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VALLEY VIBES PODCAST
Check Out the OUR CHAMBER'S PODCAST
VALLEY VIBES | Where we bring you entertaining conversations that enrich, educate, and inform about life in the Farmington Valley and beyond.
You can catch episodes of VALLEY VIBES on some of the most popular podcast streaming platforms! Subscribe to the show by clicking on your favorite podcast platform below:
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We tap our members as show guests for their advice and expertise on a wide range of topics. Click on the link below if you would like to be a guest and to let us know your topic
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Season 2, Episode 4 -- Salute To The National EGGfest
Where is the best place to meet, greet, and eat, all for a good cause? At the Big Green EGGfest of course, hosted by Carr Hardware in Avon. The Big Green EGGfest is part grilling competition, part food fest, and part fundraiser, all rolled into one. It all started back in 1998, the brainchild of the Atlanta-based Big Green Egg Company, as a way to bring communities together and to say 'thank you' to the people that had come to appreciate the versatility of this ceramic charcoal cooker, and who are affectionately known as 'EGGheads'.
Join guest Tom Yankura, store manager of Carr Hardware in Avon, as he chats with hosts Dan Callahan from Acadia ActionCOACH and Gena Hamilton of Exact Media Services about their upcoming Farmington Valley EGGfest/CarrBQ -- where there will be cooking demonstrations using the Big Green Egg, swag bags, tastings and samples, and the chance to rub elbows with other barbecue enthusiasts. 100% of the proceeds from tickets sold benefit Avon/Canton Chamber member Gifts of Love and the Avon Volunteer Fire Department.
Season 2, Episode 3 -- Things You 'Auto' Know About Cars
For many, cars are not a luxury but a necessity. They are the means by which you get to work, go to the doctor, run errands, or take a trip. Over the past few years, however, the costs of buying, owning, repairing and maintaining a car have all gone up. People are hanging onto their cars for much longer. And when you finally do go to check out a replacement ride, supply chain shortages have led to tightening inventory for dealers resulting in fewer cars on the lot. To top it off, how do all the new tech and safety features available, along with options and alternatives for fuel efficiency, affect maintenance of your vehicle?
Join Guests Jim McCard, Service Manager at Canton Midas, and Eric Reese, General Sales Manager at O'Neill's Chevrolet in Avon as they break down some of the latest trends happening with autos today with hosts Christine Buhler of the Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy and Adam Horelik. Listen as they chat about the challenges of purchasing a car today from years past; changes in inventory levels; the differences between gas-powered, hybrid (gas engine with battery power), and fully electric vehicles and their current demand; what repairs are common with certain types of vehicles and the cost to maintain them; and how best to prepare your vehicle for New England's unpredictable weather conditions
Season 2, Episode 2 -- Talking Business With Your State Legislators
Being in business means you wear many hats. Your days are filled with the needs of your employees, customers, along with marketing and maintaining the products or services you provide. Another element that's equally as critical to thriving businesses but which many overlook, is building a good working relationship with your local legislators. If you have thought about taking action on a bill that may impact your business but have struggled making time to get your thoughts heard, then we have some great tips for you.
Guest Eric Gjede, Vice President of Government Affairs at CBIA, chats with Avon/Canton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Lisa Bohman, about the easiest and best methods for connecting with your state legislators. Eric shares simple ways to learn about and track proposed bills, how to automate following a committee or individual legislator's bills, easy ways to craft and provide testimony in-person or virtually, along with general do's and don'ts to effectively communicate and build a relationship with local lawmakers.
Season 2 PREMIER, Episode 1 -- It's A Dog's Life
Thinking about getting a dog? Have a dog? Love all things dog? Whatever the case you will want to 'come', 'sit', and 'stay' for this episode which is 'packed' full of information about dogs. It's the perfect blend of 'pup' talk and expert advise
Listen to this lively conversation as Dr. Arnie Goldman from the Canton Animal Hospital talks with Christine Buhler from the Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy and Lisa Bohman, Executive Director of the Avon/Canton Chamber of Commerce about: The stages of a dog's life; Choosing the right breed for your family & lifestyle; The importance of training for a well-mannered, happier household member; Feeding and nutrition recommendations; Tips on vaccinations, general health & overall canine well-being.
Season 1, Episode 12 -- Making The Right Move: A Guide To Buying & Selling A Home
A home is probably the largest purchase a person will make. It is even more daunting when you consider that Interest rates continue to rise, there are fewer homes on the market currently, yet home prices continue to rise year-over-year.
Our guests Lori Macgowan from Coldwell Banker Realty/Avon and Adam Horelik from Norcom Mortgage bring clarity to this process by providing tips to help you navigate this complicated and oftentimes stressful process. From financing options, to applying for a mortgage, knowing how to find the right real estate agent, to staging your home and pricing it right, this episode covers some of those crucial considerations you need to know before buying or selling a home.
Season 1, Episode 11 -- Autism Awareness
You may have heard about Autism, but do you really know what it means? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the world. It's a lifelong disorder that can cause significant behavioral, social, and communication challenges. And while those with Autism share certain common characteristics, no two individuals are the same.
