WPS: Don't Go There Homie!

I didn't catch the Education Committee meeting last might, but I did
hear that folks got "froggy", saying that Worcester Public Schools
have had to deal with budget cuts and layoffs. How dare the City
Council say otherwise?

Things are going to get more interesting when the new " Boss Lady"
takes over and bodies the ship. I just hope she is given the time to
get some work done, and not sucked into the vacuum that is known as
Worcester politics. We all know how much it sucks!

Also, as more folks are filing paperwork to run for City Council, I
wonder where Bill Coleman is in all of this?[Calling Bill right now to
find out.]

A sign of Spring

It's been warm for the past two days that the snow and ice have melted
from the basketball court and these kids decided it was time to get
some games in.

Photograph taken of Crompton Park.

Mr. Softee: Tom Brady

I knew a wedding for Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen was in the near future, just like I predicted that Barack Obama was going to be the next President of the United States come November 2008.

WIM readers and followers on the west coast said that they had seen Tom Brady bopping around Rodeo Drive and North Hollywood for the past week and "something was going on" said a few folks.

Congratulations to the happy couple and now if only we can get Tommy Boy back on the field this upcoming season and "going hard", then, and only then, will I no longer call him Mr. Softee.

City Manager: Dissed in Public

I like how folks around these parts think it's a great idea to invite City Manager Michael O'Brien to the Worcester Police graduation ceremony. Word is, that City Manager O'Brien received a copy of the invitation from "friends and family of the recruits" and written on it was, "IF YOU CAN'T SUPPORT THESE WONDERFUL WOMEN AND MEN WHO HAVE GIVE UP SO MUCH AND WORKED SO HARD, YOU ARE NOT WANTED AT THIS CEREMONY.....SHAME ON ALL OF YOU."

Thank goodness Police Chief Gemme stepped up and during his opening remarks said,"If the manger listened to me these recruits would not have a law enforcement career."

Read the full story written by Scott Croteau of the T&G.

Economy: How to possibly stop a Foreclosure

I found this video online and thought it was very interesting since having been in the mortgage industry and I happened to tell a potential customer who was looking to refinance their home prior to being foreclosed upon.  Yes, it's a stalling tactic, but it did work.

Sports: Worcester BLEW It! Again!

A couple of years ago there was a group of business owners that were
"looking into" the NBA creating an NBA Development League team in
Worcester, in partnership with the Boston Celtics. Now, you'd think it
would have made sense to everyone, but such was not the case.

The D-League team could have played at the DCU Center and brought
people and money into this great venue. Maybe the City was scared of
doing a deal because of previous dealings with folks like Roy Lucas,
Jr. of the defunct New England Surge?

Any how, the Celtics went on to make some great acquisitions- KG and
Ray Alllen- and win the NBA Championship in 2008.

Well, word is being announced today that Portland, Maine has been
awarded the NBA Development League franchise! The Celtics will end
their contract with the Utah franchise and former Celtics assisstant
coach Jon Jennings will head the Maine D-League team as president and
general manager.

Mayor Lukes and City Manager Michael O'Brien, you both catch an "L"
for this one! Great job! NOT!!!

Project Dropout: High Rates Among Minorities

The Massachusetts Board of Education today takes a look at the state's graduation rate standards.



The Commissioner of Education is asking for an increase in the minimum graduation rate for each high school. Mitchell Chester's proposal would also require school districts to lower the dropout rate for minority groups.



Professor Ronald Ferguson directs the Achievement Initiative at Harvard University. He spoke to WBUR about what's causing higher drop out rates for minority students -- particularly Hispanic males.

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Worcester Soccer: Game On!

Received this email from Worcester Youth Soccer and I'm glad to see that the children will be able to play soccer this Spring!

Dear Editor and the Worcester Soccer Community,

The WYSL board would like to announce that we have received a green light from the Attorney General’s Office with regard to the Spring 2009 season. We are very excited for the children in our program and their coaches and parents. There will be Spring Soccer in 2009! Please check our website for any additional updates, schedules, etc. at www.wysl.org.

Over the past several weeks, WYSL Board members have worked closely with the AG’s office to rectify the paperwork issues that existed. We apologize to all our participants, parents, coaches and supporters in Worcester and surrounding communities for any inconvenience that this delay may have caused.

Again, the success of our league depends on the volunteers who coach our players in the sport of soccer. We encourage all parents in our league to get involved with the board and volunteer in any way that you can. Our primary mission is to bring the sport of soccer to the children of Worcester in a fun and educational way. Please note that monthly board meetings are open to the public, and the Board welcomes participation from the community (location and further detail will be posted on the website).

Thank you to all of you for your patience and continued support of Worcester Youth Soccer. We’re looking forward to a great season!

Sincerely,

WYSL Board of Directors

Mass. Transportation Chief: Time For Action

How to fix the state's crumbling bridges and roads continues to be a hot topic on Beacon Hill.



Gov. Deval Patrick's plan chooses a gas tax over increases in tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike and at Boston's Harbor tunnels.



But despite the plan, the Turnpike is scheduled to vote on toll increases tomorrow.



Gov. Patrick's Transportation Secretary Jim Aloisi spoke to WBUR about the challenges facing the state.

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