Update from the Somerville Police:

Please be advised that Ralph Hergert was found in Boston a short time ago.  He has been transported to a local hospital for evaluation but appears to be in good health.

The city of Somerville and Somerville Police Department thank everyone who helped in this search effort, and for your vigilance throughout today.

An open letter to the City of Somerville
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On behalf of Somerville Little League baseball players, coaches, and parents, the Board of Directors would like to offer a heartfelt thank you for all the support and assistance you provided us this season. With the wettest spring in anyone’s recent memory, the work by the Department of Public Works and the Recreation Department every day to get the fields playable was without precedent.  A special mention should go to DPW Commissioner Stan Koty and Superintendent Steve Quinn for their tireless efforts to keep the kids playing and the games going. In addition, Recreation Director James Halloran also needs to be commended for providing valuable help from his department; the kids and we will not forget your efforts, Jim. When our aging Concession Stand appliances expired, George Scarpelli and Mike Bowler provided same day replacement!

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 1 Alderman Maureen Bastardi, and the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) invite all interested community members to a public meeting on Monday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss design ideas for the new “green” park to be built on the vacant parcel at Peal Street and Florence Street. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Capuano School on Glen Street. All are welcome. If you have questions about the meeting, or the planned park, please contact OSPCD at 617-625-6600 ext 2500.

One doesn’t have to travel far to start collecting books on travel, according to Kenneth Gloss.

By Kenneth Gloss

Summer is primetime for journeys to far-away lands by way of one’s imagination and by actually making the decision to travel! A collection of travel books is a great way to sample life in other countries and learn about their culture and history whether or not one makes the necessary arrangements to turn their dream into a reality. From the very first travel guide put out by Baedekers in Germany, collectors and travelers alike have been fascinated with books that provide a colorful verbal and sometimes pictorial view of the world.

By Jim Clark

A report of a man threatening people at the Rite-Aid on Broadway last Sunday brought police to the scene to investigate.

Life in The Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

(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.)

This article first appeared in the February 25, 2009 edition of The Somerville News.

Today there are plenty of places in Somerville where you can go to have a meal and an adult beverage. From one end of the city to the other, these mid to up-scale eateries offer an enticing menu and a wide array of inebriates. There was a time, not too long ago, when local barrooms were just that, barrooms. If you wanted to see what food was served, it was usually right in front of you, in a large glass jar or hanging on a display rack. The fare was simple, including bags of chips, peanuts, slim-jims and pickled eggs. The upscale joints offered beer nuts to their customers – bon apétit!

– Photos by Bobbie Toner

A Massachusetts Waste System truck was traveling down Newton St. in Somerville when its rear tire fell into a sinkhole. Somerville Fire, Police, DPW and National Grid responded to the scene. Somerville Fire secured the truck and Coady’s Tow Service was able to lift the truck out. Somerville Police shut down Prospect St. and Newton St. to traffic leading to Union Square as city officials  assess the damage.

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.)

This summer, the City of Somerville wants to break the spell of our screens—our smartphones, televisions and computer monitors—by giving every resident access to activities that replace remote communications with face-to-face interactions.

Learn how to repair your own windows this coming Saturday at the Somerville Museum.

By Cathleen Twardzik

On June 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., partake in the workshop entitled How to Repair Windows Yourself, taking place at the Somerville Museum at 1 Westwood Road in Somerville.