"Do you work for Intel?" he asked me. The young man works at a large grocery store, helping the folks who are using the self-service check-out stations.
I glanced down at my shirt pocket. "This? No, I got this shirt at Morgan Memorial." I paused. "I do work with computers, though."
"I do, too," he said, eagerly, waving his hand in a broad arc to indicate the check-out stations. "These are all computers." He said most of the problems he'd encountered were related to power, but the diagnostics in the registers were pretty good.
We talked a bit about the user interface, the need for the barcode scanner to be clean, and the conveyor belt free of dirt. "These things are running Windows XP," he said, pointing to the cabinet below the register. "They have a keyboard. I can get onto the Internet."
"Cool," I said, watching the honeydew melons spin and tumble down the belt and into the tomatoes.
It's good when work is more than something you get through in order to get money, when work gets you to think about more than just what you're doing, and when you're a person who wants to talk with other people about things of interest.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Crime in suburbia
From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 24 suspicious items this week.]
11:00 a.m. Brown water, Main St.
6:50 p.m. Transformer leaking fluid, Dorothy Ave.
2:13 a.m. Two suspicious persons, Wachusett St.; transported
9:05 a.m. Pipe sticking up in road/water main popped, Main St.
4:27 p.m. Suspicious vehicles parked in authorized zone, Harris St.
5:07 p.m. Putnam Ln. resident concerned about helicopter overhead; probably news chopper for brush fire
5:27 p.m. Child fell into pool, unconscious/not breathing. Parents given CPR instructions; child crying
5:55 p.m. Numerous calls from residents about fire, reporting smoke
8:47 p.m. Sinkhole in front of residence, Bull Run Rd.
8:54 p.m. Holly Cir. resident returning GPS found in recovered stolen vehicle
9:08 p.m. Suspicious vehicle near Eagle Lake; driver appears to be fishing
9:09 p.m. Vehicle appears to be attaching a boat, Eagle Lake
1:46 a.m. Suspicious incident, Dorothy Ave.
6:02 a.m. Large branch removed from Boyden Rd.
12:26 p.m. Well-being check on resident who felt bad and can’t be contacted, Putnam Ln.; OK, problems with phone
1:10 p.m. Two males with clipboards and camera in yard, Doyle Rd.; OK, Asian longhorned beetle workers
6:32 p.m. Neighbor’s pitbull running up Shrewsubury St.
11:04 a.m. Request for assistance with smoke alarms that won’t turn off, no sign of fire or smoke
11:14 a.m. Request for lookout for bicycle rider; mother needs to speak with her; found at 11:52 a.m.
5:08 p.m. Caller inquiring if anyone reported dog missing
5:53 p.m. Parties skateboarding at Mountview School; refusing to leave
6:54 p.m. Kids skateboarding, Princeton St.
12:28 a.m. Suspicious vehicle at high school
7:17 a.m. Moose near Heather Cir. moving toward Quinapoxet St.
7:25 a.m. Two people walking dogs advised to leave area, Shrewsbury St.
7:40 a.m. Request for traffic assistance to remove tree
10:17 a.m. Caller may have marijuana growing on his property; wants officer to check
10:39 a.m. Small white dog lost; reunited with owner
10:48 a.m. Caller believes someone using her pool at night, concerned about liability; will post property
2:17 p.m. Suspicious van under trees, Coventry Rd.
4:19 p.m. Walk-in reporting suspicious incident
9:29 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle parked in lot, Trout Brook
10:29 a.m. Water Dept. shut-off valve cover missing
12:29 p.m. Solicitors with no permits advised to leave town center
2:15 p.m. Shrewsbury PD would like to speak with Salsibury St. resident about illegal dumping
2:19 p.m. Vehicle beside road asked to move along
2:28 p.m. Subject riding bicycle in unsafe manner, Main St.
7:17 p.m. Caller reports three phone calls from U.S. Census; wondering if HPD could validate; no information
7:33 p.m. Vehicles parked on both sides of Nola Dr.
8:24 p.m. Caller reports seeing vehicle throw trash bag near St. Peter-Marian High School; Worcester PD advised
11:30 p.m. Group of youths walking, Manning St.
11:40 a.m. Motorcycle charity ride coming through town
12:43 p.m. Solicitors selling furniture out of trailer, Fox Hill Dr.; permit temporarily revoked
2:24 p.m. Dog found, Parker Ave.
8:26 p.m. Caller says he wasn’t operating ATV unreasonably; says situation with neighbors is bordering on harassment
1:46 p.m. Police at scene of gas grill fire, Burtenmar Cir.
11:11 p.m. Suspicious vehicles filled with kids going down driveway, Pleasant St.
8:10 p.m. Request for police to check on person talking with kids in front of building, West St.
2:51 p.m. Police follow person having mechanical problems, Pleasant St.
11:29 a.m. Person at station to have car seat inspected, Pleasant St.
12:10 p.m. Person wants car seat inspected, Pleasant St.
12:52 p.m. Motorcyclist speeding up and down Rte. 140
8:12 p.m. Caller reports suspicious vehicle and someone removing items from residence, Ball Hill Rd.
9:13 p.m. Car locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.
5:45 p.m. Motorcycle speeding past traffic, Hubbardston Rd.
6:10 p.m. Low power throughout eastern and northern parts of town
8:10 p.m. No power, Main St.
4:58 p.m. Police set up radar, Mountain Rd.
10:40 a.m. Police assist person bringing weapons to station for storage, Town Hall Dr.
4:05 p.m. Police set up radar, Mountain Rd.
7:05 p.m. Police assist person with disabled vehicle, Worcester Rd.
7:22 p.m. Police remove branch from road, Ball Hill Rd.
11:35 a.m. Police control traffic for approximately 100 motorcycles passing through center of town
5:22 p.m. Vehicle parked on caller’s property, Maple Spring Dr.
9:27 p.m. Loud neighbors, Carly Cir.
9:32 p.m. Officer wanted at Main St. restaurant for intoxicated patron. Officer at location until ride arrives.
11:47 p.m. Suspicious auto, Glenwood Rd.
12:50 p.m. Management Co. in with a list of cars towed from Maple Ave. property, but still on the property
9:33 a.m. Walk-in reports expensive touring bike on side of road for three days, Prescott St.
10:21 p.m. Caller requesting to speak with officer about possible unwanted guest coming to his residence tonight.
10:36 p.m. Suspicious auto reported near Glenwood
School. Parties are stargazing on top of their vehicle.
7:04 p.m. Two males seen abandoning sick-looking cat, Breezy Ln.
9:54 p.m. Fireworks, Naqaug St.
8:58 a.m. Caller’s car egged during night, Brunelle Dr.
9:42 p.m. Loud fireworks, Ware Rd.
9:17 p.m. Fireworks and firecrackers set off third night in row, Worcester Rd.
6:35 p.m. Older German shepherd standing in travel lane, Leominster Rd.
8:00 p.m. Skunk walking in yard, Justice Hill Rd.
6:43 a.m. Caller reports person running backhoe before 7 a.m., Greenland Rd.
10:48 a.m. Dog appears to have been hit by vehicle; owner taking it to vet
11:20 a.m. Suspicious male looked in garage, last seen heading into woods, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
11:49 a.m. Suspicious activity, vehicle parked at loading dock, Leominster Rd.
12:15 p.m. Suspicious activity, vehicle parked at end of driveway, Justice Hill Rd.
4:30 p.m. Strange vehicle parked in driveway, Shady Ln.
5:44 p.m. Lost male boxer dog from Clinton
8:34 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in driveway, James Rd.
9:29 a.m. Caller thinks rabid raccoon is at her home, Lakeshore Dr.
10:36 a.m. Caller thinks squirrel is living in ceiling, Beaman Rd.
3:25 p.m. Large group of youths heading to reservoir, Upper N. Row Rd.
7:03 p.m. Complaint about boat on water, Hall Ave.
9:24 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Patriots Way
12:43 p.m. Black Labrador in yard, Blueberry Ln.
10:01 p.m. Person concerned about young male trying to hitchhike, Main St.
[Editor's note: There were 24 suspicious items this week.]
Holden
Monday, July 5
7:41 a.m. Stray beagle brought in; slept in neighbor’s garage11:00 a.m. Brown water, Main St.
6:50 p.m. Transformer leaking fluid, Dorothy Ave.
Tuesday, July 6
1:57 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle with wallet and Ipod on seat and windows open, Winthrop Ln.2:13 a.m. Two suspicious persons, Wachusett St.; transported
9:05 a.m. Pipe sticking up in road/water main popped, Main St.
4:27 p.m. Suspicious vehicles parked in authorized zone, Harris St.
5:07 p.m. Putnam Ln. resident concerned about helicopter overhead; probably news chopper for brush fire
5:27 p.m. Child fell into pool, unconscious/not breathing. Parents given CPR instructions; child crying
5:55 p.m. Numerous calls from residents about fire, reporting smoke
8:47 p.m. Sinkhole in front of residence, Bull Run Rd.
8:54 p.m. Holly Cir. resident returning GPS found in recovered stolen vehicle
9:08 p.m. Suspicious vehicle near Eagle Lake; driver appears to be fishing
9:09 p.m. Vehicle appears to be attaching a boat, Eagle Lake
Wednesday, July 7
12:16 a.m. Suspicious vehicle near Holden Pool; no one around1:46 a.m. Suspicious incident, Dorothy Ave.
6:02 a.m. Large branch removed from Boyden Rd.
12:26 p.m. Well-being check on resident who felt bad and can’t be contacted, Putnam Ln.; OK, problems with phone
1:10 p.m. Two males with clipboards and camera in yard, Doyle Rd.; OK, Asian longhorned beetle workers
6:32 p.m. Neighbor’s pitbull running up Shrewsubury St.
Thursday, July 8
9:28 a.m. Dead skunk, Main St.11:04 a.m. Request for assistance with smoke alarms that won’t turn off, no sign of fire or smoke
11:14 a.m. Request for lookout for bicycle rider; mother needs to speak with her; found at 11:52 a.m.
5:08 p.m. Caller inquiring if anyone reported dog missing
5:53 p.m. Parties skateboarding at Mountview School; refusing to leave
6:54 p.m. Kids skateboarding, Princeton St.
Friday, July 9
12:01 a.m. Suspicious person walking by Causeway St.12:28 a.m. Suspicious vehicle at high school
7:17 a.m. Moose near Heather Cir. moving toward Quinapoxet St.
7:25 a.m. Two people walking dogs advised to leave area, Shrewsbury St.
7:40 a.m. Request for traffic assistance to remove tree
10:17 a.m. Caller may have marijuana growing on his property; wants officer to check
10:39 a.m. Small white dog lost; reunited with owner
10:48 a.m. Caller believes someone using her pool at night, concerned about liability; will post property
2:17 p.m. Suspicious van under trees, Coventry Rd.
4:19 p.m. Walk-in reporting suspicious incident
9:29 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle parked in lot, Trout Brook
Saturday, July 10
1:27 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicles pulling into driveways, Mark Cir.10:29 a.m. Water Dept. shut-off valve cover missing
12:29 p.m. Solicitors with no permits advised to leave town center
2:15 p.m. Shrewsbury PD would like to speak with Salsibury St. resident about illegal dumping
2:19 p.m. Vehicle beside road asked to move along
2:28 p.m. Subject riding bicycle in unsafe manner, Main St.
7:17 p.m. Caller reports three phone calls from U.S. Census; wondering if HPD could validate; no information
7:33 p.m. Vehicles parked on both sides of Nola Dr.
8:24 p.m. Caller reports seeing vehicle throw trash bag near St. Peter-Marian High School; Worcester PD advised
11:30 p.m. Group of youths walking, Manning St.
Sunday, July 11
1:49 a.m. Several individuals walking on railroad tracks, Industrial Park11:40 a.m. Motorcycle charity ride coming through town
12:43 p.m. Solicitors selling furniture out of trailer, Fox Hill Dr.; permit temporarily revoked
2:24 p.m. Dog found, Parker Ave.
8:26 p.m. Caller says he wasn’t operating ATV unreasonably; says situation with neighbors is bordering on harassment
Paxton
Monday, July 5
3:56 a.m. Caller reports at least four people in her backyard, West St. No one found1:46 p.m. Police at scene of gas grill fire, Burtenmar Cir.
11:11 p.m. Suspicious vehicles filled with kids going down driveway, Pleasant St.
Tuesday, July 6
6:42 p.m. Person at station to speak to supervisor, Pleasant St.Wednesday, July 7
12:31 a.m. Person at station to report hitting deer on Streeter Rd. Vehicle damaged, deer went into woods8:10 p.m. Request for police to check on person talking with kids in front of building, West St.
Thursday, July 8
7:49 p.m. Neighbor in street causing disturbance, Monticello Dr.Friday, July 9
12:45 p.m. Suspicious white truck parked in neighborhood, South St.2:51 p.m. Police follow person having mechanical problems, Pleasant St.
