By midyear, we'll be in the home like Tupperware

January 1980 Wall Street Journal article about services that will bring news to your home by Telecomputing's 'Source' for News. (Click on image for full-sized (3MB) view.)

How to pay $49 not to get your phone

So, I had the idea to see what upgrade options are available for my cell phone. I like my phone, but I also like new stuff.
The VerizonWireless web site shows me my phone.

After a few clicks, I'm brought to a page that shows all of the phones available for my upgrade. Some are free. Some are discounted.
I learn that I am eligible to upgrade my phone to my phone for $49, but I can't because it's out of stock.

I think that I'll save my money and not upgrade my phone to the same phone that I can't have.

Front page news

Er, um, telegram.com home page today

Er, um, featured blog

Whatever we did to the least ...

Jeff got this right.
Wormtown Taxi: Darlene Haynes Murder:

"There are young mothers all over this city, living lives that may be a bit worse or a bit better, but still struggling day by day to make the best of whatever's possible for them and their children. They may not be quite able to mix with those who feel comfy at the Hanover or a wine tasting at KJ Barrons, but they sure do deserve our respect for the full time jobs they're doing to take care of their kids.

None of them deserve a fate like the one that Darlene Haynes suffered."

It's good that we didn't cause an international incident

The Helsingin Sanomat - International Edition took its summer holiday starting about the same time that we were in Finland. We left the place in good shape.

Notes To Readers: "The International Edition returns today after a lengthy absence, during which time - mercifully - not so very much has happened in Finland,"

OntheCommon.com - Just a closer walk with Thee

OntheCommon.com: "You might not meet your Maker, but you'll likely say His name a few times."

Finland Travel Notes

Here are our notes from our 2009 trip to Finland and Iceland.

via Yahoo Pipes

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

Holden

Monday, July 20

2:04 a.m. Caller heard gunshots or fireworks on Causeway St.
8:17 a.m. Suspicious vehicle not familiar to neighbors in the area of Laurel Hill Lane; okay, private investigator working in the area
10:20 a.m. Caller about an incident that occurred last week
3:20 p.m. Party asking about ticket issued and how many days to pay it
6:07 p.m. Request for officer to check wires that are down on Quinapoxet St. to see if they are live or not; lines are on driveway and nothing blocking road
9:47 p.m. Caller reports hitting a deer
10:10 p.m. Report of people driving back and forth between liquor stores after being turned away
10:29 p.m. Bat in house on Shrewsbury Street

Tuesday, July 21

12:15 a.m. Well-being check requested for employee who didn't show up for work; okay, she called in earlier and got no response
9:43 a.m. Youths playing around Wachusett Fitness
1:41 pm. Construction motor vehicle crossed over into southbound lane
4:58 p.m. Caller inquiring about any cats found
5:35 p.m. Caller inquiring about person arrested on Quinapoxet St.

Wednesday, July 22

9:32 a.m. Princeton PD advised of deceased dog on Rte. 31
9:32 a.m. Caller from WRHS found cat
9:41 a.m. Worcester resident reports harassing phone calls from Holden resident
10:01 a.m. Tree crew working without detail on Shrewsbury St.
12:02 p.m. Walk-in concerned about removal of animal carcass
12:20 p.m. Customs and border protection in town for local check
2:42 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Malden St; okay, Jehovah's Witnesses
4:25 p.m. Skunk in yard on Somerset Lane caught in trap
4:32 p.m. Tree down blocking portion of street; tree warden contacted
5:59 p.m. Teenagers gathered in front of business on Main St. dispersed
7:35 p.m. Senior citizen missing; found at Big Y
8:12 p.m. Smoke behind Big Y reported; kids lighting firecrackers

Thursday, July 23

12:20 a.m. Dogs barking on High Ridge Rd.
1:09 a.m. 911 Report of bright light and noises coming from house near parking lot of church on Brattle St.; Worcester informed
4:01 a.m. Dome light on in car on Wentworth Dr.
4:28 a.m. Vehicle reportedly broken into by newspaper delivery person on Shrewsbury St.
9:24 a.m. Coyote carcass removed on Wachusett St.
1:41 p.m. Caller concerned about youths loitering in lot on Main St.; group dispersed
1:49 p.m. Elevator phone hang-up from Starbard Building/town hall
6:37 p.m. Water coming up out of ground on Larkspur Rd.

