By George P. Hassett

The Board of Aldermen met Dec. 16. Here are some highlights from the meeting.

Mangan honored

Aldermen honored Somerville Youth and Recreation Foundation President David Mangan at Thursday’s meeting.

Recreation Director James Halloran said, “Hundreds of kids had opportunities that otherwise they would not have had” because of Mangan’s work with the foundation.

Mayor Joe Curtatone said Mangan’s family has a long history of contributing to the community in Somerville.

City leaders plan sister city trip to Ireland

Aldermen and Mayor Curtatone exchanged light hearted jabs Thursday about the possibility of a sister city in Ireland.

“I’ve been to Italy, it’s time you came to Ireland,” Alderman-at-Large John Connolly said to Curtatone.

“I’m finally glad to hear the calling of the Emerald Isle,” Curtatone answered. “Let’s get it done gentlemen, I’m ready to go over.”

Connolly said his order was inspired by “the adventures the mayor has taken to Spain, Portugal, Italy and Morrocco twice now” to build sister city relationships in those countries.