Saturday, July 10
10:19 p.m. Vehicle egged during night, Lancelot Dr.11:29 a.m. Person at station to have car seat inspected, Pleasant St.
12:10 p.m. Person wants car seat inspected, Pleasant St.
Sunday, July 11
6:00 p.m. Elderly male walking looks ill, Pleasant St.Princeton
Monday, July 5
7:09 a.m. Dog found, Sharon Dr.12:52 p.m. Motorcyclist speeding up and down Rte. 140
8:12 p.m. Caller reports suspicious vehicle and someone removing items from residence, Ball Hill Rd.
Tuesday, July 6
1:30 p.m. Calf stuck under barn, Grow Ln.9:13 p.m. Car locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.
Wednesday, July 7
9:24 a.m. Police set up radar, Goodnow Rd.5:45 p.m. Motorcycle speeding past traffic, Hubbardston Rd.
6:10 p.m. Low power throughout eastern and northern parts of town
8:10 p.m. No power, Main St.
Thursday, July 8
1:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked at end of Calamint Hill Rd. S4:58 p.m. Police set up radar, Mountain Rd.
Friday, July 9
8:35 a.m. Two unleashed dogs beside Ball Hill Rd.10:40 a.m. Police assist person bringing weapons to station for storage, Town Hall Dr.
4:05 p.m. Police set up radar, Mountain Rd.
Saturday, July 10
5:57 p.m. Police assist person looking for lost dog, Worcester Rd.7:05 p.m. Police assist person with disabled vehicle, Worcester Rd.
7:22 p.m. Police remove branch from road, Ball Hill Rd.
Sunday, July 11
10:34 a.m. Complaint about large group of bicyclists taking up entire road, Sterling Rd.11:35 a.m. Police control traffic for approximately 100 motorcycles passing through center of town
Rutland
Monday, July 5
9:53 a.m. Missing Australian/lab mix dog5:22 p.m. Vehicle parked on caller’s property, Maple Spring Dr.
9:27 p.m. Loud neighbors, Carly Cir.
Tuesday, July 6
11:20 a.m. Caller reports 10 speed bike left in his front yard Friday evening9:32 p.m. Officer wanted at Main St. restaurant for intoxicated patron. Officer at location until ride arrives.
11:47 p.m. Suspicious auto, Glenwood Rd.
Wednesday, July 7
12:15 a.m. Suspicious auto, Barre Paxton Rd.12:50 p.m. Management Co. in with a list of cars towed from Maple Ave. property, but still on the property
Thursday, July 8
8:13 a.m. Sick-looking fox in middle of Heritage Hill Dr.; there for three days9:33 a.m. Walk-in reports expensive touring bike on side of road for three days, Prescott St.
10:21 p.m. Caller requesting to speak with officer about possible unwanted guest coming to his residence tonight.
10:36 p.m. Suspicious auto reported near Glenwood
School. Parties are stargazing on top of their vehicle.
Friday, July 9
1:42 p.m. Request to move skateboarders along, Main St.7:04 p.m. Two males seen abandoning sick-looking cat, Breezy Ln.
9:54 p.m. Fireworks, Naqaug St.
Saturday, July 10
8:15 a.m. Report of duck with injured leg, Fisherman’s Rd.8:58 a.m. Caller’s car egged during night, Brunelle Dr.
9:42 p.m. Loud fireworks, Ware Rd.
Sterling
Monday, July 5
7:38 p.m. People riding dirt bikes in roadway, not wearing helmets, Sunset Dr.9:17 p.m. Fireworks and firecrackers set off third night in row, Worcester Rd.
Tuesday, July 6
1:38 a.m. Video tapes reviewed regarding previous incident, N. Row Rd.6:35 p.m. Older German shepherd standing in travel lane, Leominster Rd.
8:00 p.m. Skunk walking in yard, Justice Hill Rd.
Wednesday, July 7
6:27 a.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about youths drinking, Main St.6:43 a.m. Caller reports person running backhoe before 7 a.m., Greenland Rd.
10:48 a.m. Dog appears to have been hit by vehicle; owner taking it to vet
11:20 a.m. Suspicious male looked in garage, last seen heading into woods, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
11:49 a.m. Suspicious activity, vehicle parked at loading dock, Leominster Rd.
12:15 p.m. Suspicious activity, vehicle parked at end of driveway, Justice Hill Rd.
4:30 p.m. Strange vehicle parked in driveway, Shady Ln.
5:44 p.m. Lost male boxer dog from Clinton
8:34 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in driveway, James Rd.
Thursday, July 8
5:11 p.m. Possibly intoxicated male staggering up Wiles Rd.9:29 a.m. Caller thinks rabid raccoon is at her home, Lakeshore Dr.
10:36 a.m. Caller thinks squirrel is living in ceiling, Beaman Rd.
3:25 p.m. Large group of youths heading to reservoir, Upper N. Row Rd.
7:03 p.m. Complaint about boat on water, Hall Ave.
9:24 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Patriots Way
Saturday, July 10
9:22 a.m. Several domestic chickens in road, John Dee Rd. West Boylston ACO looking for themSunday, July 11
7:29 a.m. Loose cow, Princeton/Jewett Rds.12:43 p.m. Black Labrador in yard, Blueberry Ln.
10:01 p.m. Person concerned about young male trying to hitchhike, Main St.
Crime in suburbia
From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 24 suspicious items this week.]
11:00 a.m. Brown water, Main St.
6:50 p.m. Transformer leaking fluid, Dorothy Ave.
2:13 a.m. Two suspicious persons, Wachusett St.; transported
9:05 a.m. Pipe sticking up in road/water main popped, Main St.
4:27 p.m. Suspicious vehicles parked in authorized zone, Harris St.
5:07 p.m. Putnam Ln. resident concerned about helicopter overhead; probably news chopper for brush fire
5:27 p.m. Child fell into pool, unconscious/not breathing. Parents given CPR instructions; child crying
5:55 p.m. Numerous calls from residents about fire, reporting smoke
8:47 p.m. Sinkhole in front of residence, Bull Run Rd.
8:54 p.m. Holly Cir. resident returning GPS found in recovered stolen vehicle
9:08 p.m. Suspicious vehicle near Eagle Lake; driver appears to be fishing
9:09 p.m. Vehicle appears to be attaching a boat, Eagle Lake
1:46 a.m. Suspicious incident, Dorothy Ave.
6:02 a.m. Large branch removed from Boyden Rd.
12:26 p.m. Well-being check on resident who felt bad and can’t be contacted, Putnam Ln.; OK, problems with phone
1:10 p.m. Two males with clipboards and camera in yard, Doyle Rd.; OK, Asian longhorned beetle workers
6:32 p.m. Neighbor’s pitbull running up Shrewsubury St.
11:04 a.m. Request for assistance with smoke alarms that won’t turn off, no sign of fire or smoke
11:14 a.m. Request for lookout for bicycle rider; mother needs to speak with her; found at 11:52 a.m.
5:08 p.m. Caller inquiring if anyone reported dog missing
5:53 p.m. Parties skateboarding at Mountview School; refusing to leave
6:54 p.m. Kids skateboarding, Princeton St.
12:28 a.m. Suspicious vehicle at high school
7:17 a.m. Moose near Heather Cir. moving toward Quinapoxet St.
7:25 a.m. Two people walking dogs advised to leave area, Shrewsbury St.
7:40 a.m. Request for traffic assistance to remove tree
10:17 a.m. Caller may have marijuana growing on his property; wants officer to check
10:39 a.m. Small white dog lost; reunited with owner
10:48 a.m. Caller believes someone using her pool at night, concerned about liability; will post property
2:17 p.m. Suspicious van under trees, Coventry Rd.
4:19 p.m. Walk-in reporting suspicious incident
9:29 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle parked in lot, Trout Brook
10:29 a.m. Water Dept. shut-off valve cover missing
12:29 p.m. Solicitors with no permits advised to leave town center
2:15 p.m. Shrewsbury PD would like to speak with Salsibury St. resident about illegal dumping
2:19 p.m. Vehicle beside road asked to move along
2:28 p.m. Subject riding bicycle in unsafe manner, Main St.
7:17 p.m. Caller reports three phone calls from U.S. Census; wondering if HPD could validate; no information
7:33 p.m. Vehicles parked on both sides of Nola Dr.
8:24 p.m. Caller reports seeing vehicle throw trash bag near St. Peter-Marian High School; Worcester PD advised
11:30 p.m. Group of youths walking, Manning St.
11:40 a.m. Motorcycle charity ride coming through town
12:43 p.m. Solicitors selling furniture out of trailer, Fox Hill Dr.; permit temporarily revoked
2:24 p.m. Dog found, Parker Ave.
8:26 p.m. Caller says he wasn’t operating ATV unreasonably; says situation with neighbors is bordering on harassment
1:46 p.m. Police at scene of gas grill fire, Burtenmar Cir.
11:11 p.m. Suspicious vehicles filled with kids going down driveway, Pleasant St.
8:10 p.m. Request for police to check on person talking with kids in front of building, West St.
2:51 p.m. Police follow person having mechanical problems, Pleasant St.
11:29 a.m. Person at station to have car seat inspected, Pleasant St.
12:10 p.m. Person wants car seat inspected, Pleasant St.
12:52 p.m. Motorcyclist speeding up and down Rte. 140
8:12 p.m. Caller reports suspicious vehicle and someone removing items from residence, Ball Hill Rd.
9:13 p.m. Car locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.
5:45 p.m. Motorcycle speeding past traffic, Hubbardston Rd.
6:10 p.m. Low power throughout eastern and northern parts of town
8:10 p.m. No power, Main St.
4:58 p.m. Police set up radar, Mountain Rd.
10:40 a.m. Police assist person bringing weapons to station for storage, Town Hall Dr.
4:05 p.m. Police set up radar, Mountain Rd.
7:05 p.m. Police assist person with disabled vehicle, Worcester Rd.
7:22 p.m. Police remove branch from road, Ball Hill Rd.
11:35 a.m. Police control traffic for approximately 100 motorcycles passing through center of town
5:22 p.m. Vehicle parked on caller’s property, Maple Spring Dr.
9:27 p.m. Loud neighbors, Carly Cir.
9:32 p.m. Officer wanted at Main St. restaurant for intoxicated patron. Officer at location until ride arrives.
11:47 p.m. Suspicious auto, Glenwood Rd.
12:50 p.m. Management Co. in with a list of cars towed from Maple Ave. property, but still on the property
9:33 a.m. Walk-in reports expensive touring bike on side of road for three days, Prescott St.
10:21 p.m. Caller requesting to speak with officer about possible unwanted guest coming to his residence tonight.
10:36 p.m. Suspicious auto reported near Glenwood
School. Parties are stargazing on top of their vehicle.
7:04 p.m. Two males seen abandoning sick-looking cat, Breezy Ln.
9:54 p.m. Fireworks, Naqaug St.
8:58 a.m. Caller’s car egged during night, Brunelle Dr.
9:42 p.m. Loud fireworks, Ware Rd.
9:17 p.m. Fireworks and firecrackers set off third night in row, Worcester Rd.
6:35 p.m. Older German shepherd standing in travel lane, Leominster Rd.
8:00 p.m. Skunk walking in yard, Justice Hill Rd.
6:43 a.m. Caller reports person running backhoe before 7 a.m., Greenland Rd.
10:48 a.m. Dog appears to have been hit by vehicle; owner taking it to vet
11:20 a.m. Suspicious male looked in garage, last seen heading into woods, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
11:49 a.m. Suspicious activity, vehicle parked at loading dock, Leominster Rd.
12:15 p.m. Suspicious activity, vehicle parked at end of driveway, Justice Hill Rd.
4:30 p.m. Strange vehicle parked in driveway, Shady Ln.
5:44 p.m. Lost male boxer dog from Clinton
8:34 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in driveway, James Rd.
9:29 a.m. Caller thinks rabid raccoon is at her home, Lakeshore Dr.
10:36 a.m. Caller thinks squirrel is living in ceiling, Beaman Rd.
3:25 p.m. Large group of youths heading to reservoir, Upper N. Row Rd.
7:03 p.m. Complaint about boat on water, Hall Ave.
9:24 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Patriots Way
12:43 p.m. Black Labrador in yard, Blueberry Ln.
10:01 p.m. Person concerned about young male trying to hitchhike, Main St.
[Editor's note: There were 24 suspicious items this week.]
Holden
Monday, July 5
7:41 a.m. Stray beagle brought in; slept in neighbor’s garage11:00 a.m. Brown water, Main St.
6:50 p.m. Transformer leaking fluid, Dorothy Ave.
Tuesday, July 6
1:57 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle with wallet and Ipod on seat and windows open, Winthrop Ln.2:13 a.m. Two suspicious persons, Wachusett St.; transported
9:05 a.m. Pipe sticking up in road/water main popped, Main St.