Friday, July 24

7:58 a.m. Power outage on Parker Ave.; branch on wires, was on fire but now out
9:25 a.m. Flooding on Rte. 31
9:26 a.m. Red light out on Salisbury St.
11:06 a.m. Loose dogs on Rte. 68
12:43 p.m. Walk-in to report her Instant Message name compromised
9:17 p.m. Lost motorist on Main St.

Saturday, July 25

7:48 a.m. Several calls about cars parking on both sides of street for yard sale on Main St.
6:37 p.m. Holden resident's property left in Dartmouth

Sunday, July 26

8:30 a.m. Tree limb removed from Chapel St.
9:40 a.m. Caller having trouble with neighbor regarding property boundary
4:01 p.m. Walk-in with complaint about daughter
7:41 p.m. Vehicle parked in roadway on Main St.

Paxton

Monday, July 20

3:56 p.m. Person at station to report being attacked by a cat in her back yard, Pleasant St.
11:46 p.m. Elderly male upset over sleeping arrangements, Maple St.

Tuesday, July 21

No calls for service

Wednesday, July 22

8:14 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, West St.
1:48 p.m. Stray dog running in and out of traffic, Sawmill Rd.
5:57 p.m. Caller's washing machine broke, water flooding basement, needs assistance, Grove St.

Friday, July 24

12:07 p.m. Person on bike weaving in and out of traffic, Pleasant St.

Saturday, July 25

7:54 a.m. Caller reports dog on his porch looks lost, Pleasant St.
9:20 a.m. Assistance with motorcycle ride coming through town, Rte. 56 to Rte. 122
10:16 a.m. Caller concerned that stray dog in road may get hit, Pleasant St.
5:38 p.m. Dog running in and out of traffic, West St./ Holbrook Ln.
8:39 p.m. Person locked out of residence, Village Rd.
11:49 p.m. Caller complaining about loud party, Pond St.

Sunday, July 26

7:59 p.m. Someone putting items into Dumpster, West St.

Princeton

Monday, July 20

7:50 a.m. Request for animal control officer, Beaman Rd.
10:05 a.m. Assist other town department, Connor Ln.
3:06 p.m. Abandoned call, Esty Rd.; investigated
5:37 p.m. Suspicious incident, Goodnow Rd.

Tuesday, July 21

5:36 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Hobbs Rd.

Wednesday, July 22

8:00 a.m. Traffic safety hazard, Mirick Rd.
10:05 a.m. Assist light department, Westminster Rd.
4:48 p.m. Assist fire department, Worcester Rd.
8:41 p.m. Disturbance, gun shots, Coal Kiln Rd.
9:25 p.m. Assist fire department, Worcester Rd.

Thursday, July 23

7:36 a.m. Request for animal control officer, Mountain Rd.

Friday, July 24

8:24 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Coal Kiln Rd.

Saturday, July 25

9:22 a.m. Request for light department, Sterling Rd.
3:36 p.m. Public service, Town Hall Dr.
5:29 p.m. Request for traffic control, Worcester Rd.
6:01 p.m. Public service, Mountain Rd.

Sunday, July 26

8:31 a.m. Summons served, Coal Kiln Rd.
8:37 a.m. Traffic safety hazard, Mirick Rd.
4:05 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Hubbardston Rd.
4:08 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Hubbardston Rd.
4:30 p.m. Fire investigation, Hickory Dr.

Rutland

Monday, July 20

6:24 p.m. Person at station to discuss bicycle received from neighbor, Tanglewood Cir.
6:49 p.m. Report of small raccoon in yard periodically, Maple Ave.

