Reminder Online Archives

| 2020 has been a year of important lessons | 60 years later, death of JFK still means something important | A healthy local press may also mean a healthy local political process | A new district map could lead to greater diversity | A sad level of hypocrisy exists with troopers refusing vaccine | A series of reflections now that we’re post-election | A trip to Cambridge underscores a real problem | Abandoned theaters provide economic development to cities | Abortion issue another example of politicians skewed priorities | Adjusting to working from home and problems that come with it | Afghanistan is an issue with local implications | Air and Space Show brings up memories of Westover in its prime many years ago | All it takes is one bug to shut down inspection system | An old man asks for explanations on variety of topics | An understatement: the Legislature puzzles me sometimes | Anniversary of casino bill important for state and region | Another casino: positive addition or hobbling earning potential? | As Groucho once said, ‘Hello, I cannot stay, I must be going’ | As usual, I learned a lot over the past year | As usual, I’ve got questions and seeking answers | Attack on Post Office is anti-American | Baker’s decision disappoints | Baker’s move makes next election a free-for-all | Balancing pandemic and opening schools is a tough decision | Balancing pandemic and opening schools is a tough decision | Banning books should never be part of our culture | Being a mayor isn’t easy, neither is running for the office | Beware the sexy lingerie store? | Biden signs new law to support the Post Office | Bill raises questions around profanity and context | Blackface is simply unacceptable at any time, for any reason | Bob ‘the Bike Guy’ renews my holiday spirit | Can billionaires understand small business struggles? | Can we actually cope with the challenges that face us in the 21st Century? | Can we really say we know how another person feels? | Candidates smear each other and it’s shameful | Cannabis event brings up many questions | Cannabis lounges should happen but must have safeguards | Casino Advisory Committee should focus on helping city | Chain stores can be great, but local retailers truly help build communities | Change is a necessary component of human life | Charland shows the impact of true public service | Charlie Ryan was a legendary figure in city’s history | Cities and towns should consider municipal broadband | Cities are bracing for legal pot | City and tourism officials should take advantage of MGM’s opening | City Council meeting presents some unexpected discussion | City should confiscate illegal dirt bikes driven on streets | Civil conversation gives me a little hope | Claims of censorship made by some are misleading | Climate change is here whether you ignore it or not | Comments underscore what work we have to do | Computers are great, but typewriters were expressive and fun | Confederate flag in the Capitol reaffirms the evil it represents | Coronavirus is as significant to history as the Great Depression | Decades old decision helped divide nation | Do you know a guy? That’s what you need to get the shot | Don’t let sticker shock prevent progress | Don’t worry, I’m not running for office this year | Dr. Seuss political hysteria is predictable | East–West rail makes sense – but at what cost? | Twenty years down, maybe five more to go | Education funding needs change, mayoral races are heating up | Enjoying a taste of normalcy in New England | Enough prayers; it’s time for action | Enshrinement should stay in Springfield | Ensuring the correct use of language is a daily habit | Erosion of freedoms looms with Supreme Court decision | Events still live as long as there are witnesses, survivors and participants | Fact checking letters to the editor – opening a can of worms? | ‘Faith’ should not be part of the electoral process | Few markets our size have the combination of tourism attractions we do | For Union Station to reach potential, customer amenities must be priority | Forecasts of increased crime with casino prove inaccurate | Gift giving is an art form. Some excel at it, others – not so much | Got a lot on my mind about my industry this week | Grim realities of a pre-determined impeachment | Growth in newspapers? Yes, it can happen. We’ve proved it. | Hard fought elections come to their conclusions | Here are some predictions on what we could expect in 2021 | Here’s an idea: let’s discuss issues we can actually affect | Hey kids, want to monitor the media for Homeland Security? | History’s lessons shouldn’t be ignored | Holyoke may be a city, but it’s really a village | Honoring veterans means more than just a ‘thank you’ | I describe ‘fake news’ as best as I can | I learned a lot in 2018, how about you? | I love our neighboring states, but I’m staying home | I made a not-so-bold prediction: forcing Neal isn’t going to work | I need to do something to help Ukraine | I offer advice to graduates that they didn’t request | I offer some unsolicited advice again to candidates | I support MGM Springfield but isn’t it time to reopen fully? | I want this pandemic to end. Do you? | I’d like to see MGM Springfield become even more successful | If May 18 was Christmas, the presents were sensible | Ignoring Facebook may ensure a Merry Christmas | I’m happy to say we’re bucking the industry trend | I’m mad as hell and I can’t take it anymore | I’m not sure what message is being sent in Chicopee | Image in advertisement raises concerns from reader | Impeachment: staging a bloodless coup or addressing wrong doings of the president? | In a self-induced pity party? Snap out of it | In digital age, real travel is valued | In stressful election year, solace found in the words of journalists past | In stressful times, laughter can be the best medicine | In the absence of theaters, drive-ins offer a nostalgic option | In tumultuous 2020, there’s still plenty to be thankful for | Inflation might have been bad, but it didn’t seem to affect gambling | Inside baseball: facts in controversial stories can be elusive | Is candy corn the new fruitcake? | Is our future going to be similar to ones seen in science fiction films? | Is our political speech not much better than that of 150 years ago? | Is proposed raise for the city council justified or too much? | Is there a better way for cities to deal with snow? | Isn’t it time for solutions rather than shouting? | It takes a lot of gall for Sudders to show up here | It’s a mystery to me how history will view anything | It’s not that difficult to cut down plastic personally | It’s the best time of the year: election season | It’s the New Year and time to get back to business | It’s time for a new courthouse in Springfield | It’s time to put the politics aside and seek real solutions to violence | It’s time to start fixing our mistakes | I’ve developed protective coloring to get through Super Bowl | I’ve got a long list of reasons to be thankful this year | Lack of understanding of Trump is hitting me hard | Last weekend’s events offered a tale of two downtowns | ‘Less-than-adequate’ snow cleanup spurs complaints and plans | Lessons I’ve learned during the first year of the pandemic | Let’s change the perception of what is an ‘art’ town | Let’s hope that 2022 isn’t the terrible year that 2021 was | Let’s prepare for marijuana tourism as its coming | Life is indeed too short, live it to the fullest our situation allows | Local candidates show how to behave like adults in a debate | Local woman has spent years seeking medical help to no avail | Longmeadow Democratic Breakfast provides a political mosh pit | Longmeadow voters speak their mind on elected officials | Loss of small town resonates in climate debate | Low turn-out for preliminary election is troublesome | MAD was more than satire; it strengthened the freedom of speech | MAGA vs. Taylor Swift, a Super Bowl of stupidity | Massachusetts’ recovery will take longer than we imagine | Media jumps to conclusions, ride–sharing fee-hike bad for Western Mass. | Merry Christmas from this ink-stained editor | MGM needs the 4 a.m. closing time, but do other establishments need it as well? | MGM Springfield has met many expectations during its first year | MGM story takes an interesting turn – maybe | More proof that this country’s ‘crazy factor’ is regularly increasing | Neal rises to the top of the national political discussion | Neal’s record challenged by new progressive PAC | New mattress regulation creates an unexpected reaction | Individual acts of kindness help make this Christmas brighter for many | Daniel’s appearance prompts thoughts about celebrity | News articles shouldn’t use unnamed sources | Newspaper hero provides comfort this week | No offense Santa but could you stay away just a little while longer? | North-south rail, a first step in the right direction | Not all newspapers lean the same way in politics | Note to Gov. Baker and Legislature: Fund the PVTA properly | Now that elections are over, did you cast a vote? | Our continued expansion illustrates the value of community journalism | Pandemic has caused me to appreciate life’s little moments | Pandemic has left us searching for a little bit of ‘normal’ in 2020 | Past election night, more history will be made | Patrick needs to start now if he’s running | Pay rate for dealers surprises some | Paying tribute to Caesar is annual exercise in pain and confusion | People need to get past pandemic fatigue and do the right thing | Plan to weaken U.S. Post Office must be stopped | Please explain: Why do some people like to root for failure? | Police shouldn’t obscure or bury the history of systemic racism | Political debates are essential institution in our democracy | Politics is fun but confusing at times | Post-election town-by-town recap | Pot sales give municipalities needed revenue | Primary season brings about changes, surprises and intrigue | Proposed legislation is designed to protect personal freedom | Proposed legislation would open cannabis industry to more people | Proposed new funding source could help out downtowns | Proud of 18 years at The Reminder | Public opinion and statistics on Springfield schools differ | Publishing news that is hyper-local — that is still our philosophy | Putin’s threat sets off memories from childhood | Question for new governor: is high speed rail a priority? | Random act of hate adds to these sad and dangerous times | Ray Hershel created a legacy of professionalism in region | Reaching this life milestone is a little unreal | Reader disagrees and says same sex marriage is ‘immoral’ | Report about sheriffs and contributions is click-bait | Responsibility in the face of a pandemic | Retirement of police commissioner opens door to discussion | Ruling could affect tips-based jobs | Sanders gives standard stump speech for supporters | Scratch and Keno lottery sales decline worries officials | Should drug testing for first responders be considered? | Slap heard around the world just part of weird week | Smith & Wesson departure should make us think about business development | So what does government actually care about? | Soldiers' Home debate disgusts me | Some thoughts that have been in my head, before I forget them | Sorting through everything rattling through my brain | Sports betting should help as many businesses as possible | Springfield had plenty of good choices in preliminary elections | Springfield incident illustrates the need for public safety improvements | Springfield, welcome to your new community newspaper | Steps to combat racism in American society should be welcomed, not scoffed at | Study gives a peek at casino impacts | Study shows unfunded mandates remain a challenge for cities and towns | Survey says: people still believe in falsehoods | Taking stock of one head-spinner of a week | Taxing Boston drivers, visitors more is an idiotic plan | Tell me what you think should be done | Ten years later, 2011 tornado is still an influence | Texting argument is a distraction | The COVID-19 vaccines are a blessing | The death of a warrior, Michaelann Bewsee made Springfield a better community | The decision by the Times was wrong | The departure of two members of the media will be felt | The Fourth of July is about more than hotdogs and fireworks | The great power of imagery always needs to be examined | The growth of the cannabis industry needs to continue | The importance of affordable mass transit across the state | The movies teach us that 2022 could be a lot worse than it is | The Post Office should not be a casualty of the pandemic | The president doesn’t seem to understand purpose of Memorial Day | The primary is here and I hope you will vote | The primary season truly starts and it’s busy | The return of cursive writing could help students | The road to Aug. 24 opening has been a long and interesting one | There are rules about being ‘off the record’ | There are serious business concerns with cannabis | There is a disconnect between beliefs and actions | This is what democracy is all about | This past year provided me with a number of lessons | Those who defaced BLM street art are either racists or jerks | ‘Thoughts and prayers’ won’t solve continuing violence | Time to look past monuments of the past to create better future | Tips to get through the holidays from a ‘professional cynic’ | To get east-west rail service, we need to make it Boston’s ‘idea’ | To get the shot, you clearly need a plan | To me, Chicopee resident David Barsalou is a hero | Town meeting season brings up questions of efficiency in governing | Transportation, infrastructure improvements need to benefit Western Mass. too | Trip to UMass was nostalgic and hopeful | Trump’s snub of WWI observation would be political suicide for anyone else | Trust is difficult to rebuild following Croteau case | Two out of three candidates have an opinion about the courthouse | UMass Amherst journalism students give me hope | UMass purchase of Mount Ida College betrays its mission | Undocumented immigration demands attention | Unexpected and welcome letters from the mayor | Unsolicited advice is easy to give, harder to take | Vaccine sites should have been organized ages ago | Vieau did the right thing by removing Wilk | Visitors recognize region’s potential | Voicing an opinion is fine, but casting a vote is more important | Warren’s ‘everyman’ Instagram post registers as total fail | We all have health care stories | We don’t need to legalize fireworks in Massachusetts | We don’t sell out for sandwiches | We have the opportunity to do something here about climate change | We hope you enjoy your new newspaper | We may not have a coastline but there are things we share with the Cape | We must find a common ground and unite by finding solutions | We must save small businesses | We need a more cohesive regional and national approach to the pandemic | We need to take advantage of opportunities | Welcome to the first Reminder ‘Outlook’ edition | Welcome to the new chapter in The Pennysaver | Welcome to your new community newspaper, The Reminder | We’ll be delivering you local news every week | We’re making some changes | West Side has left money on the table – can it afford it? | What are you going to do to help our country move forward? | What businesses are learning from MGM | What has the Gaming Commission been doing lately? | What the heck happened to 2017? | What would it take for a racist to change their mind? | Whatever your traditions, happy Thanksgiving | What’s the difference between purchasing recreational cannabis and alcohol? | What’s wrong with a term limit for the speaker? | When I’m wrong, I’m wrong: Wahlburgers broke ground | Who benefits from vaping ban? | Why I’m exhausted by this year’s election season | Why is the Commonwealth considering banning menthol cigarettes? | Why would you oppose net neutrality? | Will banning plastic straws negatively impact your life? Probably not | Will Western Mass. benefit from high-speed rail? Not likely | With climate change, it’s time to rethink your yard | With Hall of Fame, it’s just business, right? Nothing personal | With low public interest, do voters even know it’s election season? | Wolff book brings up issues of how elected officials relate to reporters | Working from home provides different kinds of distractions | Yes, I want to go into space, but do they have a suit to fit me? | Yes, I’m going to get letters about this opinion | Zippy the Pinhead visits Western Massachusetts again | So should a museum be responsible for political correctness? | Las Vegas shootings bring up the same unanswered questions again | Freedom of speech is a demanding concept | What’s the second economic development act after 2018 for Springfield? | Imagine this: you could witness the start of a war as a kid and then serve in it | The city is benefitting from political involvement | Move the state capitol to Springfield? Sounds good to me | 2012 race the election of social media | What a week for the local newsman | 2013: An obsession with casino gaming | News brings back nuclear memories | 30 percent raise for councilors is too much | ABC40, Fox6 sale to Meredith Broadcasting would erodes freedom of the press | A big 'thank you' to readers who helped out | A chance to talk about the budget is coming | Add tax to my Zagnut; I can take it | advicefor2014gradu | Advice for 2014 graduates journeying into adult life | Solar panels aren’t that unattractive | A fairy tale for the suburbs | A few topics for contemplation | Affordable reliable energy is big issue | Age doesn’t bring insight, just more questions to ponder | A history lesson for the Millennials | A hot property? You could say that | Ah spring, the time for the neighbors to misbehave | A Last-Minute Letter to Santa | Albano’s campaign focuses on attacks rather than the issues | Albano’s response to WGGB corruption stories is inexpicable | Aldermen must abide by regulations | A little reminder about submissions | All press has a 'slant' here's mine | All the news that is the news | America polarized along race and politics | ...and the house fire's red glare | I don my annual protective coloring | Annual roast raises laughs and funds | An open invitation | An open letter to the year 2015 | Do you have the answers to my questions? | A political trade-off gives us higher sales tax | Are entertainment districts at odds? | Are judges undermining the police? | Are more taxes the answer to cuts? | Channelling 'Bitter Bierce:' Are people stupid or willful? | A request for Santa for some last-minute gifts this season | Are the right questions being asked in the latest mayoral controversy in Chicopee? | A rewards program could help local businesses | Are we ever going to progress as a society or a species? | Are you part of the 99 Percent? | Are you really a Republican? Take the RNC test | Are your satisfied with your media? | A season for 'Brown' effect? | A sleepless night brings random thoughts | As pro-casino folks bide their time, here’s some food for thought | Back-to-school elicits nostalgia | Bad call on biomass review | Basketball Hall, built from the ground up | Battles royal made for interesting primaries | Be heard with The Reminder’s Speak Out | Be horrified by things that actually matter | Biding reporters get no Biden time | Big Dig finger-pointing is starting | Billboard doesn't help discussion | Biomass questions continue to bother me | Black Friday deals aren’t worth someone’s life | Blizzard spawns bad behavior | I hate when this happens | Tornado sends us back in time | Boston Globe would give us goose poop | Boston's bad what about the Valley? | Boston’s Olympic aspirations don’t jive with state’s real needs | Bringing back the neighborhood business model | Brown can't seem to stay out of the limelight | Buckle or not | Buendo is honored for his service | 'Buy American, Buy from Massachusetts' | Buying American saved local jobs | Buying cheap perpetuates cycle | By cracky, these whippersnappers deserve ban | Call me 'Kreskin' | Candidates offer choices - go vote! | Candidates should take religion off the table | Candy tax no way to boost revenue | Can't agree with governor | Pro- or anti-casino? Make up your mind | Casino gaming on verge of embarrassment | Casino in West Springfield would be a mistake | Casinos aren’t like just any other business | Casinos won't save unemployed | Cathedral answer only creates more questions for diocese | ‘Celebrity’ – a matter of opinion | Center is good for region's economy | Changes to the Affordable Care Act shows how one action can affect many | Chief fiasco illustrates need for change | Christmas message makes more sense to me | Closing of a circus marks the end of an era in entertainment | City Council blows opportunity to talk about issues surrounding cyber cafés | City needs ward representation | "City of Homes" isn't lawless Wild West | City plans to market itself | Cleaning the river has made a huge difference in the Pioneer Valley | Clearly we love sensationalism | Climate change is real and we all must deal with it right now | Columbus Day: a holiday of myths | Comic Con, Bing Con not just for comic book lovers anymore | Commercialism taints yet another day | Communities should plan for billboards now | Commuter rail service must expand | Completing census form is a patriotic duty | Computing center is already helping | Condom issue isn't black and white | Conference can shed light on media | Conference Could Help Your Business | Congressional race could be killer | Consolidation of news operations is a troubling trend for Western Massachusetts | Conversation must trump rhetoric | Corruption can happen anywhere | Cost of Ingram’s ‘incentive’ way too high for taxpayers | Could any governor lower taxes? | Could Springfield’s involvement with Dunbar set expensive precedent? | Could the world’s most powerful nation be brought to its knees? | Could towns do a better job than RMV? | Count me among those who are still skeptical about MassPike toll changes | Coverage is the real health crisis | Credibility of Williams, NBC could be irreparably tarnished | Crisis in Syria has more depth than American news outlets suggest | Criticism of journalists just another shining example of American hypocrisy | I’m willing to bet the third Connecticut casino won’t hurt MGM Springfield | DCAMM’s process needs revamp | Dear Deval: fire the guy with the $5 fee | Dear Mr. President: let's hear more on energy | Debate rages on Agawam project | Debates, budgets and comrades | Debates were worth covering | Dedication to cause makes all the difference | Democrats for Romney, join me! | Dems: Get a spine, do the right thing | Despite life's trials, there's plenty for which to be thankful | Deval, we need equity in hospital funding | Deval will back casinos...I think | Did ancient grudges keep Hampden from doing the right thing? | Diocese not doing itself any favors in handling of Cathedral | Diocese should speak honestly about future of Cathedral High | Disputes arise over safety costs | Do crime stories hurt or help? | Does anyone have the answers to my questions? | Does Bay State support sweatshops? | Do ‘job creators’ really create jobs? | Do more guns mean more safety? | Don’t be complacent after the election; get and stay involved | Don't tear it down; build it up | Don't thrust your beliefs on others | Do these presidential debates matter? | Do we need a big box store in town? | Do we need another Stop & Shop? | Do we still have religious freedom here? | Down-sizing Westover is bad news for region and nation | Do you feel guilty eating Kentucky Fried? | Do you know a 'Hometown Hero?' | Do you want MGM’s closing time to be at 4 a.m.? | Early closing times detrimental to businesses | Time might be right for East Longmeadow to re-examine governmental structure | East Longmeadow has an outdated form of government | East Longmeadow's definition of a 'problem' is questionable | Election coverage slighted by budgetary restraints | Election merry-go-round may begin anew | Election mystery: where was Mitt? | Endorsing Popeye for president | Enduring institutions complete a bridge between generations | Enrich the city with more arts and culture | Essex House collapse raises questions about plans for other Holyoke buildings | Is the Gulf crisis boring you? | Everyone should be involved in agriculture | Facebook has changed the face of political discourse | Faith is great, unless it blinds | Fall-out continues from incident | Fear greases the wheels of government | Federal Building project is a misstep | Federal cuts beg question,"What's the Point?" | Fee boycott may not be the answer | Fifteen years at RPI: it’s been a long strange ride | Fifty years later, we can still take lessons from march on Selma | Finding a team might be the easy part for hockey in Springfield | Finding beauty in the most mundane of civic responsibilities – jury duty | Finding ‘truth’ in today’s local issues | First overnight hospital stay proves to be a teaching moment | Five years later, 2011 tornado’s impact still lingers in the Valley | Flag burners have rights but do they know what the flag means? | Flea market is great 'dig' for history buffs | Fly the flag on 9/11 for the victims and the troops | Focusing on the steak, not the sizzle | Following the evolution of a story can be fun | Forbes story is sensational and cheap | For the holidays, I may be turning off Facebook | Freedom of religion applies to all | Freedom of speech is a demanding and harsh concept | Do you play the gasoline game? | Future Hampden County sheriff should consider Griffin’s message on addiction | Gabrieli presents plans instead of promises | Get ready for Deval's visit this week | Getting traction on incumbents requires developing real issues | Government can only do so much | Government must aid in job retention | Government shouldn't restrict marriage between two adults | Governor’s Council operates in different fashion | Gov. Patrick wants to hear your opinion | Gov should get criticism he deserves | Graduates: what you need – more advice | Unsolicited advice to youngsters from a grey beard | Grillin' season arrives with Scott's roast | Group homes present ethical issue | Haberman Hardware was last remnant of Holyoke’s glory days | Handing out onions and orchids | Hard Rock doesn't address important details | Have you taught your kids the stare? | Help say 'Happy B' day' to a nice guy | Help still needed for tornado victims | Here's a little backstage peek at reporting | Here’s a simple guide to talking sports for those who don’t actually follow sports | Here's how to get your news in the media | Here’s more inside baseball about the news business | Here's my gift list this holiday season | Here’s what every graduate needs: unwanted advice | Hey Santa, will you grant my wishes? | Hillman spends a minute in western Mass. | History frequently provides answers | Court decision poses question: whose religious ‘freedom’ matters more? | Holyoke is pushing the high tech envelope | Holyoke may be best kept secret in area | Holyoke’s Christmas tree scuffle political silliness, nothing more | Holyoke's time in the barrel has ended | Honeybees should be protected, not banned | Hoping for a less bruising 2011 | Hoping third party gets first place | Horrors! Governments can create jobs | Howard Street facility could work in Maple High Six Corners | How can we ignore the generals? | How do you fix a city? Look at its issues | How do you think we rate as a brand? | How many donut shops do we need? | How many mistakes do the national TV news shows make? | How to be professionally ignorant | So how was your street during the last two storms? | How will the Trump Administration deal with legalized marijuana issue? | How you gonna keep Scott down on the farm after he’s seen D.C.? | Human trafficking story shows crime, misery not exclusive to cities | I ask for an answer and I get one | Identifying fact and truth is part of making sense of the fake news era | I don't know why you (don't) say goodbye... | I don't see Red Box as progress | If only residents and businesses were given a level playing field | If you don't vote, don't complain | Effort to bring illegal immigrants is bad policy and bad politics | I'll take my Olympics with a side of news | I'm crossing Wal-Mart off my options | I'm crossing Wal-Mart off my options | I'm ending the year with more questions | I'm looking for another good reporter | I'm seeing 'ghosts' and dead chickens | I'm suffering from election overload | I'm suffering from election overload | I'm tired of Springfield bashers | I need new rabbit ears for digital age | Ingram's salary too high in time of sacrifice | Inquiring minds want to know... | Insurance reform needed Kennedy's leadership | Internet killed the video store | Internet memes are no substitute for discourse | In the pursuit of happiness, how would you define the word? | In wake of bombing, faith in people restored | Is an early closing time the answer? | Is a run at Kerry's Senate seat worth it for potential candidates? | Is contest latest salvo in culture war? | Is healthcare a right or a privilege? | I shouldn't use the "g" word any longer | Is Kerry frightened of challenger? | Is Mitt running for prez or not? | Is political discourse now reduced to dueling memes on Facebook? | Is removing the toll booths really progress or just another government intrusion? | I start my adventure in social media | Is this the way local government should work? | Is your community a happy one? | It’s a good time to be a farmer | It's time to do something about jobs | It's time to play 'Guess My Party!' | It's time to put ideology aside | It's time to start from scratch | It's time to tell them what you think | It’s true: Local elections matter | It's your choice, East Longmeadow | Judge presidential hopefuls yourself | July Fourth is a time for reflection | Just how stupid are we? | Katrina: the storm that changed everything | Keeping public records public | Keeping the net neutral should be of paramount concern to all Americans | Keep those letters coming in | Kitty Broman part of era of media distinction | Kriss provides a lesson for all | Lack of coverage on Gravel is shameful | Language can be a minefield | Latest mass murder can’t be allowed to be ‘routine’ | Lease creates a straitjacket for Springfield | Lees' departure creates turmoil | Lees's departure will make election lively | Legislature faces interesting session with marijuana questions | Legislature throws spitballs while other states move ahead on casino projects | Lessons learned from Scottish life | Let’s all focus on accomplishing something positive in 2017 | Slots shouldn't be just at racetracks | Let's exchange for the table for food for thought | Let's not get Kerry(ied) away | Lewis’ appearance at Elms College graduation was moving | Liberty: the most precious possession | Lieberman leaves many questions unanswered at panel discussion | Life demands standards | Informed voting does matter | Live your life (legally), forget The Family Leader’s bogus pledge | Livingston's response was courageous | Living without broadband still a reality for many towns | Local activists could teach Congress a lesson | Local is as local does | Locally produced show is axed | Local policymakers should watch Boston’s bar closing time debate | Local races outshine national ones | Local radio suffers major blow | Local TV used to mean local shows | Long term investments needed | Long wait for fire academy highlights Boston’s disconnect with the west | Looking forward to 2013 newsmakers | Look on the brighter side of things | Maintaining a politically correct classroom requires delicate balance | Make fireworks legal already | Markey-Gomez 'slap-fest' continues Brown-Warren campaign trend | I’ll take Twain’s advice about growing older | MassPike meeting just theater | Mayoral scene is straight out of reality TV | Media feeds on hate culture | Media outlets blur definition of "newsworthy" | Merry Christmas to you and yours | MGM’s problem isn't the plan; it's the communication | Middle class is going without insurance | Some conservative policies confuse me | Missing the good old days of video | Mmm, smells like politicians roasting | More local news changes coming? | One person’s ‘boring’ is another person’s description of heaven | Movie shows times haven't changed much | Much of television like a cheap buffet | Much will be learned as Trump Administration takes shape | Musings on doing the right thing | My mantra is 'local, local, local' | Long lines and waits defeat good customer service | Name of new school required the wisdom of Solomon | Narkewicz doesn’t realize the golden opportunity he’ll have when MGM opens | Narrow streets call for parking enforcement | National Grid customers lack ‘big picture’ | Conservatives, liberals should support net neutrality | New four-year mayoral term suggested | New governor will get big wish list | Irish president visits (along with bodyguards) | News -- its all about the packaging | News outlets plug into MJ craze | Print media need evolution, not a coffin | New takes on old favorites aimed at Boomers | New trade policy raises concerns | New Year brings with it a sense of hope for the Pioneer Valley | Next week, The Reminder-Friday edition will debut | No cell phones and no cheeseburgers | No concrete answers for MGM’s suitability within the region | Nominees: Western Massachusetts voters are just as important as those east of Worcester | Not all taxes are created equal | Nothing to do this weekend in Western Massachusetts? Not so! | Nov. 22, 1963 - A day I’ll always remember | Obama: most feared president since FDR | Obama’s decision on relations with Cuba makes sense for U.S. | Object to my Fruit of the Looms? Don’t look. | One 'fiscal cliff' could be bridged | One percent sales tax increase could be one big problem | On the trials and tribulations of Facebook | Orlando club shooting raises questions, many of which don’t have easy answers | Oscars: Hype or fruitless enterprise? | Our life in the Commonwealth should not be reduced to only one issue | Outrage over plastic bag ban was strong, fascinating | Outside eyes | OWBs create permitting problems | Palin tries desperately to stay a part of politics | Parking prices put damper on downtown | Past experiences provide future comfort | Past steps damaged city neighborhoods, but future ones could help rebuild them | Patrick Administration is wrong on biomass | Patrick and noise with a side of burger | Patrick needs to pass his first big test | Patrick’s promotion of Boston 2024 is just politics as usual | Patrick's work in Western Mass. just can't be denied | People should realize the right thing is often the easiest thing | Primary vote: Pepe shows class, Morse shows support | Pets force look at miniature discrepancies | Picknelly lacks good business sense | Pick up the phone and talk to us MGM | Pioneer Valley offers plenty to see for visitors, residents alike | Plan for I-91 is one of the stupidest I’ve heard | Planning for un-retirement | Playing partisan politics is not acceptable | Please explain the 'air kiss' to me | Pluta has some big shoes to fill in Holyoke | Political change rarely comes from challengers of incumbents | Political discourse heading in scary direction | Political landscape keeps flip-flopping | Political maneuvering – like throwing chum in the shark tank | Political season starts early | Chicopee politics remain a blood sport | Pondering this year’s races | Pop 'pablum' puts thinking at risk | Postal Service deserves to re-invent itself | Postal Service needs restructuring, not cutting | Praying that the recycling gods find us worthy | Prediction: you won’t see pot shops in suburban communities | Presidential race was tainted by racism | Presidential tweets are a gift to an under-funded and sometimes lazy press | Press gives us dessert instead of main course | Proactive approach needed to fight deterioration of Springfield | Projects move ahead in Chicopee and Holyoke | Public schools are essential and deserve more praise than they receive | Public sector jobs should have expiration date | Publishing cartoons serves no purpose | Pundits are cold on MGM | Quality of life trumps politics | Races firm up in several towns | Rail investment is necessary | Railways could lay tracks to the future | Raising the minimum wage only makes sense | Random thoughts for the New Year | Reader suggests I open my eyes, ears and mind | Really how much is in the glass? | Real solutions needed in wake of another downtown shooting | Here's a little 'inside baseball' from DA debate | Recent media reports offer slanted perspective on City of Homes | Refugees, immigrants are lifeblood of this nation | Region can’t handle more job loss | Reid isn't helping his own cause | Relax! Dobbs is just on vacation | Repeal of House speaker’s term limits a disturbing development | Rep. Neal, this Paper City is for you | I'm no cynic, but Ruppert may be right | Reports from 'Behind the Curtain' | Republican's story on Kingston fails to produce smoking gun | Requiring residency builds community's middle class | Reservists should get help finding jobs | Reservists should get help finding jobs | Resident has suggestion for Tower Square | Resolutions are best made for others | Resolved: Only admit to resolutions you’ll stick to | Rhetoric in the wake of Paris attack comes fast and furious | Rivoli news: good...tree cutting in park: bad | Robertson’s comments do not create a First Amendment crisis | Romney has questionable reputation as ‘job creator’ | Sales tax increase may kill instead of cure | Santa's coming STOP Get ready STOP | Sarno fires a shot heard 'round the valley | Sarno: The Grinch before Christmas | Sarno was right in standing firm on Springfield's residency requirements | Saying goodbye to Patrick and hello to Baker | Saying goodbye to Tommy Shea, one of local journalism's greats | School officials have to be open, proactive | See you at the FEMA camps? | Selectmen should've allowed vote on public safety officer | Selfies have become a political gesture in the digital age | Sending thoughts from the Cape | Separating real talk from political hyperbole | Should incriminating videos be made public? | Should legislators get raises? | Should Sept. 11 be a holiday? | Should the feds try to 'save' journalism? | Gunslingers are walking Main Street | Show me proof Romney can create jobs | Shutdown of federal government accomplishes nothing worthwhile | Sisitsky was a courageous man | Sixth in the nation is a good thing, right? | 'Slow' news summer? Not so far this year | Smoking Ban violates privacy, rights | Snarled traffic a preview of things to come? | So burning construction waste is 'green?' | Social media can have negative effects | Solid mayoral races deserve your attention and vote | Some post-election observations | Some post-vacation observations | Some things I’ll never understand | So when is a horse not a horse? | Spanking bill is a waste of time | Speaking of free speech... | 'Speak Out' feature allows readers to share opinions | Ditch ideology and think about solutions | Springfield becoming business 'un-friendly'? | Springfield remains a city with promise | Springfield’s June Foray was truly a local daughter who made good | Springfield snow removal was pathetic | Springfield: Sports fans or couch potatoes? | Western Massachusetts cities shining in the spotlight | ‘Star Wars,’ a study in pop culture | State and city should be even Stevens | State hinders small businesses with elevator 'reforms' | State of economy fuels anger | States bring unique diversity to U.S. | Steady ship not really 'status quo' | Stearns Square concert night wasn’t broke, so why ‘fix’ it? | Stepping back from 'political slop' to remember a legend | Story may shed light on N. Korea | Student loan debt must be addressed | Summer jobs more important than you think | Summer fun can be back-breaking | The living may not be easy, but exciting instead this summer | Super controversy is super silly | Survey says: We're okay | Tackling the trash issue in E.L. | Talkers have responsibilities | Talk inspires radio memories | Teaching isn’t a profession for men? | Technological advances have disadvantages | Temple’s death marks the end of an era | Terrorists beware! Romney is on patrol | My advice is 'Dredge, baby, dredge' | Thanks for the concern, but we're fine | The amazing disappearing Martha and other post-election musings | The answers I've been seeking | The battle against hate must start inside our own communities | The City of Homes will reemerge | The current state of Laughing Brook is no laughing matter | The downtown conundrum | The election wasn't about Obama | The first storm and the city without a snow day | The Fourth is more than just a day off | The mystery of the missing trash can | The purpose of a free press is to provide an arena for ideas | The reactions so far aren't satisfactory | There are better reasons to visit Holyoke | There are things to be thankful for this year | There is a silver lining in city's story | There is a silver lining in city's story | There is life outside the election | The Republican misuses its media power | There’s more to talk about than elections | These are the real issues facing all of us | These ballot questions also merit your attention on Nov. 8 | These stories aren't getting much attention | The sole of controversy | The someone on the roof wasn't Santa | The speaker doesn't want to debate | The ULI report offers guidance many years later | The year of muffin tops and prairie dogging comes to pass | Things to ask yourself before voting | Think before sharing ‘gospel’ on Facebook | This is why reporters drink heavily | This old man has trouble understanding certain issues | Time again for movies downtown? | Time for a vacation from politics | Time for urban fauna to return | Time to consider regional lockup? | Time to quit picking on Springfield | Can you imgaine a time zone just for Massachusetts? | To get to change, take a step | To help the Valley be sure to buy local | Tornado recovery is mostly talk, little action | Tornado repairs can't rebuild communities | Town meetings imparted lessons | Traditions keep communities alive | Tragic story should illuminate, not exploit | Treat the Burgess legacy with the historical respect it deserves | Trip down South underscores diversity of thought in nation | Trip gives chance to make observations | Truth is in the eye of the beholder | Turning backs on refugees is turning backs on our values | Twain House deserves to be saved | Union Station is a game-changer | Unplug from the matrix – it’s a good thing | Urban Land Institute gave us a plan, but are we following it? | Urban Refuge program great for Springfield | Valley loses 'citizen journalist' | Venture beyond TV newscasts, get educated about today’s world | Vets need real support from nation | Violence in the city must be addressed | Virginia's lesson rings true | Void should be filled with local talent | Voters should thank whistle blowers | Voting, 'celebrity' boxing and Moe | Social media has never altered public policy, but voting does | Wal-Mart is worried if poor people receive fewer benefits | War of words continue in Bay State | Warren must earn our respect in the Senate | Warren operating on bad political advice | We all need to pitch in to help our towns | We can't afford hacks in state government | We can't live in fear, paranoia | We can't take freedoms for granted | We have to help Deval keep his promises | Weiner scandal godsend for bored editors | We love to receive your letters | We must address climate change now | We must make Springfield easier to traverse | We need answers and a rail study | We need more market-rate housing in Springfield | We need more than Romney's snazzy suit and trendy haircut to lead our citizenry | We need real resolutions, not politics | We need reasons for violence, solutions | We need to stop these hauntings | We’re living in a ‘Network’ world | We still wonder about river's potential | What would be your name for our area? | We thank you for your suggestions | What about the families that didn't get picked? | What are the rights of 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?' | What are your gas tax solutions? | What does a flag mean to you? | What does it take to get a contractor around here? | What does 'quality of life' mean to you? | What happens to buildings after the headlines? | What I learned during my ‘winter vacation’ | What I learned on my summer vacation | What is vital to us today can change in a heartbeat | What role could UMass play? | What set of rules are we playing by, anyway? | What’s marriage really about? | What speech is acceptable today? | What's the point of fireworks being illegal? | What the heck is racial identification? | When a biz takes the money and runs | When being the Bay State meant something | Where have you gone, Jack Villamaino? | Where is the local content? | Which is worse, a casino or a biomass plant? | Whims of Congress, stock market shouldn’t determine vets benefits | Who cares if Cher endorses Warren? | Who cares if we can smell what Barack is cooking? | Who should profit from someone’s work? | Who's putting fuel on the casino fire? | Who would run for East Longmeadow’s town council? | Why doesn't anybody question... | Why do pundits attack the VT victims? | Why we did what we did last week | Williams get the nod from the Hot Dog Guy | Will voters seek an independent governor? | Wisdom from Springer's mouth to your eyes | With freedom of speech comes responsibilities for Americans | With rail cars, manufacturing roots, jobs return to Valley | With recovery, all communities should be treated equally | With spring comes welcomed hope | With viaduct project in full swing, finding alternate routes a challenge | World looks bleak for graduates | Would slot machines in bars help us out? | Would you want big box store near you? | WSU, HCC agreement a game-changer for local higher education | WWSD: What would Shays do? | Yes -- Left, Right can agree | You don’t have to buy land to save East Longmeadow depot | You have to BELIEVE in Springfield | "You know you’re from Western Mass. when..." | You're paying to help spread terrorism | Your government was determined by 14 percent of the voters | Zippy in the Valley? Yow! |