4:27 p.m. Suspicious vehicles parked in authorized zone, Harris St.
5:07 p.m. Putnam Ln. resident concerned about helicopter overhead; probably news chopper for brush fire
5:27 p.m. Child fell into pool, unconscious/not breathing. Parents given CPR instructions; child crying
5:55 p.m. Numerous calls from residents about fire, reporting smoke
8:47 p.m. Sinkhole in front of residence, Bull Run Rd.
8:54 p.m. Holly Cir. resident returning GPS found in recovered stolen vehicle
9:08 p.m. Suspicious vehicle near Eagle Lake; driver appears to be fishing
9:09 p.m. Vehicle appears to be attaching a boat, Eagle Lake
Wednesday, July 7
12:16 a.m. Suspicious vehicle near Holden Pool; no one around1:46 a.m. Suspicious incident, Dorothy Ave.
6:02 a.m. Large branch removed from Boyden Rd.
12:26 p.m. Well-being check on resident who felt bad and can’t be contacted, Putnam Ln.; OK, problems with phone
1:10 p.m. Two males with clipboards and camera in yard, Doyle Rd.; OK, Asian longhorned beetle workers
6:32 p.m. Neighbor’s pitbull running up Shrewsubury St.
Thursday, July 8
9:28 a.m. Dead skunk, Main St.11:04 a.m. Request for assistance with smoke alarms that won’t turn off, no sign of fire or smoke
11:14 a.m. Request for lookout for bicycle rider; mother needs to speak with her; found at 11:52 a.m.
5:08 p.m. Caller inquiring if anyone reported dog missing
5:53 p.m. Parties skateboarding at Mountview School; refusing to leave
6:54 p.m. Kids skateboarding, Princeton St.
Friday, July 9
12:01 a.m. Suspicious person walking by Causeway St.12:28 a.m. Suspicious vehicle at high school
7:17 a.m. Moose near Heather Cir. moving toward Quinapoxet St.
7:25 a.m. Two people walking dogs advised to leave area, Shrewsbury St.
7:40 a.m. Request for traffic assistance to remove tree
10:17 a.m. Caller may have marijuana growing on his property; wants officer to check
10:39 a.m. Small white dog lost; reunited with owner
10:48 a.m. Caller believes someone using her pool at night, concerned about liability; will post property
2:17 p.m. Suspicious van under trees, Coventry Rd.
4:19 p.m. Walk-in reporting suspicious incident
9:29 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle parked in lot, Trout Brook
Saturday, July 10
1:27 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicles pulling into driveways, Mark Cir.10:29 a.m. Water Dept. shut-off valve cover missing
12:29 p.m. Solicitors with no permits advised to leave town center
2:15 p.m. Shrewsbury PD would like to speak with Salsibury St. resident about illegal dumping
2:19 p.m. Vehicle beside road asked to move along
2:28 p.m. Subject riding bicycle in unsafe manner, Main St.
7:17 p.m. Caller reports three phone calls from U.S. Census; wondering if HPD could validate; no information
7:33 p.m. Vehicles parked on both sides of Nola Dr.
8:24 p.m. Caller reports seeing vehicle throw trash bag near St. Peter-Marian High School; Worcester PD advised
11:30 p.m. Group of youths walking, Manning St.
Sunday, July 11
1:49 a.m. Several individuals walking on railroad tracks, Industrial Park11:40 a.m. Motorcycle charity ride coming through town
12:43 p.m. Solicitors selling furniture out of trailer, Fox Hill Dr.; permit temporarily revoked
2:24 p.m. Dog found, Parker Ave.
8:26 p.m. Caller says he wasn’t operating ATV unreasonably; says situation with neighbors is bordering on harassment
Paxton
Monday, July 5
3:56 a.m. Caller reports at least four people in her backyard, West St. No one found1:46 p.m. Police at scene of gas grill fire, Burtenmar Cir.
11:11 p.m. Suspicious vehicles filled with kids going down driveway, Pleasant St.
Tuesday, July 6
6:42 p.m. Person at station to speak to supervisor, Pleasant St.Wednesday, July 7
12:31 a.m. Person at station to report hitting deer on Streeter Rd. Vehicle damaged, deer went into woods8:10 p.m. Request for police to check on person talking with kids in front of building, West St.
Thursday, July 8
7:49 p.m. Neighbor in street causing disturbance, Monticello Dr.Friday, July 9
12:45 p.m. Suspicious white truck parked in neighborhood, South St.2:51 p.m. Police follow person having mechanical problems, Pleasant St.
Saturday, July 10
10:19 p.m. Vehicle egged during night, Lancelot Dr.11:29 a.m. Person at station to have car seat inspected, Pleasant St.
12:10 p.m. Person wants car seat inspected, Pleasant St.
Sunday, July 11
6:00 p.m. Elderly male walking looks ill, Pleasant St.Princeton
Monday, July 5
7:09 a.m. Dog found, Sharon Dr.12:52 p.m. Motorcyclist speeding up and down Rte. 140
8:12 p.m. Caller reports suspicious vehicle and someone removing items from residence, Ball Hill Rd.
Tuesday, July 6
1:30 p.m. Calf stuck under barn, Grow Ln.9:13 p.m. Car locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.
Wednesday, July 7
9:24 a.m. Police set up radar, Goodnow Rd.5:45 p.m. Motorcycle speeding past traffic, Hubbardston Rd.
6:10 p.m. Low power throughout eastern and northern parts of town
8:10 p.m. No power, Main St.
Thursday, July 8
1:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked at end of Calamint Hill Rd. S4:58 p.m. Police set up radar, Mountain Rd.
Friday, July 9
8:35 a.m. Two unleashed dogs beside Ball Hill Rd.10:40 a.m. Police assist person bringing weapons to station for storage, Town Hall Dr.
4:05 p.m. Police set up radar, Mountain Rd.
Saturday, July 10
5:57 p.m. Police assist person looking for lost dog, Worcester Rd.7:05 p.m. Police assist person with disabled vehicle, Worcester Rd.
7:22 p.m. Police remove branch from road, Ball Hill Rd.
Sunday, July 11
10:34 a.m. Complaint about large group of bicyclists taking up entire road, Sterling Rd.11:35 a.m. Police control traffic for approximately 100 motorcycles passing through center of town
Rutland
Monday, July 5
9:53 a.m. Missing Australian/lab mix dog5:22 p.m. Vehicle parked on caller’s property, Maple Spring Dr.
9:27 p.m. Loud neighbors, Carly Cir.
Tuesday, July 6
11:20 a.m. Caller reports 10 speed bike left in his front yard Friday evening9:32 p.m. Officer wanted at Main St. restaurant for intoxicated patron. Officer at location until ride arrives.
11:47 p.m. Suspicious auto, Glenwood Rd.
Wednesday, July 7
12:15 a.m. Suspicious auto, Barre Paxton Rd.12:50 p.m. Management Co. in with a list of cars towed from Maple Ave. property, but still on the property
Thursday, July 8
8:13 a.m. Sick-looking fox in middle of Heritage Hill Dr.; there for three days9:33 a.m. Walk-in reports expensive touring bike on side of road for three days, Prescott St.
10:21 p.m. Caller requesting to speak with officer about possible unwanted guest coming to his residence tonight.
10:36 p.m. Suspicious auto reported near Glenwood
School. Parties are stargazing on top of their vehicle.
Friday, July 9
1:42 p.m. Request to move skateboarders along, Main St.7:04 p.m. Two males seen abandoning sick-looking cat, Breezy Ln.
9:54 p.m. Fireworks, Naqaug St.
Saturday, July 10
8:15 a.m. Report of duck with injured leg, Fisherman’s Rd.8:58 a.m. Caller’s car egged during night, Brunelle Dr.
9:42 p.m. Loud fireworks, Ware Rd.
Sterling
Monday, July 5
7:38 p.m. People riding dirt bikes in roadway, not wearing helmets, Sunset Dr.9:17 p.m. Fireworks and firecrackers set off third night in row, Worcester Rd.
Tuesday, July 6
1:38 a.m. Video tapes reviewed regarding previous incident, N. Row Rd.6:35 p.m. Older German shepherd standing in travel lane, Leominster Rd.
8:00 p.m. Skunk walking in yard, Justice Hill Rd.
Wednesday, July 7
6:27 a.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about youths drinking, Main St.6:43 a.m. Caller reports person running backhoe before 7 a.m., Greenland Rd.
10:48 a.m. Dog appears to have been hit by vehicle; owner taking it to vet
11:20 a.m. Suspicious male looked in garage, last seen heading into woods, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
11:49 a.m. Suspicious activity, vehicle parked at loading dock, Leominster Rd.
12:15 p.m. Suspicious activity, vehicle parked at end of driveway, Justice Hill Rd.
4:30 p.m. Strange vehicle parked in driveway, Shady Ln.
5:44 p.m. Lost male boxer dog from Clinton
8:34 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in driveway, James Rd.
Thursday, July 8
5:11 p.m. Possibly intoxicated male staggering up Wiles Rd.9:29 a.m. Caller thinks rabid raccoon is at her home, Lakeshore Dr.
10:36 a.m. Caller thinks squirrel is living in ceiling, Beaman Rd.
3:25 p.m. Large group of youths heading to reservoir, Upper N. Row Rd.
7:03 p.m. Complaint about boat on water, Hall Ave.
9:24 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Patriots Way
Saturday, July 10
9:22 a.m. Several domestic chickens in road, John Dee Rd. West Boylston ACO looking for themSunday, July 11
7:29 a.m. Loose cow, Princeton/Jewett Rds.12:43 p.m. Black Labrador in yard, Blueberry Ln.
10:01 p.m. Person concerned about young male trying to hitchhike, Main St.
Eventually, we learn these things
As I'm tightening the screws that hold the clamp that holds the pole upon which the bird feeders hang, I'm thinking, "This screw should be longer. And, it needs a washer." A washer would give the head of the screw more surface area and would hold everything more securely.
That thought was followed quickly by a line from the 2000 Year Old Man, "We mock the thing we are to be."
My father didn't just use washers religiously. He was the Pope.
The windows on the boat house have been covered up since whenever. We wanted to remove the cover so we could check on the condition of the windows and also let more light into the building. Most people, meaning not my father, would have nailed some plywood over the window. Huck had built a nicely-framed wood cover and bolted it to the window frame. The bolts had a broad head and gripped securely on the outside, but the nuts that secured the cover from the inside needed help. Each had four washers. Sixteen washers in all. I'll bet most people don't use 16 washers in a lifetime.
I'm not very handy or clever or careful when it comes to home projects, a set of diminished skills that was well established a long time ago.That doesn't stop me from appreciating good work and learning just a little bit.
That thought was followed quickly by a line from the 2000 Year Old Man, "We mock the thing we are to be."
My father didn't just use washers religiously. He was the Pope.
The windows on the boat house have been covered up since whenever. We wanted to remove the cover so we could check on the condition of the windows and also let more light into the building. Most people, meaning not my father, would have nailed some plywood over the window. Huck had built a nicely-framed wood cover and bolted it to the window frame. The bolts had a broad head and gripped securely on the outside, but the nuts that secured the cover from the inside needed help. Each had four washers. Sixteen washers in all. I'll bet most people don't use 16 washers in a lifetime.
I'm not very handy or clever or careful when it comes to home projects, a set of diminished skills that was well established a long time ago.That doesn't stop me from appreciating good work and learning just a little bit.
Eventually, we learn these things
As I'm tightening the screws that hold the clamp that holds the pole upon which the bird feeders hang, I'm thinking, "This screw should be longer. And, it needs a washer." A washer would give the head of the screw more surface area and would hold everything more securely.
That thought was followed quickly by a line from the 2000 Year Old Man, "We mock the thing we are to be."
My father didn't just use washers religiously. He was the Pope.
The windows on the boat house have been covered up since whenever. We wanted to remove the cover so we could check on the condition of the windows and also let more light into the building. Most people, meaning not my father, would have nailed some plywood over the window. Huck had built a nicely-framed wood cover and bolted it to the window frame. The bolts had a broad head and gripped securely on the outside, but the nuts that secured the cover from the inside needed help. Each had four washers. Sixteen washers in all. I'll bet most people don't use 16 washers in a lifetime.
I'm not very handy or clever or careful when it comes to home projects, a set of diminished skills that was well established a long time ago.That doesn't stop me from appreciating good work and learning just a little bit.
That thought was followed quickly by a line from the 2000 Year Old Man, "We mock the thing we are to be."
My father didn't just use washers religiously. He was the Pope.
The windows on the boat house have been covered up since whenever. We wanted to remove the cover so we could check on the condition of the windows and also let more light into the building. Most people, meaning not my father, would have nailed some plywood over the window. Huck had built a nicely-framed wood cover and bolted it to the window frame. The bolts had a broad head and gripped securely on the outside, but the nuts that secured the cover from the inside needed help. Each had four washers. Sixteen washers in all. I'll bet most people don't use 16 washers in a lifetime.
