G. Michael Dobbs

Feb 10, 2025 | thereminder.com | G. Michael Dobbs

Back in November of 1999, I applied and was hired to be the principal reporter and editor of the Chicopee Herald. The Buendo Brothers, then owner of Reminder Publications, had bought the Herald in 1998 and there was a job opening when the initial editor left. I was happy to be back in local journalism and made some changes that I thought would improve the paper. I subsequently wrote a column about who I was, what I wanted to do, etc.

Jan 20, 2025 | thereminder.com | G. Michael Dobbs

SPRINGFIELD — If nothing else, Springfield is a city of immigrants, and that is certainly reflected in its restaurant offerings. In the last decade or so, we have seen the addition of Middle Eastern cuisine with establishments such as Nadim’s, Saray 2 and Cedar’s Food Mart and Grill, all places I have enjoyed visiting. Now there is a new restaurant with a different Middle Eastern take: AFC Grill.

Jan 13, 2025 | thereminder.com | G. Michael Dobbs

SPRINGFIELD — Both state Sen. Adam Gomez and state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez spoke about the gun legislation signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey as one of the most important achievements of the last legislative session. The two Democratic members of the Springfield delegation recently appeared on “Government Matters” on Focus Springfield Television.

Jan 13, 2025 | thereminder.com | G. Michael Dobbs

The next mayoral race will culminate with an inauguration in 2028. That’s a while off but the supporters of Dominic Sarno are prepping now. Recently, Peter Picknelly hosted a fundraiser for the mayor at The Student Prince. At that event, Sarno, who is the longest-serving mayor in the city’s lengthy history, declared he is running for another four-year term to much applause from the participants. The event was described as an “honor” to Sarno. It wasn’t some sort of honor.

Dec 27, 2024 | thereminder.com | G. Michael Dobbs

It’s a favorite time of the year — when Merriam-Webster announces its word of the year. Yes, I’m easily excited and I’m a word nerd. You see, for me this annual event speaks to how our language changes or stays the same, or how a word that may not have been in use much before suddenly comes to the forefront. Of course, I also get excited because this decision happened in Springfield and about a mile from my home.