2020 has been a year of important lessons 60 years later, death of JFK still means something important A healthy local press may also mean a healthy local political process A new district map could lead to greater diversity A sad level of hypocrisy exists with troopers refusing vaccine A series of reflections now that we’re post-election A trip to Cambridge underscores a real problem Abandoned theaters provide economic development to cities Abortion issue another example of politicians skewed priorities Adjusting to working from home and problems that come with it Afghanistan is an issue with local implications Air and Space Show brings up memories of Westover in its prime many years ago All it takes is one bug to shut down inspection system An old man asks for explanations on variety of topics An understatement: the Legislature puzzles me sometimes Anniversary of casino bill important for state and region Another casino: positive addition or hobbling earning potential?As Groucho once said, ‘Hello, I cannot stay, I must be going’As usual, I learned a lot over the past year As usual, I’ve got questions and seeking answers Attack on Post Office is anti-American Baker’s decision disappoints Baker’s move makes next election a free-for-all Balancing pandemic and opening schools is a tough decision Balancing pandemic and opening schools is a tough decision Banning books should never be part of our culture Being a mayor isn’t easy, neither is running for the office Beware the sexy lingerie store?Biden signs new law to support the Post Office Bill raises questions around profanity and context Blackface is simply unacceptable at any time, for any reason Bob ‘the Bike Guy’ renews my holiday spirit Can billionaires understand small business struggles?Can we actually cope with the challenges that face us in the 21st Century?Can we really say we know how another person feels?Candidates smear each other and it’s shameful Cannabis event brings up many questions Cannabis lounges should happen but must have safeguards Casino Advisory Committee should focus on helping city Chain stores can be great, but local retailers truly help build communities Change is a necessary component of human life Charland shows the impact of true public service Charlie Ryan was a legendary figure in city’s history Cities and towns should consider municipal broadband Cities are bracing for legal pot City and tourism officials should take advantage of MGM’s opening City Council meeting presents some unexpected discussion City should confiscate illegal dirt bikes driven on streets Civil conversation gives me a little hope Claims of censorship made by some are misleading Climate change is here whether you ignore it or not Comments underscore what work we have to do Computers are great, but typewriters were expressive and fun Confederate flag in the Capitol reaffirms the evil it represents Coronavirus is as significant to history as the Great Depression Decades old decision helped divide nation Do you know a guy? That’s what you need to get the shot Don’t let sticker shock prevent progress Don’t worry, I’m not running for office this year Dr. Seuss political hysteria is predictable East–West rail makes sense – but at what cost?Twenty years down, maybe five more to go Education funding needs change, mayoral races are heating up Enjoying a taste of normalcy in New England Enough prayers; it’s time for action Enshrinement should stay in Springfield Ensuring the correct use of language is a daily habit Erosion of freedoms looms with Supreme Court decision Events still live as long as there are witnesses, survivors and participants Fact checking letters to the editor – opening a can of worms?‘Faith’ should not be part of the electoral process Few markets our size have the combination of tourism attractions we do For Union Station to reach potential, customer amenities must be priority Forecasts of increased crime with casino prove inaccurate Gift giving is an art form. Some excel at it, others – not so much Got a lot on my mind about my industry this week Grim realities of a pre-determined impeachment Growth in newspapers? Yes, it can happen. We’ve proved it.Hard fought elections come to their conclusions Here are some predictions on what we could expect in 2021 Here’s an idea: let’s discuss issues we can actually affect Hey kids, want to monitor the media for Homeland Security?History’s lessons shouldn’t be ignored Holyoke may be a city, but it’s really a village Honoring veterans means more than just a ‘thank you’I describe ‘fake news’ as best as I can I learned a lot in 2018, how about you?I love our neighboring states, but I’m staying home I made a not-so-bold prediction: forcing Neal isn’t going to work I need to do something to help Ukraine I offer advice to graduates that they didn’t request I offer some unsolicited advice again to candidates I support MGM Springfield but isn’t it time to reopen fully?I want this pandemic to end. Do you?I’d like to see MGM Springfield become even more successful If May 18 was Christmas, the presents were sensible Ignoring Facebook may ensure a Merry Christmas I’m happy to say we’re bucking the industry trend I’m mad as hell and I can’t take it anymore I’m not sure what message is being sent in Chicopee Image in advertisement raises concerns from reader Impeachment: staging a bloodless coup or addressing wrong doings of the president?In a self-induced pity party? Snap out of it In digital age, real travel is valued In stressful election year, solace found in the words of journalists past In stressful times, laughter can be the best medicine In the absence of theaters, drive-ins offer a nostalgic option In tumultuous 2020, there’s still plenty to be thankful for Inflation might have been bad, but it didn’t seem to affect gambling Inside baseball: facts in controversial stories can be elusive Is candy corn the new fruitcake? Is our future going to be similar to ones seen in science fiction films?Is our political speech not much better than that of 150 years ago?Is proposed raise for the city council justified or too much?Is there a better way for cities to deal with snow?Isn’t it time for solutions rather than shouting?It takes a lot of gall for Sudders to show up here It’s a mystery to me how history will view anything It’s not that difficult to cut down plastic personally It’s the best time of the year: election season It’s the New Year and time to get back to business It’s time for a new courthouse in Springfield It’s time to put the politics aside and seek real solutions to violence It’s time to start fixing our mistakes I’ve developed protective coloring to get through Super Bowl I’ve got a long list of reasons to be thankful this year Lack of understanding of Trump is hitting me hard Last weekend’s events offered a tale of two downtowns ‘Less-than-adequate’ snow cleanup spurs complaints and plans Lessons I’ve learned during the first year of the pandemic Let’s change the perception of what is an ‘art’ town Let’s hope that 2022 isn’t the terrible year that 2021 was Let’s prepare for marijuana tourism as its coming Life is indeed too short, live it to the fullest our situation allows Local candidates show how to behave like adults in a debate Local woman has spent years seeking medical help to no avail Longmeadow Democratic Breakfast provides a political mosh pit Longmeadow voters speak their mind on elected officials Loss of small town resonates in climate debate Low turn-out for preliminary election is troublesome MAD was more than satire; it strengthened the freedom of speech MAGA vs. Taylor Swift, a Super Bowl of stupidity Massachusetts’ recovery will take longer than we imagine Media jumps to conclusions, ride–sharing fee-hike bad for Western Mass.Merry Christmas from this ink-stained editor MGM needs the 4 a.m. closing time, but do other establishments need it as well?MGM Springfield has met many expectations during its first year MGM story takes an interesting turn – maybe More proof that this country’s ‘crazy factor’ is regularly increasing Neal rises to the top of the national political discussion Neal’s record challenged by new progressive PAC New mattress regulation creates an unexpected reaction Individual acts of kindness help make this Christmas brighter for many Daniel’s appearance prompts thoughts about celebrity News articles shouldn’t use unnamed sources Newspaper hero provides comfort this week No offense Santa but could you stay away just a little while longer?North-south rail, a first step in the right direction Not all newspapers lean the same way in politics Note to Gov. Baker and Legislature: Fund the PVTA properly Now that elections are over, did you cast a vote?Our continued expansion illustrates the value of community journalism Pandemic has caused me to appreciate life’s little moments Pandemic has left us searching for a little bit of ‘normal’ in 2020 Past election night, more history will be made Patrick needs to start now if he’s running Pay rate for dealers surprises some Paying tribute to Caesar is annual exercise in pain and confusion People need to get past pandemic fatigue and do the right thing Plan to weaken U.S. Post Office must be stopped Please explain: Why do some people like to root for failure?Police shouldn’t obscure or bury the history of systemic racism Political debates are essential institution in our democracy Politics is fun but confusing at times Post-election town-by-town recap Pot sales give municipalities needed revenue Primary season brings about changes, surprises and intrigue Proposed legislation is designed to protect personal freedom Proposed legislation would open cannabis industry to more people Proposed new funding source could help out downtowns Proud of 18 years at The Reminder Public opinion and statistics on Springfield schools differ Publishing news that is hyper-local — that is still our philosophy Putin’s threat sets off memories from childhood Question for new governor: is high speed rail a priority?Random act of hate adds to these sad and dangerous times Ray Hershel created a legacy of professionalism in region Reaching this life milestone is a little unreal Reader disagrees and says same sex marriage is ‘immoral’Report about sheriffs and contributions is click-bait Responsibility in the face of a pandemic Retirement of police commissioner opens door to discussion Ruling could affect tips-based jobs Sanders gives standard stump speech for supporters Scratch and Keno lottery sales decline worries officials Should drug testing for first responders be considered?Slap heard around the world just part of weird week Smith & Wesson departure should make us think about business development So what does government actually care about?Soldiers' Home debate disgusts me Some thoughts that have been in my head, before I forget them Sorting through everything rattling through my brain Sports betting should help as many businesses as possible Springfield had plenty of good choices in preliminary elections Springfield incident illustrates the need for public safety improvements Springfield, welcome to your new community newspaper Steps to combat racism in American society should be welcomed, not scoffed at Study gives a peek at casino impacts Study shows unfunded mandates remain a challenge for cities and towns Survey says: people still believe in falsehoods Taking stock of one head-spinner of a week Taxing Boston drivers, visitors more is an idiotic plan Tell me what you think should be done Ten years later, 2011 tornado is still an influence Texting argument is a distraction The COVID-19 vaccines are a blessing The death of a warrior, Michaelann Bewsee made Springfield a better community The decision by the Times was wrong The departure of two members of the media will be felt The Fourth of July is about more than hotdogs and fireworks The great power of imagery always needs to be examined The growth of the cannabis industry needs to continue The importance of affordable mass transit across the state The movies teach us that 2022 could be a lot worse than it is The Post Office should not be a casualty of the pandemic The president doesn’t seem to understand purpose of Memorial Day The primary is here and I hope you will vote The primary season truly starts and it’s busy The return of cursive writing could help students The road to Aug. 24 opening has been a long and interesting one There are rules about being ‘off the record’There are serious business concerns with cannabis There is a disconnect between beliefs and actions This is what democracy is all about This past year provided me with a number of lessons Those who defaced BLM street art are either racists or jerks ‘Thoughts and prayers’ won’t solve continuing violence Time to look past monuments of the past to create better future Tips to get through the holidays from a ‘professional cynic’To get east-west rail service, we need to make it Boston’s ‘idea’To get the shot, you clearly need a plan To me, Chicopee resident David Barsalou is a hero Town meeting season brings up questions of efficiency in governing Transportation, infrastructure improvements need to benefit Western Mass. too Trip to UMass was nostalgic and hopeful Trump’s snub of WWI observation would be political suicide for anyone else Trust is difficult to rebuild following Croteau case Two out of three candidates have an opinion about the courthouse UMass Amherst journalism students give me hope UMass purchase of Mount Ida College betrays its mission Undocumented immigration demands attention Unexpected and welcome letters from the mayor Unsolicited advice is easy to give, harder to take Vaccine sites should have been organized ages ago Vieau did the right thing by removing Wilk Visitors recognize region’s potential Voicing an opinion is fine, but casting a vote is more important Warren’s ‘everyman’ Instagram post registers as total fail We all have health care stories We don’t need to legalize fireworks in Massachusetts We don’t sell out for sandwiches We have the opportunity to do something here about climate change We hope you enjoy your new newspaper We may not have a coastline but there are things we share with the Cape We must find a common ground and unite by finding solutions We must save small businesses We need a more cohesive regional and national approach to the pandemic We need to take advantage of opportunities Welcome to the first Reminder ‘Outlook’ edition Welcome to the new chapter in The Pennysaver Welcome to your new community newspaper, The Reminder We’ll be delivering you local news every week We’re making some changes West Side has left money on the table – can it afford it?What are you going to do to help our country move forward?What businesses are learning from MGM What has the Gaming Commission been doing lately?What the heck happened to 2017?What would it take for a racist to change their mind?Whatever your traditions, happy Thanksgiving What’s the difference between purchasing recreational cannabis and alcohol?What’s wrong with a term limit for the speaker?When I’m wrong, I’m wrong: Wahlburgers broke ground Who benefits from vaping ban?Why I’m exhausted by this year’s election season Why is the Commonwealth considering banning menthol cigarettes?Why would you oppose net neutrality?Will banning plastic straws negatively impact your life? Probably not Will Western Mass. benefit from high-speed rail? Not likely With climate change, it’s time to rethink your yard With Hall of Fame, it’s just business, right? Nothing personal With low public interest, do voters even know it’s election season?Wolff book brings up issues of how elected officials relate to reporters Working from home provides different kinds of distractions Yes, I want to go into space, but do they have a suit to fit me?Yes, I’m going to get letters about this opinion Zippy the Pinhead visits Western Massachusetts again So should a museum be responsible for political correctness?Las Vegas shootings bring up the same unanswered questions again Freedom of speech is a demanding concept What’s the second economic development act after 2018 for Springfield?Imagine this: you could witness the start of a war as a kid and then serve in it The city is benefitting from political involvement Move the state capitol to Springfield? Sounds good to me 2012 race the election of social media What a week for the local newsman 2013: An obsession with casino gaming News brings back nuclear memories 30 percent raise for councilors is too much ABC40, Fox6 sale to Meredith Broadcasting would erodes freedom of the press A big 'thank you' to readers who helped out A chance to talk about the budget is coming Add tax to my Zagnut; I can take it advicefor2014gradu Advice for 2014 graduates journeying into adult life Solar panels aren’t that unattractive A fairy tale for the suburbs A few topics for contemplation Affordable reliable energy is big issue Age doesn’t bring insight, just more questions to ponder A history lesson for the Millennials A hot property? You could say that Ah spring, the time for the neighbors to misbehave A Last-Minute Letter to Santa Albano’s campaign focuses on attacks rather than the issues Albano’s response to WGGB corruption stories is inexpicable Aldermen must abide by regulations A little reminder about submissions All press has a 'slant' here's mine All the news that is the news America polarized along race and politics ...and the house fire's red glare I don my annual protective coloring Annual roast raises laughs and funds An open invitation An open letter to the year 2015 Do you have the answers to my questions?A political trade-off gives us higher sales tax Are entertainment districts at odds? Are judges undermining the police?Are more taxes the answer to cuts?Channelling 'Bitter Bierce:' Are people stupid or willful?A request for Santa for some last-minute gifts this season Are the right questions being asked in the latest mayoral controversy in Chicopee?A rewards program could help local businesses Are we ever going to progress as a society or a species?Are you part of the 99 Percent?Are you really a Republican? Take the RNC test Are your satisfied with your media? A season for 'Brown' effect?A sleepless night brings random thoughts As pro-casino folks bide their time, here’s some food for thought Back-to-school elicits nostalgia Bad call on biomass review Basketball Hall, built from the ground up Battles royal made for interesting primaries Be heard with The Reminder’s Speak Out Be horrified by things that actually matter Biding reporters get no Biden time Big Dig finger-pointing is starting Billboard doesn't help discussion Biomass questions continue to bother me Black Friday deals aren’t worth someone’s life Blizzard spawns bad behavior I hate when this happens Tornado sends us back in time Boston Globe would give us goose poop Boston's bad what about the Valley?Boston’s Olympic aspirations don’t jive with state’s real needs Bringing back the neighborhood business model Brown can't seem to stay out of the limelight Buckle or not Buendo is honored for his service 'Buy American, Buy from Massachusetts'Buying American saved local jobs Buying cheap perpetuates cycle By cracky, these whippersnappers deserve ban Call me 'Kreskin'Candidates offer choices - go vote!Candidates should take religion off the table Candy tax no way to boost revenue Can't agree with governor Pro- or anti-casino? Make up your mind Casino gaming on verge of embarrassment Casino in West Springfield would be a mistake Casinos aren’t like just any other business Casinos won't save unemployed Cathedral answer only creates more questions for diocese ‘Celebrity’ – a matter of opinion Center is good for region's economy Changes to the Affordable Care Act shows how one action can affect many Chief fiasco illustrates need for change Christmas message makes more sense to me Closing of a circus marks the end of an era in entertainment City Council blows opportunity to talk about issues surrounding cyber cafés City needs ward representation "City of Homes" isn't lawless Wild West City plans to market itself Cleaning the river has made a huge difference in the Pioneer Valley Clearly we love sensationalism Climate change is real and we all must deal with it right now Columbus Day: a holiday of myths Comic Con, Bing Con not just for comic book lovers anymore Commercialism taints yet another day Communities should plan for billboards now Commuter rail service must expand Completing census form is a patriotic duty Computing center is already helping Condom issue isn't black and white Conference can shed light on media Conference Could Help Your Business Congressional race could be killer Consolidation of news operations is a troubling trend for Western Massachusetts Conversation must trump rhetoric Corruption can happen anywhere Cost of Ingram’s ‘incentive’ way too high for taxpayers Could any governor lower taxes?Could Springfield’s involvement with Dunbar set expensive precedent?Could the world’s most powerful nation be brought to its knees?Could towns do a better job than RMV?Count me among those who are still skeptical about MassPike toll changes Coverage is the real health crisis Credibility of Williams, NBC could be irreparably tarnished Crisis in Syria has more depth than American news outlets suggest Criticism of journalists just another shining example of American hypocrisy I’m willing to bet the third Connecticut casino won’t hurt MGM Springfield DCAMM’s process needs revamp Dear Deval: fire the guy with the $5 fee Dear Mr. President: let's hear more on energy Debate rages on Agawam project Debates, budgets and comrades Debates were worth covering Dedication to cause makes all the difference Democrats for Romney, join me!Dems: Get a spine, do the right thing Despite life's trials, there's plenty for which to be thankful Deval, we need equity in hospital funding Deval will back casinos...I think Did ancient grudges keep Hampden from doing the right thing?Diocese not doing itself any favors in handling of Cathedral Diocese should speak honestly about future of Cathedral High Disputes arise over safety costs Do crime stories hurt or help?Does anyone have the answers to my questions?Does Bay State support sweatshops?Do ‘job creators’ really create jobs?Do more guns mean more safety?Don’t be complacent after the election; get and stay involved Don't tear it down; build it up Don't thrust your beliefs on others Do these presidential debates matter?Do we need a big box store in town?Do we need another Stop & Shop?Do we still have religious freedom here?Down-sizing Westover is bad news for region and nation Do you feel guilty eating Kentucky Fried?Do you know a 'Hometown Hero?'Do you want MGM’s closing time to be at 4 a.m.?Early closing times detrimental to businesses Time might be right for East Longmeadow to re-examine governmental structure East Longmeadow has an outdated form of government East Longmeadow's definition of a 'problem' is questionable Election coverage slighted by budgetary restraints Election merry-go-round may begin anew Election mystery: where was Mitt?Endorsing Popeye for president Enduring institutions complete a bridge between generations Enrich the city with more arts and culture Essex House collapse raises questions about plans for other Holyoke buildings Is the Gulf crisis boring you?Everyone should be involved in agriculture Facebook has changed the face of political discourse Faith is great, unless it blinds Fall-out continues from incident Fear greases the wheels of government Federal Building project is a misstep Federal cuts beg question,"What's the Point?"Fee boycott may not be the answer Fifteen years at RPI: it’s been a long strange ride Fifty years later, we can still take lessons from march on Selma Finding a team might be the easy part for hockey in Springfield Finding beauty in the most mundane of civic responsibilities – jury duty Finding ‘truth’ in today’s local issues First overnight hospital stay proves to be a teaching moment Five years later, 2011 tornado’s impact still lingers in the Valley Flag burners have rights but do they know what the flag means?Flea market is great 'dig' for history buffs Fly the flag on 9/11 for the victims and the troops Focusing on the steak, not the sizzle Following the evolution of a story can be fun Forbes story is sensational and cheap For the holidays, I may be turning off Facebook Freedom of religion applies to all Freedom of speech is a demanding and harsh concept Do you play the gasoline game?Future Hampden County sheriff should consider Griffin’s message on addiction Gabrieli presents plans instead of promises Get ready for Deval's visit this week Getting traction on incumbents requires developing real issues Government can only do so much Government must aid in job retention Government shouldn't restrict marriage between two adults Governor’s Council operates in different fashion Gov. Patrick wants to hear your opinion Gov should get criticism he deserves Graduates: what you need – more advice Unsolicited advice to youngsters from a grey beard Grillin' season arrives with Scott's roast Group homes present ethical issue Haberman Hardware was last remnant of Holyoke’s glory days Handing out onions and orchids Hard Rock doesn't address important details Have you taught your kids the stare?Help say 'Happy B' day' to a nice guy Help still needed for tornado victims Here's a little backstage peek at reporting Here’s a simple guide to talking sports for those who don’t actually follow sports Here's how to get your news in the media Here’s more inside baseball about the news business Here's my gift list this holiday season Here’s what every graduate needs: unwanted advice Hey Santa, will you grant my wishes? Hillman spends a minute in western Mass.History frequently provides answers Court decision poses question: whose religious ‘freedom’ matters more?Holyoke is pushing the high tech envelope Holyoke may be best kept secret in area Holyoke’s Christmas tree scuffle political silliness, nothing more Holyoke's time in the barrel has ended Honeybees should be protected, not banned Hoping for a less bruising 2011 Hoping third party gets first place Horrors! Governments can create jobs Howard Street facility could work in Maple High Six Corners How can we ignore the generals? How do you fix a city? Look at its issues How do you think we rate as a brand?How many donut shops do we need?How many mistakes do the national TV news shows make?How to be professionally ignorant So how was your street during the last two storms?How will the Trump Administration deal with legalized marijuana issue?How you gonna keep Scott down on the farm after he’s seen D.C.?Human trafficking story shows crime, misery not exclusive to cities I ask for an answer and I get one Identifying fact and truth is part of making sense of the fake news era I don't know why you (don't) say goodbye...I don't see Red Box as progress If only residents and businesses were given a level playing field If you don't vote, don't complain Effort to bring illegal immigrants is bad policy and bad politics I'll take my Olympics with a side of news I'm crossing Wal-Mart off my options I'm crossing Wal-Mart off my options I'm ending the year with more questions I'm looking for another good reporter I'm seeing 'ghosts' and dead chickens I'm suffering from election overload I'm suffering from election overload I'm tired of Springfield bashers I need new rabbit ears for digital age Ingram's salary too high in time of sacrifice Inquiring minds want to know...Insurance reform needed Kennedy's leadership Internet killed the video store Internet memes are no substitute for discourse In the pursuit of happiness, how would you define the word?In wake of bombing, faith in people restored Is an early closing time the answer?Is a run at Kerry's Senate seat worth it for potential candidates?Is contest latest salvo in culture war?Is healthcare a right or a privilege?I shouldn't use the "g" word any longer Is Kerry frightened of challenger?Is Mitt running for prez or not?Is political discourse now reduced to dueling memes on Facebook?Is removing the toll booths really progress or just another government intrusion?I start my adventure in social media Is this the way local government should work?Is your community a happy one?It’s a good time to be a farmer It's time to do something about jobs It's time to play 'Guess My Party!'It's time to put ideology aside It's time to start from scratch It's time to tell them what you think It’s true: Local elections matter It's your choice, East Longmeadow Judge presidential hopefuls yourself July Fourth is a time for reflection Just how stupid are we?Katrina: the storm that changed everything Keeping public records public Keeping the net neutral should be of paramount concern to all Americans Keep those letters coming in Kitty Broman part of era of media distinction Kriss provides a lesson for all Lack of coverage on Gravel is shameful Language can be a minefield Latest mass murder can’t be allowed to be ‘routine’Lease creates a straitjacket for Springfield Lees' departure creates turmoil Lees's departure will make election lively Legislature faces interesting session with marijuana questions Legislature throws spitballs while other states move ahead on casino projects Lessons learned from Scottish life Let’s all focus on accomplishing something positive in 2017 Slots shouldn't be just at racetracks Let's exchange for the table for food for thought Let's not get Kerry(ied) away Lewis’ appearance at Elms College graduation was moving Liberty: the most precious possession Lieberman leaves many questions unanswered at panel discussion Life demands standards Informed voting does matter Live your life (legally), forget The Family Leader’s bogus pledge Livingston's response was courageous Living without broadband still a reality for many towns Local activists could teach Congress a lesson Local is as local does Locally produced show is axed Local policymakers should watch Boston’s bar closing time debate Local races outshine national ones Local radio suffers major blow Local TV used to mean local shows Long term investments needed Long wait for fire academy highlights Boston’s disconnect with the west Looking forward to 2013 newsmakers Look on the brighter side of things Maintaining a politically correct classroom requires delicate balance Make fireworks legal already Markey-Gomez 'slap-fest' continues Brown-Warren campaign trend I’ll take Twain’s advice about growing older MassPike meeting just theater Mayoral scene is straight out of reality TV Media feeds on hate culture Media outlets blur definition of "newsworthy"Merry Christmas to you and yours MGM’s problem isn't the plan; it's the communication Middle class is going without insurance Some conservative policies confuse me Missing the good old days of video Mmm, smells like politicians roasting More local news changes coming?One person’s ‘boring’ is another person’s description of heaven Movie shows times haven't changed much Much of television like a cheap buffet Much will be learned as Trump Administration takes shape Musings on doing the right thing My mantra is 'local, local, local'Long lines and waits defeat good customer service Name of new school required the wisdom of Solomon Narkewicz doesn’t realize the golden opportunity he’ll have when MGM opens Narrow streets call for parking enforcement National Grid customers lack ‘big picture’Conservatives, liberals should support net neutrality New four-year mayoral term suggested New governor will get big wish list Irish president visits (along with bodyguards)News -- its all about the packaging News outlets plug into MJ craze Print media need evolution, not a coffin New takes on old favorites aimed at Boomers New trade policy raises concerns New Year brings with it a sense of hope for the Pioneer Valley Next week, The Reminder-Friday edition will debut No cell phones and no cheeseburgers No concrete answers for MGM’s suitability within the region Nominees: Western Massachusetts voters are just as important as those east of Worcester Not all taxes are created equal Nothing to do this weekend in Western Massachusetts? Not so! Nov. 22, 1963 - A day I’ll always remember Obama: most feared president since FDR Obama’s decision on relations with Cuba makes sense for U.S.Object to my Fruit of the Looms? Don’t look.One 'fiscal cliff' could be bridged One percent sales tax increase could be one big problem On the trials and tribulations of Facebook Orlando club shooting raises questions, many of which don’t have easy answers Oscars: Hype or fruitless enterprise?Our life in the Commonwealth should not be reduced to only one issue Outrage over plastic bag ban was strong, fascinating Outside eyes OWBs create permitting problems Palin tries desperately to stay a part of politics Parking prices put damper on downtown Past experiences provide future comfort Past steps damaged city neighborhoods, but future ones could help rebuild them Patrick Administration is wrong on biomass Patrick and noise with a side of burger Patrick needs to pass his first big test Patrick’s promotion of Boston 2024 is just politics as usual Patrick's work in Western Mass. just can't be denied People should realize the right thing is often the easiest thing Primary vote: Pepe shows class, Morse shows support Pets force look at miniature discrepancies Picknelly lacks good business sense Pick up the phone and talk to us MGM Pioneer Valley offers plenty to see for visitors, residents alike Plan for I-91 is one of the stupidest I’ve heard Planning for un-retirement Playing partisan politics is not acceptable Please explain the 'air kiss' to me Pluta has some big shoes to fill in Holyoke Political change rarely comes from challengers of incumbents Political discourse heading in scary direction Political landscape keeps flip-flopping Political maneuvering – like throwing chum in the shark tank Political season starts early Chicopee politics remain a blood sport Pondering this year’s races Pop 'pablum' puts thinking at risk Postal Service deserves to re-invent itself Postal Service needs restructuring, not cutting Praying that the recycling gods find us worthy Prediction: you won’t see pot shops in suburban communities Presidential race was tainted by racism Presidential tweets are a gift to an under-funded and sometimes lazy press Press gives us dessert instead of main course Proactive approach needed to fight deterioration of Springfield Projects move ahead in Chicopee and Holyoke Public schools are essential and deserve more praise than they receive Public sector jobs should have expiration date Publishing cartoons serves no purpose Pundits are cold on MGM Quality of life trumps politics Races firm up in several towns Rail investment is necessary Railways could lay tracks to the future Raising the minimum wage only makes sense Random thoughts for the New Year Reader suggests I open my eyes, ears and mind Really how much is in the glass?Real solutions needed in wake of another downtown shooting Here's a little 'inside baseball' from DA debate Recent media reports offer slanted perspective on City of Homes Refugees, immigrants are lifeblood of this nation Region can’t handle more job loss Reid isn't helping his own cause Relax! Dobbs is just on vacation Repeal of House speaker’s term limits a disturbing development Rep. Neal, this Paper City is for you I'm no cynic, but Ruppert may be right Reports from 'Behind the Curtain'Republican's story on Kingston fails to produce smoking gun Requiring residency builds community's middle class Reservists should get help finding jobs Reservists should get help finding jobs Resident has suggestion for Tower Square Resolutions are best made for others Resolved: Only admit to resolutions you’ll stick to Rhetoric in the wake of Paris attack comes fast and furious Rivoli news: good...tree cutting in park: bad Robertson’s comments do not create a First Amendment crisis Romney has questionable reputation as ‘job creator’Sales tax increase may kill instead of cure Santa's coming STOP Get ready STOP Sarno fires a shot heard 'round the valley Sarno: The Grinch before Christmas Sarno was right in standing firm on Springfield's residency requirements Saying goodbye to Patrick and hello to Baker Saying goodbye to Tommy Shea, one of local journalism's greats School officials have to be open, proactive See you at the FEMA camps?Selectmen should've allowed vote on public safety officer Selfies have become a political gesture in the digital age Sending thoughts from the Cape Separating real talk from political hyperbole Should incriminating videos be made public?Should legislators get raises?Should Sept. 11 be a holiday?Should the feds try to 'save' journalism?Gunslingers are walking Main Street Show me proof Romney can create jobs Shutdown of federal government accomplishes nothing worthwhile Sisitsky was a courageous man Sixth in the nation is a good thing, right?'Slow' news summer? Not so far this year Smoking Ban violates privacy, rights Snarled traffic a preview of things to come?So burning construction waste is 'green?'Social media can have negative effects Solid mayoral races deserve your attention and vote Some post-election observations Some post-vacation observations Some things I’ll never understand So when is a horse not a horse?Spanking bill is a waste of time Speaking of free speech...'Speak Out' feature allows readers to share opinions Ditch ideology and think about solutions Springfield becoming business 'un-friendly'?Springfield remains a city with promise Springfield’s June Foray was truly a local daughter who made good Springfield snow removal was pathetic Springfield: Sports fans or couch potatoes?Western Massachusetts cities shining in the spotlight ‘Star Wars,’ a study in pop culture State and city should be even Stevens State hinders small businesses with elevator 'reforms' State of economy fuels anger States bring unique diversity to U.S.Steady ship not really 'status quo'Stearns Square concert night wasn’t broke, so why ‘fix’ it?Stepping back from 'political slop' to remember a legend Story may shed light on N. Korea Student loan debt must be addressed Summer jobs more important than you think Summer fun can be back-breaking The living may not be easy, but exciting instead this summer Super controversy is super silly Survey says: We're okay Tackling the trash issue in E.L.Talkers have responsibilities Talk inspires radio memories Teaching isn’t a profession for men?Technological advances have disadvantages Temple’s death marks the end of an era Terrorists beware! Romney is on patrol My advice is 'Dredge, baby, dredge'Thanks for the concern, but we're fine The amazing disappearing Martha and other post-election musings The answers I've been seeking The battle against hate must start inside our own communities The City of Homes will reemerge The current state of Laughing Brook is no laughing matter The downtown conundrum The election wasn't about Obama The first storm and the city without a snow day The Fourth is more than just a day off The mystery of the missing trash can The purpose of a free press is to provide an arena for ideas The reactions so far aren't satisfactory There are better reasons to visit Holyoke There are things to be thankful for this year There is a silver lining in city's story There is a silver lining in city's story There is life outside the election The Republican misuses its media power There’s more to talk about than elections These are the real issues facing all of us These ballot questions also merit your attention on Nov. 8 These stories aren't getting much attention The sole of controversy The someone on the roof wasn't Santa The speaker doesn't want to debate The ULI report offers guidance many years later The year of muffin tops and prairie dogging comes to pass Things to ask yourself before voting Think before sharing ‘gospel’ on Facebook This is why reporters drink heavily This old man has trouble understanding certain issues Time again for movies downtown?Time for a vacation from politics Time for urban fauna to return Time to consider regional lockup?Time to quit picking on Springfield Can you imgaine a time zone just for Massachusetts?To get to change, take a step To help the Valley be sure to buy local Tornado recovery is mostly talk, little action Tornado repairs can't rebuild communities Town meetings imparted lessons Traditions keep communities alive Tragic story should illuminate, not exploit Treat the Burgess legacy with the historical respect it deserves Trip down South underscores diversity of thought in nation Trip gives chance to make observations Truth is in the eye of the beholder Turning backs on refugees is turning backs on our values Twain House deserves to be saved Union Station is a game-changer Unplug from the matrix – it’s a good thing Urban Land Institute gave us a plan, but are we following it?Urban Refuge program great for Springfield Valley loses 'citizen journalist'Venture beyond TV newscasts, get educated about today’s world Vets need real support from nation Violence in the city must be addressed Virginia's lesson rings true Void should be filled with local talent Voters should thank whistle blowers Voting, 'celebrity' boxing and Moe Social media has never altered public policy, but voting does Wal-Mart is worried if poor people receive fewer benefits War of words continue in Bay State Warren must earn our respect in the Senate Warren operating on bad political advice We all need to pitch in to help our towns We can't afford hacks in state government We can't live in fear, paranoia We can't take freedoms for granted We have to help Deval keep his promises Weiner scandal godsend for bored editors We love to receive your letters We must address climate change now We must make Springfield easier to traverse We need answers and a rail study We need more market-rate housing in Springfield We need more than Romney's snazzy suit and trendy haircut to lead our citizenry We need real resolutions, not politics We need reasons for violence, solutions We need to stop these hauntings We’re living in a ‘Network’ world We still wonder about river's potential What would be your name for our area?We thank you for your suggestions What about the families that didn't get picked?What are the rights of 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?'What are your gas tax solutions?What does a flag mean to you?What does it take to get a contractor around here?What does 'quality of life' mean to you?What happens to buildings after the headlines?What I learned during my ‘winter vacation’What I learned on my summer vacation What is vital to us today can change in a heartbeat What role could UMass play?What set of rules are we playing by, anyway?What’s marriage really about?What speech is acceptable today?What's the point of fireworks being illegal?What the heck is racial identification?When a biz takes the money and runs When being the Bay State meant something Where have you gone, Jack Villamaino?Where is the local content?Which is worse, a casino or a biomass plant?Whims of Congress, stock market shouldn’t determine vets benefits Who cares if Cher endorses Warren?Who cares if we can smell what Barack is cooking?Who should profit from someone’s work?Who's putting fuel on the casino fire? Who would run for East Longmeadow’s town council?Why doesn't anybody question...Why do pundits attack the VT victims?Why we did what we did last week Williams get the nod from the Hot Dog Guy Will voters seek an independent governor?Wisdom from Springer's mouth to your eyes With freedom of speech comes responsibilities for Americans With rail cars, manufacturing roots, jobs return to Valley With recovery, all communities should be treated equally With spring comes welcomed hope With viaduct project in full swing, finding alternate routes a challenge World looks bleak for graduates Would slot machines in bars help us out?Would you want big box store near you?WSU, HCC agreement a game-changer for local higher education WWSD: What would Shays do?Yes -- Left, Right can agree You don’t have to buy land to save East Longmeadow depot You have to BELIEVE in Springfield "You know you’re from Western Mass. when..."You're paying to help spread terrorism Your government was determined by 14 percent of the voters Zippy in the Valley? Yow!