Tuesday, July 21

1:01 p.m. Tree across the road, Pleasantdale Rd.
4:31 p.m. Small tree limb sticking out into Barre Paxton Rd.
4:50 p.m. Branches sticking out into roadway, Barre Paxton Rd.

Wednesday, July 22

2:04 a.m. Youths walking in between homes on Marjorie Ln.
6:06 p.m. Caller advising that individual is now at home on Tanglewood Cir.
9:49 p.m. Assist motorist out of gas, E. County Rd.

Thursday, July 23

9:28 a.m. Officer wanted to discuss ongoing neighbor issues, Main St.
9:30 a.m. Person heard banging at door, no one there, Heritage Hill Dr.
10:46 a.m. Small German shorthair dog running down Rte. 68
2:38 p.m. Officer wanted, man trying to flag down motorists, Main/Maple Sts.
9:07 p.m. Missing dogs without collars, golden retriever and Labrador, Paddock Rd.

Friday, July 24

6:03 a.m. High water alarm, Miles Rd.
7:21 a.m. Irish setter running down Pommogussett Rd.
8:33 a.m. Officer wanted, Inwood Rd.
8:34 a.m. Report of incident with two dogs during night, Clealand Cir.
3:15 p.m. Dog on porch won't let person get near it, Marjorie Ln.
5:04 p.m. Person says she has evidence for police, St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester
11:33 p.m. Caller reporting loud party, Skyline Dr.

Saturday, July 25

8:00 a.m. Stray chocolate Labrador in yard, Proprietor's Place
12:38 p.m. Report of man walking around boat ramp just staring at people, Barre Paxton Rd.
3:12 p.m. Motor vehicle accident, car hung up on hydrant, Miles Rd.
6:15 p.m. Parakeet found at swimming pool, Main St.
9:01 p.m. Water bubbling up from roadway, Beechwood Dr.

Sunday, July 26

1:15 a.m. Erratically driven vehicle with three girls "hooting and hollering" traveling from Hubbardston to Rutland, E. County Rd.
12:46 p.m. Missing cocker-poo, Prospect St.
7::49 p.m. Lost black dog with red collar, Summerhill Dr.
11:47 p.m. Hubbardston PD requesting back-up, Gardner Rd.

Sterling

Monday, July 20

7:35 a.m. Open window at building, Clinton Rd.
8:35 a.m. Report that tree company has traffic backed up on Kendall Hill Rd.
12:39 p.m. Officer wanted, Hall Ave.

Tuesday, July 21

3:39 a.m. Caller reports suspicious activity around house, Jill Ln.
8:43 a.m. English pointer broke leash and is loose, Lucas Rd. Very timid; later found

Wednesday, July 22

7:59 a.m. Window shot out by BB, Boutelle Rd.
10:45 a.m. Injured cat near dance studio, Leominster Rd.
11:00 a.m. Request for officer for obstinate child, Gates Rd.
2:34 p.m. Stray dog in yard, Newell Hill Rd.
4:13 p.m. Caller concerned about pile of tree debris close to travel lane, N. Row Rd.
6:29 p.m. Two people bitten by dogs, Justice Hill Cutoff. Dogs up-to-date on shots, will be quarantined

Thursday, July 23

9:06 a.m. Complaint about barking dogs, Boutelle Rd.
9:35 a.m. Report of large turtle in yard, Matthew Ln.
10:58 a.m. Caller concerned about baby skunk in yard, Chace Hill Rd.
12:58 p.m. Suspicious male on bicycle; went into business that caller thought was closed, Worcester Rd.
2:12 p.m. Truck parked on sharp curve, Upper N. Row Rd.
3:06 p.m. Caller locked out of residence, Wiles Rd.

Friday, July 24

1:13 p.m. Report that television was taken off wall of home, Wiles Rd.
1:41 p.m. Person wants to speak with animal control officer, Boutelle Rd.

