Western Massachusetts cities shining in the spotlight

Aug. 12, 2016 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

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 Springfield, could have seen what downtown Springfield looked like on Saturday.

Of course, they would have had left the confines of their own fears and misconceptions to do so and probably they wouldn’t have wanted to challenge their own delusions.

There were thousands of people gathered in Court Square enjoying world-class entertainment. The diversity of the city and region were reflected in that audience.

Were there any problems? No.

Across the street at the MassMutual Center that evening thousands of people came out to see comic superstar Louis C.K.

Simply put it was a great day and a great night for Springfield.

It is these events that puncture the ideas that unfortunately too many people have about urban centers.

And there’s another event that will show the better side of city that is often unfairly maligned: Holyoke. “Celebrate Holyoke” that laid dormant for a decade and returned last year. It will be back with three days of food, music and activities on Aug. 26 through Aug. 28.

“Slide the City” will also return to the Paper City on Aug. 27, a neat activity that coincides with Celebrate Holyoke.

Perhaps it’s the cynical nature of our times. Perhaps people would rather wallow in negativity than seeking the positive, but some people seem to have a blind spot to the good things happening here.

Take off the blinders and get a complete look, if you dare. You might like what you see.

Sheriff’s race is worth your time

If you’re not paying attention to the Hampden County Sheriff’s race you better start, as the primary on Sept. 8 will be here before you know it.  

Although there will be two candidates carrying on to the final election in November, two of the three Democrats – Nick Cocchi, Tom Ashe and Michael Albano – will be eliminated.

As someone who is continuing to cover this race, I can say that without a doubt there are real differences in experience and platform among the three Democrats.

At issue is whether or not the policies that have led to success with the jail’s program to reduce recidivism will be continued and expanded, as well as the on-going issue of dealing with the pervasive substance abuse problem among the inmates.

Naturally all three Democrats have ideas on how to improve – in some cases, expand  – the services of the jail. It’s up to you to research and weigh what they say. That’s your job as a voter.

It’s an important election. I hope you’re following it to make an informed vote.

No fashion sense

I understand that apparently cargo shorts – and I imagine cargo pants – are under fire. Yes, in this day and age when we’re facing so many other problems, the Wall Street Journal published a front-page piece on Aug. 1 about the summer fashion.

Nicole Hong wrote, “Relationships around the country are being tested by cargo shorts, loosely cut shorts with large pockets sewn onto the sides. Men who love them say they’re comfortable and practical for summer. Detractors say they’ve been out of style for years, deriding them as bulky, uncool and just flat-out ugly. In recent days, the debate has engulfed the nation.”

Wow. Well, let me admit I was shopping for a new pair of shorts recently and I was looking for cargo shorts. I like those pockets and they are comfy for us plus-size geezers. I could find none.

I guessed I dodged a major bullet.

I wear cargo pants quite often, though and I suppose I’m endangering my marriage and reputation with them.

Thank God, I’m a print journalist and I’m not expected to have any fashion sense. 

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