Week in Review: June 7-13

The week began with a bang, as Sunday's macroburst storm resulted in a house fire on Natalie Avenue and knocked down trees and branches all over the city.

Former Melrose YMCA employee James Conner changed his plea to guilty on all 20 charges brought against his regarding the rape of two girls he coached.

A defiant Eric Estevez stayed in the race for state representative, holding a press conference to refute reports that he embellished his record.

In school news, kids enjoyed "America's favorite holiday," according to Mayor Rob Dolan, DPW Day. Superintendent Joe Casey formed a team to work on improving school improvement plans and the Franklin Early Childhood Center earned re-accreditation for the next five years. We caught up with this year's valedictorian, Ethan McCoy, to talk about his graduation day speech and rapper-philosophers, and with fellow graduate Troy Harvey, who plays bass in the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. Melrose school officials eagerly await good news from the feds on Race to the Top, while the School Committee delved into a serious discussion of its meeting format and subcommittees.

In the arts, a Greek music session at Peacuddy's brought memories and emotions bubbling to the surface for our correspondent's friend; while Thom Ciulla unveiled a collection of photos from Italy — and the stories behind them.

For foodies, there's two new joints in town — Spice Thai Kitchen, an outpost of sorts of the original Spice Thai Kitchen in Ipswich, and Busy Bee Bakery made the corner of Hurd Street sweet once again.

In sports, a successful season for the Melrose High School girls tennis team came to an end in Swampscott, when they ran into an undefeated Big Blue team.

The Melrose Board of Aldermen approved funding for two new police cruisers, but is seeking additional answers from city officials about an earlier financial transfer. In other police and fire news, someone declined to file a formal report of an alleged assault because he was too busy getting his haircut for the prom.