In this show Yvonne and Lauren Gardner of FOCUS Center For Autism discuss with show hosts Dan Callahan of Acadia ActionCOACH and Adam Horelik of Norcom Mortgage: Autism throughout the lifespan, the early signs of Autism, the importance of getting an early diagnosis, how to help parents find the right services and support, and how a program targeted toward your child's particular needs can help reduce isolation and help them achieve both acceptance and social support.
Season 1, Episode 10 -- Grilling 101
Summer and Grilling go hand in hand. Join us as we celebrate the Joy Of The Char and help you on your journey to becoming a Master Of The Flames.
Guest Chuck Joseph of ShopRite of Canton discusses with co-hosts Adam Horelik of Norcom Mortgage and Michael Mezheritskiy of Milestone Asset Management Group
the importance of going somewhere that has experienced butchers that can speak with confidence about cooking techniques, recipes, and marinades, and help you navigate the cuts of meat available for your grilling pleasure. They also explore: What distinguishes the different brands of beef; Understanding USDA Grading -- Prime, Choice, and Select -- and its impact on tenderness and flavor of the beef along with the price; The Different Cuts of Meat -- Ribeye, Porterhouse, NY Strip, Hanger Steak, Flank Steak; Bone-In vs. Bone Out; and Charcoal vs. Gas.
Season 1, Episode 9 -- There's No Place Like Summer Camp
It's Summer! If you are a kid it means no school and lots of free time. If you are a parent it means the kids are home all day with nothing to do. Summer Programs for the kids might be just the ticket to keep them engaged during those hazy, lazy days. Summer Programs, Day Camp or Overnight Camp can offer a wide range of benefits for children of any age, including: promoting independence, developing skills, building self-esteem, fostering learning and personal growth, and, of course, making friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
Guests Jason Brown, Camp Experience Manager for Ebner Camps and John Pellino, Associate Director/ Programming & Instruction from Talcott Mountain Science Center chat with co-hosts Christine Buhler of Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy and Michael Mezheritskiy of Milestone Asset Management Group about:
Things parents should look for in a Summer Camp, How to get your kids ready for a camp experience, The types of programs available for kids, How parents can feel more comfortable with sending a child to an overnight camp, and so much more...
Season 1, Episode 8 -- For The Birds
Tube feeders, Hopper feeders, Platform feeders, Oh My. Guests Jay Kaplan from Roaring Brook Nature Center and Lou Moscaritolo from Wild Birds Unlimited/Avon sit down with our co-hosts Christine Buhler of The Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy and Lisa Bohman, Executive Director of the Avon/Canton Chamber of Commerce to chat about how to choose the right feeder and the right food for attracting birds to your backyard, what species might be commonly seen here in Connecticut, along with how to keep those pesky squirrels and the occasional bear from interrupting your bird watching. MAKE SURE TO CLICK ON THE SHOW FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A SPECIAL OFFER!
Season 1, Episode 7 -- In Celebration of Women In The Workplace
Each year we set aside time to recognize the achievements of women across the country and commemorate the contributions they have made to our culture and society.
In that vein, we are celebrating two very accomplished women from right here in the Farmington Valley -- Cynthia Crockett, Esq. from the law firm Hersh & Crockett, and Technology Teacher Anya Jensen from The Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy. They chat with our co-hosts Christine Buhler from The Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy and Gena Hamilton of Exact Digital Media on how they started; what they learned along the say; on how, as women, the importance of being yourself and finding your voice; and the need for and potential influence of female role models for young girls to help them overcome their preconceptions and barriers to leadership and success in business. MAKE SURE TO CLICK ON THE SHOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
Season 1, Episode 6 -- Moving From Exercise Resolutions to Attainable Solutions
So you made that New Year's resolution: shed some pounds, improve your overall physical health, look better come swimsuit season, etc... But without realistic goals or a plan for how to achieve them, these resolutions were probably abandoned after only a few months because they became overwhelming and, thus, seemingly unattainable.
In this show Rick Hersom of
Club Pilates/Avon and Billy Pratt of
Fitness Together/Avon sit down with co-hosts Dan Callahan of Acadia ActionCOACH and Gena Hamilton of Exact Digital Media to discuss how to do a 'resolution reset' to reinvigorate your fitness goals to achieve long-term success. Billy and Rick share ideas as to how to stay motivated on your exercise journey, along with various exercise options available -- no matter your fitness level -- to improve your overall physical health.
MAKE SURE TO CLICK ON THE SHOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
Season 1, Episode 5 -- Hey, Hey, Get Ready For Valentine's Day
If Bling Is Your Thing or you are looking for a Sweet Treat to amp up the romance this Valentine's Day, then you will LOVE this show.
Valentine's Day can elicit a variety of responses depending upon your perspective; from excitement and anticipation to doubt and despair. On this episode Ken Bacon, General Manager of Michael's Jewelers/Canton and Miriam Rieder of Taste by Spellbound/Avon, share with hosts Gena Hamilton of Exact Digital Media and Michael Mezheritskiy of Milestone Asset Management Group their take on selecting the perfect gift of jewelry to suit every budget or that custom crafted confection that will make your taste buds delight, and how to make the day less stressful and extra-special.