Saturday, July 25

8:19 a.m. Stray bloodhound in yard, Albright Rd.
8:57 p.m. Caller reports front door suddenly opened, Mellon Hollow Rd.

Sunday, July 26

2:56 p.m. Complaint about tree vehicles blocking Osgood Rd.
6:41 p.m. Caller reports her cat is salivating at the mouth, Muddy Pond Rd.
8:57 p.m. Woman with long red hair cutting through caller's yard, Kendall Hill Rd.
9:24 p.m. Officer investigation follow-up, Kendall Hill Rd.

You can't stay here, either.

As a follow-up to my earlier note, Don't care where you go, but you can't stay here, from the Telegram and Gazette, July 31, 2009:

Westboro State Hospital will close June 30, 124 years after it opened and nearly two years before a new psychiatric hospital is expected to open in Worcester to replace the state hospitals in Worcester and Westboro.

Don't care where you go, but you can't stay here

During the 1970s, the Commonwealth started closing state hospitals. I was working in a restaurant in Gardner at the time. Folks who'd been discharged from the hospital would stop by, find enough change for a cup of coffee, and stay for as long as my boss would let them. One guy, a big affable guy named Dave, sit and talk with us, drinking large tumblers of water (a sign of untreated diabetes).
When I opened the restaurant in the early morning, I'd see folks climb out of the Salvation Army bins in the parking lot (before the bins had been redesigned to make bin tenancy more difficult).
Eventually, however, the people just went away.
The PIP shelter in Worcester is in a similar situation to the state hospitals in the 70s and 80s - an expensive embarrassment that is not able to treat a population that is, at once, vulnerable and troublesome. And, the solution to the problem is pretty much the same as back then: shut it down.
The same spirit, wrapped in practicality, has given New York City the unsubtle idea about homelessness that might catch on - pay 'em to go away.
In an article in InCity Times, The PIP shelter and what it means to Worcester, District 4 City Councilor Barbara Haller answers the question of 'What will become of these people?'

My answer to that question was always to explain that it is not the responsibility of the struggling neighborhood around 701 to bring solution to homelessness, but rather it is the responsibility of the whole community.

A friend used to say, "Everybody's cow is nobody's cow." There's no dispute that the PIP shelter has failed its mission to bring drunks and addicts to clean and sober lives and that, in the process, has also failed the community. Conflating the issues of alcohol and drug addiction with homelessness (issues that are deeply connected, but also separable), diminishes the focus that each issue requires.
We have a plan (PDF file) and a Worcester County Regional Network. A Google search of news and documents, however, shows several mentions of people claiming membership on the Leadership Council, but scant mention of drugs or alcohol. (Nearly all of the discussion regarding drugs and alcohol came in testimony regarding continuation of programs at Dismas House.)
One effort, the Almost Home program at Dismas House, has drawn praise from officials and participants alike by addressing the complex needs of prisoners returning to society, needs that include drug and alcohol treatment. Naturally, state funding has been cut and the program shut down.
County-wide solutions are important, but are rare. There are, by one assessment, 72 sober houses in Massachusetts, with just four in Worcester County. Gardner certainly went the distance to ensure that SMOC wouldn't open a new sober house in its downtown.
Getting and staying clean and sober is very hard. Getting other people clean and sober is even harder. Nevertheless, we're not going to make any significant progress on the problems that make people need the PIP shelter until we're also willing and able to address the vexing problems of alcohol and drug addiction and other forms of mental illness in people on the street.

I think that it might rain this afternoon

Newton's First Law vs. attic mice

Sheesh. This is only the second box of papers that I've brought down from the attic. I don't know how many more are up there. Two. Or two dozen. Who keeps all this stuff? Oh. Right.