G. Michael Dobbs

Taxing Boston drivers, visitors more is an idiotic plan

2/27/2024

I’ve never been a fan of visiting Boston.

Yes, there are great sights, great museums and great cultural offerings, but …

You have to drive there and you have to drive i...
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MAGA vs. Taylor Swift, a Super Bowl of stupidity

2/13/2024

As some of you may realize, I know very little about professional sports. This, of course, has been a problem for me most of my life. Because of my gender and generation, I’m supposed to want...
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Inflation might have been bad, but it didn’t seem to affect gambling

1/30/2024

I’m just an ignorant old reporter still with plenty of questions yet to ask — even in retirement. So, answer me this: if inflation, which has come down, was so bad in 2023 how come Mass...
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To me, Chicopee resident David Barsalou is a hero

1/15/2024

I pay attention to language, well, because I need to do so. The right word is so important in conveying an idea. All too often some words or phrases are used so much that they tend to lose real mea...
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This past year provided me with a number of lessons

1/3/2024

Happy new year, folks. I hope it was a pleasant one for you and your family and I wish you the very best in this year.

As we enter 2024, I have a question for you — what did you learn...
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Bob ‘the Bike Guy’ renews my holiday spirit

12/18/2023

So, are you in the Christmas spirit? I think it may be a bit difficult for many this year.

Considering what is happening in this country and world — including two wars in which this na...
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UMass Amherst journalism students give me hope

12/5/2023

Last week I had a real pleasure — I was asked to speak to a group of students taking a journalism class at UMass, my alma mater.

My old friend Maureen Turner, an excellent reporter wh...
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60 years later, death of JFK still means something important

11/17/2023

Getting onto the school bus one November afternoon in Hadley, I heard our bus driver, the wonderful Mrs. Tudryn, comment about the president being shot. I thought she was talking about Lincoln who ...
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Proposed new funding source could help out downtowns

11/6/2023

Recently I wrote a story about the economic impact of the arts in Springfield. Before that I wrote a story about the economic impact of the Thunderbirds hockey team on the region.

(If you m...
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City Council meeting presents some unexpected discussion

10/17/2023

I’m always interested when something happens in city government that should be routine but then isn’t.

One of those events happened during the Sept. 19 Chicopee City Council mee...
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Springfield had plenty of good choices in preliminary elections

9/19/2023

Like an old fire horse, when I hear the alarm, I come running. Election night for this ink-stained wretch is always a thrill and instead of sitting in City Hall watching results, I was on my phone ...
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‘Faith’ should not be part of the electoral process

9/6/2023

Theodore Roosevelt helped create the Food and Drug Administration to help protect Americans.

Franklin Roosevelt pulled this country out of the Great Depression and created social programs t...
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Climate change is here whether you ignore it or not

8/22/2023

So, how’s your summer going?

The answer, of course, changes from person to person. If you’re a farmer in Hampshire County, your summer might be pretty terrible. Between torrenti...
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Don’t worry, I’m not running for office this year

8/1/2023

Truth be told, I was considering running for public office upon retirement. That’s enough to scare some of my constant critics. I can easily imagine the outrage and the letters.

Just w...
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We have the opportunity to do something here about climate change

7/18/2023

So, have other parts of the country simply gone nuts?

Why yes, yes, they have. Take the Sunshine State, the Land O’ Disney, for instance.

Florida’s new alimony law went in...
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Cannabis lounges should happen but must have safeguards

6/26/2023

The issue of establishing cannabis smoking lounges has been recently addressed by the commonwealth’s Cannabis Control Commission and that topic is the next hurdle for the government to overco...
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I offer advice to graduates that they didn’t request

6/13/2023

Many times, when people reach my age, things start to happen. For instance, although my co-workers would probably attest I didn’t care much about dressing for the part of an executive editor,...
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A trip to Cambridge underscores a real problem

5/30/2023

I needed to go to Cambridge recently, Somerville to be precise. The occasion was to be interviewed about the Max Fleischer animation studio for a documentary and the director and producer had chose...
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An old man asks for explanations on variety of topics

5/9/2023

There is so much I don’t understand and so little time left in my life to try to comprehend it all. The following are examples of conundrums facing me.

...
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Ensuring the correct use of language is a daily habit

4/24/2023

In this day and age, I see the proper use of language as a daily challenge. Maybe you don’t worry about it but I surely do.

Why? Because I really don’t want to upset people by s...
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Some thoughts that have been in my head, before I forget them

4/13/2023

Writing this column every other week has its limitations, as on the off week I’ve got a lot to share but can’t. So, this is a catch-up column for topics that have been floating around t...
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With climate change, it’s time to rethink your yard

3/28/2023

Ah, spring. It’s time to enjoy longer and warmer days and to get the yard ready for the growing season. Outdoor cigar smoking season is upon me.

This is the time when people think of ...
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Question for new governor: is high speed rail a priority?

3/13/2023

Is it me or has a lot of air escaped from the East-West Rail balloon?

After years of what amounted to an uphill fight, the Baker administration had pretty much embraced the concept of linki...
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Banning books should never be part of our culture

2/28/2023

Something that has always been chilling to me is the concept of banning and destroying books. Perhaps because I’m a baby boomer who was very aware of the history of World War II and the destr...
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Charland shows the impact of true public service

2/13/2023

It’s a Saturday morning at Eastfield Mall in Springfield and the halls show considerable activity, but none more than in front of a store space being used by Pedal Thru Youth. There is a crow...
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The growth of the cannabis industry needs to continue

1/31/2023

If you’re of a certain age, you remember the commonwealth’s “blue laws.” These were vestiges of Puritan tradition, the most visible one involving how businesses had to be cl...
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I support MGM Springfield but isn’t it time to reopen fully?

