Social Issues

“Top Entrepreneur” Herbie Flores

Jim Madigan will interview Herbie Flores, Executive Director of Partners for Community, who was recently named 2011 “Top Entrepreneur” in the region by BusinessWest.  Flores recently made real-estate purchases, including Springfield’s Paramount Theater. ...

Are you leaving money on Uncle Sam’s table?

Paul Bailey, Executive Director, and Martin O’Conner of Springfield Partners for Community Action will discuss the work they are doing with the Springfield Earned Income Tax Coalition to make eligible low and moderate income workers aware of this tax benefit...

John Brown: An American Abolitionist

Guy McLain, the Director of the Wood Museum of Springfield History, takes a look at abolitionist John Brown, who spent many years right here in Springfield fighting against slavery. Guy also shows us Brown’s desk, currently on exhibit at the museum, inside which he...

Western MA Small Business Development Center

Dianne Doherty, Regional Dir. Mass. Small Business Development Center in Springfield, Lyne Kendall, Senior Business Advisor/Financial Analyst and Allen Kronick, Senior Business Advisor will discuss work they do to help small business start and grow in the region....

Retirement Changes

Mike Matty, Pres. of St. Germain Investments will discuss some changes in financial practices and regulations that impact retirement planning for many people....

Holyoke Youth Task Force

Holyoke Youth Task Force coordinator Rebecca Masters and Youth Commission member Travis Wells plus a possible additional guest will discuss the work of the Task Force....

College Advisor of New England

Adam Metsch of College Advisor of New England of East Longmeadow and student advisee Samantha “Sam” Grodsky, a Sr. at Longmeadow HS, will discuss the college application process now facing many high school seniors and their...

Women’s Fund of Western MA

Chief Executive Officer Carla Oleska, Director of Grants and Programs Julie Kumble, and Board President Shonda Pettiford from the Women’s Fund of Western Mass. will discuss the $150 thousand dollar fund they have available to award grants of up to $15 thousand...

Charitable Deductions

Ron Willoughby, Executive Director and CEO Springfield Rescue Mission and Miguel Cabrera, Chaplain for the Rescue Mission Emergency Shelter will discuss his concerns about proposal to end federal tax deductions for charitable donations and impact that would have on...

ACCESS Springfield Promise

Lorenzo Gaines of “ACCESS Springfield Promise” scholarship program will be joined by American International College student Shemron Ross who has benefited from the program....

Hampden County Employable Garments

Gymmetta Brantley, Ana Sanchez and Coffy Smith of Hampden County Employable Garments discuss the special nonprofit store they operate in downtown Springfield to help disadvantaged men get proper clothing so they get and hold jobs. They are hoping to bring a client...