Phil Laverriere Deserved Better

VALLEY PATRIOT EDITORIAL May, 2012 For nearly 40 years Phil Laverriere served the Merrimack Valley as the head of the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council. In that time, Mr. Laverriere helped tens of thousands of poor people get heat in the winter, day care for their children, provided education and English Classes for newly arriving […]

Receiver Riley’s Millions

Receiver Riley’s Millions

Free Dental for all LPS Students and their Families   By: Tom Duggan, July, 2012 LAWRENCE – With the Lawrence Public School under the complete control of the State Department of Education there are a lot of changes coming to the school system, and a lot more money being spent.Where we are – State Commissioner […]

Moran Answers Tough Questions in Bid for State Rep.

Moran Answers Tough Questions in Bid for State Rep.

Will not commit to quitting council or stepping down as council President if he wins   By: Valley Patriot Staff – May, 2012 Lawrence City Council President Frank Moran is a candidate for State Representative in the 17th Essex District. The newly created rep. district was created by the state legislature last year as a […]

Methuen Superintendent Scannell Helps Graduates Gain Job Skills

Summer Job Training Program in Methuen By; Tom Duggan – May, 2012 Methuen School Superintendent Judy Scannell has reinstituted a jobs training program for graduating students who are not attending college after they get their diploma. Scannell says the “Pathways” jobs program is funded by a federal grant and was in place “for about ten years […]

Methuen Salem Rotary Honors Teachers and Students of the Year

By: Diana DiZoglio, Valley Patriot Reporter – April, 2012 On April 3, Methuen, MA/Salem, NH Rotary hosted their second annual Celebration of Achievement Banquet at Merrimack Valley Golf Club. President Elect Trudy Lawler call it the “signature event” which “recognizes teachers, students and awards scholarships”. “It’s something that we work toward all year long”, she […]

RIP Axel – Chelmsford K-9

By: Tracey Zysk – April 2012 On March 23, 2012 Chelmsford Police K-9 Axel took his final ride in his police cruiser. Axel, a 5yr old Czechoslovakian shepherd passed away from a strong fought battle with cancer. A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of interviewing Axel’s handler Officer David Leo. In that interview […]

Here’s A Guaranteed Fix for Lawrence Schools: The Children of Lawrence Deserve Real Reform

Here’s A Guaranteed Fix for Lawrence Schools:  The Children of Lawrence Deserve Real Reform

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX SIMPLE MATH Only 25 percent of Lawrence’s eighth grade students, based on MCAS test results, are proficient in mathematics. The percentage of proficient students increases to only 27 percent in tenth grade (winter 2011), but this can hardly be considered progress since there are roughly 12 percent fewer students remaining to […]

Daniel Lahiff Pays $5,000 Civil Penalty, for Conflict of Interest Law Violations

Lowell Regional Water Utility Executive Director Improperly used Utility generators and employees for personal purposes April, 2012 The Ethics Commission approved a Disposition Agreement in which Lowell Regional Water Utility (“LRWU”) Executive Director Daniel Lahiff admitted to violating MG.L. c. 268A, the conflict of interest law, by using an LRWU generator in his home, by soliciting […]

Lawrence State Representative Marcos Devers Named Legislator of the Year

April, 2012 State Representative Marcos Devers (DLawrence) was honored as the Legislator of the Year from CLASS, Inc. on Thursday, March 22, 2012.  “I feel humbled and honored with this unexpected and delightful distinction.” said Representative Devers “My commitment to families, children and persons with disabilities is one of the main aspects that drive my performance and advocacy at the […]