Mary Jo Rossetti presented her resolution, “Impact of Student Mobility On Education” in Washington.

Transient students face MCAS challenges
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By Ashley Taylor

In 2010, almost one in five Somerville students entered or left the Somerville school district, according to data from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  Yet if they were students in Somerville during state’s standardized test, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), Somerville schools would be held accountable for their performance.

Glenn Koocher, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, described the situation with an analogy:  “It’s like blaming the hospital if someone walks in severely ill for not having them cured the next morning.”

By Andrew Firestone

Between the two units of the first Battalion, 182nd Infantry regiment, rivalry has always been a healthy way of fostering bonds between soldiers. As the infantry unit of the Army National Guard Battalion prepares to ship out to Afghanistan next Saturday, this rivalry turned to the ice, as the infantry unit faced off against their artillery cohorts in a game for the ages.

By George P. Hassett

A 29-year-old Cambridge man was shot in the leg Thursday in what police believe was not a random attack.

The victim was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for a non-life threatening injury. Police said the victim may know the suspect, who has not been identified.

By Andrew Firestone

PA’s Lounge became a battleground for glory Thursday, Feb. 24, as the third annual RPS, or rock, paper, scissors in layman’s terms, brought the rain for all involved. Thirty-two contestants entered, but only Jeremy Doyle  of Stoneham, had the skill to take home his $40 cash prize.

Bill Cosby took the stage along with friend and professor Alvin Poussaint to accept the Eliot-Pearson Award for Excellence in Children's Media. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

Bill Cosby honored for decades of family friendly media
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By Andrew Firestone

Students at Tufts were treated to an enduring American personality when legendary comedian Bill Cosby took the stage along with friend professor Alvin Poussaint to accept the Eliot-Pearson Award for Excellence in Children’s Media.

Along with the Harvard Professor Poussaint, Cosby’s presence proved to be an inspirational one, as he reminded the students to work hard to improve their world.

A lot of people are talking about it, the old fashioned St. Patrick’s Day Party, hosted by Alderman Sean O’Donovan, Friday March 11 at the Armory on Highland Avenue. A lot of excitement for the band  “Old Brigade Irish Band.” Years ago former Representative Marie Howe used to pack them in at the Armory for this yearly event, which also attracted a large non Irish crowd. To those that remembered the St. Patrick’s Day parties of the 70’s and 80’s are looking forward to this hopefully annual event again.

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Deepest sympathies to Larry Murphy and his family for the passing this week of his wife Joyce Murphy,  Joyce was a wonderful women who was so very friendly to all, she made everyone who came to know her that she was very special, a former employee of the School Department.

Rep. Mike Capuano made a serious mistake last week when he threatened that the debate over the power of public employee unions should get “bloody.”

We don’t have to recap for everyone the discussion around how our level of public debate has devolved recently. In some recent instances violent actions have followed violent words. Had a Republican made the same remarks Rep. Capuano undoubtedly would have joined a chorus demanding we raise our level of discourse. So what will he do now to raise it?

By George P. Hassett

Two brothers who nearly joined their father on the Somerville Fire Department before being tripped up by questionable residency statuses appealed to a civil service commissioner last week and will call witnesses when their case resumes Wednesday.

Sean and Ryan Layton are alleging that renewed scrutiny in the wake of a different fire department hiring dispute cost them their jobs. The Laytons both passed background checks that confirmed their residency in the city but a second investigation begun after Iraq war veteran Sean O’Brien claimed he was wrongly passed over concluded that they did not meet the residency requirements.

By George P. Hassett

Aldermen met for two hours 35 minutes Thursday. Ward Five Alderman Sean O’Donovan was not present.

Antonelli honored

Aldermen honored Water Superintendent Carol Antonelli for her 33 years of employment with the city. Antonelli started as an auditor for the city in 1978 and switched to the Department of Public Works in 1984. For the last five years she worked as superintendent of the water department.

By George P. Hassett

A Charlestown man, who police said stole a car, threw both of his hands in the air and said, “Okay you got me” when an officer pursued him as he ran away on foot, police said.

John Dowd, 45, of 47 Old Landing Way, Charlestown, was arrested at 292 Broadway and charged with larceny of a motor vehicle subsequent offense, receiving a stolen motor vehicle subsequent offense and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.