• This is the person who taught me how to write, my mother:
  
  
  
  
• Even the mice didn't want to nibble on a folder labeled Misc. Poetry 1977.
• For a time,  I wrote stories for those true confessions magazines. I didn't get published in the real True Confessions; they were the big leagues. My stories got into the knock-offs.
  A friend of a friend made a good living writing those kinds of stories; that's where I got the idea. I made a few hundred bucks. Some of the magazines are still around, but, with reality tv shows and all, who needs to read?
  I found folders with quite a few completed, but unsold stories and many more drafts.
• Those were some tough times, financially, but I had my cheerleaders:
  
  
  
  
  
• How did those mice get all that bird seed from the back yard into these boxes in the attic? That's a long way to travel with a mouthful of anything.
  
• I was a reporter for the Enterprise-Sun newspapers. The McDonald's near the office paid more, but they didn't hand out press passes such as this:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• As always, when you dig deeply enough in the archives, you find stories that inspire you with their great wisdom:
  
  
  
  
  
  

On the Intertubes, Arlo Guthrie, and, of course, cats

In this past Sunday's New York Times Magazine, Arlo Guthrie notes "I’m thankful we’re living in a world where we can actually afford to waste your time. What a great thing that is."
Not only that, but, according to Hacker News, Americans, at 12 hours per week online, are goofing off smarter not harder.

In that spirit, I bring you a blog that is a picture gallery and a tribute to all the fantastic cat-ladders of the world.

Via Miss C Recommends

A song to bring us home

My new family was a bit surprised when I asked that we sing Amazing Grace at our wedding. I learned from them that it's a song strongly associated with funerals. I grew up in a family and a community without a strong Christian presence, so funerals didn't have a lot of music, let alone spiritual music.
I came to the song from another perspective, crawling from the wreckage that had no business continuing, except by grace. I took the words, "I once was lost, but now am found," as a thin but strong tether that brought me to shore.
I am quite glad that I hadn't read the words in their original form first, because I'd've been quite confused.

Amazing grace! (how fweet the found)
That fav'd a wretch like me!
I once was loft, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I fee.

As I've often noted, this song is all too often rendered impotent by vapid orchestration and operatic soloists. This song is about sin, people, and the deep, deep horror that comes when one realizes the consequences of sin, not only on one's life, but, most importantly, on the lives of others. As Bruce said later on,

Well if I had one wish in this god forsaken world, kids
It'd be that your mistakes would be your own

Our sins are never just our own. That's what makes them matter.

The Library of Congress has a page about Amazing Grace, tracing its evolution from a plaintive prayer to a mainstay of Christian spiritual music.

via MeFi.

Worcester Blogroll

Jeff from Wormtown Taxi has done a nice job of setting up a Worcester Blogroll page that delivers the latest feeds from bloggers in and around the Worcester area.
This post reminds me a bit of the way that Google handles recursion.

Making the Baby Jesus cry

The first Christmas catalog arrived in the mail today:

 

Not only that, but here's what they want you to do to your kids' Christmas memories:

Would someone call the Pope or something?

On age, privileges, and wait, what?

• Scott Adams writes in his blog: Once you reach the age of 80, a new set of legal rights should kick in. Specifically, you should be able to imbibe any drug you want, and you should have the right to doctor-assisted euthanasia. 
• So, don't forget your hat.
  
• In the meantime, however, Enjoy Senior Discounts While They Last.
• Of course, college students are still getting their discount action, 
• Remember, however, that if you try to get a discount from AT&T, they'll charge you for it.
• Finally, I guess, research is showing that "older adults find it difficult to concentrate in busy environments and filter out irrelevant information." Which is the perfect set of attributes for a blogger.

All the news that's fit to be something

OntheCommon.com: "It's about three in the rainy morning as the car lights show up in the driveway. The newspaper's here...."