MAKE SURE TO CLICK ON THE SHOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
Season 1, Episode 4 -- Preparing For Winter
Winter can mean holiday celebrations, cozy evenings in front of the fireplace, beautiful snowfalls, brilliant starry skies; but if you are not prepared for the snow, ice and cold that inevitably come with the season, it can be a nuisance, possibly financially costly, or at its worst downright dangerous. Our guests Tom Yankura, Manager of Carr Hardware/Avon and Randy Phillips, Executive Director of Arden Courts of Avon discuss ways to prepare your home, your outdoors, and strategies for reducing isolation and keeping older family members and neighbors safe, healthy, and as independent as possible with hosts Christine Buhler from Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy and Gena Hamilton of Exact Digital Media. MAKE SURE TO CLICK ON THE SHOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
Season 1, Episode 3 -- Oktoberfest
Break out the Lederhosen and Dirndl. It's autumn and that means it's time to lift a stein to all things German, and join us as we explore Oktoberfest, one of the world's most fun-filled celebrations. In this episode Chris Bafumo of Cruise Planners - The Traveling Buddies and Kerry Brash of Avon Super Cellar Wine & Spirits chat with hosts Dan Callahan from Acadia ActionCOACH and Adam Horelik from Norcom Mortgage about some of the great culture, food, beers, and yes, wines, that are part of this storied annual festival. MAKE SURE TO CLICK ON THE SHOW FOR SOME EXCLUSIVE OFFERS
Season 1, Episode 2 -- Salute To Potato Month
The potato is the mainstay of meals all across America. Mashed, boiled, fried, chips; we love them all. If you can't get enough of all things spud, then what better way to 'starch' your day than by catching this very 'a-peeling' episode. Listen as hosts Dan Callahan of Acadia ActionCOACH and Kristina Mozzicato of
Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness sit down with
Max A Mia Executive Chef Bob Peterson and Susan Pribyson with the blue food truck Relish This and talk all things potato.
Season 1, Episode 1 -- Mental Health Preparedness for Going Back-To-School
If you have school age children you know the mixed feelings with kids heading back to the classrooms: the benefits of in person learning vs. health concerns and fears of disruptions or reclosures and so much more. Shelley Christ of Hope For Healing Behavioral Health Center chats with hosts Adam Horelik from
Norcom Mortgage and Michael Mezheritskiy from
Milestone Asset Management Group about strategies for identifying and addressing different issues to insure a successful transition.
CHAMBER CHAT | TEN @ 10
Check Out Our NEW PROGRAM | CHAMBER CHAT: TEN @ 10 | Where we speak with Chamber Members representing a variety of industries as to how they are adapting and doing business during Covid-19.
WANT TO RECORD A CHAMBER CHAT?
Email the Chamber
The following segments are available anytime, just click on the links below:
B2B EXPENSE REDUCTION with Jonathan Horn | Schooley Mitchell
BUSINESS INSURANCE with Jeff Borges | The Bakker Agency
COMPLIMENTARY THERAPIES with Len Diana | An Infinite Abundance
COUNSELOR with Susan Levine | Women Reshaping Lives
DIRECT SALES with Dana Culligan | Tocara Jewelry
DIRECT SALES with Carol Tsacoyeanes | Ruby Ribbon
ELDERCARE CONSULTANT with Vic Bible | IFFS Eldercare Consultants
HEALTHCARE with Sharon Gauthier | Patient Advocate For You
HOSPITALITY with Cheryl England | Residence Inn by Marriott/Avon
INNOVATION with Page Thibault | Frame of Mind Consulting
MASSAGE THERAPY/SOLE PROPRIETOR with Kristina Mozzicato | Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness
MEDIA with Bruce Deckert | Today Magazine
MORTGAGES with Adam Horelik | Norcom Mortgage
NON-PROFIT ARTS ORGANIZATION with Deborah Sacks | Gallery On The Green
NEW PHOTOGRAPHER with Seshu Badrinath | Connecticut Headshots
REALTOR with Margo Ross | William Raveis Real Estate
RETAIL with Sara Thornton | Ravenswood Natural Health
SENIOR LIVING with Frank Rende | Farmington Station
SENIOR LIVING CONSULTANT with Liz Cornish | A New Season In Life
TELECOMMUNICATIONS with Dennis Frosolone | Voice New England
COMCAST LOCAL FIRST CABLE ADS
Running from March 12 through May 27, 2018 on the Comcast/Plainville franchise these ads featured Member Businesses and were seen on such popular cable channels as: CNBC, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, Fox News, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, MSNBC, NESN, TNT, and many more.
If You Missed Any of Them -- You can still view them HERE by Clicking on the Thumbnails
Bill Selig Jewelers
FOCUS Center for Autism
Gifts of Love
Home Helpers/Farmington Valley
Milestone Asset Management Group
Shihan Day Spa