5 Things You Need To Know Today—Monday, July 9

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1) It's a perfect day, Elise: Sunny today with a high near 86. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Tonight, mostly clear, with a low around 60. Calm wind. (Forecast by the National Weather Service.)

2) Once again back is the incredible, the rhyme animal, the incredible D: Why hello there. Your editor returns this morning from a much-needed week off and is terrified to look at his email inbox this morning. (OK, full confession: I started work up again last night.)

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July week. Bear with me while I get back in the saddle and up to speed and other clichés. Also, What I Learned On My Summer Vacation: If you're into that sort of thing, make it a point to see Sleigh Bells live. Also, pick up a copy of Saul Bellow's somewhat-recently released Letters. That guy can lay down the line.

3) Well it's over now: After a couple of weeks, the . Thanks for everyone who submitted nominations. Check back on July 23 when we'll take all your nominations and open the final voting period to determine the best of Melrose.

4) Quack. Quack. Quack: The Melrose Recreation Department is excited to offer a new This is a free, drop in street hockey program, open to anyone in grades 3-6 who wants to play street hockey. Equipment (other than nets and balls) is not provided. Participants need to bring their own sticks.

5) Another day, some other way: Here's our lineup of weekly columns that run each Monday on Melrose Patch:

• You Ask, Patch Answers: Each Monday, we'll take a question submitted by a reader and try to get the answers you're looking for. 

• ? Our weekly mystery photo runs every Monday at 3 p.m. and asks you to guess where the photo was taken in Melrose. Guess correctly and you can win a prize.
  

Check our calendar for the full slate of events—and add your own!