1/17/2023

When MGM Springfield was being built, a public relations person for the gaming giant called me after I wrote a story about security at the casino – not yet open – and asked me “Wh...
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As usual, I learned a lot over the past year

1/3/2023

As you read this offering during the first week of the new year, I’d like to initially wish you the most successful and happy 2023.

One reason I enjoy being a journalist so much &ndas...
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New mattress regulation creates an unexpected reaction

12/19/2022

It’s always interesting to me what are the reactions to laws and regulations designed to do something good.

Recently, the new mattress law came to my attention. The commonwealth put i...
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Isn’t it time for solutions rather than shouting?

12/6/2022

A missive from the frontiers of retirement: I guess retirement is going well, but it’s terribly odd at times.

I’m still working part-time, which is great, and after the end of t...
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A series of reflections now that we’re post-election

11/28/2022

Please consider the following election notes from this ink-stained wretch:

I’m very pleased I don’t live in the Boston media market for a variety of reasons. My annual trip to C...
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Neal’s record challenged by new progressive PAC

11/7/2022

As I write this on Nov. 2, I know about the various predictions that have been made about the future makeup of Congress and perhaps selfishly I know a switch of leadership would put our member of C...
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Study shows unfunded mandates remain a challenge for cities and towns

10/25/2022

I’ve not heard many candidates speak about this issue this election cycle. Perhaps it’s considered too much “inside baseball,” for the general electorate, but unfunded or un...
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Scratch and Keno lottery sales decline worries officials

10/11/2022

I find it amusing at times how much Massachusetts has changed since I was a kid. Remember the “Blue Laws?” They dictated a number of things, such as whether or not stores could be open ...
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Proposed legislation is designed to protect personal freedom

9/20/2022

Recently I wrote about a reader’s issue with me about same sex marriage and that reader’s assertion that it has somehow eroded morals in this nation. There were those who supported that...
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Primary season brings about changes, surprises and intrigue

9/12/2022

News analysis

If you think that fictional programs on TV have intrigue, they are nothing like what happened on primary night both locally and statewide.

Massachusetts...
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As Groucho once said, ‘Hello, I cannot stay, I must be going’

9/12/2022

In 1930, the Marx Brothers filmed their second movie for Paramount, an adaptation of one of their hit Broadway musicals called “Animal Crackers.”

Groucho plays Capt. Jeffrey Spal...
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In a self-induced pity party? Snap out of it

9/5/2022

So, let me get this straight: student loan forgiveness is bad and insulting, according to some, but the forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through the Small Business Administrat...
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The primary is here and I hope you will vote

8/30/2022

After a long summer of working for votes we are now at the first hurdle for candidates of public office: the primary.

Granted, not every race in the region will be settled by the primary but...
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Image in advertisement raises concerns from reader

8/23/2022

I received a note last week from an Amherst reader who expressed concerns about an ad for the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival that ran in our papers.

The reader shared with me the follow...
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What has the Gaming Commission been doing lately?

8/16/2022

What’s got me going this week? The latest news on sports betting.

Colin A. Young from the State House News Service wrote, “It is now up to the Gaming Commission to make legal sp...
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With Hall of Fame, it’s just business, right? Nothing personal

8/8/2022

There is a lesson being taught right now in Springfield and it’s about unfulfilled expectations.

You’ve undoubtedly heard about the recent announcement the Basketball Hall of Fam...
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An understatement: the Legislature puzzles me sometimes

8/4/2022

Holy smokes. I write a column that once again criticizes the Legislature for not coming to terms about sports betting and lo and behold on Monday morning I learn the following from Colin Young and ...
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Springfield, welcome to your new community newspaper

8/3/2022

Hello folks, please allow me to introduce the newspaper you are holding.

I’m Mike Dobbs, the executive editor of Reminder Publishing, and what you’re reading is an introduction ...
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Two out of three candidates have an opinion about the courthouse

7/25/2022

Last week I decided to see what the three candidates for governor think about the pressing need for a new, safe courthouse building for Hampden County. As most of us know, the Roderick Ireland Cour...
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Reader disagrees and says same sex marriage is ‘immoral’

7/18/2022

Several things are on my mind this week…

The news about the condition of the Roderick Ireland Courthouse in Springfield and the stated proposal of spending $170 million to retrofit it...
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The primary season truly starts and it’s busy

7/11/2022

And now, things get real.

In the weeks leading up to the Sept. 6 primary, candidates are now switching from a marathon to a sprint. Surveys and polls are going to be increasingly important....
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Erosion of freedoms looms with Supreme Court decision

7/1/2022

What kind of America is your America? The beauty of this country is its ongoing evolution – hard-fought and frequently too slow – that allows its citizens greater means of living their ...
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Abandoned theaters provide economic development to cities

6/27/2022

The Calvin, The Rivoli, The Bing, The Garden, The Amherst, The Paramount, The Casino – all theaters that were once operated by Western Massachusetts’ Theaters, a local company whose dec...
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Town meeting season brings up questions of efficiency in governing

6/20/2022

Town meeting season is largely over and once again many of the communities that still use that form of government continue to see a minority of voters actually attend their town meeting.

Th...
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It takes a lot of gall for Sudders to show up here

6/13/2022

Late last month, Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Marylou Sudders did a one-day appearance in Western Massachusetts. She visited several locations including Square One in ...
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Random act of hate adds to these sad and dangerous times

6/6/2022

Life gives us opportunities to do the right thing – ordinary decisions that can make society just a little better.

Life also gives us opportunities to show the pettiness, the inconside...
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Reaching this life milestone is a little unreal

5/27/2022

Okay, I have a double whammy coming up: a birthday and a milestone.

I’m increasingly used to the fact I am way over the line of being a senior citizen. A good test for this fact is ack...
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What would it take for a racist to change their mind?

5/23/2022

I would like to say that I am surprised by the events in Buffalo, NY, another racially motivated hate crime that resulted in the deaths of 10 people.

I would like to say that I’m shock...
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There is a disconnect between beliefs and actions

5/16/2022

So, there are many people who have expressed concerns – while others have felt triumphant – about the leaked draft of a Supreme Court decision concerning Roe v. Wade.

I’m ...
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Longmeadow Democratic Breakfast provides a political mosh pit

5/9/2022

There are two area political events that provide journalists ¬ and political wonks – access to a large group of elected officials and candidates.

One, of course, is the annual fund...
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Trip to UMass was nostalgic and hopeful

5/3/2022

I had a remarkable experience recently. For the first time in my career, I was asked to speak at a journalism class at a local college. In this case, it was my alma mater, the University of Massach...
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Inside baseball: facts in controversial stories can be elusive

4/25/2022

Before I leave for a week off, the challenge is trying to write a column that is worthwhile for our readers but at the same time needs to be composed more than a week before it is published.
...
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Biden signs new law to support the Post Office

4/18/2022

I’ve written about the problems that are facing the Post Office several times and I was heartened to learn that President Joe Biden approved The Postal Service Reform Law of 2022 on April 6.<...
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I offer some unsolicited advice again to candidates

4/12/2022

As I enthusiastically wrote a few weeks ago, this is going to be a very tight election season throughout the Pioneer Valley.

I thought I would offer some advice to candidates about what the ...
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Welcome to your new community newspaper, The Reminder

4/4/2022

Hi folks. I hope you’re pleasantly surprised by the appearance of this new edition of The Reminder.

My name is Mike Dobbs and it has been my pleasure and privilege to have wor...
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Slap heard around the world just part of weird week

4/4/2022

Holy cow, what is the world coming to?

That’s my question nearly every week, but recently there have been events and comments that continue to amaze me – such as the slap heard a...
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So what does government actually care about?

3/28/2022

As I get older, I actively try not to get angry, as it’s so often such a draining, non-productive activity.

But as someone who has become angry throughout his life – perhaps too ...
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I need to do something to help Ukraine

3/22/2022

I don’t know about you, but watching the daily reports about the war in Ukraine has affected me in an unexpected manner.

It deeply depresses me.

Now, I’m not sure just wh...
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As usual, I’ve got questions and seeking answers

3/14/2022

As I got older, I once assumed I would understand more about life, but I believe the opposite is the truth.

There are many questions I have. Luckily it is part of my job to ask questions and...
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Putin’s threat sets off memories from childhood

3/8/2022

I’m writing this column on March 2. With several deadlines of our nine editions, I’m often required to write further in advance than I did years ago.

The reason I’m mention...
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It’s the best time of the year: election season

2/28/2022

So, it has begun: the most wonderful time of the year.

What’s that you wonder? Is it Christmas, the football play-offs or when the kids go back to school? No, it’s election seaso...
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The departure of two members of the media will be felt

2/21/2022

In our business, too many of the departures are unexpected and sad.

This week there were two big changes in the media landscape of Western Massachusetts. Both weren’t anticipated by th...
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It’s not that difficult to cut down plastic personally

2/15/2022

About three years ago I wrote a story about how my wife and I were trying to eliminate as much plastic packaging in our lives, because recycling doesn’t work.

Now we dutifully wash and...
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Proposed legislation would open cannabis industry to more people

2/7/2022

I came to using cannabis very late in my life. I didn’t try it until it was legal.

Yes, I know, I’m a freak. Snicker amongst yourselves.

After all, I went to college from...
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Springfield incident illustrates the need for public safety improvements

2/1/2022

If you think a group of older reporters could be a cynical lot, you’re right. Being on both the inside and outside of stories can give you a jaded perspective at times.

I can assure yo...
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Report about sheriffs and contributions is click-bait

1/26/2022

This week, I’ll share another chapter of inside baseball from the world of journalism.

Recently, I received a report from Common Cause – which describes itself as “a nonpar...
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The movies teach us that 2022 could be a lot worse than it is

1/17/2022

So far, this year has been pretty miserable, and it’s only a couple of weeks old.

I don’t mean to look at the glass half empty. I would love a half-full glass.
Twenty twen...
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Yes, I’m going to get letters about this opinion

1/11/2022

So by the time you read this column, the anniversary of the armed insurrection at the Capitol last year will be over but the effects of that event are still being felt and will be for years.

<...
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Survey says: people still believe in falsehoods

12/31/2021

I should no longer be surprised, or shocked, by what transpires in this country. I received the following information from my alma mater this past week:

“One year after thousands of su...
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Let’s hope that 2022 isn’t the terrible year that 2021 was

12/27/2021

I really don’t want to sound angry as we are in the middle of the Christmas season, but as I stare at this blank screen attempting to come up with something to say about the year’s endi...
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Local woman has spent years seeking medical help to no avail

12/21/2021

We have the best medical care in the world, right? You’ve heard and read that claim many times, I’m sure.

And we do have some amazing health care. What seems to be the problem i...
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The return of cursive writing could help students

12/15/2021

I’m not sure just when cursive handwriting was abandoned by public schools, but lately more and more school committees are considering either re-introducing it or placing greater time on it. ...
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Baker’s move makes next election a free-for-all

12/6/2021

As I write this column, the news that Gov. Charlie Baker will not seek election is a week old, but the political turmoil the announcement has created is just starting.

Pundits, both amateur ...
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Anniversary of casino bill important for state and region

12/1/2021

So do you know what is the significance for the date Nov. 22, 2011? I don’t blame you if you don’t. I didn’t recall until the State House News Service sent us a story to rem...
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Whatever your traditions, happy Thanksgiving

11/22/2021

Thanksgiving may be – next to Halloween,of course – my favorite holiday because when it is done correctly it is a low-keyed joy.

There’s a lot of pressure at Christmas or a...
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It’s time to start fixing our mistakes

11/16/2021

So, we’re watching CBS’ “Sunday Morning” recently when a startling statistic was shared. The United Nations has released a statement that climate change may be irreversible ...
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Past election night, more history will be made

11/8/2021

Well, it’s that time of year: the leaves are falling; the temperatures are dropping; we’ve eaten all of the good Halloween candy; and the political lawn signs need to be picked up.

...
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Civil conversation gives me a little hope

11/3/2021

So, recently I had to take two dead trees down. Normally I would have put on a flannel shirt and pair of jeans, donned my hard hat – it’s around here somewhere – and put my limite...
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We hope you enjoy your new newspaper

11/3/2021

Hi folks and welcome to your new local news outlet, The Ludlow/Belchertown Reminder.

Perhaps some of you are already familiar with The Reminder. We have been successfully distributing our Ea...
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Charlie Ryan was a legendary figure in city’s history

10/20/2021

Former Mayor Charles Ryan died at age 94 on Oct. 18 and truly an era in Springfield politics and history has ended.

He first served as mayor from 1962 to 1967 and was often criticized for be...
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A new district map could lead to greater diversity

10/19/2021

Hey kids, what time is it? It’s redistricting time.

Yes, I know, this subject sounds like a dream for people who are hard-core policy wonks – of which I’m proudly a member....
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Smith & Wesson departure should make us think about business development

10/12/2021

There is no two ways about it: the announcement that Smith & Wesson was moving 550 jobs and their headquarters was a gut punch.

It was a punch to the employees who now must figure out wh...
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A sad level of hypocrisy exists with troopers refusing vaccine

10/5/2021

In 1906 author and activist Upton Sinclair wrote a novel called “The Jungle,” which depicted conditions at the nation’s meatpacking plants. The reaction to the book was so huge Pr...
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Low turn-out for preliminary election is troublesome

9/27/2021

Generally in politics, an open seat is an opportunity to change the course of government a bit.

You probably know there is an open seat in the Northampton, as the incumbent mayor has decided...
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Fact checking letters to the editor – opening a can of worms?

9/21/2021

It’s not too often Nicki Minaj influences my thinking. I’ll explain.

Recently I’ve received several emails addressing issues with letters to the editor. I’d like to ...
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The COVID-19 vaccines are a blessing

9/15/2021

Dr. Mark A. Keroack, MPH, president and CEO of Baystate Health recently conducted a press conference to explain the health provider’s status and to urge people who have not yet become vaccina...
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We don’t need to legalize fireworks in Massachusetts

9/8/2021

As several legislators have explained to me, the ballot question is the instrument used by the voters to address issues the Legislature has failed to take up.

Look at cannabis for instance. ...
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It’s time for a new courthouse in Springfield

9/1/2021

Hampden County DA Anthony Gulluni took a step that is long overdue. Last week he moved his staff out of the Hampden County Court House because of issues in the building that are affecting people&rs...
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Afghanistan is an issue with local implications

8/24/2021

Now generally I try to keep this column as local as possible and I’m sure some of you will feel I shouldn’t be writing about the fall of Afghanistan.

After all, what do I know ab...
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Loss of small town resonates in climate debate

8/17/2021

Last week, my brother called me. “Did you hear about Greenville?” he asked. I said no. He then explained the town was gone due to the Dixie wildfire in California.

The news hit m...
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I want this pandemic to end. Do you?

8/10/2021

Masks on, masks off! What’s today’s status? I surely don’t know. I just follow orders.

This is what I do know: once again I need to have masks in my pocket and car.

...
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History’s lessons shouldn’t be ignored

8/3/2021

Why are some people so very frightened of something called Critical Race Theory (CRT)? At a recent meeting of the Hampden-Wilbraham School Committee the discussion of an equity audit which would me...
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I’m not sure what message is being sent in Chicopee

7/26/2021

Despite the fact I’ve been doing this job for a very long time, I’m not jaded. Almost daily there is some event or story that makes me issue an exclamation – sometimes under my br...
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Yes, I want to go into space, but do they have a suit to fit me?

7/19/2021

I remember as a kid watching live coverage of rockets blasting away from Florida in the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs.

It was a big deal and it was history in the making.

...
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What’s wrong with a term limit for the speaker?

7/12/2021

Chris Lisinski of the State House News Service filed this report last week, which I thought was of interest: “House Democrats beat back a push July 7 to restore an 8-year term limit for the s...
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Sorting through everything rattling through my brain

7/2/2021

There’s lots of stuff rattling around in my brain this week – let’s go.

I need to extend congratulations to Bax and O’Brien for their becoming the latest broadcasters...
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The Fourth of July is about more than hotdogs and fireworks

6/28/2021

It’s reassuring when you see someone’s dream come true. It underscores there is indeed some justice in the universe.

Last week, Ray Berry Jr., after a very long journey, brought ...
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Sports betting should help as many businesses as possible

6/21/2021

There is a sense the region, the state and the nation is fairly optimistic about the future when it comes to the economy.

At the press conference this week where Gov. Charlie Baker announced...
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Police shouldn’t obscure or bury the history of systemic racism

6/14/2021

It’s becoming more and more clear to me there are two tracks to police reform. One track is to address how we can make police officers more effective, while the other is to stop the racist ac...
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Enjoying a taste of normalcy in New England

6/4/2021

As I stood on a wooded hill in Acworth, NH, swatting mosquitos, part of my “normal life” had returned.

No I wasn’t camping. I had a few days off last week and I used one of...
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Trust is difficult to rebuild following Croteau case

5/28/2021

Sitting in the press conference last week about the Danny Croteau murder case made me very angry and very sad.

I cannot imagine what the family has felt for the past 49 years, especially whe...
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Ten years later, 2011 tornado is still an influence

5/25/2021

If you had told me the day after the June 1, 2011 tornado, as I walked around my neighborhood, the weather event would have an extraordinarily positive impact on the city of Springfield I would hav...
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More proof that this country’s ‘crazy factor’ is regularly increasing

5/18/2021

I received a press release from the Baker Administration the other day about the recipients of a state-funded grant program.

Nothing unusual about that as there are many grant programs in th...
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Holyoke may be a city, but it’s really a village

5/10/2021

I believe in transparency, so I want to reveal that I wasn’t the biggest fan of former Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, especially in the final year or so of his tenure in Holyoke.

I realized...
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Visitors recognize region’s potential

5/4/2021

There are few things as effective like the blinders we put upon ourselves.

Most of us do it every day. We see what we want to se...
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Enshrinement should stay in Springfield

4/26/2021

Here is a two-part disclosure: first, I’m not a sports guy and second, I worked at the Basketball Hall of Fame for seven years. I started in high school, went through my college years, and wo...
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All it takes is one bug to shut down inspection system

4/20/2021

Ah, the good old days – remember car inspection back in the day? Before the emissions check, computers and other high-tech additions.

If you’re under the age of 50 you probably d...
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Change is a necessary component of human life

4/12/2021

Personally, I’m a notorious creature of habit. Every Friday, I’m at the world-famous Smokey Joe’s Cigar Lounge in beautiful downtown Springfield. I have about a half-dozen cigars ...
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Forecasts of increased crime with casino prove inaccurate

4/5/2021

You may recall that during the referendum battle a few years ago to determine if the residents of Massachusetts really wanted casino gambling, folks who opposed the casinos advocated arguments we w...
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Plan to weaken U.S. Post Office must be stopped

3/29/2021

I hate to keep harping about certain topics, but in this case I can’t help myself.

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced last week he has a plan to “stabilize” the Post ...
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Do you know a guy? That’s what you need to get the shot

3/24/2021

More often than I care to admit, there is a vehicle parked in my neighborhood with a guy sitting in it all day.

I don’t think he’s homeless.

Now, I can’t say with 10...
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Lessons I’ve learned during the first year of the pandemic

3/15/2021

Last week, I attended a memorial service at Mercy Medical Center noting the anniversary of the official start of the pandemic here.

It was very moving as three speakers – two nur...
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Dr. Seuss political hysteria is predictable

3/9/2021

I find the political hysteria in reaction to the company in charge of the legacy of Dr. Seuss deciding to pull a number of books from their publishing schedule because of racist images to be predic...
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To get the shot, you clearly need a plan

3/1/2021

Okay, I’m now armed with a strategy about how I can sign up for the COVID-19 vaccination.

That’s right a strategy. You don’t need instructions. You need t...
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Decades old decision helped divide nation

2/22/2021

The passing of radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh made me think about the form of talk radio from 30-plus years ago and the way it is today.

Although my friend Michael Harrison, the publishe...
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Vaccine sites should have been organized ages ago

2/15/2021

I don’t get it.

We’ve known for months vaccines for COVID-19 were on the way. So, why are we scrambling to set up sites and other infrastructure now?

People have been comp...
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Soldiers' Home debate disgusts me

2/11/2021

After spending much of my time working in media, I'm just a little bit jaded at times. I've seen things that weren't designed for public consumption.

Let me give you a couple of examples fro...
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We need a more cohesive regional and national approach to the pandemic

2/1/2021

There are a lot of things to ponder this week.

One of our fine reporters Sarah Heinonen was putting together a story about a Wilbraham business, an indoor roller skating center, not being al...
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What are you going to do to help our country move forward?

1/25/2021

So what are you going to do?

About what? Moving forward.

Are you going to give the new administration a chance as it tackles the many issues of the day? Or are you going to stick to y...
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Claims of censorship made by some are misleading

1/20/2021

Part of the fallout from the current division in this country has been an ongoing discussion about the First Amendment and censorship. As someone who is in the newspaper industry, I thought it woul...
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Confederate flag in the Capitol reaffirms the evil it represents

1/11/2021

As I was watching the coverage of the assault on the Capitol last week, there was a moment I burst into tears.

The tears were from my profound anger at an image I saw: a terrorist walking th...
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Unsolicited advice is easy to give, harder to take

1/6/2021

Few people enjoy receiving unsolicited advice. I’ve had people tell me what I need to do with these newspapers. “Want some easy content? Just allow elected officials to write columns. T...
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Here are some predictions on what we could expect in 2021

12/28/2020

We are standing at the edge of 2020 and looking into the misty void of 2021 and I feel someone or something coming over me – or at least my keyboard.

“Greetings, my friends. We a...
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Merry Christmas from this ink-stained editor

12/21/2020

It’s the holiday season and no matter what holiday(s) you celebrate I hope you have the best one you can under the terrible circumstances of our time.

Would it be possible lay off the ...
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Pandemic has caused me to appreciate life’s little moments

12/15/2020

As I’m trying to compose this column, my cat Troi is sitting next to me on my desk at home.

He will sit next to me for hours as I type, providing silent but attentive company. My wife ...
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People need to get past pandemic fatigue and do the right thing

12/9/2020

Step forward, step back, step forward.

I don’t get it. We will know what we must do, but …

Lately, the reaction to the pandemic not just from government, but from people,...
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There are serious business concerns with cannabis

12/1/2020

So, I covered the opening of the first recreational cannabis store in Springfield recently. I was a little apprehensive.

I was worried whether or not I could find a parking space and if the ...
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In tumultuous 2020, there’s still plenty to be thankful for

11/20/2020

And what are you thankful for?

That is the question we ask others and ourselves every year, but this year the query is far more charged.

When such a year has been so incredibly bad, w...
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We must find a common ground and unite by finding solutions

11/16/2020

The Civil War could be called the most divisive moment in the history of the American republic.

Witness the fact the systemic racism of the era didn’t go away with the conclusion of t...
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Our continued expansion illustrates the value of community journalism

11/11/2020

This year has been simply terrible. I’m not going to sugar-coat it. In our industry, many daily papers have continued shrinking or simply going out of business, those actions exacerbated by t...
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In stressful election year, solace found in the words of journalists past

11/4/2020

As I write this, thanks to deadlines, the national election is still a few days away. In this final period, we’ve seen a huge voter turnout, a play for disputed states by Vice President Joe B...
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2020 has been a year of important lessons

10/27/2020

One of the most memorable things I ever heard was when I was doing talk radio on the late and lamented WREB in Holyoke during the 1980s.

A colleague at the station who had worked in r...
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Local candidates show how to behave like adults in a debate

10/22/2020

Last week I had the pleasure of moderating a debate between the two candidates for the 7th Hampden District state representative seat.

The 7th Hampden District is the district for Ludlow, I...
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Why I’m exhausted by this year’s election season

10/13/2020

Usually this is one of favorite times of the year.

For me, a fat man, the time for sweaters have returned, which will help disguise a multitude of bodily sins caused by the lack of going to...
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Taking stock of one head-spinner of a week

10/7/2020

I don’t know how your last seven days have been for you, but for me it’s been a head-spinner of a week.

Here’s a couple of things that have contributed to my dizziness:...
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Pandemic has left us searching for a little bit of ‘normal’ in 2020

9/29/2020

I’m standing at the press announcement about Bright Nights on Thursday morning and I realize that having the annual attraction continue this year is a very big deal.

Perhaps, because ...
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Those who defaced BLM street art are either racists or jerks

9/24/2020

The fact that the words “Black Lives Matter,” which had been painted with the city’s permission on Court Street in front of Springfield’s municipal group, were defaced almos...
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News articles shouldn’t use unnamed sources

9/15/2020

It’s an inside baseball week this week. I hope you won’t mind.

Who’s the source?

I’m terribly old school in many r...
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Candidates smear each other and it’s shameful

9/10/2020

Wow, that was one hell of an election, wasn’t it? The issues and candidates spurred greater turnout than usual – excellent – and more hyperbole and well, let’s be honest, gr...
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Hard fought elections come to their conclusions

9/2/2020

Here are some notes on this primary election season written before the outcome of the contest:

One of my staff members said she doesn’t think newspapers should offer endorsements of ca...
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Attack on Post Office is anti-American

8/25/2020

Back in the 1990s, I co-owned a magazine about animation. I relied on the Post Office.

I used the Post Office to get my magazine to the distributors and to the subscribers.

Every time...
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Balancing pandemic and opening schools is a tough decision

8/11/2020

On Aug. 5, I spent two and a half hours watching the Chicopee School Committee meeting at which the committee was supposed to vote on a plan for the school year.

It is the exercise that ever...
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Balancing pandemic and opening schools is a tough decision

8/10/2020

On Aug. 5, I spent two and a half hours watching the Chicopee School Committee meeting at which the committee was supposed to vote on a plan for the school year.

It is the exercise that ever...
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Lack of understanding of Trump is hitting me hard

8/4/2020

Everyday, I can count on several things: my grumpy 19-year-old cat Ginger will try to trip me as I feed him; the vegetable garden will require watering; and incidences will underline my general ign...
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In the absence of theaters, drive-ins offer a nostalgic option

7/27/2020

With COVID-19 greatly interrupting so many aspects of American life, it may seem trivial to write this statement: I miss going to theaters to see movies.

Now even when movie theaters reopen ...
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The great power of imagery always needs to be examined

7/22/2020

If there ever was a near legendary case of corruption in American politics it was “Boss” William Tweed and his Tammany Hall organization, the Democratic Party in New York City after the...
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Not all newspapers lean the same way in politics

7/14/2020

I think it’s human nature to use generalities. Instead of speaking about one action or one person, there is a tendency to bring out a very broad brush and paint everyone.