I'm not very handy or clever or careful when it comes to home projects, a set of diminished skills that was well established a long time ago.That doesn't stop me from appreciating good work and learning just a little bit.
More on health care
When Sandra's mother returned from Prince Edward Island to live with us, we learned some important things about the current state of health care in the United States. Well, in central Massachusetts, anyway. Note: it's unclear what, if anything, will change as the result of the health care reform legislation that President Obama signed in the spring. I suspect, but cannot yet confirm, that the health care legislation pretty much extended the status quo to larger numbers of people. Your mileage may vary.
Anyway,
Anyway,
- There are a lot of compassionate, competent, and helpful people in the health care system.
From the nurse who couldn't complete the treatment of Marian once she discovered that we didn't have the right insurance coverage to the intern in the UMass ER who loved the Anne of Green Gables stories to the phlebotomist with the pretty hair, all were kind, respectful, and eager to comfort and help. - Having a good insurance policy is no guarantee that, if your circumstances change, you'll be able to see the doctor you want.
The Medicare version of a health plan might exclude doctors that would be allowed under the non-Medicare version. The doctor you want might not be taking new patients; in one sampling, half of the family practice doctors listed by an insurance company weren't taking new patients. - Your insurance company uses the primary care physician as the focal point for all activities. You might have a doctor listed as your primary care physician.
You might also, however, have an insurance plan with that company that won't let you see that doctor.
As a result, you can't get services. You have to get a new primary care physician and get that physician's name into the many databases that enable additional services. Plan to spend a half hour on the phone with earnest people who get confused easily. - Each hospital and specialty has its own jargon for the same basic issues. If you ask the right question with the wrong terminology, it can take 15 minutes for the conversation to recover. (I'm sorry that I can't provide examples right now. I lost track too many times. For an example of what it was like, see this Monty Python police station sketch
.) - Canadian prescription drugs may be offered in dosages that differ from those available in the U.S. As a result, you can send a U.S. doctor into a four-wheel skid by reporting that the patient is taking, as prescribed by a Canadian doctor, a particular medication at 37.5 mcg four times per day. Stateside, the drug is offered as a 50 mcg dosage three times a day.
- Two tiny, white medications, prescribed for completely different conditions, can lead to life-threatening results if the pills are mixed up. You have many medications given at complex intervals and it's often the case that the bottles look alike and the pills look alike and kaboom. Any good drug reference book or website will show you pictures of the various medications, but tired and hurried eyes rarely have such references nearby when it's time for the bedtime meds.
I don't know if the FDA has done much research in this area (the likelihood of confusion of prescription medications). I'm gonna guess, however, that quite a few people have died and that the cause may not have been identified. - Callie Crossley's show on July 14 addresses some of the misinformation that's become common knowledge regarding emergency room usage. In brief, many people, for a variety of reasons, use emergency rooms for treatment of chronic conditions that could be treated more effectively and cheaply in the home or in a clinic.
- With all of the well-intentioned people on the other side of the counter or on the other end of the phone, it will still take longer than you think it should to get the attention that's needed.
- It's tempting to think that the insurance companies and medical services organizations behave this way because it's somehow to their advantage. My suspicion, however, is that we/they just don't know how to do this right. We didn't know how to do it before. We don't know how to do it now. We won't know how to do it right in the near future.
We might get it right at the macro level, such that problems aren't statistically significant and still wind up performing some skilled-nursing tasks ourselves because we can't see a skilled nurse.
More on health care
When Sandra's mother returned from Prince Edward Island to live with us, we learned some important things about the current state of health care in the United States. Well, in central Massachusetts, anyway. Note: it's unclear what, if anything, will change as the result of the health care reform legislation that President Obama signed in the spring. I suspect, but cannot yet confirm, that the health care legislation pretty much extended the status quo to larger numbers of people. Your mileage may vary.
Anyway,
Anyway,
- There are a lot of compassionate, competent, and helpful people in the health care system.
From the nurse who couldn't complete the treatment of Marian once she discovered that we didn't have the right insurance coverage to the intern in the UMass ER who loved the Anne of Green Gables stories to the phlebotomist with the pretty hair, all were kind, respectful, and eager to comfort and help. - Having a good insurance policy is no guarantee that, if your circumstances change, you'll be able to see the doctor you want.
The Medicare version of a health plan might exclude doctors that would be allowed under the non-Medicare version. The doctor you want might not be taking new patients; in one sampling, half of the family practice doctors listed by an insurance company weren't taking new patients. - Your insurance company uses the primary care physician as the focal point for all activities. You might have a doctor listed as your primary care physician.
You might also, however, have an insurance plan with that company that won't let you see that doctor.
As a result, you can't get services. You have to get a new primary care physician and get that physician's name into the many databases that enable additional services. Plan to spend a half hour on the phone with earnest people who get confused easily. - Each hospital and specialty has its own jargon for the same basic issues. If you ask the right question with the wrong terminology, it can take 15 minutes for the conversation to recover. (I'm sorry that I can't provide examples right now. I lost track too many times. For an example of what it was like, see this Monty Python police station sketch.)
- Canadian prescription drugs may be offered in dosages that differ from those available in the U.S. As a result, you can send a U.S. doctor into a four-wheel skid by reporting that the patient is taking, as prescribed by a Canadian doctor, a particular medication at 37.5 mcg four times per day. Stateside, the drug is offered as a 50 mcg dosage three times a day.
- Two tiny, white medications, prescribed for completely different conditions, can lead to life-threatening results if the pills are mixed up. You have many medications given at complex intervals and it's often the case that the bottles look alike and the pills look alike and kaboom. Any good drug reference book or website will show you pictures of the various medications, but tired and hurried eyes rarely have such references nearby when it's time for the bedtime meds.
I don't know if the FDA has done much research in this area (the likelihood of confusion of prescription medications). I'm gonna guess, however, that quite a few people have died and that the cause may not have been identified. - Callie Crossley's show on July 14 addresses some of the misinformation that's become common knowledge regarding emergency room usage. In brief, many people, for a variety of reasons, use emergency rooms for treatment of chronic conditions that could be treated more effectively and cheaply in the home or in a clinic.
- With all of the well-intentioned people on the other side of the counter or on the other end of the phone, it will still take longer than you think it should to get the attention that's needed.
- It's tempting to think that the insurance companies and medical services organizations behave this way because it's somehow to their advantage. My suspicion, however, is that we/they just don't know how to do this right. We didn't know how to do it before. We don't know how to do it now. We won't know how to do it right in the near future.
We might get it right at the macro level, such that problems aren't statistically significant and still wind up performing some skilled-nursing tasks ourselves because we can't see a skilled nurse.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Crime in suburbia
From The Landmark (subscription required).
[Editor's note: There were 16 suspicious items this week.]
9:46 a.m. Lots of water in road, Rte. 31
10:11 a.m. Caller received what he believes is fraudulent call from oil burner repair
11:12 a.m. Neighbor’s dog out in sun without shelter or water, Holden St.
2:25 p.m. Young person on ATV in driveway, Brattle St.
7:01 p.m. Box on trail near causeway with note inside
9:20 p.m. Group of underage kids asked male outside store to purchase cigarettes for them, swore at him when he refused
9:32 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle near doctor’s office
9:46 p.m. Possible fox hit in roadway
6:45 a.m. Walk-through of bank with staff for security
8:52 a.m. Driver left gas station without paying; note left on door at driver’s home
10:15 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Reservoir St.
11:05 a.m. Eggs thrown at home, Lovell Rd.
11:36 a.m. Mountview Dr. resident asking about noise bylaws
12:06 p.m. Bicycle accident with rider injuries
2:44 p.m. Reservoir St. resident heard yelling and screaming followed by loud bang; three juveniles making noise, brought to station
9:21 p.m. Mother hasn’t heard from son who is with father; son OK, at Hampton Beach with friends
10:58 p.m. Two reports of black bear on Shrewsbury and Brattle Sts.
7:45 a.m. Dead cat, Quinapoxet St. 8:15 a.m. Stray dog, Nola Dr.
10:11 a.m. White husky loose, Bullard St.
10:38 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Brentwood Dr.; confirmed stolen from Worcester
1:00 p.m. Severely injured cat, Main St.
4:55 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Mason Rd.
6:47 p.m. Suspicious vehicle behind business, Industrial Dr.; OK, belongs to employee
8:13 p.m. Call regarding stolen gun
10:30 p.m. Suspicious female holding baby, running down Grove St, chased by male in vehicle
11:23 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Boyden Rd., driving erratically
11:03 a.m. Caller asking for help retrieving belongings in Worcester; advised to contact Worcester PD
12:12 p.m. Call about wooded area behind T&G towers
2:55 p.m. Reservoir Security requesting cruiser for trash dumped by Reservoir St.; contains live ammunition
3:49 p.m. Request for radar in neighborhood
6:06 p.m. Resident reports solicitation call from police agency in Utah
8:53 p.m. Complaint of loud music from neighbor’s driveway
8:54 a.m. Paving crew working without detail, Parker Ave.
10:21 a.m. Reservoir Security asking for officer to speak with person dumping items in woods
8:50 p.m. 911 caller reports husband had too much to drink, very angry
9:30 p.m. Possible pot smoking in vehicle in front of building, Village Way
1:51 a.m. Worcester PD sent lookout for resident; doesn’t live at address anymore
2:28 a.m. Caller reports sound of injured dog, Donald Ave.
9:31 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on Reservoir St.
12:00 p.m. Caller reports vehicle following her and banged on her vehicle, Doyle Rd.
12:04 p.m. Crack or marijuana pipe found, Brattle St.; paraphernalia destroyed
1:21 p.m. Broken hose gushing water into parking lot, Reservoir St.
3:03 p.m. 911 accidental; trying to call 411
9:30 p.m. Someone knocking at caller’s door, Sterling Rd.; OK, family member, no police needed
10:06 p.m. Assist citizen home from business, Main St.
11:37 p.m. Fireworks, Chapin Rd.
5:40 a.m. Three motor vehicles broken into, Raymond St.
7:21 a.m. Glove compartment gone through, Dawson Cir.
9:13 am. Someone tried to gain access to motor vehicle overnight, Centerwood Dr.
10:09 a.m. Five more Raymond St. residents report motor vehicles broken into overnight; one from Holly Cir.; two from Sycamore Dr.
1:35 p.m. Golf cart damaged at Holden Hills
4:13 p.m. Two individuals behind business, possibly dumping things, Industrial Dr.
7:35 p.m. Suspicious unoccupied motor vehicle, Jamieson Rd.
10:02 p.m. Fireworks, Ann St.
10:35 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at Eagle Lake; there to chill, no problem
3:42 p.m. Suspicious males walking property on Grove St.
4:40 p.m. Caller reports trash not picked up today
5:39 p.m. Walk-in asking if friend has a warrant; asked to have friend come to station
11:43 p.m. Motor vehicle hit deer, Pleasant St.
7:23 a.m. Black bear spotted, Grove St.
7:41 a.m. Lost dog, Nanigian Rd.
8:19 a.m. Sick fox in back yard, Shanandoah Dr.
8:42 a.m. Disabled motor vehicle in station lot
9:19 a.m. Fox in garage, Shanandoah Dr.
11:04 a.m. Lost dog found
1:12 p.m. Suspicious male on bicycle with backpack, possibly soliciting, Pleasant St.
7:58 p.m. Caller saying he doesn’t like “what we’ve been doing”; dialed wrong number, thought he was calling nephew
4:44 p.m. Male in vehicle staring at residence, Streeter Rd., rang doorbell; OK, was delivering lawn mower, wrong address
6:04 p.m. Dog in middle of Pleasant St.
8:49 a.m. Two vehicles parked in driveway ransacked overnight, Hobbs Rd.
9:05 a.m. Two vehicles gone through overnight, Hobbs Rd.
9:50 a.m. Police find item beside road in area of vehicle break-ins, Hobbs Rd.
11:33 a.m. Truck and car broken into, wallet and money taken, Hobbs Rd.
6:06 p.m. Ipod and money stolen from vehicle during night, Hobbs Rd.
2:53 p.m. Person riding go-cart in roadway, Stagecoach Rd.
8:10 p.m. Two people on bicycles in driveway of vacant house, Ball Hill Rd.
12:46 p.m. Abandoned 911 call from pay phone, Mountain Rd.
6:57 p.m. Sterling PD reports 15-20 motorcycles racing on Rte. 140 N
5:05 p.m. Cars parked on Thompson Road. Found to be people going to pond
9:17 p.m. Gunshots, Rte. 140 N
4:47 p.m. Suspicious male asking to use phone, Rte. 140 S
6:29 p.m. Police conduct radar patrol due to speeding complaints, Mountain Rd.
7:10 p.m. Police assist individual to his street, Rte. 140 N
4:18 p.m. Police assist ambulance personnel with exhausted bike rider, E. Princeton Rd.
