News in brief

Brookline

Club, board work on parking accord
In response to neighbors fuming about exhaust from idling cars and revved up about speeding restaurant parking valets, the Transportation Board in April released regulations for car parking that would apply to the popular Metropolitan Club, an upscale eatery on Route 9 in Chestnut Hill. But last month, the club's attorney, Jeffrey Allen, appealed the rules, calling them illegal. "They can't tell our patrons and our valets what public ways to drive on," he said. Associate Town Counsel George Driscoll is working with Allen to devise regulations that will be satisfactory to both the club and the board. Selectmen expect to hear the result and vote on it at their July 24 meeting.

Merchants prep for Potter mania
The book hasn't apparated" in stores yet, but the Coolidge Corner Merchants Association already has a " marauder's map" ready for Potterpalooza, scheduled around this month's release of the final Harry Potter book. Trivia and look-alike contests, performances, a Yule Ball at the Arcade, and magic menus are part of the fun on July 20 from 8 p.m. until midnight, when "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," the seventh in the series by British author J.K. Rowling, will go on sale at Brookline Booksmith. Organizers bill the event as the largest Harry Potter celebration in the state. Proceeds will benefit the Teen Center Fund. For those whose future-gazing skills aren't up to Owl test levels, visit Potterpalooza.com.

Center seeks showcase contributions
The Brookline Arts Center is recruiting participants for its 33d annual Crafts Showcase fund-raiser, slated to be held Nov. 28 to Dec. 16. "We are searching for many more new artists from all over New England who are making something really different," said Susan Navarre, director of the 43-year-old Arts Center. The deadline for submitting applications is July 24. For additional information, call 617-566-5715.

Got a news item for Brookline? E-mail Andreae Downs at andreaedowns@yahoo.com.

Cambridge

Hearty applause for Health Alliance
The National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems gave the Cambridge Health Alliance its 2007 Chair Award for its new program for third-year students at Harvard Medical School. Twelve students spend an entire year at one hospital instead of doing traditional rotations through multiple hospitals, allowing them to develop stronger relationships with patients and faculty. The new program is part of education reform at Harvard Medical School.

Ross joins Galluccio in race for Senate
With state Representative Alice K. Wolf out of the race for the state Senate seat being relinquished by Jarrett Barrios, City Councilor Anthony D. Galluccio was the sole contender from Cambridge. That is until the end of last month, when political newcomer Jeff Ross announced his decision to run. Ross is an immigration attorney who specializes in social justice issues. The primary will be held on Sept. 11, with the special election following on Oct. 9. For residents not registered to vote, the last days to register are Aug. 22 for the primary and Sept. 19 for the general election. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both election days.

Bermejo headlines outdoor concert
Catch Cambridge musician Mili Bermejo at a free outdoor concert Wednesday at the Mothers Rest Playground in Boston's Fenway neighborhood. Bermejo is a singer and composer who blends musical genres and cultures. Her new album, "De Tierra," is a compilation of her live performances at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston and includes a mix of original songs and arrangements of works by Latin American artists.

Got a news item from Cambridge? E-mail Janice O'Leary at joleary@globe.com.

Somerville

Challengers line up against mayor
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone will face off against at least two challengers in a Sept. 25 primary, with Suzanne Bremer, a librarian making her first run for public office, and Richard Scirocco working on their campaigns. Alderwoman Rebekah Gewirtz, who represents Ward 6, also has two challengers in her re election bid: Bob Adams and Charles Chisholm. The board's four aldermen at large are seeking re election and will have two opponents. The Board of Aldermen's president, Bob Trane, who represents Ward 7, and Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan will also face challengers in the Nov. 6 general election. The other members of the board were unopposed as of last week.

Meeting on Central Hill Park plans
The city has applied for a $495,000 state grant to renovate Central Hill Park, which runs along Highland Avenue from School Street to Walnut Street. City officials want to find a way to pull the series of lawns together using plantings and benches to make it feel more like a park. Residents are invited to attend a community meeting tomorrow to discuss the renovation plans for the park and its playground. The meeting will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Board of Aldermen's chambers at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave. For more information, contact Arn Franzen at 617-625-6600, ext. 2500.

Summer family movie festival opens
The SomerMovie Fest kicked off last week, and movies will be shown outdoors at dusk on Thursday evenings throughout July and August. Films are shown in Seven Hills Park in Davis Square, with the exception of July 26, when "Babe" will be shown at Conway Park, and Aug. 9, when "Happy Feet" is scheduled for Prospect Hill Park. Audiences at the movies will be asked to choose the film that will be shown on the last Thursday in the series; votes can be cast online at ci.somerville.ma.us. A schedule of movies is also posted there.

Got a news item from Somerville? E-mail Kristen Green at kristen.green@comcast.net.