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

Monday, July 13

9:41 a.m. Caller wants officer to witness damage to vehicle in parking lot
10:36 a.m. 911 hangup from Pleasant St.; accidental
10:38 a.m. Well-being check on senior on Wachusett St.; all is well
10:27 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle leaving car dealership

Tuesday, July 14

4:59 a.m. Fox in area of Salisbury St. and Putnam Rd.
8:47 a.m. Someone throwing rocks into bottom of pool on Mason Rd.
9:05 a.m. Bike in the road on Main St.
9:47 a.m. Caller reports people having a hard time crossing crosswalk
3:19 p.m. Loose German shepherd on Nola Dr.
5:43 p.m. Caller asking if driver is responsible for passenger drinking alcohol in the vehicle
6:12 p.m. Individual taken into protective custody
8:17 p.m. Caller reports someone cut down hammock in back yard on Princeton St.
10:13 p.m. Two windows open at high school

Wednesday, July 15

1:51 a.m. Caller reports vehicle struck cone on Highland St.
4:06 a.m. Dog barking for an hour on Bullard St.
5:41 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle with person who appears to be asleep at high school; person waiting for building to be opened
10:22 a.m. Paving crew blocking lane on Highland Street
12:05 p.m. Underground cable torn up at Fox Hill Dr. and Salisbury St.
1:13 p.m. Wachusett St. resident reported vehicle seen near house heading out of town
3:32 p.m. 911 teenage boy hit by motor vehicle on Highland St.
4:49 p.m. 911 motor vehicle accident in front of residence on Highland St.
5:38 p.m. Inquiry regarding whether anyone found a cat

Thursday, July 16

2:25 a.m. Dog barking in Doyle Rd. area
2:48 a.m. Dog barking incessantly on Birch Ave.
8:38 a.m. Attempt to speak with resident regarding trash on Main St.
9:47 a.m. Peace restored on Lincoln Ave.
11:39 a.m. 911 Kids banging on windows at Main St. business
8:28 p.m. Kids skateboarding off steps into Rte. 31 in front of library

Friday, July 17

1:29 a.m. Two suspicious individuals on bikes on Main St.
1:40 a.m. Purse reported thrown out of vehicle at light at Rte. 31 and Rte. 122
6:27 a.m. Suspicious parties on Wachusett St. picking up rocks
1:40 p.m. Animal problem on Parker Rd.
3:36 p.m. Reservoir security requests assistance with two boaters on Quinapoxet Reservoir
9:42 p.m. Fireworks in area of Wachusett St. reported
11:33 p.m. Injured porcupine found

Saturday, July 18

1:26 a.m. Party going through vehicle with flashlight on Main St. reported; ok, vehicle belongs to individual
5:31 a.m. 911 Power outage on Miles Ave. after loud pop heard; wire appears to be down; light dept. informed
12:26 p.m. Teens soliciting adults to buy them tobacco products at Main St. businesses
1:00 p.m. Report of firecrackers in the area on bikes behind Honey Farms; unfounded
6:08 p.m. 911 Dog in road on Salisbury St.
7:23 p.m. Youth fell off bike in Subway lot
9:54 p.m. Loud music on Fox Hill Dr. reported
11:05 p.m. Second report of loud music on Fox Hill Dr.
11:26 p.m. Suspicious person walking on Salisbury St., wearing all black, carrying backpack
11:52 p.m. Power outage on Mill St., blown transformer

Sunday, July 19

12:25 a.m. Suspicious individual with backpack behind light dept.
9:06 a.m. Debris in roadway on Shrewsbury St.
12:40 p.m. Suspicious person on Brattle St. walked into yard, confused
1:37 p.m. Lockout of home on Wilde Willow Dr.
4:16 p.m. Tree and wire down on Salisbury St. blocking lane of travel
7:55 p.m. Caller reports cat attacked by another cat; question about rabies
8:23 p.m. 911 Report of fireworks in area of Eagle Lake Beach
10:06 p.m. Lines sparking on side of Mountview School
10:40 p.m. Elderly caller having battery issues with CO detector
10:59 p.m. Woodridge Rd. resident reports phone call from young person saying mother fell down; said she was from Shrewsbury; Shrewsbury Police advised

Paxton

Monday, July 13

8:07 p.m. Caller concerned about two individuals going door-to-door selling books, Crowningshield Dr.
8:22 p.m. Report of vehicle driving around behind school, West St.