10:00 a.m. Police return dog to owner, Clearings Way
9:28 p.m. Missing border collie, Stagecoach Rd.
7:58 a.m. Injured dog, Clealand Cir.
8:09 a.m. Vandalism, two eggs thrown into car. Caller claims it’s a frequent problem, Juniper Ln.
8:34 a.m. Caller wants police representation at horse show, Main St.
11:50 a.m. Unauthorized use of Dumpster, Main St.
11:50 a.m. Unknown vehicle parked at rental property, Pommogussett Rd.
1:27 p.m. Officer requested at business where person is disgruntled with owner, Pleasantdale Rd.
2:44 p.m. Small brush fire in backyard, Clearview Rd.
4:10 p.m. Person at station for assistance getting keys from locked vehicle, Main St.
5:10 p.m. Wires across Breezy Ln. Motorist unsure whether she should drive over them
5:53 p.m. Stray dog in yard, Intervale Rd.
8:33 p.m. Bicycle damaged by neighbor’s child, Maple Ave.
4:01 p.m. Boston terrier ran away, Main St. Dog later returned
4:06 p.m. Male selling meat from back of pickup truck, Orchard Hill Dr.
8:01 p.m. Possible cougar sighting, Charnock Hill Rd.
7:58 p.m. Police transport two males from Maple Ave.
11:28 p.m. Loud music from upstairs apartment, Maple Ave.
11:46 p.m. Two young males walking, Fernwood Dr.
11:59 p.m. Loud music, Maple Ave.
9:40 a.m. Request for officer to stand by while individual is taken into custody, Upper Intervale
9:50 a.m. Person at station to pick up glasses found on Charnock Hill Rd.
11:40 a.m. Dead coyote pup, Blueberry Ln.
3:11 p.m. Person riding bicycle hit with frozen can of soda by youths in van, Barre Paxton Rd.
3:50 p.m. Assist Oakham PD looking for vehicle that didn’t stop for police, Rte. 122
6:55 p.m. Person requesting assistance with vehicle lockout, Main St.
8:34 p.m. Request for fire dept. for lift assist for 1,800 lb. horse that is stuck, Kenwood Dr.
10:26 p.m. Caller heard coyotes and loud squeal, believes pet may have been attacked, Central Tree Rd.
11:55 p.m. Dog barking for hours, Thurston Hill Rd.
12:30 p.m. Person at station with cell phone, Main St.
3:22 p.m. Trespassing incidents, Barre Paxton Rd.
8:56 p.m. Fireworks hitting home, Pommogussett Rd.
9:12 p.m. Homeowner locked keys in car with baby inside, Arline Dr.
10:01 p.m. Homeowner advised to stop shooting off fireworks and clean up debris, Valley View Cir.
11:02 p.m. Cars speeding around area, Rebecca Ann Dr.
7:56 a.m. Person did search for fireworks that did not go off, Main St. None found
2:25 p.m. Officer wanted regarding possible picture of woman with baby that may have been stolen, Main St.
4:38 p.m. Dog hit and injured, Pommogussett Rd.
9:03 p.m. Person in small tan car dropped off cat, Maple Ave.
10:00 p.m. Strange dog on porch, Maple Ave.
4:37 a.m. Cars broken into during night, Heywood Rd.
5:02 a.m. Multiple vehicle breaks, Heywood Rd.
5:06 a.m. Vehicles broken into, Still River Rd.
6:03 a.m. Twenty-two reports of motor vehicle break-ins: Quail Roost Dr., Upper N. Row Rd., Still River Rd., Justice Hill Rd., Leominster Rd.
9:03 a.m. Caller wants suggestions about what to do about foxes living under shed, John Dee Rd.
1:32 p.m. Males in black pickup truck picking up wood chips delivered to property, Princeton Rd.
6:33 p.m. Assist citizen, Leominster Rd.
11:13 p.m. Two males running down Burpee Road carrying lit tiki torches, entered vehicle and took off headed towards Princeton
4:16 p.m. Assist employer regarding issue of fired employee, Leominster Rd.
4:46 p.m. Assist with car seat installation
5:10 p.m. Suspicious male at door offering refrigerator cleaning services, asked if parents were home, Sky Farm Ln.
5:27 p.m. Goats running in the roadway, North Row/Leominster Rds.
11:26 p.m. Fireworks at reservoir, Heywood/N. Row Rds.
2:23 p.m. Several cars parked in area of Upper N. Row Rd.
3:19 p.m. Caller concerned about neighbor’s dog, Pratts Junction/Albright Rds.
9:00 p.m. Verbal dispute between two males in middle of road about dog defecating in yard, Lakeview Ave.
10:32 p.m. No-parking signs damaged, Heywood Rd.
11:15 p.m. Complaint about loud party, Charles Patten Dr.
11:30 p.m. Person saw two or three males take trampoline from neighbor’s yard, Upper N. Row Rd. Found to be kids placing several lawn ornaments in cul de sac
6:30 p.m. Loose pitbull, Pratts Junction Rd.
9:03 p.m. Fireworks near Muddy Pond Rd.
9:33 p.m. Fireworks, Greenland Rd.
6:48 p.m. Door-to-door solicitor, Cole Rd.
9:05 p.m. Kids in area running around, using firecrackers, Jewett Rd.
9:15 p.m. Dog ran away, frightened by fireworks, Lakeshore Dr.
[Editor's note: There were 16 suspicious items this week.]
Holden
Monday, June 28
9:24 a.m. Obscene drawing on front door of building, Chapel St.9:46 a.m. Lots of water in road, Rte. 31
10:11 a.m. Caller received what he believes is fraudulent call from oil burner repair
11:12 a.m. Neighbor’s dog out in sun without shelter or water, Holden St.
2:25 p.m. Young person on ATV in driveway, Brattle St.
7:01 p.m. Box on trail near causeway with note inside
9:20 p.m. Group of underage kids asked male outside store to purchase cigarettes for them, swore at him when he refused
9:32 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle near doctor’s office
9:46 p.m. Possible fox hit in roadway
Tuesday, June 29
1:25 a.m. Suspicious person behind business, Main St.6:45 a.m. Walk-through of bank with staff for security
8:52 a.m. Driver left gas station without paying; note left on door at driver’s home
10:15 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Reservoir St.
11:05 a.m. Eggs thrown at home, Lovell Rd.
11:36 a.m. Mountview Dr. resident asking about noise bylaws
12:06 p.m. Bicycle accident with rider injuries
2:44 p.m. Reservoir St. resident heard yelling and screaming followed by loud bang; three juveniles making noise, brought to station
9:21 p.m. Mother hasn’t heard from son who is with father; son OK, at Hampton Beach with friends
10:58 p.m. Two reports of black bear on Shrewsbury and Brattle Sts.
Wednesday, June 30
5:56 a.m. Deceased fawn in road, Reservoir St.7:45 a.m. Dead cat, Quinapoxet St. 8:15 a.m. Stray dog, Nola Dr.
10:11 a.m. White husky loose, Bullard St.
10:38 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Brentwood Dr.; confirmed stolen from Worcester
1:00 p.m. Severely injured cat, Main St.
4:55 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Mason Rd.
6:47 p.m. Suspicious vehicle behind business, Industrial Dr.; OK, belongs to employee
8:13 p.m. Call regarding stolen gun
10:30 p.m. Suspicious female holding baby, running down Grove St, chased by male in vehicle
11:23 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Boyden Rd., driving erratically
Thursday, July 1
8:45 a.m. Dog with Holden tags found in Paxton11:03 a.m. Caller asking for help retrieving belongings in Worcester; advised to contact Worcester PD
12:12 p.m. Call about wooded area behind T&G towers
2:55 p.m. Reservoir Security requesting cruiser for trash dumped by Reservoir St.; contains live ammunition
3:49 p.m. Request for radar in neighborhood
6:06 p.m. Resident reports solicitation call from police agency in Utah
8:53 p.m. Complaint of loud music from neighbor’s driveway
Friday, July 2
7:23 a.m. Dispute at business, Main St.8:54 a.m. Paving crew working without detail, Parker Ave.
10:21 a.m. Reservoir Security asking for officer to speak with person dumping items in woods
8:50 p.m. 911 caller reports husband had too much to drink, very angry
9:30 p.m. Possible pot smoking in vehicle in front of building, Village Way
Saturday, July 3
1:51 a.m. Worcester PD sent lookout for resident; doesn’t live at address anymore
2:28 a.m. Caller reports sound of injured dog, Donald Ave.
9:31 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on Reservoir St.
12:00 p.m. Caller reports vehicle following her and banged on her vehicle, Doyle Rd.
12:04 p.m. Crack or marijuana pipe found, Brattle St.; paraphernalia destroyed
1:21 p.m. Broken hose gushing water into parking lot, Reservoir St.
3:03 p.m. 911 accidental; trying to call 411
9:30 p.m. Someone knocking at caller’s door, Sterling Rd.; OK, family member, no police needed
10:06 p.m. Assist citizen home from business, Main St.
11:37 p.m. Fireworks, Chapin Rd.
Sunday, July 4
1:52 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Chapel St.5:40 a.m. Three motor vehicles broken into, Raymond St.
7:21 a.m. Glove compartment gone through, Dawson Cir.
9:13 am. Someone tried to gain access to motor vehicle overnight, Centerwood Dr.
10:09 a.m. Five more Raymond St. residents report motor vehicles broken into overnight; one from Holly Cir.; two from Sycamore Dr.
1:35 p.m. Golf cart damaged at Holden Hills
4:13 p.m. Two individuals behind business, possibly dumping things, Industrial Dr.
7:35 p.m. Suspicious unoccupied motor vehicle, Jamieson Rd.
10:02 p.m. Fireworks, Ann St.
10:35 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at Eagle Lake; there to chill, no problem
Paxton
Monday, June 28
3:17 p.m. Bus driver needs help with unruly child3:42 p.m. Suspicious males walking property on Grove St.
4:40 p.m. Caller reports trash not picked up today
5:39 p.m. Walk-in asking if friend has a warrant; asked to have friend come to station
Tuesday, June 29
7:32 p.m. 911 abandoned call, Crowningshield Dr.; trying to call Leicester PD11:43 p.m. Motor vehicle hit deer, Pleasant St.
Wednesday, June 30
4:33 a.m. Two suspicious people walking on Marshall St.; OK, vehicle trouble7:23 a.m. Black bear spotted, Grove St.
Thursday, July 1
1:00 a.m. Repossession of vehicle, Lancelot Dr.7:41 a.m. Lost dog, Nanigian Rd.
8:19 a.m. Sick fox in back yard, Shanandoah Dr.
8:42 a.m. Disabled motor vehicle in station lot
9:19 a.m. Fox in garage, Shanandoah Dr.
11:04 a.m. Lost dog found
1:12 p.m. Suspicious male on bicycle with backpack, possibly soliciting, Pleasant St.
7:58 p.m. Caller saying he doesn’t like “what we’ve been doing”; dialed wrong number, thought he was calling nephew
Friday, July 2
2:46 p.m. Caller demanding girlfriend’s plates be returned to him; advised department doesn’t have her plates4:44 p.m. Male in vehicle staring at residence, Streeter Rd., rang doorbell; OK, was delivering lawn mower, wrong address
6:04 p.m. Dog in middle of Pleasant St.
Sunday, July 4
10:59 p.m. Strange dog at front door of residence, Marshall St.Princeton
Monday, June 28
5:55 a.m. Several reports of unlocked vehicles entered. Hobbs Rd.8:49 a.m. Two vehicles parked in driveway ransacked overnight, Hobbs Rd.
9:05 a.m. Two vehicles gone through overnight, Hobbs Rd.
9:50 a.m. Police find item beside road in area of vehicle break-ins, Hobbs Rd.
11:33 a.m. Truck and car broken into, wallet and money taken, Hobbs Rd.
6:06 p.m. Ipod and money stolen from vehicle during night, Hobbs Rd.
Tuesday, June 29
8:50 a.m. Car leaking fuel, fire dept. called, vehicle towed, Sterling Rd.2:53 p.m. Person riding go-cart in roadway, Stagecoach Rd.
8:10 p.m. Two people on bicycles in driveway of vacant house, Ball Hill Rd.
Wednesday, June 30
7:11 a.m. Caller reports large, lion-type animal, about 40-50 pounds, in his yard, Coal Kiln Rd.12:46 p.m. Abandoned 911 call from pay phone, Mountain Rd.
6:57 p.m. Sterling PD reports 15-20 motorcycles racing on Rte. 140 N
Thursday, July 1
8:13 a.m. Two cows in roadway, Leominster Rd.5:05 p.m. Cars parked on Thompson Road. Found to be people going to pond
9:17 p.m. Gunshots, Rte. 140 N
Friday, July 2
3:25 p.m. Window broken, vehicle entered, pocketbook taken, Fitchburg Rd.4:47 p.m. Suspicious male asking to use phone, Rte. 140 S
6:29 p.m. Police conduct radar patrol due to speeding complaints, Mountain Rd.
