New Year brings with it a sense of hope for the Pioneer ValleyDate: 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 through the construction phase: Union Station, MGM Springfield and the rail car factory. It’s been years since we’ve seen such activity.
We might also see work on the Interstate 91 viaduct, which carries with it good news – it’s finally getting repaired – and bad news – it will a pain in the neck for everyone.
In Chicopee, we will see additional economic development projects, such as the solar farm near Westover ARB that will benefit that community. The Patrick Administration has left a blueprint for more economic development at the base. Hopefully the incoming Baker Administration will see Westover as the economic engine that it really is for the region.
Holyoke will be able to see if it’s 13 new liquor licenses will bring about a positive change in downtown. Let’s hope they attract new businesses and development.
2014 was a record-setting year for the Eastern States Exposition and I hope it will break a record again in 2015.
Westfield State University has played an increasingly active role in being a partner for the further development of Westfield’s downtown. Perhaps its new president will continue that partnership.
It’s a new year and I hope it will be a great one for all of our readers and advertisers.
We love to hear from you
In the spirit of better communications for a new year, I thought I would update the best way to send us your news items and other things you should know.
Some folks don’t realize that we publish four different weekly editions: The Reminder, The Springfield Reminder, The Chicopee Herald and The MetroWest Reminder. Our company is a family-run operation headed up by Dan and Chris Buendo.
We love it when you send us your news releases two weeks before the event. It helps ensure the information will see print. My email is news@thereminder.com, but for East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Hampden and Wilbraham news, feel free to send it to Assistant Managing Editor Chris Maza at ChrisM@thereminder.com.
Your news items for Westfield, West Springfield, Agawam and Southwick can go to Angelique Fiske at Angelique@thereminder.com.
Be sure to give us a way to contact you if your information triggers a story idea for us.
We can only print calendar listings once, but you can also post your events online at www.thereminder.com/events. Preference is always given to nonprofit organizations.
We love getting your photos, but we need them to be decent resolution and in focus. We can’t fix a photo that is out of focus. We also receive many photos in which the subject is standing in front of a light source such as a window. This creates an issue with backlighting that often can’t be fixed.
Letters to the editor must to be no more than 500 words long. I tend to only edit letters for spelling and style issues. If there is a content issue, I will call you. I try to call everyone who sends in a letter to confirm its publication, so a phone number is essential.
Need to be sure I received your press release? Call me at 525-3247, ext. 103.
Sometimes legitimate press releases wind up in the junk folder through no one’s fault. I get between 200 and 300 emails a day on most days. Messages can get lost.
Want to make sure you have my undivided attention? Print out your release, roll it around a quality cigar and hand deliver it here to 280 North Main St. in east Longmeadow. Just kidding!
Agree? Disagree? Drop me a line at news@thereminder.com or at 280 N. Main St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. As always, this column represents the opinion of its author and not the publishers or advertisers of this newspaper.
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