Welcome to your new community newspaper, The ReminderDate: 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 worked in media since 1975. I have been reporting for The Reminder since 1999 and have been the executive editor for most of that time.
If you’re not familiar with our company, let me just say we are celebrating our 60th year in business. Founded by Carlo and Anne Buendo in 1962, the newspaper started as just a weekly publication for East Longmeadow. When the second generation of that family took over, they expanded it to other communities.
Four years ago, Advance, the company that owns The Republican and MassLive, bought us. We are an independent unit and our content is separate from The Republican. Since the sale we have been on the most ambitious growth program you’ll find in our industry.
This newspaper is the 10th edition in that growth plan and we are still planning for one more and final expansion later this year.
Our weekly format allows our news staff to follow stories and write in depth. We also cover stories that daily newspapers no longer cover and that TV seldom bothers to report. We understand readers want to know how their taxes are being spent, what is happening in their schools and what are the interesting things people are doing in their communities.
The news department welcomes your press releases and notices. We try to use as many of them as we can every week. Please send any notice of an activity or event at least two weeks in advance.
Although one might guess that I sit behind a desk and bark orders like Perry White, I still get into the field every week and report. I enjoy the opportunity to share information with our readers.
I also welcome your letters. I write a column every week and if you like it, let me know, and if you don’t like it, let me know. Letters to the editor should be no more than 500 words and cannot libel anyone. I reserve judgment to publish any letter if it contains unsubstantiated claims. Send your letters to news@thereminder.com.
Unlike other people with my title, I do not make political endorsements. No one at this newspaper does. I don’t believe it is the job of the press to tell you how to vote. Our job is to give you information on candidates and issues so you can make up your own mind.
I also understand this area has been served by community newspapers for many years. My feeling is we are simply adding an alternative to the mix. Generally, it has been my thought that competition in communications is a very good thing, as it keeps everyone sharp and professional.
This edition is being managed by Payton North, a Monson native with deep roots in these communities. The principal reporter is Lauren Lebel. Both of these professionals have proven many times over their skill and dedication. I think you will enjoy and come to value what they do.
I’m happy to hear from you. The best way to reach me is through email at the address noted above. Thanks for reading.
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