7:10 p.m. Police assist individual to his street, Rte. 140 N
Saturday, July 3
1:55 p.m. Assist fire dept. at car fire, Gregory/ Mountain Rds.4:18 p.m. Police assist ambulance personnel with exhausted bike rider, E. Princeton Rd.
10:00 a.m. Police return dog to owner, Clearings Way
Sunday, July 4
12:49 p.m. Two dogs wandering on Merriam Rd.9:28 p.m. Missing border collie, Stagecoach Rd.
Rutland
Monday, June 28
7:50 a.m. Caller requesting officer for disgruntled customer, Pleasantdale Rd.7:58 a.m. Injured dog, Clealand Cir.
8:09 a.m. Vandalism, two eggs thrown into car. Caller claims it’s a frequent problem, Juniper Ln.
8:34 a.m. Caller wants police representation at horse show, Main St.
11:50 a.m. Unauthorized use of Dumpster, Main St.
11:50 a.m. Unknown vehicle parked at rental property, Pommogussett Rd.
1:27 p.m. Officer requested at business where person is disgruntled with owner, Pleasantdale Rd.
2:44 p.m. Small brush fire in backyard, Clearview Rd.
4:10 p.m. Person at station for assistance getting keys from locked vehicle, Main St.
5:10 p.m. Wires across Breezy Ln. Motorist unsure whether she should drive over them
5:53 p.m. Stray dog in yard, Intervale Rd.
8:33 p.m. Bicycle damaged by neighbor’s child, Maple Ave.
Tuesday, June 29
3:14 p.m. Barking dog complaint, Skyline Dr.4:01 p.m. Boston terrier ran away, Main St. Dog later returned
4:06 p.m. Male selling meat from back of pickup truck, Orchard Hill Dr.
Wednesday, June 30
7:52 a.m. Injured dog, Cleland Cir. Dog went into woods8:01 p.m. Possible cougar sighting, Charnock Hill Rd.
Thursday, July 1
12:31 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about family member, Main St.7:58 p.m. Police transport two males from Maple Ave.
11:28 p.m. Loud music from upstairs apartment, Maple Ave.
11:46 p.m. Two young males walking, Fernwood Dr.
11:59 p.m. Loud music, Maple Ave.
Friday, July 2
7:51 a.m. Request for officer for irate resident who doesn’t want to move his car for paving project, Maple Ave.9:40 a.m. Request for officer to stand by while individual is taken into custody, Upper Intervale
9:50 a.m. Person at station to pick up glasses found on Charnock Hill Rd.
11:40 a.m. Dead coyote pup, Blueberry Ln.
3:11 p.m. Person riding bicycle hit with frozen can of soda by youths in van, Barre Paxton Rd.
3:50 p.m. Assist Oakham PD looking for vehicle that didn’t stop for police, Rte. 122
6:55 p.m. Person requesting assistance with vehicle lockout, Main St.
8:34 p.m. Request for fire dept. for lift assist for 1,800 lb. horse that is stuck, Kenwood Dr.
10:26 p.m. Caller heard coyotes and loud squeal, believes pet may have been attacked, Central Tree Rd.
11:55 p.m. Dog barking for hours, Thurston Hill Rd.
Saturday, July 3
12:49 a.m. Complaint of loud party, Cameron Dr.12:30 p.m. Person at station with cell phone, Main St.
3:22 p.m. Trespassing incidents, Barre Paxton Rd.
8:56 p.m. Fireworks hitting home, Pommogussett Rd.
9:12 p.m. Homeowner locked keys in car with baby inside, Arline Dr.
10:01 p.m. Homeowner advised to stop shooting off fireworks and clean up debris, Valley View Cir.
11:02 p.m. Cars speeding around area, Rebecca Ann Dr.
Sunday, July 4
1:52 a.m. Male with backpack took off running towards Nancy Dr.7:56 a.m. Person did search for fireworks that did not go off, Main St. None found
2:25 p.m. Officer wanted regarding possible picture of woman with baby that may have been stolen, Main St.
4:38 p.m. Dog hit and injured, Pommogussett Rd.
9:03 p.m. Person in small tan car dropped off cat, Maple Ave.
10:00 p.m. Strange dog on porch, Maple Ave.
Sterling
Monday, June 28
1:22 a.m. Kids lit spray paint can on fire in middle of Main St.4:37 a.m. Cars broken into during night, Heywood Rd.
5:02 a.m. Multiple vehicle breaks, Heywood Rd.
5:06 a.m. Vehicles broken into, Still River Rd.
6:03 a.m. Twenty-two reports of motor vehicle break-ins: Quail Roost Dr., Upper N. Row Rd., Still River Rd., Justice Hill Rd., Leominster Rd.
9:03 a.m. Caller wants suggestions about what to do about foxes living under shed, John Dee Rd.
1:32 p.m. Males in black pickup truck picking up wood chips delivered to property, Princeton Rd.
6:33 p.m. Assist citizen, Leominster Rd.
11:13 p.m. Two males running down Burpee Road carrying lit tiki torches, entered vehicle and took off headed towards Princeton
Tuesday, June 29
1:44 p.m. Raccoon in trash barrel at lake4:16 p.m. Assist employer regarding issue of fired employee, Leominster Rd.
4:46 p.m. Assist with car seat installation
5:10 p.m. Suspicious male at door offering refrigerator cleaning services, asked if parents were home, Sky Farm Ln.
Wednesday, June 30
10:10 a.m. Cow roaming Princeton Rd.5:27 p.m. Goats running in the roadway, North Row/Leominster Rds.
11:26 p.m. Fireworks at reservoir, Heywood/N. Row Rds.
Thursday, July 1
6:00 a.m. Skunk running in circles in front of building with plastic cup stuck on head, Industrial Dr.Friday, July 2
9:03 a.m. Theft of street signs belonging to country club, Albright Rd.2:23 p.m. Several cars parked in area of Upper N. Row Rd.
3:19 p.m. Caller concerned about neighbor’s dog, Pratts Junction/Albright Rds.
9:00 p.m. Verbal dispute between two males in middle of road about dog defecating in yard, Lakeview Ave.
10:32 p.m. No-parking signs damaged, Heywood Rd.
11:15 p.m. Complaint about loud party, Charles Patten Dr.
11:30 p.m. Person saw two or three males take trampoline from neighbor’s yard, Upper N. Row Rd. Found to be kids placing several lawn ornaments in cul de sac
Saturday, July 2
6:24 p.m. Illegal dumping on private property, Redemption Rock Trl.6:30 p.m. Loose pitbull, Pratts Junction Rd.
9:03 p.m. Fireworks near Muddy Pond Rd.
9:33 p.m. Fireworks, Greenland Rd.
Sunday, July 3
12:19 p.m. Check on skateboarder, Laurelwood/ Leominster Rds.6:48 p.m. Door-to-door solicitor, Cole Rd.
9:05 p.m. Kids in area running around, using firecrackers, Jewett Rd.
9:15 p.m. Dog ran away, frightened by fireworks, Lakeshore Dr.
Crime in suburbia
From The Landmark (subscription required).
[Editor's note: There were 16 suspicious items this week.]
9:46 a.m. Lots of water in road, Rte. 31
10:11 a.m. Caller received what he believes is fraudulent call from oil burner repair
11:12 a.m. Neighbor’s dog out in sun without shelter or water, Holden St.
2:25 p.m. Young person on ATV in driveway, Brattle St.
7:01 p.m. Box on trail near causeway with note inside
9:20 p.m. Group of underage kids asked male outside store to purchase cigarettes for them, swore at him when he refused
9:32 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle near doctor’s office
9:46 p.m. Possible fox hit in roadway
6:45 a.m. Walk-through of bank with staff for security
8:52 a.m. Driver left gas station without paying; note left on door at driver’s home
10:15 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Reservoir St.
11:05 a.m. Eggs thrown at home, Lovell Rd.
11:36 a.m. Mountview Dr. resident asking about noise bylaws
12:06 p.m. Bicycle accident with rider injuries
2:44 p.m. Reservoir St. resident heard yelling and screaming followed by loud bang; three juveniles making noise, brought to station
9:21 p.m. Mother hasn’t heard from son who is with father; son OK, at Hampton Beach with friends
10:58 p.m. Two reports of black bear on Shrewsbury and Brattle Sts.
7:45 a.m. Dead cat, Quinapoxet St. 8:15 a.m. Stray dog, Nola Dr.
10:11 a.m. White husky loose, Bullard St.
10:38 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Brentwood Dr.; confirmed stolen from Worcester
1:00 p.m. Severely injured cat, Main St.
4:55 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Mason Rd.
6:47 p.m. Suspicious vehicle behind business, Industrial Dr.; OK, belongs to employee
8:13 p.m. Call regarding stolen gun
10:30 p.m. Suspicious female holding baby, running down Grove St, chased by male in vehicle
11:23 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Boyden Rd., driving erratically
11:03 a.m. Caller asking for help retrieving belongings in Worcester; advised to contact Worcester PD
12:12 p.m. Call about wooded area behind T&G towers
2:55 p.m. Reservoir Security requesting cruiser for trash dumped by Reservoir St.; contains live ammunition
3:49 p.m. Request for radar in neighborhood
6:06 p.m. Resident reports solicitation call from police agency in Utah
8:53 p.m. Complaint of loud music from neighbor’s driveway
8:54 a.m. Paving crew working without detail, Parker Ave.
10:21 a.m. Reservoir Security asking for officer to speak with person dumping items in woods
8:50 p.m. 911 caller reports husband had too much to drink, very angry
9:30 p.m. Possible pot smoking in vehicle in front of building, Village Way
1:51 a.m. Worcester PD sent lookout for resident; doesn’t live at address anymore
2:28 a.m. Caller reports sound of injured dog, Donald Ave.
9:31 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on Reservoir St.
12:00 p.m. Caller reports vehicle following her and banged on her vehicle, Doyle Rd.
12:04 p.m. Crack or marijuana pipe found, Brattle St.; paraphernalia destroyed
1:21 p.m. Broken hose gushing water into parking lot, Reservoir St.
3:03 p.m. 911 accidental; trying to call 411
9:30 p.m. Someone knocking at caller’s door, Sterling Rd.; OK, family member, no police needed
10:06 p.m. Assist citizen home from business, Main St.
11:37 p.m. Fireworks, Chapin Rd.
5:40 a.m. Three motor vehicles broken into, Raymond St.
7:21 a.m. Glove compartment gone through, Dawson Cir.
9:13 am. Someone tried to gain access to motor vehicle overnight, Centerwood Dr.
10:09 a.m. Five more Raymond St. residents report motor vehicles broken into overnight; one from Holly Cir.; two from Sycamore Dr.
1:35 p.m. Golf cart damaged at Holden Hills
4:13 p.m. Two individuals behind business, possibly dumping things, Industrial Dr.
7:35 p.m. Suspicious unoccupied motor vehicle, Jamieson Rd.
10:02 p.m. Fireworks, Ann St.
10:35 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at Eagle Lake; there to chill, no problem
3:42 p.m. Suspicious males walking property on Grove St.
4:40 p.m. Caller reports trash not picked up today
5:39 p.m. Walk-in asking if friend has a warrant; asked to have friend come to station
11:43 p.m. Motor vehicle hit deer, Pleasant St.
7:23 a.m. Black bear spotted, Grove St.
7:41 a.m. Lost dog, Nanigian Rd.
8:19 a.m. Sick fox in back yard, Shanandoah Dr.
8:42 a.m. Disabled motor vehicle in station lot
9:19 a.m. Fox in garage, Shanandoah Dr.
11:04 a.m. Lost dog found
1:12 p.m. Suspicious male on bicycle with backpack, possibly soliciting, Pleasant St.
7:58 p.m. Caller saying he doesn’t like “what we’ve been doing”; dialed wrong number, thought he was calling nephew
4:44 p.m. Male in vehicle staring at residence, Streeter Rd., rang doorbell; OK, was delivering lawn mower, wrong address
6:04 p.m. Dog in middle of Pleasant St.
8:49 a.m. Two vehicles parked in driveway ransacked overnight, Hobbs Rd.
9:05 a.m. Two vehicles gone through overnight, Hobbs Rd.
9:50 a.m. Police find item beside road in area of vehicle break-ins, Hobbs Rd.
11:33 a.m. Truck and car broken into, wallet and money taken, Hobbs Rd.
6:06 p.m. Ipod and money stolen from vehicle during night, Hobbs Rd.
2:53 p.m. Person riding go-cart in roadway, Stagecoach Rd.
8:10 p.m. Two people on bicycles in driveway of vacant house, Ball Hill Rd.
12:46 p.m. Abandoned 911 call from pay phone, Mountain Rd.