It’s ea...
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Time to look past monuments of the past to create better future

7/8/2020

When my father was stationed in Maxwell Field in Montgomery, AL in 1962. I was in the third grade. As was my parents’ habit, my brother and I were taken to museums and other historical sites....
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I’m mad as hell and I can’t take it anymore

6/29/2020

I spend too much of my day being angry, which is not good for a fat old man.

The immediate result is a rapid depletion of my bourbon and Scotch supply and an increase in cigar consumption. T...
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Steps to combat racism in American society should be welcomed, not scoffed at

6/24/2020

There may be some people who scoff at the declaration of racism as a public health crisis – just look at social media – but it is.

It permeates all elements of American culture.<...
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Vieau did the right thing by removing Wilk

6/11/2020

What are the lines between public expression and private expression? What private expression should be counted as a factor in job performance? What can be forgiven and forgotten and what can't?

...
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We must save small businesses

6/3/2020

I’d like to continue with the Christmas metaphor when it comes to our reopening. Bear with me.

Did you ever remember a Christmas when the present you really, really wanted was missing ...
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I love our neighboring states, but I’m staying home

5/27/2020

I’m confused, but that’s nothing new.

By living in Massachusetts we are taking the return to have a far more open society with a cautious series of steps.

If we lived in a...
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If May 18 was Christmas, the presents were sensible

5/20/2020

So, if May 18 was like Christmas morning – full of anticipation about what we would get – then it was a very functional Christmas.

What the governor said about the structured re-...
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Coronavirus is as significant to history as the Great Depression

5/20/2020

Christmas is coming – well, so to speak.

Since I have to write this column several days before Gov. Charlie Baker makes his announcement on May 18 all I can do is act like a kid severa...
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Massachusetts’ recovery will take longer than we imagine

5/12/2020

When you read our editions this week, they will be released days before the governor reveals his plan for the re-opening of the Commonwealth.

Already Gov. Charlie Baker has relaxed some rest...
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The Post Office should not be a casualty of the pandemic

5/6/2020

I’m a news guy and I’m having problems with some of the national press I consume.

I get the fact we are all concentrating on the same thing: the pandemic and its effects on this ...
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Adjusting to working from home and problems that come with it

4/29/2020

So have you adjusted to this working from home new normal, yet? If you’re like me you may occasionally have a problem or two.

It’s not like I don’t like being home. I like ...
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Can billionaires understand small business struggles?

4/22/2020

I saw this story on Business Insider and though it was interesting: “President Donald Trump revealed the members of his Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups on Tuesday, signaling h...
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What’s the difference between purchasing recreational cannabis and alcohol?

4/15/2020

Our friends on Federal Street, the scholars at Merriam-Webster, define “essential” when used as a noun as “something basic.” The second definition is “something ...
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Honoring veterans means more than just a ‘thank you’

4/7/2020

There has been a change in American society towards military veterans that I’m sure many of you have noticed. When we find out someone is a vet many of us will say something along the lines o...
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In stressful times, laughter can be the best medicine

4/2/2020

So how much COVID-19 news can you take? That’s a question my staff and I ask about you and about us. COVID-19 is a huge story – perhaps the biggest in the way it has affected the majori...
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Working from home provides different kinds of distractions

3/23/2020

So you’re working from home so you hopefully won’t get sick. Is that your story, cousin?

For many people that is the dominant story in their lives right now....
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Responsibility in the face of a pandemic

3/16/2020

We’re running quite few stories about the pandemic and we are trying to walk, what I think, is a responsible line.

We want to tell our readers what is happening locally – the pre...
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Sanders gives standard stump speech for supporters

3/4/2020

With the Super Tuesday results coming in after deadline, this column sums up a part of the political activity leading to the Massachusetts primary vote.

The battle for Massachusetts Democrat...
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Don’t let sticker shock prevent progress

2/19/2020

I realize that some people who read the story I wrote last week about the study so far concerning east-west passenger rail automatically rejected the idea based on price.

To get the ridersh...
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Grim realities of a pre-determined impeachment

2/11/2020

There are some grim realities we must acknowledge:

The impeachment process is not like a trial in the criminal justice system. It certainly has similarities but it is far more political. The...
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Another casino: positive addition or hobbling earning potential?

2/4/2020

Do we need another casino in Massachusetts? If it were up to me the answer would be “No.”

Colin Young of the State House New Service wrote last week: “As it weighs a potent...
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Media jumps to conclusions, ride–sharing fee-hike bad for Western Mass.

1/29/2020

Some inside baseball to start:

I put together a quick story last week about MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis’ departure from our casino.

Mathis will be returning to Las ...
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Impeachment: staging a bloodless coup or addressing wrong doings of the president?

1/21/2020

It is a cliché to say we are living in historic times, but I’m sure some talking head on TV will utter these words with the proper gravitas.

Has there ever been any time in the ...
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Transportation, infrastructure improvements need to benefit Western Mass. too

1/14/2020

Chris Lisinski of the State House News Service reported the following last week: “House leaders have offered few details about what they plan to include in a transportation revenue package ta...
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Will banning plastic straws negatively impact your life? Probably not

1/7/2020

I can hear the screaming now.

According to a story from the State House News Service by Chris Lisinski, “Massachusetts businesses would be banned from distributing disposable plastic s...
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We don’t sell out for sandwiches

12/30/2019

Many thoughts are bouncing around my noggin. Here goes:

What happened last week was a reminder of how things can work in Congress. Richard Neal exercised his considerable influence and clout...
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Gift giving is an art form. Some excel at it, others – not so much

12/23/2019

As you read this column, Christmas is done. There is still plenty of time for the rest of the holiday season – it doesn’t end until the Epiphany on Jan. 5 – but at least the most ...
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‘Less-than-adequate’ snow cleanup spurs complaints and plans

12/17/2019

Last week I wrote about snow removal. It was easy to complain about the lousy job that took place in Springfield.

Complaining is, of course, part of the process. Every storm seems to follow...
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Is there a better way for cities to deal with snow?

12/11/2019

Sometimes I think I should have a standard reusable column designed to be published to accompany the first significant snowstorm of the season.

It seems to me that everyone essentially exper...
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Tips to get through the holidays from a ‘professional cynic’

12/3/2019

And now the holidays have started.

I’ll say it for you: “Yikes!”

We’ve moved past the holiday speed bump known as Thanksgiving and we are now in full Christmas...
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Why is the Commonwealth considering banning menthol cigarettes?

11/22/2019

On this past Saturday, I do what I do many Saturdays. I go to Milano’s in downtown Springfield and buy a couple of sandwiches for my wife and me and then I walk into Buckeye Brothers and buy ...
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Post-election town-by-town recap

11/20/2019

Now that the dust has settled, let’s talk about local politics. We’ll go around our circulation area.

Springfield: Mayor Domenic Sarno is the longest serving mayor in the city&rs...
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Twenty years down, maybe five more to go

11/12/2019

Time is fleeting isn’t it? On Nov. 10, 1999 I started working with this organization as the editor and lead writer of The Chicopee Herald.

The 20 years since then have flown by with in...
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Now that elections are over, did you cast a vote?

11/5/2019

As you read this, the elections will be over and unfortunately because of our printing schedule, only one of our editions will have the results of the election this week.

It’s not our ...
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Bill raises questions around profanity and context

10/30/2019

Recently, I was looking at a Facebook post by a noted local conservative “friend” who took mighty umbrage at a report involving State Rep. Daniel Hunt, a Democrat who represents Suffolk...
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Political debates are essential institution in our democracy

10/22/2019

I had the privilege of moderating several debates the other night for Focus Springfield for the city council race in Springfield.

The reason I say it was a pleasure is I appreciate any candi...
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Is candy corn the new fruitcake?

10/15/2019

Ah, October! For me it means having the excuse for a full month to watch horror movies, decorate the office at work with holiday appropriate adornments and wax nostalgia about trick or treating....
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Casino Advisory Committee should focus on helping city

10/9/2019

So, if you sat on the newly formed Casino Advisory Committee in Springfield what would you support in terms of a change or improvements to MGM Springfield?

Although it may be out of the scop...
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Who benefits from vaping ban?

10/2/2019

Across the Commonwealth as you read this hundreds of businesses – perhaps thousands – are being affected by the ban against the sale of vaping products.

If your business is stric...
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When I’m wrong, I’m wrong: Wahlburgers broke ground

9/25/2019

So sometimes, the impact of national events doesn’t necessarily trickle down to the average person.

In the Commonwealth the trade war with China is being felt. Welcome to the new world...
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With low public interest, do voters even know it’s election season?

9/18/2019

It’s election season, but clearly some people don’t know it.

Or they just don’t care.

Springfield, Chicopee, and Westfield are determining city councils and mayors t...
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The importance of affordable mass transit across the state

9/10/2019

So, our colleagues at the State House News Service have reported a new study by MassInc indicates that working poor and working class residents find that mass transit options are not affordable to ...
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North-south rail, a first step in the right direction

9/3/2019

I hope you were able to catch Dani Eaton’s story from last week about the implementation of a pilot train service that connects Greenfield to Northampton, Holyoke and Greenfield. If you didn&...
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Welcome to the new chapter in The Pennysaver

8/27/2019

No one likes change, right? That’s the conventional wisdom.

Change can be shocking and I’m sure many of you looking at this new edition of The Original Pennysaver are going to sa...
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MGM Springfield has met many expectations during its first year

8/27/2019

On Aug. 24, MGM Springfield celebrated its first anniversary and many people have been evaluating the impact made on the city of Springfield and on the region during this time.

Slow down tha...
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The death of a warrior, Michaelann Bewsee made Springfield a better community

8/21/2019

So I had a column all ready written when I learned the news that Michaelann Bewsee had passed. I knew I had to throw out what I had done and start from scratch.

Michaelann was the head of Ar...
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Will Western Mass. benefit from high-speed rail? Not likely

8/14/2019

Here’s another reason why we need comprehensive mass transportation reform for the entire Commonwealth.

Chris Lisinski of Statehouse News Service wrote on Aug. 8: The near-omnipresent ...
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Education funding needs change, mayoral races are heating up

8/7/2019

Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law this week the new state budget for FY20 that includes a lot more money for education.

This is very good news for the number of communities in the Commonwea...
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East–West rail makes sense – but at what cost?

8/7/2019

With the latest presentation from the East-West Passenger Rail Study from Mass DOT the rubber started hitting the road.

Sorry for mixing my metaphors. Yes I know that’s a phrase that i...
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Cities and towns should consider municipal broadband

7/24/2019

Chicopee will be the second community in Hampden County with its municipal broadband initiative and it will be interesting to see how other communities with a municipal utility respond to this prog...
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Growth in newspapers? Yes, it can happen. We’ve proved it.

7/17/2019

As regular readers will note, every now and then I’ve used the phrase to describe our offices as “The Reminder Headquarters for World Domination.”

I’ve used the phras...
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MAD was more than satire; it strengthened the freedom of speech

7/9/2019

At the Fourth of July celebration in the nation’s capitol, President Donald Trump made a speech about the Revolutionary War and “The Continental Army suffered a bitter winter at Valley ...
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Few markets our size have the combination of tourism attractions we do

7/1/2019

I was on vacation last week and as I stare at this blank page on Monday morning I wish I were still in bed.

That would be a serious neglect of my duties, though, and that would not be accept...
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Voicing an opinion is fine, but casting a vote is more important

6/24/2019

In Springfield, the City Council passed what turned out to be a fairly controversial new ordinance: The Municipal Election Notification ordinance.

Now I don’t know off-hand about recen...
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Let’s change the perception of what is an ‘art’ town

6/18/2019

Last week I walked around downtown Springfield taking photos of the newly created murals that are part of the Fresh Paint Springfield program.

I thought they were all a great addition to the...
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Events still live as long as there are witnesses, survivors and participants

6/11/2019

Events still live as long as there are witnesses, survivors and participants. When those people pass, events become history. While they are preserved with words, audio recordings, photos and film, ...
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Life is indeed too short, live it to the fullest our situation allows

6/4/2019

This is a confusing world and having a birthday that instantly transformed me into an official senior citizens isn’t helping.

I turned 65 last week. That is the golden age, the gateway...
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I’d like to see MGM Springfield become even more successful

5/24/2019

I’ve learned over the years that a story may be a series of words or images to some, but it can be a living organism with a life of its own.

Take for example the story about MGM consid...
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Abortion issue another example of politicians skewed priorities

5/20/2019

From 1982-1987 I was the afternoon talk show host at Holyoke’s WREB, one of the first stations in this market with an all-talk format.

It was a fascinating job and I went into it with ...
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For Union Station to reach potential, customer amenities must be priority

5/14/2019

When it comes to economic development projects, the immediate goal is getting them constructed and running. The long-term goal, though, is for them to operate at the project’s full potential....
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Got a lot on my mind about my industry this week

5/7/2019

Got a lot on my mind about my industry this week, so let’s go.

Inside baseball: I went to Holyoke Community College last week to cover the appearance of Attorney General Maur...
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We may not have a coastline but there are things we share with the Cape

5/1/2019

I was at our timeshare on Cape Cod – one of the best investments my wife and I ever made – last week for part of the week. We split up the week, though, as Lucky the Aging Wonder Bichon...
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City should confiscate illegal dirt bikes driven on streets

4/24/2019

For years, there have been groups of young men who are illegally riding dirt bikes on the streets of my neighborhood. Many are clearly younger than 16 ½. They create not just a nuisance, but...
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A healthy local press may also mean a healthy local political process

4/15/2019

Here is an interesting concept: if you have a healthy local press, you may also have a healthy local political process.

According to a story released by the Neiman Lab at Harvard University,...
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Neal rises to the top of the national political discussion

4/8/2019

Not since Michael Dukakis ran for president has an elected official for Massachusetts been as prominent in the national spotlight as Congressman Richard Neal as chair of the House Ways and Means Co...
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Paying tribute to Caesar is annual exercise in pain and confusion

4/2/2019

No one likes paying taxes, right? Some people understand that paying taxes means helping to underwrite many aspects of our way of life. Others see it as a necessary evil. Still others fight and rai...
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Publishing news that is hyper-local — that is still our philosophy

3/27/2019

Next week, our Chicopee-Springfield-Holyoke edition will be re-branded as the Chicopee Herald, the newspaper that was bought by former publishers Chris and Dan Buendo in 1998.

I was hired i...
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To get east-west rail service, we need to make it Boston’s ‘idea’

3/20/2019

If you search for a history of the Big Dig, the first thing that pops up is a narrative on the MassDOT site explaining the reasons behind the massive construction job.

Ma...
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I made a not-so-bold prediction: forcing Neal isn’t going to work

3/13/2019

My mind is all over the place this week.

Candidates, anyone?

As I write this column, it would appear that so far no one is stepping up to run for mayor of Chicopee – a hi...
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Being a mayor isn’t easy, neither is running for the office

3/5/2019

Any mayor, or for that matter any other elected official, facing an empty ballot for a re-election bid can see a lack of opposition as the ultimate compliment.

It means, of course, that the ...
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Retirement of police commissioner opens door to discussion

2/27/2019

The abrupt retirement of former Police Commissioner John Barbieri in Springfield certainly surprised me. In fact, I’d venture to say it surprised most people in the city and probably in the l...
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Is our future going to be similar to ones seen in science fiction films?

2/20/2019

When I was a kid, vaccinations were simply part of my growing up. I remember getting the polio vaccine on a sugar cube and getting the smallpox “shot” and the distinctive scar it produc...
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Welcome to the first Reminder ‘Outlook’ edition

2/15/2019

Since the purchase of The Reminder by the parent company of The Republican in July of last year, the two news gathering entities have run parallel courses.

The staff on Main Street ...
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Blackface is simply unacceptable at any time, for any reason

2/13/2019

As regular readers of this column and my movie reviews might ascertain, I’m in love with films from the 1920 through 1950s.

If I ever retire – a concept I’ve abandoned and ...
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I’ve developed protective coloring to get through Super Bowl

2/6/2019

Super Bowl Sunday is, of course, the most prominent holiday that really isn’t a holiday in this great nation of ours.

No matter what team for which you root, or where you live or even ...
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Cannabis event brings up many questions

1/30/2019

On Friday I was at my usual seat, smoking my usual cigar when I saw through an open door at the establishment I was visiting the sight of three Springfield police officers going up to the floor abo...
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Longmeadow voters speak their mind on elected officials

1/22/2019

So, now the wishes of the majority of folks who attended and voted in the Longmeadow town meeting will have to rely on the actions of the Legislature to see if their effort to create a system to re...
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Warren’s ‘everyman’ Instagram post registers as total fail

1/16/2019

As a kid, did this ever have this happen to you: you see a teacher out of the context of school and it flummoxes you? Maybe he or she was grocery shopping or at the mall and the sighting made you r...
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Please explain: Why do some people like to root for failure?

1/9/2019

The other day I went to my favorite place to buy my weekly Powerball ticket, Buckeye Brothers in the South End of Springfield. Dave Glantz, the owner, asked me if I had seen the comments made by pe...
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It’s a mystery to me how history will view anything

1/2/2019

History can change its mind. There can be people and events that are lionized or vilified and over the years new interpretations can bring reversals of opinion.

History, of course, is taught...
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I learned a lot in 2018, how about you?

12/26/2018

So where the heck did 2018 go? And what did I learn?

• I learned that MGM is not the great Satan some people thought nor is it the great savior other people touted. It is a well-run...
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Ignoring Facebook may ensure a Merry Christmas

12/18/2018

I may have expressed my admiration for Mayor Charles Ryan in this column before.

The guy is a hero in my book for doing what he had to do to save Springfield from receivership and for righti...
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Is proposed raise for the city council justified or too much?

12/12/2018

Just to provide some perspective: minimum wage in Massachusetts is currently $11 an hour. A person working on a minimum wage job makes $22,880 a year.

A proposed increase to the stipend bein...
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Here’s an idea: let’s discuss issues we can actually affect

12/5/2018

So, as I noted in my last column, I spent a week at the Cape and got a lot done on a chapter I need to complete for a book project.

I spent far more time watching cartoons from the 1930s tha...
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Unexpected and welcome letters from the mayor

11/28/2018

I received a letter to the editor from Mayor Domenic Sarno on Saturday. It’s a little unusual for a mayor to send a letter such as this one and at first I thought “What did I do this ti...
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I’ve got a long list of reasons to be thankful this year

11/20/2018

This is the time of year everyone is supposed to take a moment and express some sort of thanks for the positive things in their lives.

I know this is oftentimes a very difficult task. There ...
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Trump’s snub of WWI observation would be political suicide for anyone else

11/14/2018

On Sunday morning, I stood along with hundreds of other people near Court Square in Springfield for the city’s Veterans’ Day observation. I was there to take photos, but being the son o...
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No offense Santa but could you stay away just a little while longer?

11/7/2018

I’m writing this on the day before the election. You’re reading it after the election.

Let me just say this has been one of the oddest elections I can remember. Many of the race...
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It’s time to put the politics aside and seek real solutions to violence

10/31/2018

What an amazingly terrible week we’ve had when it comes to terrorism in this country.

On Oct. 24, a white man named Gregory Bush killed two African-Americans outside of a grocery store...
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Is our political speech not much better than that of 150 years ago?

10/24/2018

Where does one draw a line when it comes to political activity today?

Many people are alarmed at the lack of civility that dominates social media.

Many people are disgusted by open di...
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Let’s prepare for marijuana tourism as its coming

10/17/2018

This weekend my wife and I hosted her cousin and family from Scotland for brunch and one of the subjects that came up was the legal status of marijuana.

It seems they had paid a visit to the...
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Public opinion and statistics on Springfield schools differ

10/10/2018

Something struck me the other night when I saw at the Springfield School Committee meeting: the disconnect between what people think of the city and its school system and what the statistics tell u...
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Baker’s decision disappoints

10/4/2018

Charlie Baker has struck me as a reasonable and personable guy.

Heck, he even has a sense of humor as he regularly appears on Bax and O’Brien.

I’ve not always agreed with ...
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We’ll be delivering you local news every week

10/3/2018

Welcome to the newest weekly newspaper from Reminder Publishing – a newspaper just covering West Springfield and Agawam.

Our company is not new to the area. In 2001, we started the Met...
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I’m happy to say we’re bucking the industry trend

9/26/2018

When the sale of Reminder Publications was made, the message was there would be no changes in the editorial direction for these community newspapers.

I’m very happy to say that is inde...
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Computers are great, but typewriters were expressive and fun

9/20/2018

What is it about a typewriter? Is my instant interest in this piece of technology simply nostalgic for an earlier part of my career?

I don’t know, but I do know “The Typewr...
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The decision by the Times was wrong

9/13/2018

This week I’ve been asked several times about what I think about the New York Times publishing an anonymous editorial supposedly from a senior member of the Trump Administration.

If yo...
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What businesses are learning from MGM

9/5/2018

I took a walk downtown to MGM last Friday night after I had finished my cigar at Smokey Joe’s, just to see what the crowd was like.

To say I was flabbergasted is an understatement. ...
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Last weekend’s events offered a tale of two downtowns

8/30/2018

Two events happened last week that both were touted to improve downtown areas.

One was the opening of the nearly $1 billion MGM Springfield casino complex and the other was the fourth annual...
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City and tourism officials should take advantage of MGM’s opening

8/23/2018

Standing in the center of the new MGM Springfield casino for a press tour bordered on a surreal experience.

This used to be Bliss Street, I thought. The First Spiritualist Church was here an...
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Chain stores can be great, but local retailers truly help build communities

8/16/2018

I read a fascinating story about Dollar General published by The Guardian that points out the changing nature of retail and how that can affect communities.

Here is the link to the story: ...
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Can we really say we know how another person feels?

8/9/2018

Most of us, at one time or another, use the phrase “I know how you feel.”

We say that to people who have undergone stressful situations. In some cases a person says that to let s...
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The road to Aug. 24 opening has been a long and interesting one

8/3/2018

As I was driving around last week I went by MGM Springfield and wondered if they were going to be ready by Aug. 24. Silly question. A huge company such as MGM will move heaven and earth to be ready...
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This is what democracy is all about

7/26/2018

So this election cycle is pretty damn interesting to me.

In Massachusetts we frequently see public officials only change when there is an open seat – an ...
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Air and Space Show brings up memories of Westover in its prime many years ago

7/19/2018

I once wrote that I frequently see “ghosts” in my daily travels. No, not the spirits of the dead, but rather the memories of the way things used to look pop up.

Perhaps nowhere d...
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There are rules about being ‘off the record’

7/12/2018

Some scattered thoughts from an aging editor:

Jordan Houston – who is doing a fine job in my humble opinion – recently wrote a story about a movement in Agawam to allow &ldqu...
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‘Thoughts and prayers’ won’t solve continuing violence

7/5/2018

I was walking in downtown Springfield last summer when there was religious event happening at the MassMutual center. A young couple who was attending the event was walking along with me...
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Daniel’s appearance prompts thoughts about celebrity

6/27/2018

Standing in the middle of a huge crowd of people in a nightclub may be an unlikely place to contemplate the nature of celebrity, but that’s what I was doing on Friday night.

Yes, I bou...
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We need to take advantage of opportunities

6/21/2018

I think we missed an opportunity.

I was among the thousands of people who took advantage of riding the new Hartford Line this past weekend.

I view this new train service as having hu...
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MGM needs the 4 a.m. closing time, but do other establishments need it as well?

6/14/2018

I think it will be a given that MGM will receive permission to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. for those customers who are gambling and frankly, it doesn’t bother me all that much. I think people ...
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West Side has left money on the table – can it afford it?

6/7/2018

I think Mayor Will Reichelt of West Springfield did the right thing. He developed a plan to handle the recreational sale of marijuana in the city.

His efforts have had plenty of pushback, bu...
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The president doesn’t seem to understand purpose of Memorial Day

5/31/2018

It is clearly a function of history that when the generations who actually lived through an event are gone, the gravity of that event changes.

For instance, take Memorial Day.

Growin...
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Pot sales give municipalities needed revenue

5/24/2018

I’m heading off to a week’s vacation – in my backyard – and there are some topics swirling in my head.

I demand my right to have a helipad

<...
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Politics is fun but confusing at times

5/18/2018

There are many times people ask me why I like covering politics. Besides the obvious answer that politics affect all of us in our everyday lives, I also like the unpredictable nature of the beast.<...
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Note to Gov. Baker and Legislature: Fund the PVTA properly

5/9/2018

So if you didn’t have a car how would you get around? Could you get to your job?

This is a question that many people face in this area and at one point I certainly did.

From 198...
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Ray Hershel created a legacy of professionalism in region

5/3/2018

I hate blowing off commitments. Generally if I say I’m going to do something, I do it.

On Friday night I had two events to which I was planning to do: celebrate the retirement of Ray ...
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UMass purchase of Mount Ida College betrays its mission

4/26/2018

Last week I was so concerned about the alleged developments in the MGM Springfield situation that I didn’t mentions something that was equally worrisome.

My Alma Mater, UMass Amherst, ...
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MGM story takes an interesting turn – maybe

4/19/2018

This has been an interesting week to say the least. The Wall Street Journal story concerning a possible move by MGM to buy the Wynn casino, which would then force them to sell the Springfield locat...
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Hey kids, want to monitor the media for Homeland Security?

4/12/2018

Looking for a new job? How about paying attention to what the media is saying world-wide as part of our Homeland Security effort?

What? Don’t other intelligence agencies do stuff like ...
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Newspaper hero provides comfort this week

4/5/2018

I’m suffering from the onset of burn-out this week. Every now and then, I just get tired of the routine: deadlines, deadlines and deadlines.

A vacation is in order in the next six or e...
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Undocumented immigration demands attention

3/29/2018

The reaction from Mayor Dominic Sarno did not come as a surprise to those of us who have followed his stance on sheltering undocumented immigrants in the city of Springfield. He has long maintained...
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Texting argument is a distraction

3/22/2018

In 1994, President Bill Clinton was trying to get passed a ban on assault rifles and he enlisted the aide of three former presidents in doing so: Gerald Ford, Ronald Regan and Jimmy Carter. The thr...
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Patrick needs to start now if he’s running

3/15/2018

Reportedly our rock star senator – not a snarky description but just a fact – Elizabeth Warren is not planning to run for president in 2020, but our former governor is thinking ab...
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We all have health care stories

3/8/2018

I have a kidney stone. It’s not my first stone, but according to my doctor this is a whopper 7mm rock, as estimated by an ultrasound.

