Week in Review: July 19-25

The Melrose YMCA is ending its after-school program, mainly due to the success of the Melrose Public Schools after-school program, and will instead focus on offering other opportunities for kids this fall.

In other school-related news, Melrose school officials reacted to the state education board voting to adopt national academic standards that will replace the state's own highly regarded standards.

The Park Commission was busy this week. Course repairs, maintenance and enforcing Mount Hood Golf Course's alcohol ban were primary concerns raised by the Park Commission during its review of Golf Management Company's contract, which expires at the end of the year. The Park Commission also approved giving the city an additional $25,000 from Mount Hood to help fund a study for more fields at Pine Banks Park.

In business news, the organizers of the Sally Frank Farmer's Market have plans to add Friday nights at the Knoll, with more activites for families and shoppers, but have run into logistical problems pointed out by the Park Commission. Also, a new tax on indoor tanning beds went into effect on July 1.

In City Hall news, Melrose was awarded a that will help pay for a new Melrose High School roof,  a consultant to identify energy conservation measures in all Melrose schools, and a part-time energy efficiency coordinator. Gov. Deval Patrick signed special legislation that allows the developer of Stone Place Mill, the 300-unit residential project slated for the former industrial zone on Washington Street, to defer a portion of its property taxes for five years.

In sports, the Melrose National Little League 9-10 year-old All Stars, the District 12 champions, put up a vailiant effort in its three-game series against District 10 Champions Parkway American Little League. Meanwhile, the Melrose National Little League's 9-year-old B-Team has raised over $400 for the Jimmy Fund in this summer's Jimmy Fund tournament. Churchill American Little League made a donation of baseball equipment that helped out a Little League in California, and Ryan Kilian offered up tips on how to begin exercising.

In fun news, four Melrose spots landed on the state's 1,000 great places list and Preacher Jack brought his boogie-woogie to Absolutely Fabulous. Columnist Kate House considered whether there's such a thing as parents being too cautious with their kids.