American Red Cross volunteers met with 5 residents of a single family house a 68R Dane Street. Emergency funds for food were given to 5; emergency hotel was given to 1; smoke packs were given to 5 residents.

There’s plenty for kids to do this summer to have fun and stay fit, thanks to the efforts of city programs provided by Somerville Recreation.

By Martynas Limantas

With schools out and summer in full swing, Somerville offers a variety of activities for youth ranging from sports to arts, and many others to get involved in over the break.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 1 Alderman Maureen Bastardi announce two events to celebrate the ongoing renovation along East Broadway. On Monday, July 15 the City of Somerville will partner with East Somerville Main Streets (ESMS) for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the East Broadway Reconstruction Project that began in Fall 2012.

The City of Somerville announces the 2013 SomerPlay locations! Launched earlier this spring, SomerPlay is the City’s newest innovative program encouraging community building in Somerville so as to increase the amount of time children play together within each neighborhood. It is based on author Mike Lanza’s Playborhood. SomerPlay program concepts were submitted by Somerville residents, with 11 proposals having been accepted. The neighborhood Zone leaders are inviting children and adults from all over Somerville to join in any of these SomerPlay activities. Ten series remain this summer, as follows:

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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.)

It may not sound as exciting as a summer blockbuster, but the zoning reform bill on Beacon Hill offers so many potential benefits for Somerville that I encourage you to settle in for some brief summer reading about it.

The Alibrandis are looking good in spite of last week’s 1-0 loss to the Revere Rockies.

By Mike Stoller

With the summer heating up to exorbitant temperatures, so are the games in the Yawkey Baseball League. Suffice to say, the Somerville Alibrandis team’s 1-0 loss in 10 innings to the host Revere Rockies last week had both teams sweating it out.

Plans for significant updates to the Union Square streetscape as well as the square’s below-ground utilities took an important step forward this week. On Monday, July 8, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced that international consulting firm Parsons Brinkerhoff has been selected for a wide-ranging utility and roadway improvement study in Union Square that will launch the design and pre-engineering process for the project. The design process, which will be informed by significant public input, will review and address both the above- and below-ground needs for Union Square now and into the future.

Director of Parks and Open Space of Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development, Arn Franzen explained plans for the new park, Symphony. – Photo by Douglas Yu

By Douglas Yu

To make the best use of all the green space in Somerville, the Mayor’s office is planning on building a new park, named Symphony, at the corner of Florence Street and Pearl Street. Somerville residents joined the meeting at Capuano School to give applicable suggestions.

 ~Press release from Somerville  Community Corporation

On the evening of Thursday July 11, the Somerville Planning Board will meet to discuss and vote on the proposed development by the Somerville Community Corporation (SCC) and Boston-based Cathartes Private Investments (CPI) at 181 & 197 Washington Street in Union Square, Somerville. The hearing will begin at 6:00 pm at the Argenziano School, 290 Washington Street in Somerville.

By Jim Clark

Police were called to the vicinity of 206 Washington St. last Thursday evening, July 4, on a report of a fight in progress involving weapons. Officers en route were informed that one of the parties involved in the disturbance was reportedly armed with a machete and that he was part of an earlier incident related to the use of a machete.

Upon arrival, officers spotted a man, later identified as Fredy Portillo, 33, standing on the sidewalk, reportedly in a very agitated state. He was shirtless and officers noted a big bite mark on his chest.