I required surgery a few years back for a stone me...
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I describe ‘fake news’ as best as I can

3/1/2018

I was the guest of the East Longmeadow Lions last week and was asked to speak at their meeting. By the way, they are a great group doing good work in the town.

The subject, I was told, was t...
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Tell me what you think should be done

2/22/2018

This isn’t a scientific survey at all, but I tossed out the following question to my Facebook friends: “I’m truly interested in hearing your opinion on what can or can't be done t...
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Cities are bracing for legal pot

2/15/2018

Sitting through the most recent Chicopee City Council meeting illustrated to me the less than perfect state of affairs we have when it comes to the legalization of marijuana.

The council wa...
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Ruling could affect tips-based jobs

2/8/2018

I don’t mean to write about similar topics two weeks in a row, but a New York Times story on Feb. 4 brought forth a new wrinkle for the tips-oriented economy.

The Department of Labor w...
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Pay rate for dealers surprises some

2/1/2018

As I stood at the MGM Training Center listening to the casino’s vice president of table games talk about the application process to be a dealer, I thought, “Now it’s really beginn...
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Zippy the Pinhead visits Western Massachusetts again

1/25/2018

So ever since I was a kid, I get a little thrilled when I see mentions of our area in popular culture or the press.

The earliest I can remember was from the “Tom Terrific” cartoo...
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Comments underscore what work we have to do

1/18/2018

This year there was definitely an edge to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at the MassMutual Center.

Yes, there were the musical performances that characterize the day. There was ...
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Wolff book brings up issues of how elected officials relate to reporters

1/11/2018

It’s time for a little inside baseball this week.

Have you bought the new book “Fire and Fury?” Have you read any excerpts? I’ve read the lengthy piece the New Yorker...
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It’s the New Year and time to get back to business

1/3/2018

So it’s back to the real world since now the holidays have past. Let’s catch up a bit.

In Chicopee, there has been a buzz on social media about how the city has a whole bunch of ...
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What the heck happened to 2017?

12/28/2017

Wait a minute, it’s almost 2018?

When did that happen?

It’s my yearly wake-up call, my realization that another year is over and one looms large just around the corner....
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Individual acts of kindness help make this Christmas brighter for many

12/21/2017

I used to work with a veteran radio newsman named Richard Lavigne when I was WREB in Holyoke in the mid-1980s. Richard was a huge character, someone well known in Holyoke and had a million little e...
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Can we actually cope with the challenges that face us in the 21st Century?

12/15/2017

Have we reached a point that shows we are incapable of fulfilling the needs of society? Have our problems simply outstripped our ability to deal with them?

I think so. ...
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Should drug testing for first responders be considered?

12/8/2017

The case in Chicopee concerning a firefighter being arrested at the Public Safety Complex for multiple robbery cases and for having drugs and a syringe on him at work is both disturbing and sad....
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Why would you oppose net neutrality?

11/30/2017

As I’ve stated many times in this column, there are many things that confuse me and the current debate over net neutrality is one of them.

If you believe in free speech wouldn’t ...
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Beware the sexy lingerie store?

11/21/2017

Some random observations this week:

For the life of me I can’t understand why anyone would be in an uproar over the proposed Adam & Eve “sex positive” shop setting up i...
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Proud of 18 years at The Reminder

11/16/2017

I realized with a jolt this week that my anniversary was coming up. Not my wedding anniversary, but my work one.

On Nov. 11, 1999, I was officially hired by Reminder Publications Ma...
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Enough prayers; it’s time for action

11/10/2017

I will not be sharing prayers for the people of Sutherland Springs, TX, the people who were gunned down while they were worshipping this past weekend.

No, my prayers will not bring them back...
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Study gives a peek at casino impacts

11/2/2017

There is some pretty interesting reading in a report from researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst that studied the people who have come to gamble at the Plainridge Park Casino (PPC),...
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In digital age, real travel is valued

10/26/2017

I’m one of those people who believe that travel has the capacity of making you a smarter person, a more introspective person and perhaps a better person.

That is, of course, if you...
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We’re making some changes

10/20/2017

There are some major changes coming to Reminder Publications and I’d like to tell you about them.

No, that Dobbs guy isn’t leaving; sorry to disappoint some of you. At l...
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So should a museum be responsible for political correctness?

10/12/2017

Over the weekend, as I’m sure you’ve heard, a new development in the controversy about an image from “And to Think that I Saw It on Mulberry Street” emerged.

Th...
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Las Vegas shootings bring up the same unanswered questions again

10/5/2017

I was feeling pretty good on Monday morning. I knew what stories I had to write – I love having a plan – the weather was beautifully seasonal for October ...
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Freedom of speech is a demanding concept

9/27/2017

My Facebook feed was jammed with messages about two subjects this morning: reviews of the new “Star Trek” TV series and discussions about standing or kneeling during the per...
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What’s the second economic development act after 2018 for Springfield?

9/21/2017

So what do you think is going to happen after 2018 in the city of Springfield?

I ask because 2018 is going to be a banner year. MGM Springfield will open. Union Station will see the start of...
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Imagine this: you could witness the start of a war as a kid and then serve in it

9/14/2017

22News reporter Tamara Sacharczyk was the master of ceremonies for the 16th annual September 11th Remembrance Ceremony in Springfield this week and something she said resonated with me ...
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The city is benefitting from political involvement

9/7/2017

Putting together coverage of the people running for office in Springfield underscored several important points for me.

The first one is that democracy in the City o...
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Move the state capitol to Springfield? Sounds good to me

8/31/2017

My interview with Jay Ash was very interesting. I wrote about it in this edition.

Ash is candid, funny and clearly engaged in his efforts to bring jobs to the Commonwealth. He knows th...
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What a week for the local newsman

8/24/2017

What a week. I’ll write that again: what a week.

Locally, we are in the governmental doldrums of summer. Various city council and town councils are meeting, but the machinery of...
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News brings back nuclear memories

8/17/2017

I’m sure the threat of a nuclear strike from North Korea struck fear in many people, as did the response from President Donald Trump to unleash an attack “the likes of which...
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Nothing to do this weekend in Western Massachusetts? Not so!

8/10/2017

So what are you doing this weekend? We have three major entertainment events, plus the Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show at the Big E. See my story on the Dining and Entertainment page.

The...
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Springfield’s June Foray was truly a local daughter who made good

8/3/2017

We all love our favorite sons and daughters – those residents of a community who have gone off and achieved fame and fortune doing something significant.

I’m sure you...
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Do you want MGM’s closing time to be at 4 a.m.?

7/27/2017

So what do you think about idea of MGM Springfield being able to serve alcohol until 4 a.m., to people who are gambling? Good idea or not?

As a former bartender, I know the super...
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We need answers and a rail study

7/20/2017

So, the big question on my mind was why on the name of all that is holy did the conference committee remove the east-west rail study from the FY18 Massachusetts budget?

No one is...
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Sisitsky was a courageous man

7/13/2017

Perhaps you remember Alan D. Sisitsky, perhaps not. Time is not always kind to the memories of past elected officials, especially one whose services was many years ago – 1973 to 1983....
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July Fourth is a time for reflection

7/6/2017

Thomas Jefferson was 33 years old and the youngest member of Congress when he traveled to Philadelphia with a draft of a document that altered history. When it was finally adapted by that bod...
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Union Station is a game-changer

6/29/2017

On the Monday following a week off, I’ve got several things knocking around my head.

I took some photos at the public open house on Sunday of the newly refurbished Union St...
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Conversation must trump rhetoric

6/22/2017

I don’t know about you, but the senseless shooting at the baseball practice of the Republican House team underscored for me the continuing crisis in this country.

Here is what I took a...
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Following the evolution of a story can be fun

6/15/2017

How a story evolves is of great interest to me and it should be to people who really want to understand how things work.

Let’s consider the way the story about MGM’s commit...
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Freedom of speech is a demanding and harsh concept

6/8/2017

I had the pleasure and privilege of attending the annual Talkers magazine talk radio conference in New York City last week. Talkers is the Bible for the talk radio industry and is owned...
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The ULI report offers guidance many years later

6/1/2017

In the fall of 2006, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) came to Springfield and did a remarkable analysis of the city and what steps it should take for its renewal and future.

To give you ...
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Here’s what every graduate needs: unwanted advice

5/25/2017

Our nephew Douglas is graduating from high school next week. I’m turning 63, provided I make it to Monday. The intersection of these two events has put me in a mood to do what young peo...
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Town meetings imparted lessons

5/18/2017

It has been a very long time since I attended a town meeting of any sort. Spending my high school and college years in Granby I attended several when I came of voting age and clearly re...
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Talk inspires radio memories

5/11/2017

Recently I had the pleasure of listening to a great presentation at the Jewish Community Center about a medium I love: radio.

“Radio?” a Millennial might ask. Yes, it&rsquo...
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We need more market-rate housing in Springfield

5/4/2017

Let me cast an assumption aside: while at times I’m cynical and jaded, I can still be surprised and shocked. My mouth was certainly hanging open at the Casino Oversight committee ...
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Clearly we love sensationalism

4/27/2017

I understand the controversial concepts and discussions about tragedy, forgiveness and working toward redemption that might result from a story about a murder conviction, but what I can...
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Ah spring, the time for the neighbors to misbehave

4/20/2017

I’m sitting in my home office on Easter Sunday writing this column – yes, I work on holidays – and it’s blissfully quiet.

It’s too quiet, as they wo...
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You don’t have to buy land to save East Longmeadow depot

4/13/2017

There was a great moment of clarity at the East Longmeadow Community Preservation Committee the other night.

On the agenda was one thing: the fate of the historic train depot bui...
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Honeybees should be protected, not banned

4/6/2017

Here is something that always irks me. You’re outside and a honeybee flies around. Almost every time this has happened there is someone who panics. They wave their arms around, tr...
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Prediction: you won’t see pot shops in suburban communities

3/30/2017

I wasn’t able to cover the hearings conducted by the Joint Committee – snicker snicker – on recreational marijuana because of a schedule conflict, but I can imagine wh...
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Selfies have become a political gesture in the digital age

3/23/2017

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Some scattered thoughts from a busy week.
I have a couple of observations about the Sen. Elizabeth Warren appearance...
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Changes to the Affordable Care Act shows how one action can affect many

3/16/2017

My parents were interesting people. They subscribed to “Organic Gardening” magazine decades before the designation “organic” had much meaning to most folks...
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Presidential tweets are a gift to an under-funded and sometimes lazy press

3/9/2017

I like writing about my business – the media – and over the course if the years I’ve presented this column I’ve frequently tried to shed some light on the how an...
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I’m willing to bet the third Connecticut casino won’t hurt MGM Springfield

3/2/2017

I’m not a gambler, at least in the traditional sense, but I don’t judge those who enjoy going to casinos and spending some dough in the effort of making some dough back, either.

...
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So how was your street during the last two storms?

2/23/2017

So with temperatures now soaring into the 50s and no more snow in the forecasts, the two recent snow storms are now just dim memories or at the most, jut dirty snow banks that line the streets.

...
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What would be your name for our area?

2/16/2017

Now I know my friends at both The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts will undoubtedly be a little disappointed with me,...
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I don my annual protective coloring

2/10/2017

Ah it’s that time again, when I do extra work to develop somewhat protective coloring.

It’s difficult at times to lead an existence in America without being a sports fan and even...
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Should legislators get raises?

2/3/2017

I have almost nothing against most of our legislative delegation. Sure, a couple of them are obsessed with posting selfies, but generally I think they are doing a fine job.

It’s ...
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Can you imgaine a time zone just for Massachusetts?

1/26/2017

I will readily admit there are plenty of issues any state legislature considers that are complete wastes of time. Consider the long list of “officials” Massachusetts symbols. The offici...
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Closing of a circus marks the end of an era in entertainment

1/23/2017

The phrase “the end of an era” is one that has received plenty of use of late and here is one more era that has shuffled off its mortal coil.

I was surprised the other day when I...
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How will the Trump Administration deal with legalized marijuana issue?

1/13/2017

There are a tremendous amount of predictions being bandied about in the pundit-sphere about what to expect from both a Republican-controlled Congress and the Trump Administration.

I admit be...
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Sarno was right in standing firm on Springfield's residency requirements

1/6/2017

Okay, here is a simple question: why are residency requirements such a hot button issue for municipal employees?

Now, I’ve heard arguments from police officers that it is a matter of t...
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Let’s all focus on accomplishing something positive in 2017

12/29/2016

Ah, the New Year is not just imminent. It’s here.

Damn.

I need a few more months in 2016 to accomplish my goals for that year, but the calendar is an unforgiving authority.

...
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Human trafficking story shows crime, misery not exclusive to cities

12/21/2016

This isn’t the “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays” column I wanted to write, but a story we covered and its aftermath is at my top of mind awareness.

If nothing else it un...
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Identifying fact and truth is part of making sense of the fake news era

12/16/2016

What the heck is “truth” and what are “facts?” It used to be a relatively easy answer. A “truth” or a “fact” was a statement that could be veri...
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Finding beauty in the most mundane of civic responsibilities – jury duty

12/9/2016

There are many little things in life that occur and many of us never really think about the real implications of these common events.

I had a little awakening this week. I had jury duty.

...
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Flag burners have rights but do they know what the flag means?

12/2/2016

If there is one kind of protest that gets people’s immediate attention it’s burning a flag and the students who burnt an American flag at Hampshire College recently certainly received p...
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Legislature faces interesting session with marijuana questions

11/23/2016

The Legislature will be having a very interesting session starting in January when it tackles the thorny issues surrounding the legalization of recreational marijuana. It almost makes me wish that ...
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Much will be learned as Trump Administration takes shape

11/18/2016

I saw a good friend after the election. She asked me if I was going to hate her for voting for Trump. I replied, “Why would I hate you?”

Many decent Americans, some in my own fam...
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Count me among those who are still skeptical about MassPike toll changes

11/11/2016

As you read this column, I will be back from a few days at the Cape and I will have experienced the new and improved Massachusetts Turnpike experience.

Will there be additional rest stops? W...
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Don’t be complacent after the election; get and stay involved

11/3/2016

Holy cow, the moment is almost here. The most divisive, dreaded presidential election in modern history would finally be over in just a few days.

It can’t come too soon for many of us....
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Criticism of journalists just another shining example of American hypocrisy

10/28/2016

You ever notice how some professions are just filled with horrible people – until you need them?

Cops? They’re all racist or corrupt donut eaters until, of course, a police offi...
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Did ancient grudges keep Hampden from doing the right thing?

10/27/2016

This week, Chris Goudreau and I tag-teamed a story on the proposed merger of the Wilbraham and Hampden middle schools in order to pool resources and ensure a better education for the towns’ s...
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These ballot questions also merit your attention on Nov. 8

10/20/2016

If you’ve been dedicating all of your political attention to just the presidential campaign then you are missing the ballot questions that will affect us in Massachusetts.

There are fo...
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Public schools are essential and deserve more praise than they receive

10/14/2016

Full disclosure: I’m the product of public schools. My late father taught at a public school. I’m also the graduate of a state university. I believe in the concept that public education...
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Here’s a simple guide to talking sports for those who don’t actually follow sports

10/7/2016

While taping “The Short List” on WFCR New England Public Radio last week, I was confronted by a question about which I was supposed to comment. I knew it was coming and I sort of dreade...
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Do these presidential debates matter?

9/29/2016

So, did you watch the first debate? According to a story in the Hollywood Reporter the next day, Nielsen’s Fast Affiliate ratings indicated that a total of 45.8 million people tuned in.

<...
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MassPike meeting just theater

9/22/2016

There are times on this job when I want to scream – just stand up, point at some miscreant and yell the truth.

One of those times was last week when covering the Massachusetts Departme...
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It’s true: Local elections matter

9/15/2016

It may seem self-evident to write the following but I think it’s important to note: local elections matter.

I say this after discussions with two friends of mine who are both highly in...
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Outrage over plastic bag ban was strong, fascinating

9/9/2016

Before I left on a week’s vacation, I covered a meeting of the Ordinance Committee of the Chicopee City Council, which was considering recommending the whole council approve a study of the po...
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Pondering this year’s races

9/2/2016

I’m on vacation when you read this column. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while.

During this election there appears to be a greater adhesive quality t...
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Pundits are cold on MGM

8/25/2016

I like to see what other people think about the MGM Springfield project and turned up a piece by analyst Howard Jay Klein writing on the investment site Seeking Alpha.

Klein was looking at t...
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Living without broadband still a reality for many towns

8/19/2016

This weekend I met two of my pals in Vermont for one of our periodic “greybeards on the road” days. We get together either in their home state or here in Western Massachusetts for days ...
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Western Massachusetts cities shining in the spotlight

8/12/2016

I wish that every one of the Internet trolls, those cowardly basement dwellers happy to sit in the anonymous and gutless comfort of their own insecurities and prejudices and snipe at cities such as...
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Handing out onions and orchids

8/5/2016

It’s time for onions and orchids once again. I’ve got a bag of each to hand out.

An orchid to Gov. Charlie Baker for signing into law a bill that will ensure equal pay regardless...
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Rail investment is necessary

7/28/2016

I had a fascinating a-hah moment the other day when I was covering the press conference about a rail study that would improve access to rail travel in Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut.

...
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The battle against hate must start inside our own communities

7/22/2016

How important is the issue of race relations to you?

According to an ABC News poll released on July 16, “A vast 83 percent of Americans say the next president should place an ‘e...
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Pioneer Valley offers plenty to see for visitors, residents alike

7/15/2016

Many years ago I had a job teaching a reading comprehension program in private schools. One of my assignments was at a Catholic high school in Flushing, NY.

I had assumed that if you live i...
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Future Hampden County sheriff should consider Griffin’s message on addiction

7/8/2016

And then there were five. The news that Hampden County Sheriff candidate Jack Griffin has dropped out of the race and endorsed Springfield City Councilor Thomas Ashe surprised many, especially in l...
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Unsolicited advice to youngsters from a grey beard

6/30/2016

I had a distinct and unique pleasure this past weekend of being asked to speak at the scholarship presentation by the Valley Press Club.

The club, of which I’m a proud member, raises f...
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Age doesn’t bring insight, just more questions to ponder

6/24/2016

Some people assume that because I’ve been on this planet quite a while and that because I’ve spent many years as a journalist that I have some sort of greater understanding of the event...
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Orlando club shooting raises questions, many of which don’t have easy answers

6/17/2016

Like many other people whose charge includes writing an editorial column, I am overwhelmed this morning. The events in Orlando, FL, are almost beyond comprehension.

I cannot imagine what th...
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Haberman Hardware was last remnant of Holyoke’s glory days

6/10/2016

I started working at the late and lamented WREB in downtown Holyoke in May of 1982. Across the street from the studios was Ryback’s Market, a full service grocery store. Around the corner acr...
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Five years later, 2011 tornado’s impact still lingers in the Valley

6/2/2016

On June 1, 2011 a long-track EF3 tornado hit the communities of West Springfield and Springfield before it traveled east to wreak additional havoc in communities including Hampden, Wilbraham, Monso...
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We’re living in a ‘Network’ world

5/27/2016

Those of you who have read these newspapers for a while know I’m a movie guy. The most prophetic film of the last 50 years has got to be “Network.” Have you seen it? Oh, you need ...
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Local radio suffers major blow

5/20/2016

This is a confusing world on so many levels. People clearly want media content about their community and yet the corporately owned media across the country doesn’t seem to understand that sim...
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Is your community a happy one?

5/12/2016

I get a lot of emails every day and among the most common items are the results of various surveys that purport to shed some sort of light on local towns by including them in lists that usually beg...
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Is removing the toll booths really progress or just another government intrusion?

5/5/2016

So, let me get this straight: we are taking down the toll booths on the Massachusetts Turnpike and asking everyone to have a transponder so we can eliminate the traffic build-up at the toll booths?...
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Finding a team might be the easy part for hockey in Springfield

4/28/2016

I’m not a sports guy. I’m not a hockey fan. I am, however, a supporter and a booster of our area and of my hometown of Springfield.

Like hockey fans I’m mourning the loss o...
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Could Springfield’s involvement with Dunbar set expensive precedent?

4/21/2016

How far should a municipal government go to save a private nonprofit enterprise? That will be the question ultimately confronting Mayor Domenic Sarno and the City Council on the question of t...
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Keeping public records public

4/14/2016

It seems the Secretary of State’s office agrees with us rather than with East Longmeadow Interim Town Administrator Greg Neffinger about the release of town emails concerning former Police Ch...
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Who would run for East Longmeadow’s town council?

4/8/2016

There are many topics rambling through my brain so let’s get at it.

Would enough people run?

An East Longmeadow guy I know who seldom addresses any...
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Albano’s campaign focuses on attacks rather than the issues

3/31/2016

Okay what am I missing here? I thought Governor’s Councilor Michael Albano was running for Hampden County Sheriff, but instead he seems to be concentrating on almost anything but the issues a...
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Next week, The Reminder-Friday edition will debut

3/24/2016

Starting April 1, the readers of The Chicopee Herald, The Springfield Reminder and The MetroWest Reminder will have a new publication that is unlike any other weekly comm...
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Chief fiasco illustrates need for change

3/17/2016

There are people who make the assumption that living in a smallish town, such as East Longmeadow, is inherently superior to living in communities such as Springfield. If you read the comments peopl...
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Political discourse heading in scary direction

3/11/2016

I have to admit I never thought I would see Republican presidential candidates, who traditionally like to wrap themselves in some element of propriety, discussing in only slightly veiled terms one ...
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Be heard with The Reminder’s Speak Out

3/3/2016

In an effort to further engage our readers, we are introducing a new feature in all of our editions starting as soon as possible. We call it “Speak Out.”

At first glance, you may...
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What is vital to us today can change in a heartbeat

2/26/2016

I’m always interested in how things in our society that once seemed so vital can become superfluous in a short length of time.

When was the last time you saw, much less used a pay phon...
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DCAMM’s process needs revamp

2/18/2016

One of the most controversial actions any element of government can take is to put some sort of facility in a residential neighborhood.

Largely the reason these actions are controversial is...
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Separating real talk from political hyperbole

2/11/2016

Perhaps the oddest moment for me in hearing the coverage of the New Hampshire primary was when Donald Trump said he would not only bring back waterboarding if he is elected president, but torture p...
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Student loan debt must be addressed

2/4/2016

There are many times I feel every bit of my 61-plus years. The new arthritis in my right knee is giving me a new group of wonderful sensations. Why does it have to start hurting at 3 a.m.?

D...
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Time to consider regional lockup?

1/28/2016

One aspect of my job that I love is learning new things. Generally a day doesn’t go by without some sort of revelation or factoid making its way to me.

Such a thing happened the other ...
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With viaduct project in full swing, finding alternate routes a challenge

1/21/2016

I try to make checking my junk mail a daily activity. I receive hundreds of emails a day and if I don’t go through the junk – where legitimate emails frequently are assigned by the emai...
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Howard Street facility could work in Maple High Six Corners

1/15/2016

In Springfield a new location for the addiction program that was ousted from its former location on Howard Street by by the MGM casino is going to be discussed by members of the Maple High Six Corn...
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People should realize the right thing is often the easiest thing

1/7/2016

As I compose my first column of the New Year it would be great to write about something potentially uplifting – dare I say inspirational?

That is not going to be the case.

Inste...
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An open letter to the year 2015

12/29/2015

The symbolism for holidays always intrigues me. For instance, although I understand the tortuous route that has been taken over centuries to link the resurrection of Christ with a six-foot tall rab...
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Merry Christmas to you and yours

12/22/2015

While I was never a scoffer about Santa Claus – I didn’t go around trying to burst the bubble of my first grade compatriots – I was never a thorough believer.

I had been to...
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‘Star Wars,’ a study in pop culture

12/18/2015

Got tickets for the new “Star Wars film?” Neither do I, but I really want to go.

I think the assumption is that everyone who is capable of going to a theater will be in one this...
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Finding ‘truth’ in today’s local issues

12/10/2015

One of the my journalistic gods, Ambrose Bierce – look him up – defined the word “truth” in the following manner in his “Devil’s Dictionary” – ...
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Some things I’ll never understand

12/3/2015

There are many things I don’t understand. Because I’m a reporter I can ask questions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll get some answers.

For instance, I travel ...
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Turning backs on refugees is turning backs on our values

11/25/2015

I was heartened to see Gov. Charlie Baker having a second thought about his initial reaction about the possibility of Syrian refugees coming to Massachusetts.

Baker should be supported in be...
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Rhetoric in the wake of Paris attack comes fast and furious

11/19/2015

The reactions I’ve seen to the Paris terror attacks have both intrigued and sickened me, sometimes all at once.

My Facebook feed has several memes that people must have created almost ...
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Is an early closing time the answer?

11/12/2015

There is an old saying that nothing good happens after 2 a.m. and I’m inclined to believe that is true. The other conventional wisdom, though, that floats around in the press and social media...
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A little reminder about submissions

11/5/2015

Now that the elections are over, the holidays loom and with them a myriad of activities. If you happen to be the person who drew the short straw at your committee meeting, church or school and woun...
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Pick up the phone and talk to us MGM

10/29/2015

Hey there, Bunkie. Do you remember how you wanted a casino for a minute or two and then nothing happened in your town and it went to Springfield? Do you recall how you were sad for a little bit dre...
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Things to ask yourself before voting

10/22/2015

For those of us who watch politics in the same way as some people watch sports, this has been an interesting season so far – to say the least.

Specifically, I watch the races as much a...
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Columbus Day: a holiday of myths

10/16/2015

I don’t know about your Facebook feed but mine was abuzz with posts this weekend about why we should have a holiday honoring Christopher Columbus and his “discovery” of the New Wo...
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Latest mass murder can’t be allowed to be ‘routine’

10/8/2015

My parents taught me as a child to be far less concerned about what my peers thought about me than sticking to my own goals and values.

I’m sure your parents did that as well when they...
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MGM’s problem isn't the plan; it's the communication

10/1/2015

MGM International is a very successful company that understands the entertainment, hospitality and gaming businesses inside and out. It’s too bad they don’t know how to communicate with...
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Freedom of religion applies to all

9/24/2015

I understand we have a problem in this country and it’s Muslims. At least that’s what one person attending a rally for Donald Trump said.

The Donald, being the pinnacle of hones...
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Urban Refuge program great for Springfield

9/21/2015

I’m sure it may be a tad silly to some people to hear that Springfield has been named an Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership city.

After all, what kind of connection would the fourth la...
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More local news changes coming?