Tuesday, July 14

4:28 p.m. Chocolate Labrador found on West St. Owner contacted
9:14 p.m. Wire with cans tied to it and rocks placed across road, Sunset Ln.

Wednesday, July 15

10:00 a.m. Fire department rescued cat from tree near Grove St. fields; cat back home
11:57 a.m. Vehicle damaged from falling branch from work done by tree workers, West St.
3:10 p.m. Suspicious white truck in driveway of pumping station, Pleasant St.

Friday, July 17

4:38 p.m. Person at station for follow-up, West St.

Saturday, July 18

11:16 a.m. Erratic operator heading from Rutland to Paxton, Richards Ave.

Sunday, July 19

1:29 a.m. Report of man "flipped out" and heading toward Paxton, Rte. 56N
10:25 a.m. Person locked out of residence, Richards Ave.
11:57 p.m. Loud bang and kids yelling at Jefferson Dr./Burtenmar Cir.

Princeton

Monday, July 13

9:06 a.m. Request for animal control officer, Hobbs Rd.
9:31 a.m. Assist fire department, Brooks Station Rd.
3:04 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Administration Rd.
3:15 p.m. Traffic safety hazard, Worcester Rd.

Tuesday, July 14

9:31 a.m. Traffic safety hazard, Calamint Hill Rd. S
6:20 p.m. Disabled motor vehicle, Hubbardston Rd.

Wednesday, July 15

12:35 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Hickory Dr.
2:44 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Mirick/ Pine Hill Rds.
6:59 p.m. Assist fire department, Mountain Rd.
9:16 p.m. Request for animal control officer, Bullard Rd.

Thursday, July 16

1:54 p.m. Disturbance, Sterling Rd.
4:39 p.m. Trash/litter complaint, Worcester Rd.
8:01 p.m. Disturbance, gun shots, Sam Cobb Ln.

Friday, July 17

4:46 p.m. Suspicious person, Lovers Ln.

Saturday, July 18

6:32 p.m. Property found, Calamint Hill Rd. N
7:01 p.m. Narcotics, E. Princeton Rd.
7:52 p.m. Public service, Mountain Rd.
10:19 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Sterling Rd.
10:37 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, E. Princeton Rd.

Sunday, July 19

6:58 a.m. Request for animal control officer, Hobbs Rd.

Rutland

Monday, July 13

7:32 a.m. Report of someone living in display shed at business, Main St.
10:27 a.m. Suspicious person in front of used car lot, Pommogussett/Bigelow Rds.
1:06 p.m. Report that family of birds was hit crossing Main St./Pleasantdale. Unable to find them
3:11 p.m. Person at station to meet with officer, Main St.
10:23 p.m. Motor vehicle hit moose, East County Rd./Wachusett St.
11:04 p.m. Report of loud music. Police break up party behind restaurant, Barre Paxton Rd.

Tuesday, July 14

4:05 p.m. Stray cat at home, Charnock Hill Rd.
9:25 p.m. Male sleeping in vehicle, Maple Ave.

Wednesday, July 15

10:35 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
10:50 a.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about merchandise ordered and not received, Pommogussett Rd.
3:53 p.m. Complaint about four-wheeler speeding through neighborhood. Also vehicle speeding on Juniper and Blueberry Lanes

Thursday, July 16

1:56 p.m. Caller wants animal control officer to keep neighborhood dogs and cats from using her backyard as a bathroom, Irish Ln.
2:06 p.m. Person complaining about loud drumming, Colonial Dr.
6:53 p.m. Erratic operator heading into center of town, Main St.
8:56 p.m. "Floor mop" dog loose in Barre Paxton Rd. area

Friday, July 17

12:29 a.m. Disturbance, Campbell St.
1:39 p.m. Caller concerned about well-being of caged dog, River Rd.
7:13 p.m. Jacket found in woods, Brunelle Dr.

