By George P. Hassett

The victim of an attempted armed robbery on Walnut Street was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for his injuries Dec. 21, according to police.

Police said the victim was walking by 109 Walnut St. When he was assaulted by two white males and one black male who had been sitting on the porch. One of the suspects allegedly told the man, “Give me your money” but before the victim could answer he was struck with a blunt object in the head and shoulder.

Two SPF100 Leaders role playing how they would interact with individuals in the community.

By Cathleen Twardzik

In 2006, SPF100 was founded to involve youth to help find solutions to drug and alcohol abuse in Somerville.

“We need more positive role-models in our community, and we are up for the job,” said Sarah Hassan, 16, a youth leader with the group.

The group’s teen leaders include Joytika Bhargo, Sarah Hassan, Susan Hassan, Quinton Hawkins, Selena Quintonilla, Edwin Tejada and Kelen Velasquez.

From the nursing home to Atlantic Monthly

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Cam Terwilliger is a tall man and holds one mean pen. This Somerville poet and writer is equally adept at verse as well as fiction, and has the credits in top tier magazines to prove it. He teaches at Grub Street, Emerson College, and has an MFA from that same college. He is the author of the short story collection Man and Machine and stories from that manuscript have appeared in The Greensboro Review, The Mid-American Review, and The GSU Review. I talked with Terwillger on my Somerville Community Access TV show: “Poet to Poet: Writer to Writer.”

The Somerville High Swim team suffered a tough 87-81 defeat to Malden Catholic last Wednesday. - Photo by Zach Kostopoulos

By Mike Rubin

Even with another strong effort, the Somerville High School co-ed swim team suffered another tough defeat, this time in a tough 87-81 defeat at the hands of Malden Catholic in Wednesday’s non-league meet at the Kennedy Pool. With the loss, the Highlanders fell to 1-3 overall.

Caio Azevedo, who captured a school record in the individual medley, still couldn’t do enough to bring the Highlanders to a victory. Azevedo finished with an impressive first place time of 2:14:18 in the 200 Individual Medley.

Richard Chacon and Patricia Montes in front of the governor's office. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

 Secure Communities would identify illegal immigrants for deportation
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By Andrew Firestone

Representatives from a dozen immigrant organizations marched on the office of Governor Deval Patrick Dec. 22 to urge him to not sign onto the Secure Communities program.

The protesters were led by Somerville-based immigrant advocates Centro Presente.

Somerville activists made their way to Patrick’s office after holding a rally in front of the State House, and presented Director of the Office for Refugees and Immigrants Richard Chacon with a letter outlining their fears.

Don’t forget the annual first flag ceremony this Saturday January 1 at Prospect Hill, 11:30a.m. The ceremony starts at City Hall, marching with General Washington on horseback to the Hill.  Great historic event that happens every year here in the city. A real civic, community event we can all be proud of. Mayor Joe has done a great job of making this a family event and educational as well.

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There’s a rumor going around town that Mayor Joe could be appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick to fill out the term of the late sheriff James DiPaola. Seems far flung to us and we hear Mayor Joe isn’t even lobbying for it. We also hear some aldermen are nervous that if Mayor Joe is appointed, Ward Six Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz will be acting mayor. Seems the thought of Mayor Rebekah has some in the city nervous. Of course Mayor Joe doesn’t necessarily have to resign if appointed either.

By George P. Hassett

Two Somerville brothers had their drug dealing convictions overturned on appeal Tuesday on the grounds that their constitutional rights were violated when they did not have a chance to cross examine chemists who tested the drugs seized at their home.

Ronald Mendes and Raymond B. Mendes were arrested Oct. 21, 2006 in their second floor apartment at 98 Albion St. In their bedrooms police found what they believed to be cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and large amounts of cash. While the search warrant was being executed, Somerville Police Detective James Hyde monitored the Mendes’ cell phones  and allegedly received 10 to 12 requests for drugs from prospective customers.

- Photo by Bobbie Toner

Readers sound off in cyberspace
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We asked our Facebook friends to give us their opinion on how the city handled the weekend snow storm. Here are some responses:

By George P. Hassett

A Somerville woman carrying bags of Christmas gifts into her Century Street home was robbed at knife point on Dec. 23, police said.

The woman said a gray Nissan containing three men pulled up next to her as she was carrying gifts inside her house. A man in his 30s with a stocking cap exited, pulled out a knife and put it to the woman’s waist, police said.