9/11/2015

Concerned about just how many sources there are for local news? I’m sure it’s not the top item on your list of priorities, but it probably should be there someplace.

Deadline.com...
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Back-to-school elicits nostalgia

9/3/2015

It’s that time of year. Parents dream of it and kids dread it.

Well, not all kids. I was one of the students who looked forward to getting back to school and the best part of the proc...
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Some post-vacation observations

8/27/2015

I was on vacation last week, and when I’m off I try mightily to disconnect. Of course it was a heck of a week to attempt such an endeavor.

I missed both Sheriff Ashe’s annual cla...
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A history lesson for the Millennials

8/20/2015

Hey there, Millennials, tired of trying to decipher pop culture references made by the grey hairs? Hey geezers, tired of having to explain yourself to wet-behind-the-ears pups who think they invent...
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Local races outshine national ones

8/13/2015

I don’t know about you, but I’m paying very little attention to the presidential race, such as it is.

Is that heresy for a political junkie such as myself to admit? Perhaps. My c...
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It’s a good time to be a farmer

8/7/2015

I’ve been thinking about how lucky we’ve been so far this year in New England.

Yes, we had a hard winter and yes, this summer has had some hot days, but we’re not facing dr...
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Do more guns mean more safety?

7/30/2015

This was a weekend of remarkable sadness and although I was gone to another state visiting family, I followed the laying to rest of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan through Facebook.

I hope his ...
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Here’s more inside baseball about the news business

7/23/2015

The turn of events this week has caused me to want to share some inside baseball about this wacky job my colleagues and I have. I was chastised this week for a recent opinion piece and it got me to...
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Stearns Square concert night wasn’t broke, so why ‘fix’ it?

7/16/2015

There are a lot of summer traditions in which I indulge – the Hadley flea market, trying to get in a bit of fishing at Beaver Lake in Ware, enjoying locally grown vegetables, especially our g...
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Make fireworks legal already

7/9/2015

Every year I get a letter from the folks at Phantom Fireworks essentially calling for the legalization of fireworks here in the Commonwealth.

Now I’m sure they make a fair amount of c...
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What’s marriage really about?

7/2/2015

Marriage isn’t about religion. Marriage is a civil contract.

I don’t mean to anger my conservative or religious readers at the very start of a column, but the discussions revolvi...
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What does a flag mean to you?

6/25/2015

I realize this is more “inside baseball” about the MGM project, but I find this to be an interesting question.

You may have read that billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian died las...
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What the heck is racial identification?

6/18/2015

Several thoughts have been dancing in my head and here goes.

My wife and I are walking Lucky the Wonder Bichon on Sunday morning when a van driven by a greybeard comes down the street. Almos...
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Graduates: what you need – more advice

6/12/2015

This is the time of year when thousands of hopeful high school and college graduates don the cap and gown, assemble in some great hall and go through a ceremony designed to note they have successfu...
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Name of new school required the wisdom of Solomon

6/5/2015

The Old Testament tells us about the wisdom of Solomon and how he solved the issue in which two mothers claimed to have custody of the same child.

Some of that style of wisdom could h...
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Lewis’ appearance at Elms College graduation was moving

5/28/2015

There have been a very few times in which a grizzled old reporter such as myself has truly seen a bit of history and covering the Elms College graduation afforded me that opportunity.

...
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Internet memes are no substitute for discourse

5/22/2015

Sometimes I grieve that political debate in this country has been reduced to sharing a meme or two daily on Facebook.

Generally I don’t share them, and if I do I try to make sure they ...
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If only residents and businesses were given a level playing field

5/15/2015

I know what it’s like to come before a city council and try to stop something that I think will negatively impact a neighborhood.

In the 1990s I was president of the Maple High Six Co...
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With freedom of speech comes responsibilities for Americans

5/8/2015

The beauty and burden of having freedom of speech is the ability of people speaking their mind and realizing that some folks have little constructive to say.

The United States Constitution ...
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Consolidation of news operations is a troubling trend for Western Massachusetts

4/30/2015

I’ll start with a disclaimer: there are many fine professionals at the newly christened Western Mass News operation whom I admire – at least a couple of which I consider friends.

<...
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New trade policy raises concerns

4/24/2015

Trade policy is seldom sexy. It’s generally the type of issue that doesn’t get as much coverage in the press as the new “Star Wars” trailer or Kim Kardashian’s latest ...
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Recent media reports offer slanted perspective on City of Homes

4/16/2015

My buddy Mark and I attended an event in Easthampton this weekend that was part of a town-wide literary festival. As we were driving down the mountain on Rt. 141 it struck me how much of a differen...
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I hate when this happens

4/9/2015

Among my nightmares are instances in which I base a column or story on the reporting of others and the reporting is false.

Part of this opinion piece was based on a quote in the Boston ...
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Snarled traffic a preview of things to come?

4/2/2015

As a movie fan, I love previews of coming attractions, but the look into the future I experienced on Friday afternoon was particularly frightening.

No, I didn’t see a glimpse of a new ...
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Past steps damaged city neighborhoods, but future ones could help rebuild them

3/26/2015

The other day when interviewing the head of Develop Springfield he updated me on that status of a proposed supermarket that would be on State Street opposite the Springfield Technical Community Col...
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Patrick’s promotion of Boston 2024 is just politics as usual

3/19/2015

Sometimes I’m of two minds about a topic and the fact that former Gov. Deval Patrick is involved in promoting Boston Olympics is one of those. Welcome to my inner dialogue.

Me: W...
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Fifty years later, we can still take lessons from march on Selma

3/12/2015

On the weekend during which many people in this country observed even fleetingly the 50th anniversary of the march for voter rights that originated in Selma, AL, a video emerged from a fraternity a...
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Narrow streets call for parking enforcement

3/6/2015

So how is your street faring this winter? While the main roads in a community usually get a lot of attention from plow crews it is the side streets that often suffer.

And, of course, that is...
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Cathedral answer only creates more questions for diocese

2/26/2015

We’ve now entered into a new chapter in the ongoing story about Catholic education here. This is indeed the winter of our discontent, to steal a line from the Bard.

It was expected by ...
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We must address climate change now

2/19/2015

I’m sure that like me you’ve been moving a whole lot of snow around.

Perhaps you’re running out of room to pile the snow. You’ve been watching weather forecasts with a certain element of dread...
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Credibility of Williams, NBC could be irreparably tarnished

2/12/2015

My Facebook feed certainly reflected the explosion surrounding the admission that NBC News anchor Brian Williams admitted he had lied in telling a story about being in aircraft that took fire while co...
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Repeal of House speaker’s term limits a disturbing development

2/5/2015

Grab any Republican you now in the Bay State – gently – and ask them to respond to this phrase: “one party rule.”

Be prepared for an articulate answer about the need of checks and balances and ...
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WSU, HCC agreement a game-changer for local higher education

1/29/2015

When I was a mere boy and beardless youth the concept that you could work your way through college was still a very obtainable goal. Of course, that’s when dinosaurs ruled the earth.

Today, the...
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Local policymakers should watch Boston’s bar closing time debate

1/22/2015

Here’s a homework assignment I’d like someone to undertake: are there more bar-related criminal incidences in communities where the closing time for pouring establishments is later than 2 a.m. or earl...
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Boston’s Olympic aspirations don’t jive with state’s real needs

1/15/2015

I would like to have a sunnier outlook on the following subject. I would like to write that even though I’m not a sports fan I recognize how hosting an Olympics in Massachusetts would be a great thing...
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Saying goodbye to Patrick and hello to Baker

1/8/2015

An open letter to Gov. Deval Patrick:

I had hoped to wish you the best in person, but unfortunately that opportunity did not av...
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New Year brings with it a sense of hope for the Pioneer Valley

1/2/2015

Although I normally feel pretty cynical about many matters, I have reasons to think that 2015 might be a good one here in the Valley.

Springfield will see three projects continue and advance t...
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Obama’s decision on relations with Cuba makes sense for U.S.

12/23/2014

In 1972, President Richard Nixon visited the People’s Republic of China and began the process of establishing diplomatic relations with that communist nation. He was hailed for taking a progressive st...
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Essex House collapse raises questions about plans for other Holyoke buildings

12/18/2014

In Holyoke, there is a new game being played: who is to blame for the Essex House? It is obviously one people play in private.

At the press conference on Dec. 12, following the partial collapse...
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Holyoke’s Christmas tree scuffle political silliness, nothing more

12/11/2014

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!

That’s supposedly a controversial comment these days. With the Holyoke City Council considering an ordinance dictating the city’s Christmas tree be called a “Christ...
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For the holidays, I may be turning off Facebook

12/4/2014

At the start of the holiday season, I’m not just feeling it.

I’m fascinated by the current reactions I see on Facebook. If someone posts something about white on black crime, or an incident rev...
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Diocese not doing itself any favors in handling of Cathedral

11/25/2014

I spent seven years working in public relations and know the best way to deal with a controversy is to get ahead of it. Stand up before a group of reporters and talk. If you’ve been caught doing somet...
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Fifteen years at RPI: it’s been a long strange ride

11/21/2014

Compared to the kind of job histories our parents had an anniversary of 15 years seems like weak tea.

Many of our mothers and fathers worked for decades at the same place. That was the traditio...
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Conservatives, liberals should support net neutrality

11/14/2014

It’s a new world, now isn’t it? We have a Republican governor-elect who isn’t seen as Republican enough by some people, even before he takes the oath of office and we have Republican members of Congre...
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The amazing disappearing Martha and other post-election musings

11/7/2014

I’m writing his column before I go on vacation and you’re reading this column as I’m coming back. Naturally I’d like to write about the election but because I’m neither a mind reader nor capable of ti...
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Stepping back from 'political slop' to remember a legend

10/30/2014

I love the moment in “A Christmas Story” in which The Old Man (played by Darren McGavin) comments on a fluff piece in his newspaper by saying “This is real news – not that political slop!”

As t...
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With rail cars, manufacturing roots, jobs return to Valley

10/23/2014

I couldn’t think of better news for the city of Springfield and the rest of Hampden County than the announcement the Changchun Company will be building a
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This old man has trouble understanding certain issues

10/16/2014

There are many things I don’t understand and like the Tommy Lee Jones characters in “No Country for Old Men,” I would like to think that past life experience would provide me with the tools to compreh...
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Long wait for fire academy highlights Boston’s disconnect with the west

10/10/2014

I’m not ungrateful, really. I just can’t ignore what I heard at the announcement of the construction of a firefighters’ academy in Springfield that will serve any firefighter in the state, but specifi...
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In the pursuit of happiness, how would you define the word?

10/2/2014

Please allow me to ask you, dear reader, a personal question: Are you happy?

I’m sure you will roll an eyeball or two and answer something along the lines of “What do you mean?”

Being “...
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Time might be right for East Longmeadow to re-examine governmental structure

9/25/2014

When people first settled in the area known as East Longmeadow, the government based on a town meeting and a group of selectmen was not only adequate, but also representative of democratic theory.
...
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Some post-election observations

9/18/2014

When I’m vacation I make a pretty concerted effort to unplug from the local news I cover, but I was compelled to watch the
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Time for a vacation from politics

9/12/2014

As you read this column I hope to be dipping my pink form in the Atlantic Ocean for a day as part of vacation. My only fear is that a whale watch boat will mistake for a seafaring mammal.

I in...
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Social media has never altered public policy, but voting does

9/3/2014

Yes, this is now becoming a standard theme for editorial writers: elections and apathy. I’ll try not to make this a summer rerun.

I’ve been told the prediction for voter turnout for the Sept. 9...
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First overnight hospital stay proves to be a teaching moment

8/28/2014

I have reached the age of 60 with never having stayed overnight at a hospital – a fact that amazed one of my nurses during my recent bout with a kidney stone.

“You’ve done pretty well,” she tol...
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Are we ever going to progress as a society or a species?

8/21/2014

Lots of things have risen to the surface this week; so let’s get started.

Springfield-based minister, anti-homosexual advocate and Bay State gubernatorial candidate
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As pro-casino folks bide their time, here’s some food for thought

8/13/2014

It’s mid-August and one would have thought by now we would have been at least at the start of the media blitz about the repeal of the casino legislation.

Apparently the pro-casino forces are wa...
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One person’s ‘boring’ is another person’s description of heaven

8/6/2014

Is your community exciting or is it dull? That’s the question answered by a survey by Movoto, an online real...
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Comic Con, Bing Con not just for comic book lovers anymore

7/31/2014

You probably noticed that Comic Con in San Diego, California, received a fair amount of attention in last week’s news. It was on the various entertainment news shows as well as even more mainstream ou...
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Effort to bring illegal immigrants is bad policy and bad politics

7/24/2014

If there is one issue that indicates just how broken our ability is to work out solutions it’s illegal immigration.

The non-functioning of government was on display on several levels last week ...
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Casinos aren’t like just any other business

7/16/2014

I just received an email from the American Gaming Association (AGA), a trade group for the gaming industry. Since it did not implore me to ...
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Do you have the answers to my questions?

7/9/2014

I get to be professionally ignorant in this job. I’m actually allowed not to know everything and asking questions is part of my business. The following are a number of queries for which I’m seeking an...
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Court decision poses question: whose religious ‘freedom’ matters more?

7/2/2014

I was reading Facebook the other day and one of my friends posted, “Another Supreme Court victory! We have religious rights!” in reaction to the Supreme Court ruling on the Hobby Lobby case.

Ho...
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ABC40, Fox6 sale to Meredith Broadcasting would erodes freedom of the press

6/25/2014

If the Federal Communications Commission approves the sales of ABC40 and Fox6 to Meredith Broadcasting a real disservice to the people of western Mass...
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The living may not be easy, but exciting instead this summer

6/18/2014

Isn’t summertime supposed to be more laid back? Seriously. Shouldn’t we all be heading to vacation or to the backyard with a beverage in our hands, a loud shirt on our backs and a put off to tomorrow ...
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Pro- or anti-casino? Make up your mind

6/12/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

So what is it Massachusetts? Do we like the idea of casino gaming o...
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Informed voting does matter

6/5/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

A generation ago civics classes were a staple of American education...
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I’ll take Twain’s advice about growing older

5/29/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

I’m celebrating a birthday as you read this. No, I don’t expect any...
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Advice for 2014 graduates journeying into adult life

5/22/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

It’s that time of year again when freshly minted college graduates ...
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Climate change is real and we all must deal with it right now

5/15/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

As a kid, the most frightening moments in science fiction films I o...
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Albano’s response to WGGB corruption stories is inexpicable

5/8/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Recently I wrote about the series of reports about “crime and corruption” during the administration of Mayor Mic...
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Down-sizing Westover is bad news for region and nation

5/1/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

The cuts of more than 300 positions at Westover Air Reserve Base have a very real impact on our local economy an...
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Trip down South underscores diversity of thought in nation

4/24/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

So I was away to Virginia for a few days for a quick trip to see my family; a trip given to me by my two brother...
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Enduring institutions complete a bridge between generations

4/17/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
If you’re looking for way to underscore the passage of time, join one of the Facebook groups that begins with “You K...
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Real solutions needed in wake of another downtown shooting

4/10/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Springfield had another shooting in its entertainment district over the weekend, which has become great fodder for t...
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Wal-Mart is worried if poor people receive fewer benefits

4/3/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
There are many factors that can affect a business. Ask any business owner and he or she can reel off any number of o...
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Political change rarely comes from challengers of incumbents

3/27/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
It’s truly amazing how politics works here in Western Massachusetts. We certainly have races every election cycle fo...
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How you gonna keep Scott down on the farm after he’s seen D.C.?

3/20/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I will never forget being at a fundraising event for former East Longmeadow Selectman Jack Villamaino a few years ba...
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Much of television like a cheap buffet

3/13/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Ever watch the film “Network?” If not, then grab a copy at the library or on Netflix and watch it. I’ll wait.
B...
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Plan for I-91 is one of the stupidest I’ve heard

3/6/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I’ll try to candy-coat this a bit; on second thought, nope.
It is one of the most stupid things I’ve heard of in a ...
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Who should profit from someone’s work?

2/27/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Here’s an ethical dilemma for you: if you know that a corporation is making money from intellectual property develop...
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Think before sharing ‘gospel’ on Facebook

2/20/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I’m afraid I’m a Facebook addict. Twitter leaves me cold. I don’t quite understand Pinterest and I’m too lazy to lea...
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Temple’s death marks the end of an era

2/13/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
There is a lot of stuff bouncing around in my mind this week.
Era is ending
I can’t expect young people toda...
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Diocese should speak honestly about future of Cathedral High

2/5/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
The spotlight turned last week on whether or not the Diocese of Springfield is going to actually and...
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Political maneuvering – like throwing chum in the shark tank

1/30/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Usually all it takes is one person here in Western Massachusetts to create a political maelstrom. All you need is o...
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Keeping the net neutral should be of paramount concern to all Americans

1/22/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
With everything that has been vying for your attention of late – from local politics to the Patriots and their playo...
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Narkewicz doesn’t realize the golden opportunity he’ll have when MGM opens

1/15/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
OK, I can easily buy the MGM casino will have a real impact on Chicopee, West Springfield and Longmeadow. Although I...
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Kitty Broman part of era of media distinction

1/8/2014

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Like everyone else I heard the news on Jan. 6 that Katherine “Kitty” Broman had passed away at the age of 97.
I’m ...
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2013: An obsession with casino gaming

12/31/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Casino. Casino. Casino. Casino.
It’s amazing how one word, one issue has affected so many people in 2013 and will c...
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Robertson’s comments do not create a First Amendment crisis

12/24/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Let me be clear: I support Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson’s right to say whatever he chooses.
I just don’t agree wit...
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A request for Santa for some last-minute gifts this season

12/18/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Dear Santa,
I know I should have written to you well before this time, but I’ve been a little busy myself in the pas...
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No concrete answers for MGM’s suitability within the region

12/11/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
As I write this on the morning of Dec. 10 the corporate brass of MGM Resorts International have finished a day be...
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Black Friday deals aren’t worth someone’s life

12/4/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Considering the escalating violence associated with Black Friday shopping at national retailers, do you think we mig...
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Palin tries desperately to stay a part of politics

11/26/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I was taught never to talk about religion or politics to strangers and I’ve broken that rule many times. Here I go a...
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Nov. 22, 1963 - A day I’ll always remember

11/20/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
When I boarded Mrs. Tudryn’s bus at the end of the school day on Nov. 22, 1963, there was a buzz of urgent conversat...
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Casino gaming on verge of embarrassment

11/13/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I’m not a gambling man. I think the most I’ve ever fed into a slot machine – I’m hopelessly intimidated by tab...
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A few topics for contemplation

11/6/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I’m on vacation this week and am writing this column in advance so I’m afraid I can’t indulge my inner political won...
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Urban Land Institute gave us a plan, but are we following it?

10/30/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Remember the Urban Land Institute report on the city of Springfield? In the terms of the fast-moving 24-hour news cyc...
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Proactive approach needed to fight deterioration of Springfield

10/23/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Crime in Springfield was once again a topic in this week’s news with the announcement of the recreation of the Stree...
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Are the right questions being asked in the latest mayoral controversy in Chicopee?

10/16/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I ask questions all the time. It’s part of my job. The City Council in Chicopee also asks questions quite often and ...
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30 percent raise for councilors is too much

10/10/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Is just me, or do you think the raise the Springfield City Council gave themselves was just a tad, um, too much?
...
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Shutdown of federal government accomplishes nothing worthwhile

10/2/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
In order to save the village we had to destroy it.
That seems to be the theme of people on Congress who would rathe...
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Cleaning the river has made a huge difference in the Pioneer Valley

9/25/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
It was a shame the story of the 20th anniversary of the coordinated efforts to cleanup the Connecticut River in West...
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Social media can have negative effects

9/19/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
If there has ever been an example of how social media has had a negative effect on the American public, it’s the rea...
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Crisis in Syria has more depth than American news outlets suggest

9/11/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
My buddy City Jake – of City Jake’s Café at the corner of Main and Worthington streets in Springfield – ...
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Raising the minimum wage only makes sense

9/4/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Have you ever worked for minimum wage?
I know I have. In fact, I worked for less than that standard minimal wage as...
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Be horrified by things that actually matter

8/28/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
My stock in trade is the use of words and on Monday I was compelled by my curiosity to look up the verb “twerking” a...
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Refugees, immigrants are lifeblood of this nation

8/21/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
There were several moments during the press conference in which refugee and immigrant advocates responded to the ple...
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Governor’s Council operates in different fashion

8/14/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I’m a guy who is willing to have an open mind. Political conspiracy? Tell me about it. Bigfoot? I want to see the pi...
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See you at the FEMA camps?

8/7/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
As I walked out of the auditorium at American International College where a Senate and House committee heard testimony abou...
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Violence in the city must be addressed

7/31/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I live in Springfield. My wife and I lived in Indian Orchard for nine years before buying our home in 1990. We live ...
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Venture beyond TV newscasts, get educated about today’s world

7/24/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
It’s interesting how two different conversations with very different people pointed me to a shared conclusion.
Last...
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America polarized along race and politics

7/17/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
In the wake of the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial, I have found what has been presented in social media ha...
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It's time to start from scratch

7/10/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
For the first time since our house was built in 1864, the backyard is naked. Not a bit of vegetation. No weeds, no tr...
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Language can be a minefield

7/2/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
The issues surrounding celebrity cook Paula Deen's remarks using the "n word" is a reminder that American English ca...
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Requiring residency builds community's middle class

6/26/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Should there be residency requirements for municipal employees? That's a question that Springfield is tackling and i...
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Markey-Gomez 'slap-fest' continues Brown-Warren campaign trend

6/19/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
With the Senatorial election looming, it's interesting to note that this is an era in which candidates try to stretc...
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Lessons learned from Scottish life

6/13/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
As Gene Autry — look him up, kids — would sing, "I'm back in the saddle again" after a two-week vacation i...
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World looks bleak for graduates

6/5/2013

By Katelyn Gendron
katelyn@thereminder.com
The News Department has been flooded with announcements from colleges and universities the world over, celebrat...
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Relax! Dobbs is just on vacation

5/29/2013

By Katelyn Gendron
katelyn@thereminder.com
Before you spiral downward into a full on panic attack, let me assure you that G. Michael Dobbs is alive and we...
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Tornado repairs can't rebuild communities

5/22/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
The end of the beginning
On Monday morning, I met with an inspector who was sent by our mortgage company to i...
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Playing partisan politics is not acceptable

5/15/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I don't know about your Facebook news feed, but many of my conservative friends have been posting and re-posting me...
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Truth is in the eye of the beholder

5/8/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Perhaps the thorniest aspect of journalism is determining what is the "truth."
"Truth," like "beauty" is definitely...
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East Longmeadow's definition of a 'problem' is questionable

5/1/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that amidst all of the chaos, there is good news.
In Springfield, about 1,000...
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In wake of bombing, faith in people restored

4/24/2013

By Chris Maza
chrism@thereminder.com
Editor's note: Reminder Publications Assistant Editor Chris Maza was on vacation when he learned of the tragic bomb...
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The Republican misuses its media power

4/24/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Remember the old story about the blind men trying to describe an elephant? That's how I felt last week when I read T...
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We can't live in fear, paranoia

4/17/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
As I write this on the morning of April 16, no reports about who committed the cowardly and vicious attacks in Bosto...
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Brown can't seem to stay out of the limelight

4/10/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Hankering for a return?

Is Scott Brown infected with the worst kind of political fever? I guess he simply ca...
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Tornado recovery is mostly talk, little action

4/3/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
For my wife and I the end is in sight. After the better part of two years since the June 1, 2011 tornado, we know...
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Republican's story on Kingston fails to produce smoking gun

3/27/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Did you read that story about political consultant Charlie Kingston that was in the Sunday Republican? Local politic...
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Picknelly lacks good business sense

3/20/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

A little arm-twisting

Springfield's most prominent corporate citizen, Peter Picknelly, has issued a stateme...
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Nominees: Western Massachusetts voters are just as important as those east of Worcester

3/13/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Road maps are available

A note to Michael Sullivan and Daniel Winslow: Gentlemen, I applaud the fact the Re...
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Ditch ideology and think about solutions

3/6/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Most of us worry about how much money we make and how much money we spend, so the current national drama about the ...
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Local activists could teach Congress a lesson

2/27/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
With yet another crisis in government looming – if Congress doesn't act this week the sequester cuts will go...
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Postal Service needs restructuring, not cutting

2/20/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I like the Post Office. Perhaps it's because I am a member of a generation that relied on the Postal Service for muc...
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Springfield snow removal was pathetic

2/13/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I've been greeting people I know this week with the question, "How's your street?"
I'll ask you the same questi...
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Is a run at Kerry's Senate seat worth it for potential candidates?