Saturday, July 18

1:18 p.m. Dead cat in middle of Maple Ave.
4:46 p.m. Request for animal control officer for wounded dog, Miles Rd.
8:39 p.m. Possible gun shots or fireworks, Barre Paxton Rd.

Sunday, July 19

5:54 p.m. Family of foxes living in foreclosed home, Athens Ave.
6:20 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
7:58 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
10:09 p.m. Loose cow, Glenwood Rd.
10:58 p.m. Loud music in Highland Park Rd. area
11:38 p.m. Person shooting off fireworks, Laurelwood Rd.

Sterling

Monday, July 13

4:01 p.m. Tractor trailer versus sedan, Chocksett Rd./George Peeso Way. Truck rear-ended car
11:38 p.m. Two suspicious males wearing dark clothing, Maple St.

Tuesday, July 14

3:10 p.m. Report that Pomeranian-type dog attacked another dog, Matthew Ln.
3:45 p.m. Caller removed skateboard from middle of Goulding Rd.
7:20 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about no-trespass letter person won't accept, Leominster Rd.
9:04 p.m. Caller wants advice on what to do about fox at end of his driveway, Pamela Ln.

Wednesday, July 15

6:10 a.m. Low-hanging wire, Justice Hill Rd.
8:19 p.m. Caller concerned about daughter who hasn't returned from concert in Boston, Princeton Rd. Daughter located.
11:48 a.m. Report of worker turning around in driveway, Heywood Rd. Homeowner doesn't want them to.
1:48 p.m. Vehicles parked on both sides of Upper N. Row Rd. on bad curve; parking citations issued
2:29 p.m. Loose yellow Lab dragging leash, Ashton Ln.
11:11 p.m. Suspicious activity, car parked near gate to reservoir, kids walking up road with sleeping bags, Upper N. Row Rd.

Thursday, July 16

6:52 a.m. Ferret found in cage in front of station. Note attached: "Ffind me a home and a box of food," Main St.
12:41 p.m. Caller reports raccoon living under porch at home, Rowley Hill Rd.
4:37 p.m. Caller reports person sitting in vehicle on
Redemption Rock Trl./Burpee Rd. Has permission to do traffic count.
7:26 p.m. Report of non-resident vehicle parked in town beach lot, officer requested, Hall Ave.

Friday, July 17

8:26 a.m. Caller concerned about activities at home across the street, Redstone Hill Rd.
1:35 p.m. Report of fight in progress behind police station, Leominster Rd.
2:26 p.m. Assist citizen who lost load of mattresses, Worcester Rd.
4:17 p.m. Possible non-resident parked in lot at town beach, Hall Ave.

Saturday, July 18

10:37 a.m. Citizen calling about tree work on Osgood Rd., had hard time getting by in his vehicle
2:36 p.m. Tree work, vehicle blocking road, hard for vehicles to get by, Meetinghouse Hill/Stuart Rds.
3:00 p.m. Person bitten by dog and wants to know what to do, Lakeview Ave.
3:50 p.m. Report of giant turtle on front steps of home, Maple St.

Sunday, July 19

9:55 a.m. Injured hawk near swimming pool, Mellon Hollow Rd.
10:29 a.m. Dog loose, scared by bikes, Bird St.
3:21 p.m. Husky found at Crazy Corners, dog brought to station, Leominster Rd.
6:18 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about his car egged on N. Row Rd.
8:03 p.m. Officer wanted, three people went into woods on N. Row Rd.
1:06 p.m. Motor vehicle hit deer, Redemption Rock Trl.
11:12 p.m. Caller reports intruder in building at Sterling Country Club; employee returning for something, Albright Rd.

Remember when customer satisfaction had something to do with satisfied customers?

Happy Birthday, SMH