutes of Broadway and Pop favorites.  From Sinatra to Frankie Valli, and “Man of La Mancha” to “Chicago,” Brad performed for a crowd of more than 150.  With venerable musician Richie Mitnick at the keyboard, Brad has been singing in Western Mass. for 15 years. He has also been on the air with two dominant local radio stations, and now the present “hyper-local” Pioneer Valley Radio, for a total of 25 years.

Pioneer Valley Radio President Michael Harrison Serves as Keynote Speaker at the West of the River Chamber of Commerce Annual Breakfast.

Michael Harrison, publisher of TALKERS, the leading trade publication in the American talk media (radio, TV and internet) industry, served as keynote speaker at the annual breakfast of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce held Tuesday morning (6/12) at Chez Josef in Agawam.  Harrison, a 32-year resident of Longmeadow, is also president of Pioneer Valley Radio.  Accompanied by Pioneer Valley Radio’s show hosts Bernadette Duncan and the legendary Brad Shepard, Harrison delivered a fascinating 35 minute address on the impact today’s rapid changes in media and technology are having on small business as well as all of society.  He explained how the term “fake news” has evolved during the past two years and emphasized the importance of local business, media and politics as composing the foundation of a healthy society.  He further discussed freedom of speech and emphasized the fundamental role the First Amendment plays in maintaining American democratic principles. Other speakers included Chamber executive director Robin Wozniak, Chamber co-chairs Frank Palange and Ryan McLane as well as Agawam Mayor Bill Sapelli and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt.  The first-class event was attended by approximately 75 local business people who collectively expressed a feeling of energetic optimism about the current direction and future of Agawam, West Springfield and all of Western Massachusetts.

Brad Shepard Today! Wednesday December 13, 2017

I-291 gaping pot hole repaired!
Opening night at the Majestic Theater West Springfield for “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS”
Merriam-Webster’s Word of The Year!
Inside New England’s largest postal packaging facility.
Thirteen states sue Massachusetts.
New Culinary Education Center for Springfield.

Radio Show #113 – The War and Walt Whipple…

… a new and original play by producer, director and dramatist Danny Eaton of the Majestic Theater in West Springfield.

In a conversation with Brad Shepard, the playwright explains the origin of this reality-based, personal family narrative.

Set in 1943, “The War and Walt Whipple” presents a  chaotic domestic scene in which the wives of newly-inducted brothers descend upon the home of their grandfather.

 

Radio Show # 109 – Michael Harrison and Brad Shepard discuss the life of Jerry Lewis

An in-depth discussion about one of America’s greatest entertainment icons.

Radio Show #91 – Bob Philp, Jr., Bob’s Auto

From the mid-seventies to today, Bob’s Auto in West Springfield has been the “go-to specialist” for Volkswagen and Audi service.

Here, Bob Philp, Jr., who has taken over the business from his father, talks with Brad and reflects on VWs, Audis, and doing business as an independent in Western Mass.

Brad Shepard Today! Wednesday April 5, 2017

The fate of The Yankee Pedlar!

Protest against IHEG and Eric Suher in Northampton sparks alleged “tagging.”

Promotions and awards for local business folk!

West Side’s Mayor’s office hours.

Follow-up on David LeCours in Agawam.

Brad Shepard Today! Monday, March 13th, 2017

Kateri Walsh named to national organization.
Lull before the storm? (separating fact from hype)
Irish Cultural Center of Western Mass. is expanding.
New phone scam!!!
Longmeadow Shops expand!