2/6/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
So is Ed Markey an invincible opponent? Or is running to replace John Kerry for the rest of his term in the Senate j...
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Maintaining a politically correct classroom requires delicate balance

1/30/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
What students should and shouldn't read in high school is a debate that has raged for years and it popped up at the ...
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We need reasons for violence, solutions

1/23/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I shouldn't be surprised that there is an active movement to discredit what happened at the Sandy Hook school last m...
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Hard Rock doesn't address important details

1/16/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
The devil is always in the details, isn't it?
Although the officials from Hard Rock Resorts International trotted r...
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Casino in West Springfield would be a mistake

1/9/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Has there been a more perplexing suggestion of late than to put a casino on the grounds of the Big E?
Consider the ...
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Looking forward to 2013 newsmakers

1/2/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
People in my profession are always looking back at this time of year and assessing the most important stories of the...
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The reactions so far aren't satisfactory

12/26/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
In the wake of the murders in Newtown, Conn., I've listened and read a number of reactions and I've come to a state ...
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One 'fiscal cliff' could be bridged

12/17/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I've been buying and selling a lot of Christmas presents on eBay and I always use the U.S. Postal Service. Why? The ...
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Fear greases the wheels of government

12/10/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Fear is a powerful motivator. It is perhaps the most powerful motivator. It's easy to see that fear is the grease lu...
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I'm crossing Wal-Mart off my options

12/4/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
About three or four times a year, I wind up shopping at a Wal-Mart. I do so out of two basic reasons: convenience &#...
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I'm crossing Wal-Mart off my options

12/4/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
About three or four times a year, I wind up shopping at a Wal-Mart. I do so out of two basic reasons: convenience &#...
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We can't afford hacks in state government

11/26/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
In last week's column, I went over a few of the political rumors concerning the consequences of key elected official...
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Election merry-go-round may begin anew

11/19/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
As I write this on Nov. 15, the press and social media forums are abuzz with speculation about both Sen. John Kerry ...
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Warren must earn our respect in the Senate

11/12/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
A quick check of Facebook the morning after the election showed a lack of activity from my more conservative friends...
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I'm suffering from election overload

11/5/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
So, tell me bunky, are you suffering from election over-load? Do you twitch and drool uncontrollably when a politica...
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I'm suffering from election overload

11/5/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
So, tell me bunky, are you suffering from election over-load? Do you twitch and drool uncontrollably when a politica...
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Facebook has changed the face of political discourse

11/2/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

I'm convinced the 2008 election cycle was the "election of the blog" and this contest will be dubbed the "el...
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2012 race the election of social media

10/30/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I'm convinced the 2008 election cycle was the "election of the blog" and this contest will be dubbed the "elec...
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Horrors! Governments can create jobs

10/24/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
At one moment during the presidential debate last week, Gov. Mitt Romney said with a fair amount of emphasis, ...
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Reports from 'Behind the Curtain'

10/15/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Another installment of "Behind the Curtain:" As I was walking along the line of signs that flanked Court Street a fe...
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Livingston's response was courageous

10/9/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I wasn't always a fat man, but I've been overweight for years. I've noticed that there are many people – even ...
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Commuter rail service must expand

10/1/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I've got a call into Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray's office about the recent announcement that the Commonwealth has inves...
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Thanks for the concern, but we're fine

9/24/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
There is a lot going on so, let's get into it.
First I just want to state again that this company, based in East Lo...
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Everyone should be involved in agriculture

9/17/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I really hadn't intended to buy the recent issue of "Mother Earth News" last week when my wife and I were on a day t...
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Battles royal made for interesting primaries

9/10/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
This is one of the several columns a year I write in advance, as I really don't want to work on a vacation week.
...
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Is political discourse now reduced to dueling memes on Facebook?

9/4/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I've got a fair number of friends on Facebook, many of who are readers and a significant percent are people whose po...
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Where have you gone, Jack Villamaino?

8/27/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
The following is an open letter to Jack Villamaino:
Dear Jack,
Since you won't return the phones calls from Chris ...
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I don't see Red Box as progress

8/13/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
If you follow summer movie releases, you may have heard that "The Expendables 2" is about to hit theaters.
Now, my ...
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Do crime stories hurt or help?

8/6/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Here's an editorial question I frequently think about: does reporting news on various crime activities show the poli...
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A rewards program could help local businesses

7/30/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
My buddy Joe is a Springfield native who has retired to Mesa, Ariz., but he keeps up with events in his home town th...
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Channelling 'Bitter Bierce:' Are people stupid or willful?

7/23/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Sometimes I can feel his spirit and I would like to think other reporters and editors have had the same experience.
...
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Springfield becoming business 'un-friendly'?

7/16/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Is it just me, or has a chill come into Springfield's air when it comes to business?
First, the city tells commerc...
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What are the rights of 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?'

7/9/2012

July 9, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Here's another question for you folks that seems appropriate for discussion after July Fourth...
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Is healthcare a right or a privilege?

7/2/2012

July 2, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
With the decision by the Supreme Court to uphold all of the provisions of the Affordable Care A...
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We must make Springfield easier to traverse

6/25/2012

June 25, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
The other day I walked over to Riverfront Park from City Jake's, my preferred downtown lunch sp...
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Getting traction on incumbents requires developing real issues

6/18/2012

June 18, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I love politics. I hate politics. Any reporter who covers elected officials or an election woul...
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Past experiences provide future comfort

6/12/2012

June 11, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs news@thereminder.com
1972 is more than just 40 years ago. It seems like a lifetime ago.
About this time 40 years ago...
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Saying goodbye to Tommy Shea, one of local journalism's greats

6/4/2012

June 4, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
The close of Tom Shea's long-running column in The Republican is the end of an era in local jour...
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East Longmeadow has an outdated form of government

5/29/2012

May 28, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
One of the East Longmeadow Reminder readers recently wrote in to express his concerns about no...
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Warren operating on bad political advice

5/21/2012

May 21, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
America loves to forgive people, but they have to ask for it.
Last week I wrote about Elizabet...
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Government shouldn't restrict marriage between two adults

5/14/2012

May 14, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Hey kids, do you remember what took place on May 17, 2004 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts? ...
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Holyoke's time in the barrel has ended

5/7/2012

May 7, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
State Rep. Don Humason has a trademark: his ever-present "I Love Westfield" button.
I don't thin...
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Postal Service deserves to re-invent itself

4/30/2012

April 30, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
As the Senate has approved legislation that would allow the U.S. Postal Service to do such t...
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Early closing times detrimental to businesses

4/23/2012

April 23, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
For Springfield's enter-tainment district the other shoe may be dropping.
After many of the n...
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Dedication to cause makes all the difference

4/17/2012

April 16, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
If you don't think a good idea, a couple of dedicated people and old-fashioned labor can't mak...
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Condom issue isn't black and white

4/9/2012

April 9, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Wouldn't it be great if issues were just black and white — two sides, two paths, two possi...
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Lees' departure creates turmoil

4/3/2012

April 2, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
When I received the release recently that veteran politician Brian Lees — now serving as C...
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Group homes present ethical issue

3/26/2012

March 26, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Recently I attended a meeting of the McKnight Neighborhood Council at which residents of that ...
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Who cares if Cher endorses Warren?

3/19/2012

March 19, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I receive many press releases every week and some of them are from the Republican Party of Mas...
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Long lines and waits defeat good customer service

3/12/2012

March 12, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
How often do lines make an impact in your life? Lately, I seem to be stuck in quite a few of t...
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Oscars: Hype or fruitless enterprise?

3/6/2012

March 5, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
When I was a kid living in Granby, I became strongly interested in movies. I'm still not sure w...
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Candidates should take religion off the table

2/27/2012

February 27, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Does the Constitution actually mean anything to you? Or is it simply a handy buzzword to fla...
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Congressional race could be killer

2/20/2012

February 20, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I'm pulling on my swami turban and gazing into my Magic 8 Ball. My prediction? This Congres...
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Add tax to my Zagnut; I can take it

2/13/2012

February 13, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
For many years, people have called Massachusetts "Taxachusetts" and there have been bitter...
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What does it take to get a contractor around here?

2/6/2012

February 6, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
I’d like to brag a little bit. The Independent Free Papers of America, a large trade group t...
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Solar panels aren’t that unattractive

1/30/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
Now, I’m just one of those lower middle class people who lives in an urban neighborhood smack dab in the middle of S...
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Political landscape keeps flip-flopping

1/23/2012

January 23, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com
So, what is the difference between flip-flopping and evolving? What is the difference betwe...
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Romney has questionable reputation as ‘job creator’

1/16/2012

January 16, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
As I write this column, our former governor is basking in his victory in New Hampshire, although one news report I read pointed out that ab...
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Do you play the gasoline game?

1/10/2012

January 9, 2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
On Wednesday evening, my wife and I were en route to Chicopee. Our car told us we were low on fuel and so we decided to play our favorite ga...
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Resolved: Only admit to resolutions you’ll stick to

1/3/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
January 2, 2012
Oy. What a year.
According to Yahoo, the top five searched on the Internet were the iPhone, Casey Anthony, Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry and J...
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Sarno: The Grinch before Christmas

12/27/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
December 26, 2011
We are in the nice afterglow of Christmas and looking towards the New Year in which we will get a chance to start from scratch in many way...
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Hey Santa, will you grant my wishes?

12/19/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
December 19, 2011
I’ve been managing editor for the last 10 years at this newspaper and during that time the News Department has written dozens and dozens of stori...
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Which is worse, a casino or a biomass plant?

12/13/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
December 12, 2011
I find it interesting that discussions in the media about the possible closing of postal facilities in our area and across the nation almost alwa...
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Computing center is already helping

12/5/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Dec. 6, 2011
Last week as I walked to the construction site of the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center, I noticed a homemade cardboard sign propp...
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Are you part of the 99 Percent?

11/28/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Nov. 29, 2011
May I ask you some questions? Don’t worry. It will just take you a few moments.
Is your home worth less than its mortgage? Are you unable to refinan...
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Unplug from the matrix – it’s a good thing

11/21/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
11/21/11
As I write this column I’m about to take a week off. As you read this column, I’m just back from a week off and I don’t need Mr. Peabody’s Way Back machin...
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There’s more to talk about than elections

11/15/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
The elections are decided and “Dancing with the Stars” is winding down. There’s no basketball season and the World Series is over.
What to do? What to do?
What w...
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What I learned during my ‘winter vacation’

11/8/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I’m hoping that those of you who have spent the better part of a week in the dark and cold are reading this newspaper in the light and warmth. This past week has b...
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Solid mayoral races deserve your attention and vote

11/4/2011

November 2. 2011
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
This is the last column I can write about the upcoming election and I have to say that voters in the area have real races between viable ca...
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Voters should thank whistle blowers

11/4/2011

October 31, 2011
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
This is the last column I can write about the upcoming election and I have to say that voters in the area have real races between viable can...
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Show me proof Romney can create jobs

10/24/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
October 24, 2011
Wow. Keeping up with who is the Republican frontrunner these days is a tough job, as the person in the number one position seems to shift pretty o...
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Do ‘job creators’ really create jobs?

10/17/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I do love language and I’m noticing how many Republicans are using a new phrase when describing proposals to raise income tax rates on the very rich.
They now say...
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Region can’t handle more job loss

10/11/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Gee, I go away for a week and unplug from local news and a lot happens.
It seems that the reports of the death of Friendly’s is exaggerated and I sincerely hope t...
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‘Celebrity’ – a matter of opinion

10/3/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Who was the first famous person you met?
I remember my first encounter with a celebrity. My mom brought me to see Capt. Kangaroo at Mountain Park. I recall stand...
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Primary vote: Pepe shows class, Morse shows support

9/26/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
Sept. 26, 2011
Some notes and observations for election night in Springfield: There are few people who I’ve seen face the loss of an election with more ...
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Debates were worth covering

9/20/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

I have real concerns about the future and effectiveness of democracy on the local level and it’s not a right versus left issue. It’s not an issue ab...
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Teaching isn’t a profession for men?

9/12/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
Are public school teachers next on the conservative to-do list? On the show “FOX & Friends” last week author and pundit Anne Coulter made some comments in relatio...
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Help still needed for tornado victims

9/6/2011

Sept. 7, 2011
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
There has been a little bit of media attention for the three-month anniversary of the tornado on June 1.
From my prejudiced point of view, t...
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Lieberman leaves many questions unanswered at panel discussion

8/29/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Ah, so close and yet so far away.
Last week I had the honor of being part of a panel discussion at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford, Conn. — a trul...
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Whims of Congress, stock market shouldn’t determine vets benefits

8/22/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
August 22, 2011
Many things bouncing away in my head the day before I take short break. Let’s get to them.
CBS News reported last week that the Pentagon i...
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"You know you’re from Western Mass. when..."

8/15/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I offer a brief respite this week from posturing politicians in Washington, over-paid school superintendents, non-transparent transparency, the realization of a fl...
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Cost of Ingram’s ‘incentive’ way too high for taxpayers

8/8/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
August 8, 2011
Words are funny things. Just when you thought you understood the meaning of a word or a group of them strung together, they can shift like sa...
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Could the world’s most powerful nation be brought to its knees?

8/1/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
When the atomic researchers prepared to explode the first atomic bomb in New Mexico, they were unsure just what an atomic reaction would do and, showing a fatalis...
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National Grid customers lack ‘big picture’

7/25/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
So, representatives from National Grid met with customers from East Longmeadow last week to answer questions why the town was without electricity for three days fo...
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Live your life (legally), forget The Family Leader’s bogus pledge

7/18/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
Hey, kids! Have you been hearing about this pledge The Family Leader, an Iowan social conservative group, is asking Republican candidates for president to sign? S...
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Summer fun can be back-breaking

7/11/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
My mind is wandering to a multitude of subjects this week. I chalk it up to the summer now in full bloom.
Although I always enjoyed the season, as a kid the only...
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Chicopee politics remain a blood sport

7/4/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
July 4, 2011
I’ve written before that politics in Chicopee is a bit of a blood sport and the events of the last two weeks in which the City Council cut two...
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Object to my Fruit of the Looms? Don’t look.

6/27/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
June 27, 2011
When my parents moved to a subdivision in a suburb of Richmond, Va., one of their neighbors came over to greet them with an admonition that th...
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We need more than Romney's snazzy suit and trendy haircut to lead our citizenry

6/20/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
June 20, 2011
The following is an exchange between CNN's John King, the moderator for the recent Republican presidential candidate debate, and former Massa...
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Weiner scandal godsend for bored editors

6/13/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I can't imagine the type of school experience Rep. Anthony Weiner had growing up.
I guess he was lucky his parents didn't name him "Richard."
So, I would have th...
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With recovery, all communities should be treated equally

6/9/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

My wife and I have lived in the Maple High Six Corners neighborhood of Springfield since April, 1990 and I want to say thanks thanks to the neighbors who...
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Tornado sends us back in time

5/31/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
June 6, 2011
People talk about what it's like to go home again. Well, I guess I'm there. Is it 1975 all over again? The tornado ripped out our cable televis...
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Selectmen should've allowed vote on public safety officer

5/23/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
The town meeting has long been touted as the oldest and purest form of the American democracy. Conceived at a time when the republic was only a toddler, the format...
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Ingram's salary too high in time of sacrifice

5/16/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

Let me ask a personal question: so, how much money do you make? When was the last time you received a raise? How much was it and was the raise based on your perfo...
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Public sector jobs should have expiration date

5/9/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
May 9. 2011
There are many legacies a successful a public official can leave and for Holyoke Police Chief Anthony Scott perhaps the most prominent has been ...
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City Council blows opportunity to talk about issues surrounding cyber cafés

5/3/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I don't often cover City Council meetings in Chicopee or Springfield as they are usually conducted on days that fall between the deadlines for two of our newspaper...
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Should incriminating videos be made public?

4/25/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
So, when is aiming that camera phone at someone not a good idea?
Last week a video of abc40 news anchor and reporter Paul Mueller made its way to YouTube and re...
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Legislature throws spitballs while other states move ahead on casino projects

4/18/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
April 18, 2011
On April 5, House Speaker Robert DeLeo was in Springfield as the headliner at a fund-raiser for State Rep. Angelo Puppolo. Naturally, I wanted to ta...
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Not all taxes are created equal

4/11/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
April 11, 2011
It's tax time and the annual issue of rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's has top of mind awareness.
There are those who are in the proce...
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Grillin' season arrives with Scott's roast

4/4/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
April 4, 2011
Can you pinpoint a moment in your life when that little light flipped on in your head? And someone or something said to you, "This is it."
There may...
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"City of Homes" isn't lawless Wild West

3/28/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I have a theory about how people view the communities around them: No matter what, some city or town has to be in the barrel.
For many years, Holyoke was the red ...
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Government must aid in job retention

3/21/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
March 21, 2011
So, I find it disturbing that Gov. Patrick has followed his trade mission to Israel with another one to Great Britain. This only doubles the...
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Federal cuts beg question,"What's the Point?"

3/14/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Hey gang, it's time to play "What's the Point?" the exciting game in which we look at current events and ask, "What's the Point?"
Here's our first issue. The curr...
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Media outlets blur definition of "newsworthy"

3/7/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Want to start a good argument? Ask someone, "What is 'truth?'"
"Truth" is an elusive thing. For the members of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, the "truth"...
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Some conservative policies confuse me

2/28/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
2/28/11
So I really want to better understand the current philosophies that are guiding our elected officials but I do have some trouble digesting it all.
...
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Missing the good old days of video

2/21/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
2/21/11
I was dropping our goddaughter off at school the other day and saw yet another Blockbuster Video festooned with store closing signs. It made me thi...
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Government can only do so much

2/14/2011

Feb. 14, 2011
By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
In 1965, my mom, brother and I were living in Oroville, Calif., awaiting word on when we could join my dad at his new overseas assignment. We...
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Political season starts early

2/7/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Feb. 7, 2011
There are times, as a reporter, I want to interrupt the various governmental meetings and press conferences I cover.
I have had to restrain ...
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Long term investments needed

1/31/2011

Jan. 31, 2011
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
As someone who received his first paycheck for writing something back in 1975, I try to use the right word to convey the appropriate meaning i...
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Blizzard spawns bad behavior

1/24/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
Jan. 24, 2011
I used to think that if you spent a year or two living in New England, you were a New Englander.
You go to your state's capital and have you...
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Media feeds on hate culture

1/17/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
1/17/11
In May of 1982, I started work as the afternoon drive time talk show host on WREB in Holyoke. I was a local guy who had worked as a reporter in the...
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Coverage is the real health crisis

1/10/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I don't know about your family and friends, but the following recently happened in our circle.
The son of a very close friend — a young man not yet 30 — ...
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Pop 'pablum' puts thinking at risk

1/4/2011

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Ah, the first column of the New Year. What kind of tone should I set for 2011? How about "Wake the heck up, people!"
Nobody likes pop culture more than me, but my...
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Hoping for a less bruising 2011

12/28/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
The kid was waiting at the crossroad. His face was unlined and his diaper was clean. He adjusted his sash that read "2011" with a winning smile.
Down the road he ...
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Virginia's lesson rings true

12/20/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
In the edition of The New York Sun that appeared on Sept. 21 1897, the editor published the following column on his front page:
"We take pleasure in answering thu...
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Bad call on biomass review

12/13/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I don't know Ian Bowles, the outgoing Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. I mean I know who he is and have seen him in person at least once, but I have ...
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Why doesn't anybody question...

12/6/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
December 6, 2010
My wife and I have a new topic of conversation: gasoline prices. We compare research conducted by driving past establishments such as Pride, Irving...
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City plans to market itself

11/29/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Regardless of how some readers react to the political opinions expressed in this column, I hope everyone can agree that I am proud of my adopted hometown of Spring...
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Can't agree with governor

11/22/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Last week, Gov. Deval Patrick spoke about implementing provisions recommended in a report on immigration and WBUR radio reported that Patrick told an audience at t...
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Middle class is going without insurance

11/15/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
With all of the rhetoric floating about the airwaves, the net and the printed page about how the new Republican majority in the House of Representatives is going t...
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Steady ship not really 'status quo'

11/8/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
It would be easy to say the status quo won this year's state election. In a state dominated by the Democratic Party, the Dems held the governor's seat and captured...
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Buying American saved local jobs

11/1/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I've written from time to time about the importance of re-building American manufacturing by buying as many products as one can that are made here. Amazingly enoug...
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Planning for un-retirement

10/25/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
God bless the French. It's not bad enough they get way more vacation than we do, they are now up in arms about changing the age at which the full pension kicks fro...
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Yes -- Left, Right can agree

10/18/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
So is it possible for a card-carrying it's here in my wallet somewhere liberal to actually find common political ground with a couple of self-described Tea Par...
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Here's a little 'inside baseball' from DA debate

10/10/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
My colleague Ray Hershel of ABC40 and FOX6 the dean of Western Massachusetts television news and I had the privilege and pleasure of asking two sets of cand...
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Musings on doing the right thing

10/4/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
A lot of things are on my mind this week, so let's go.
I received a call from "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, who wanted our readers to know what kind of kids turned up at ...
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Internet killed the video store

9/27/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I'm suffering from a bit of post-primary fatigue. I'm tired of politics right now. I need to watch a movie.
So the other night, I was standing in line to rent a m...
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Reid isn't helping his own cause

9/20/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
As I write this column, news reports indicate there may be a vote in the Senate on a repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. I've also heard reports there ma...
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A season for 'Brown' effect?

9/13/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I'm writing this column on Sept. 9 and, therefore, can't make any comments on the elections results, but I'm certainly curious about several things.
First, I can'...
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If you don't vote, don't complain

9/5/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
If I had a dollar for every time I've heard someone from Springfield, Chicopee or Holyoke look to Northampton with envy and ask, "What could we do to be like Noho?"...
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Do we still have religious freedom here?

9/1/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
When I make a mistake in fact, I certainly want to address it. Don Crossman of East Longmeadow sent me the following:
"In your column of today, 8/23, you ask why ...
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When a biz takes the money and runs

8/23/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
I can understand if a company is losing money it considers moving to some place with lower expenses. But Callaway Golf is not losing money, according to their fina...
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The sole of controversy

8/16/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
Every silver cloud apparently has a dark lining.
I was in downtown Springfield last week taking photos of the giant painted sneakers. The reactions I saw from peo...
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Slots shouldn't be just at racetracks

8/9/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
There are several issues on my mind this week and the first thing I need to do is to write a note to Gov. Deval Patrick.
Dear Gov. Patrick:
As I write this on Au...
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Biomass questions continue to bother me

8/2/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
When I was covering the meeting to solicit comment about a new study commissioned by the state on burning wood to generate electricity -- known as biomass I ran i...
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Federal Building project is a misstep

7/26/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I have to preface my remarks with a reminder that Mayor Domenic Sarno once said I should feel free to give him a swift kick when I felt he needed that. Although edi...
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Survey says: We're okay

7/19/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

If you've not heard and you might not from other media outlets since it's good news Massachusetts was ranked fifth in the nation in CNBC's "Top States for Bu...
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Is the Gulf crisis boring you?

7/12/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
What kind of attention span do you have when it comes to news stories? Do you want continuing coverage of on-going events such as the war in Afghanistan or does it...
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States bring unique diversity to U.S.

7/5/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
As I write this column, I'm on vacation in Virginia visiting family there and, as usual, I am reminded just how diverse and different this nation really is.
Ther...
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Patrick's work in Western Mass. just can't be denied

6/28/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Since many folks in Western Massachusetts walk around with a chip on their shoulders -- deservedly so -- when it comes to relations with our fellow citizens to the...
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I'm no cynic, but Ruppert may be right

6/21/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

First an update on last week's column: When I spoke to State Sen. Stephen Buoniconti last week concerning his bill to require all high school coaches in public sc...
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Casinos won't save unemployed

6/14/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I'm not much of a gambler.
During my first trip to Las Vegas I burned my way through a roll of quarters. That's right, $10.
On other trips I played nickel slot...
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Railways could lay tracks to the future

6/7/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
I will fully admit my prejudice: I love trains.
When I go to New York City, I usually go by train. I have nothing against buses. They are a fine way to travel as ...
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Will voters seek an independent governor?

5/30/2010

How much do Massachusetts voters really want independent voices in state government?
That question was posed by the Scott Brown candidacy. Now the campaign of Treasurer Tim Cahill for governor is pre...
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Gunslingers are walking Main Street

5/24/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

If you watch as many westerns as I have, you know the scene well: two combatants squaring off at the ends of the town's main street for a showdown.
Well, what is...
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My advice is 'Dredge, baby, dredge'

5/17/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Letters, letters, letters: I can't think of a topic that spurred more comments from readers in recent months than the issue of what to do with Longmeadow High Schoo...
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Parking prices put damper on downtown

5/10/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

I try to use my time well and when I found I had an hour between assignments, I thought I would make a quick photo-taking trip to the annual Business Market Show ...
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Mmm, smells like politicians roasting

5/4/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
You may have read in our East Longmeadow edition about the Wilbraham-based engineering firm, FloDesign Inc., receiving a state grant that will help the high tech c...
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Quality of life trumps politics

4/26/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Holyoke City Councilor Patricia Devine was fairly cheesed at the Tuesday night meeting at which an ordinance concerning controlling feral cats was discussed. She s...
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Sending thoughts from the Cape

4/19/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

I'm on vacation on Cape Cod as I write this column. Yes, even when I should be thinking about nothing, I'm working for The Man or, in my case, The Men.
I'm truly...
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News -- its all about the packaging

4/12/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I look forward to participating in the Communications Conference presented by Western New England College (WNEC) every year, as it gives me the opportunity of meet...
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It's your choice, East Longmeadow

4/5/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

The April 13 election in East Longmeadow presents voters in that town with a race between former Selectman Joe Townshend and incumbent Selectman James Driscoll. T...
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Talkers have responsibilities

3/29/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

At the New Media Seminar in New York recently the annual talk radio convention presented by Springfield's own Talkers Magazine former CNN host Lou Dobbs spoke...
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We still wonder about river's potential

3/23/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

In light of the new effort to build a new redevelopment plan for the Connecticut River in Springfield, I asked my Facebook friends what their reactions are to ne...
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Completing census form is a patriotic duty

3/15/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
I imagine you received the same kind of form letter we did last week an alert to expect our federal census.
As always, I will fill it out and get it back becaus...
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Dear Deval: fire the guy with the $5 fee

3/8/2010

After hearing all about "McElligot's Pool," the attentive kids and their teachers of the class at Trinity Methodist posed for a photo.

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
This week, I'm...
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Could towns do a better job than RMV?

3/1/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

I covered Republican gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos' appearance in Agawam last week and he said something that I thought was very interesting.
Mihos said ...
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Lease creates a straitjacket for Springfield

2/22/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
There are a lot of things running through my mind this week, so let me get a few of them on paper.
One reason I enjoy covering the Toy Fair are the exhibits gener...
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Holyoke is pushing the high tech envelope

2/15/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

The scene in the conference room at Holyoke Community College on Wednesday morning had a science fiction air about it. On a television monitor was Wim Elfrink, ...
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School officials have to be open, proactive

2/8/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Here's one of the first rules of public relations: when a terrible event occurs, go before the press, explain what has happened and how your organization has react...
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Candy tax no way to boost revenue

2/1/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

I'm sure many of you have heard that Gov. Deval Patrick has proposed a tax on soda and candy in his new budget and I'm also sure that some people are quite angry ...
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The election wasn't about Obama

1/25/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

As you read this column, all of us have had the opportunity to settle down a bit. Those who supported Scott Brown will probably come to the understanding that he ...
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History frequently provides answers

1/18/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

While there is a new City Council in Springfield, it doesn't have a redesigned chamber to accommodate the new 13-member council. What happened?
I spoke to Mayor...
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Sarno fires a shot heard 'round the valley

1/11/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

Mayor Domenic Sarno has fired a shot that will be heard all around the diocese. He has approved the creation of a historic district that will preserve Our Lady of...
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Pluta has some big shoes to fill in Holyoke

1/4/2010

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Throughout the region this week there is a passing of the guard as new municipal officials have been sworn into their office.
For many people this is a bitterswee...
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I'm ending the year with more questions

12/28/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
There are quite a few things that came up in 2009 that I simply didn't understand. They included:

During the presidential election, poll after poll indica...
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