6:57 p.m. Sterling PD reports 15-20 motorcycles racing on Rte. 140 N
5:05 p.m. Cars parked on Thompson Road. Found to be people going to pond
9:17 p.m. Gunshots, Rte. 140 N
4:47 p.m. Suspicious male asking to use phone, Rte. 140 S
6:29 p.m. Police conduct radar patrol due to speeding complaints, Mountain Rd.
7:10 p.m. Police assist individual to his street, Rte. 140 N
4:18 p.m. Police assist ambulance personnel with exhausted bike rider, E. Princeton Rd.
10:00 a.m. Police return dog to owner, Clearings Way
9:28 p.m. Missing border collie, Stagecoach Rd.
7:58 a.m. Injured dog, Clealand Cir.
8:09 a.m. Vandalism, two eggs thrown into car. Caller claims it’s a frequent problem, Juniper Ln.
8:34 a.m. Caller wants police representation at horse show, Main St.
11:50 a.m. Unauthorized use of Dumpster, Main St.
11:50 a.m. Unknown vehicle parked at rental property, Pommogussett Rd.
1:27 p.m. Officer requested at business where person is disgruntled with owner, Pleasantdale Rd.
2:44 p.m. Small brush fire in backyard, Clearview Rd.
4:10 p.m. Person at station for assistance getting keys from locked vehicle, Main St.
5:10 p.m. Wires across Breezy Ln. Motorist unsure whether she should drive over them
5:53 p.m. Stray dog in yard, Intervale Rd.
8:33 p.m. Bicycle damaged by neighbor’s child, Maple Ave.
4:01 p.m. Boston terrier ran away, Main St. Dog later returned
4:06 p.m. Male selling meat from back of pickup truck, Orchard Hill Dr.
8:01 p.m. Possible cougar sighting, Charnock Hill Rd.
7:58 p.m. Police transport two males from Maple Ave.
11:28 p.m. Loud music from upstairs apartment, Maple Ave.
11:46 p.m. Two young males walking, Fernwood Dr.
11:59 p.m. Loud music, Maple Ave.
9:40 a.m. Request for officer to stand by while individual is taken into custody, Upper Intervale
9:50 a.m. Person at station to pick up glasses found on Charnock Hill Rd.
11:40 a.m. Dead coyote pup, Blueberry Ln.
3:11 p.m. Person riding bicycle hit with frozen can of soda by youths in van, Barre Paxton Rd.
3:50 p.m. Assist Oakham PD looking for vehicle that didn’t stop for police, Rte. 122
6:55 p.m. Person requesting assistance with vehicle lockout, Main St.
8:34 p.m. Request for fire dept. for lift assist for 1,800 lb. horse that is stuck, Kenwood Dr.
10:26 p.m. Caller heard coyotes and loud squeal, believes pet may have been attacked, Central Tree Rd.
11:55 p.m. Dog barking for hours, Thurston Hill Rd.
12:30 p.m. Person at station with cell phone, Main St.
3:22 p.m. Trespassing incidents, Barre Paxton Rd.
8:56 p.m. Fireworks hitting home, Pommogussett Rd.
9:12 p.m. Homeowner locked keys in car with baby inside, Arline Dr.
10:01 p.m. Homeowner advised to stop shooting off fireworks and clean up debris, Valley View Cir.
11:02 p.m. Cars speeding around area, Rebecca Ann Dr.
7:56 a.m. Person did search for fireworks that did not go off, Main St. None found
2:25 p.m. Officer wanted regarding possible picture of woman with baby that may have been stolen, Main St.
4:38 p.m. Dog hit and injured, Pommogussett Rd.
9:03 p.m. Person in small tan car dropped off cat, Maple Ave.
10:00 p.m. Strange dog on porch, Maple Ave.
4:37 a.m. Cars broken into during night, Heywood Rd.
5:02 a.m. Multiple vehicle breaks, Heywood Rd.
5:06 a.m. Vehicles broken into, Still River Rd.
6:03 a.m. Twenty-two reports of motor vehicle break-ins: Quail Roost Dr., Upper N. Row Rd., Still River Rd., Justice Hill Rd., Leominster Rd.
9:03 a.m. Caller wants suggestions about what to do about foxes living under shed, John Dee Rd.
1:32 p.m. Males in black pickup truck picking up wood chips delivered to property, Princeton Rd.
6:33 p.m. Assist citizen, Leominster Rd.
11:13 p.m. Two males running down Burpee Road carrying lit tiki torches, entered vehicle and took off headed towards Princeton
4:16 p.m. Assist employer regarding issue of fired employee, Leominster Rd.
4:46 p.m. Assist with car seat installation
5:10 p.m. Suspicious male at door offering refrigerator cleaning services, asked if parents were home, Sky Farm Ln.
5:27 p.m. Goats running in the roadway, North Row/Leominster Rds.
11:26 p.m. Fireworks at reservoir, Heywood/N. Row Rds.
2:23 p.m. Several cars parked in area of Upper N. Row Rd.
3:19 p.m. Caller concerned about neighbor’s dog, Pratts Junction/Albright Rds.
9:00 p.m. Verbal dispute between two males in middle of road about dog defecating in yard, Lakeview Ave.
10:32 p.m. No-parking signs damaged, Heywood Rd.
11:15 p.m. Complaint about loud party, Charles Patten Dr.
11:30 p.m. Person saw two or three males take trampoline from neighbor’s yard, Upper N. Row Rd. Found to be kids placing several lawn ornaments in cul de sac
6:30 p.m. Loose pitbull, Pratts Junction Rd.
9:03 p.m. Fireworks near Muddy Pond Rd.
9:33 p.m. Fireworks, Greenland Rd.
6:48 p.m. Door-to-door solicitor, Cole Rd.
9:05 p.m. Kids in area running around, using firecrackers, Jewett Rd.
9:15 p.m. Dog ran away, frightened by fireworks, Lakeshore Dr.
[Editor's note: There were 16 suspicious items this week.]
Holden
Monday, June 28
9:24 a.m. Obscene drawing on front door of building, Chapel St.9:46 a.m. Lots of water in road, Rte. 31
10:11 a.m. Caller received what he believes is fraudulent call from oil burner repair
11:12 a.m. Neighbor’s dog out in sun without shelter or water, Holden St.
2:25 p.m. Young person on ATV in driveway, Brattle St.
7:01 p.m. Box on trail near causeway with note inside
9:20 p.m. Group of underage kids asked male outside store to purchase cigarettes for them, swore at him when he refused
9:32 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle near doctor’s office
9:46 p.m. Possible fox hit in roadway
Tuesday, June 29
1:25 a.m. Suspicious person behind business, Main St.6:45 a.m. Walk-through of bank with staff for security
8:52 a.m. Driver left gas station without paying; note left on door at driver’s home
10:15 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Reservoir St.
11:05 a.m. Eggs thrown at home, Lovell Rd.
11:36 a.m. Mountview Dr. resident asking about noise bylaws
12:06 p.m. Bicycle accident with rider injuries
2:44 p.m. Reservoir St. resident heard yelling and screaming followed by loud bang; three juveniles making noise, brought to station
9:21 p.m. Mother hasn’t heard from son who is with father; son OK, at Hampton Beach with friends
10:58 p.m. Two reports of black bear on Shrewsbury and Brattle Sts.
Wednesday, June 30
5:56 a.m. Deceased fawn in road, Reservoir St.7:45 a.m. Dead cat, Quinapoxet St. 8:15 a.m. Stray dog, Nola Dr.
10:11 a.m. White husky loose, Bullard St.
10:38 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Brentwood Dr.; confirmed stolen from Worcester
1:00 p.m. Severely injured cat, Main St.
4:55 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Mason Rd.
6:47 p.m. Suspicious vehicle behind business, Industrial Dr.; OK, belongs to employee
8:13 p.m. Call regarding stolen gun
10:30 p.m. Suspicious female holding baby, running down Grove St, chased by male in vehicle
11:23 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Boyden Rd., driving erratically
Thursday, July 1
8:45 a.m. Dog with Holden tags found in Paxton11:03 a.m. Caller asking for help retrieving belongings in Worcester; advised to contact Worcester PD
12:12 p.m. Call about wooded area behind T&G towers
2:55 p.m. Reservoir Security requesting cruiser for trash dumped by Reservoir St.; contains live ammunition
3:49 p.m. Request for radar in neighborhood
6:06 p.m. Resident reports solicitation call from police agency in Utah
8:53 p.m. Complaint of loud music from neighbor’s driveway
Friday, July 2
7:23 a.m. Dispute at business, Main St.8:54 a.m. Paving crew working without detail, Parker Ave.
10:21 a.m. Reservoir Security asking for officer to speak with person dumping items in woods
8:50 p.m. 911 caller reports husband had too much to drink, very angry
9:30 p.m. Possible pot smoking in vehicle in front of building, Village Way
Saturday, July 3
1:51 a.m. Worcester PD sent lookout for resident; doesn’t live at address anymore
2:28 a.m. Caller reports sound of injured dog, Donald Ave.
9:31 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on Reservoir St.
12:00 p.m. Caller reports vehicle following her and banged on her vehicle, Doyle Rd.
12:04 p.m. Crack or marijuana pipe found, Brattle St.; paraphernalia destroyed
1:21 p.m. Broken hose gushing water into parking lot, Reservoir St.
3:03 p.m. 911 accidental; trying to call 411
9:30 p.m. Someone knocking at caller’s door, Sterling Rd.; OK, family member, no police needed
10:06 p.m. Assist citizen home from business, Main St.
11:37 p.m. Fireworks, Chapin Rd.
Sunday, July 4
1:52 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Chapel St.5:40 a.m. Three motor vehicles broken into, Raymond St.
7:21 a.m. Glove compartment gone through, Dawson Cir.
9:13 am. Someone tried to gain access to motor vehicle overnight, Centerwood Dr.
10:09 a.m. Five more Raymond St. residents report motor vehicles broken into overnight; one from Holly Cir.; two from Sycamore Dr.
1:35 p.m. Golf cart damaged at Holden Hills
4:13 p.m. Two individuals behind business, possibly dumping things, Industrial Dr.
7:35 p.m. Suspicious unoccupied motor vehicle, Jamieson Rd.
10:02 p.m. Fireworks, Ann St.
10:35 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at Eagle Lake; there to chill, no problem
Paxton
Monday, June 28
3:17 p.m. Bus driver needs help with unruly child3:42 p.m. Suspicious males walking property on Grove St.
4:40 p.m. Caller reports trash not picked up today
5:39 p.m. Walk-in asking if friend has a warrant; asked to have friend come to station
Tuesday, June 29
7:32 p.m. 911 abandoned call, Crowningshield Dr.; trying to call Leicester PD11:43 p.m. Motor vehicle hit deer, Pleasant St.
Wednesday, June 30
4:33 a.m. Two suspicious people walking on Marshall St.; OK, vehicle trouble7:23 a.m. Black bear spotted, Grove St.
Thursday, July 1
1:00 a.m. Repossession of vehicle, Lancelot Dr.7:41 a.m. Lost dog, Nanigian Rd.
8:19 a.m. Sick fox in back yard, Shanandoah Dr.
8:42 a.m. Disabled motor vehicle in station lot
9:19 a.m. Fox in garage, Shanandoah Dr.
11:04 a.m. Lost dog found
1:12 p.m. Suspicious male on bicycle with backpack, possibly soliciting, Pleasant St.
7:58 p.m. Caller saying he doesn’t like “what we’ve been doing”; dialed wrong number, thought he was calling nephew
Friday, July 2
2:46 p.m. Caller demanding girlfriend’s plates be returned to him; advised department doesn’t have her plates4:44 p.m. Male in vehicle staring at residence, Streeter Rd., rang doorbell; OK, was delivering lawn mower, wrong address
6:04 p.m. Dog in middle of Pleasant St.
Sunday, July 4
10:59 p.m. Strange dog at front door of residence, Marshall St.Princeton
Monday, June 28
5:55 a.m. Several reports of unlocked vehicles entered. Hobbs Rd.8:49 a.m. Two vehicles parked in driveway ransacked overnight, Hobbs Rd.
9:05 a.m. Two vehicles gone through overnight, Hobbs Rd.
9:50 a.m. Police find item beside road in area of vehicle break-ins, Hobbs Rd.
11:33 a.m. Truck and car broken into, wallet and money taken, Hobbs Rd.
6:06 p.m. Ipod and money stolen from vehicle during night, Hobbs Rd.
Tuesday, June 29
8:50 a.m. Car leaking fuel, fire dept. called, vehicle towed, Sterling Rd.2:53 p.m. Person riding go-cart in roadway, Stagecoach Rd.
8:10 p.m. Two people on bicycles in driveway of vacant house, Ball Hill Rd.
Wednesday, June 30
7:11 a.m. Caller reports large, lion-type animal, about 40-50 pounds, in his yard, Coal Kiln Rd.12:46 p.m. Abandoned 911 call from pay phone, Mountain Rd.
