Jose Gonzalez in his kitchen in an impromptu bongo session. - Photo by George Hassett

By George P. Hassett

When Jose Gonzalez constructs kites for his grandchildren, plays the bongos in his band or builds furniture, most onlookers focus on something he doesn’t dwell on: he only has one arm.

Gonzalez, a Winter Hill resident, performs a variety of tasks – from shoveling to driving a stick shift vehicle – that wouldn’t seem possible for a man born with one arm. He shrugs off the praise he receives from neighbors and family who tell him he is inspirational.

By Matthew McLaughlin

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

“Remember your promises.”  That is the motto of the clan McLaughlin dating back to ancient Ireland.  The centuries have passed, but the importance of keeping one’s word is still a litmus test to the honor of an individual.  KSS Reality has continually failed this test in dealing with the community, and on Thursday, Feb. 17, 5:45pm at City Hall, the community intends to hold them to their word.

(updated from Somerville Public Schools)

The electrical systems at Somerville High School are working! School will reopen for a full day of classes on Thursday, February 17^th.

The Field House will be open this afternoon and tonight for the Boys Basketball games against Cambridge. Please consider cheering on the Highlanders starting at:

3:45 PM – Freshman game begins

5:30 PM – Junior Varsity game starts

7:00 PM – Varsity game restarts.

There will be no other afternoon or evening activities at Somerville High School today.

Thank you for your patience.

School Committee members discuss "data walls." - Photo by Andrew Firestone

Legality of data walls questioned by School Committee member

By Andrew Firestone

A dispute over posting of student test scores divided the School Committee last week and inspired heated discussions between parents and school administrators over possible damage the posting of scores might have on children’s self esteem, including reports of a young child who believed she was being told she was “stupid.”

More names of possible alderman’s candidates are circulating around the city. We hear former candidate for mayor and successful East Somerville businessman Tony LaFuente is considering a run for  the Ward 4 seat presently held by Walter Pero. That made us think, is Walter running for reelection and why would Tony run against one of his supporters? We also hear that up in Ward 7, progressive candidate Rachel Heller (an aide to a senator from Andover) who ran against Bob Trane and lost in 2007 is being encouraged to run again in Ward 7. Ward 7 could be interesting with Joan Puglia thinking about running also, that would make two women candidates against incumbent Trane.

By Ashley Taylor

Students and staff members at Somerville schools now have three ways to report bullying.  As an alternative to simply telling a trusted staff member, students can now anonymously report bullying by completing an online form or by leaving a message at a bullying hotline.

These bullying reporting systems, which went live on Thursday, February 10, were developed in accordance with a 2010 state anti-bullying law. Two months after Somerville submitted its bullying prevention plan, and three school days after anonymous reporting methods were made available, it is too early to tell how the anti-bullying efforts are working, and such analyses are easier demanded than done.

By George P. Hassett

Drug unit cops on routine surveillance in Winter Hill arrested two men as they completed a heroin deal in the Walgreen’s parking lot on Broadway Feb. 9, police said.

Police allegedly observed Derek Luzzo, 21, of 17 Birch Pond Drive, Saugus, enter the parking lot and pull up next to a car driven by Albert Saidah, 24, of 30 Clayton Ave., Medford.

CASPAR offers numerous programs for the homeless.

By Carrie Stanziola

For the third year in a row, Somerville and Arlington have been granted funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing and assistance programs. This year, the amount totals $2.2 million down from $2.3 million in 2009. This year, the Obama Administration has awarded nearly $1.41 billion in homeless grants.

According to Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, “This funding is essential in order for the City of Somerville, along with our partner community Arlington, to continue to provide the necessary services to deserving families in this area. Each year we continue to receive additional funds, and I particularly want to thank the Obama Administration for continuing to make this issue a priority. The City of Somerville is committed to making affordable and transitional housing available for families and individuals, and this grant recognizes that commitment, and provides us with the tools to get it done.”

"I Am Aimless and Hungry Always" - Pauline Lim

By Sanjeev Selvarajah

Brickbottom art gallery is hosting the “Strange World” art exhibit at their Fitchburg Street location this month.

Sherry Autor is one of the artists of the show as well as curator, and originator of its creation. “I was thinking about all that has been going on in the past few years; so that made me think that this is a really strange world we’re living in,” she said. Her show is her global kick in the pants and the art featured follows suit by existing as strikingly real abstractions.