6:57 p.m. Sterling PD reports 15-20 motorcycles racing on Rte. 140 N
Thursday, July 1
8:13 a.m. Two cows in roadway, Leominster Rd.5:05 p.m. Cars parked on Thompson Road. Found to be people going to pond
9:17 p.m. Gunshots, Rte. 140 N
Friday, July 2
3:25 p.m. Window broken, vehicle entered, pocketbook taken, Fitchburg Rd.4:47 p.m. Suspicious male asking to use phone, Rte. 140 S
6:29 p.m. Police conduct radar patrol due to speeding complaints, Mountain Rd.
7:10 p.m. Police assist individual to his street, Rte. 140 N
Saturday, July 3
1:55 p.m. Assist fire dept. at car fire, Gregory/ Mountain Rds.4:18 p.m. Police assist ambulance personnel with exhausted bike rider, E. Princeton Rd.
10:00 a.m. Police return dog to owner, Clearings Way
Sunday, July 4
12:49 p.m. Two dogs wandering on Merriam Rd.9:28 p.m. Missing border collie, Stagecoach Rd.
Rutland
Monday, June 28
7:50 a.m. Caller requesting officer for disgruntled customer, Pleasantdale Rd.7:58 a.m. Injured dog, Clealand Cir.
8:09 a.m. Vandalism, two eggs thrown into car. Caller claims it’s a frequent problem, Juniper Ln.
8:34 a.m. Caller wants police representation at horse show, Main St.
11:50 a.m. Unauthorized use of Dumpster, Main St.
11:50 a.m. Unknown vehicle parked at rental property, Pommogussett Rd.
1:27 p.m. Officer requested at business where person is disgruntled with owner, Pleasantdale Rd.
2:44 p.m. Small brush fire in backyard, Clearview Rd.
4:10 p.m. Person at station for assistance getting keys from locked vehicle, Main St.
5:10 p.m. Wires across Breezy Ln. Motorist unsure whether she should drive over them
5:53 p.m. Stray dog in yard, Intervale Rd.
8:33 p.m. Bicycle damaged by neighbor’s child, Maple Ave.
Tuesday, June 29
3:14 p.m. Barking dog complaint, Skyline Dr.4:01 p.m. Boston terrier ran away, Main St. Dog later returned
4:06 p.m. Male selling meat from back of pickup truck, Orchard Hill Dr.
Wednesday, June 30
7:52 a.m. Injured dog, Cleland Cir. Dog went into woods8:01 p.m. Possible cougar sighting, Charnock Hill Rd.
Thursday, July 1
12:31 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about family member, Main St.7:58 p.m. Police transport two males from Maple Ave.
11:28 p.m. Loud music from upstairs apartment, Maple Ave.
11:46 p.m. Two young males walking, Fernwood Dr.
11:59 p.m. Loud music, Maple Ave.
Friday, July 2
7:51 a.m. Request for officer for irate resident who doesn’t want to move his car for paving project, Maple Ave.9:40 a.m. Request for officer to stand by while individual is taken into custody, Upper Intervale
9:50 a.m. Person at station to pick up glasses found on Charnock Hill Rd.
11:40 a.m. Dead coyote pup, Blueberry Ln.
3:11 p.m. Person riding bicycle hit with frozen can of soda by youths in van, Barre Paxton Rd.
3:50 p.m. Assist Oakham PD looking for vehicle that didn’t stop for police, Rte. 122
6:55 p.m. Person requesting assistance with vehicle lockout, Main St.
8:34 p.m. Request for fire dept. for lift assist for 1,800 lb. horse that is stuck, Kenwood Dr.
10:26 p.m. Caller heard coyotes and loud squeal, believes pet may have been attacked, Central Tree Rd.
11:55 p.m. Dog barking for hours, Thurston Hill Rd.
Saturday, July 3
12:49 a.m. Complaint of loud party, Cameron Dr.12:30 p.m. Person at station with cell phone, Main St.
3:22 p.m. Trespassing incidents, Barre Paxton Rd.
8:56 p.m. Fireworks hitting home, Pommogussett Rd.
9:12 p.m. Homeowner locked keys in car with baby inside, Arline Dr.
10:01 p.m. Homeowner advised to stop shooting off fireworks and clean up debris, Valley View Cir.
11:02 p.m. Cars speeding around area, Rebecca Ann Dr.
Sunday, July 4
1:52 a.m. Male with backpack took off running towards Nancy Dr.7:56 a.m. Person did search for fireworks that did not go off, Main St. None found
2:25 p.m. Officer wanted regarding possible picture of woman with baby that may have been stolen, Main St.
4:38 p.m. Dog hit and injured, Pommogussett Rd.
9:03 p.m. Person in small tan car dropped off cat, Maple Ave.
10:00 p.m. Strange dog on porch, Maple Ave.
Sterling
Monday, June 28
1:22 a.m. Kids lit spray paint can on fire in middle of Main St.4:37 a.m. Cars broken into during night, Heywood Rd.
5:02 a.m. Multiple vehicle breaks, Heywood Rd.
5:06 a.m. Vehicles broken into, Still River Rd.
6:03 a.m. Twenty-two reports of motor vehicle break-ins: Quail Roost Dr., Upper N. Row Rd., Still River Rd., Justice Hill Rd., Leominster Rd.
9:03 a.m. Caller wants suggestions about what to do about foxes living under shed, John Dee Rd.
1:32 p.m. Males in black pickup truck picking up wood chips delivered to property, Princeton Rd.
6:33 p.m. Assist citizen, Leominster Rd.
11:13 p.m. Two males running down Burpee Road carrying lit tiki torches, entered vehicle and took off headed towards Princeton
Tuesday, June 29
1:44 p.m. Raccoon in trash barrel at lake4:16 p.m. Assist employer regarding issue of fired employee, Leominster Rd.
4:46 p.m. Assist with car seat installation
5:10 p.m. Suspicious male at door offering refrigerator cleaning services, asked if parents were home, Sky Farm Ln.
Wednesday, June 30
10:10 a.m. Cow roaming Princeton Rd.5:27 p.m. Goats running in the roadway, North Row/Leominster Rds.
11:26 p.m. Fireworks at reservoir, Heywood/N. Row Rds.
Thursday, July 1
6:00 a.m. Skunk running in circles in front of building with plastic cup stuck on head, Industrial Dr.Friday, July 2
9:03 a.m. Theft of street signs belonging to country club, Albright Rd.2:23 p.m. Several cars parked in area of Upper N. Row Rd.
3:19 p.m. Caller concerned about neighbor’s dog, Pratts Junction/Albright Rds.
9:00 p.m. Verbal dispute between two males in middle of road about dog defecating in yard, Lakeview Ave.
10:32 p.m. No-parking signs damaged, Heywood Rd.
11:15 p.m. Complaint about loud party, Charles Patten Dr.
11:30 p.m. Person saw two or three males take trampoline from neighbor’s yard, Upper N. Row Rd. Found to be kids placing several lawn ornaments in cul de sac
Saturday, July 2
6:24 p.m. Illegal dumping on private property, Redemption Rock Trl.6:30 p.m. Loose pitbull, Pratts Junction Rd.
9:03 p.m. Fireworks near Muddy Pond Rd.
9:33 p.m. Fireworks, Greenland Rd.
Sunday, July 3
12:19 p.m. Check on skateboarder, Laurelwood/ Leominster Rds.6:48 p.m. Door-to-door solicitor, Cole Rd.
9:05 p.m. Kids in area running around, using firecrackers, Jewett Rd.
9:15 p.m. Dog ran away, frightened by fireworks, Lakeshore Dr.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Not one of those days
"It's a quiet neighborhood," Marian observed.
The rain had stopped. We were sitting on the front porch with our light supper. Ours had been a full day of visitors at home, a trip to Phillipston for a dose of small-town democracy, a return home to sign some important papers, a gift of a casserole from a kind neighbor, and then a good cry triggered by pictures and songs.
But, now it was quiet. The heavy rain of mid-day had reduced the temperature by 20 degrees from the days before. Not much air was moving and it was still humid, so you couldn't always tell if it was cool yet or not.
Inside the house, the infrastructure is in rebellion. The burner on our furnace has little puffs of electrical smoke. (I've turned off the power to the burner and will call for repairs in the morning.) The dehumidifier growls, but doesn't run. One of the toilets is decidedly unenthusiastic about fulfilling its purpose.
A neighbor with her small dog, Hyacinth, came up to the porch and chatted for a bit. We sit on the front porch whenever we can, just for this reason. Marley wasn't a gracious host to Hyacinth; he had a few sharp words to her, but his tail was wagging.
In the morning, a visiting nurse will, well, visit. We've a lot to understand about how to care for our housemate (and ourselves). Next week, we'll talk with doctors of one type and another, move more furniture, learn about insurances and pensions, learn more about what's safe, what's respectful.
When we say, "It's been one of those days," we refer to a type of day that's happened before. This one that we've just finished up, though, isn't like others that we've known. This is not unique; we know that. Plenty of families perform miracles every day. We've a lot to learn. We'll find something that we'll call ordinary again and maybe it'll look like this.
In the meantime, we can enjoy the quiet.
The rain had stopped. We were sitting on the front porch with our light supper. Ours had been a full day of visitors at home, a trip to Phillipston for a dose of small-town democracy, a return home to sign some important papers, a gift of a casserole from a kind neighbor, and then a good cry triggered by pictures and songs.
But, now it was quiet. The heavy rain of mid-day had reduced the temperature by 20 degrees from the days before. Not much air was moving and it was still humid, so you couldn't always tell if it was cool yet or not.
Inside the house, the infrastructure is in rebellion. The burner on our furnace has little puffs of electrical smoke. (I've turned off the power to the burner and will call for repairs in the morning.) The dehumidifier growls, but doesn't run. One of the toilets is decidedly unenthusiastic about fulfilling its purpose.
A neighbor with her small dog, Hyacinth, came up to the porch and chatted for a bit. We sit on the front porch whenever we can, just for this reason. Marley wasn't a gracious host to Hyacinth; he had a few sharp words to her, but his tail was wagging.
In the morning, a visiting nurse will, well, visit. We've a lot to understand about how to care for our housemate (and ourselves). Next week, we'll talk with doctors of one type and another, move more furniture, learn about insurances and pensions, learn more about what's safe, what's respectful.
When we say, "It's been one of those days," we refer to a type of day that's happened before. This one that we've just finished up, though, isn't like others that we've known. This is not unique; we know that. Plenty of families perform miracles every day. We've a lot to learn. We'll find something that we'll call ordinary again and maybe it'll look like this.
In the meantime, we can enjoy the quiet.
Not one of those days
"It's a quiet neighborhood," Marian observed.
The rain had stopped. We were sitting on the front porch with our light supper. Ours had been a full day of visitors at home, a trip to Phillipston for a dose of small-town democracy, a return home to sign some important papers, a gift of a casserole from a kind neighbor, and then a good cry triggered by pictures and songs.
But, now it was quiet. The heavy rain of mid-day had reduced the temperature by 20 degrees from the days before. Not much air was moving and it was still humid, so you couldn't always tell if it was cool yet or not.
Inside the house, the infrastructure is in rebellion. The burner on our furnace has little puffs of electrical smoke. (I've turned off the power to the burner and will call for repairs in the morning.) The dehumidifier growls, but doesn't run. One of the toilets is decidedly unenthusiastic about fulfilling its purpose.
A neighbor with her small dog, Hyacinth, came up to the porch and chatted for a bit. We sit on the front porch whenever we can, just for this reason. Marley wasn't a gracious host to Hyacinth; he had a few sharp words to her, but his tail was wagging.
In the morning, a visiting nurse will, well, visit. We've a lot to understand about how to care for our housemate (and ourselves). Next week, we'll talk with doctors of one type and another, move more furniture, learn about insurances and pensions, learn more about what's safe, what's respectful.
When we say, "It's been one of those days," we refer to a type of day that's happened before. This one that we've just finished up, though, isn't like others that we've known. This is not unique; we know that. Plenty of families perform miracles every day. We've a lot to learn. We'll find something that we'll call ordinary again and maybe it'll look like this.
In the meantime, we can enjoy the quiet.
The rain had stopped. We were sitting on the front porch with our light supper. Ours had been a full day of visitors at home, a trip to Phillipston for a dose of small-town democracy, a return home to sign some important papers, a gift of a casserole from a kind neighbor, and then a good cry triggered by pictures and songs.
But, now it was quiet. The heavy rain of mid-day had reduced the temperature by 20 degrees from the days before. Not much air was moving and it was still humid, so you couldn't always tell if it was cool yet or not.
Inside the house, the infrastructure is in rebellion. The burner on our furnace has little puffs of electrical smoke. (I've turned off the power to the burner and will call for repairs in the morning.) The dehumidifier growls, but doesn't run. One of the toilets is decidedly unenthusiastic about fulfilling its purpose.
A neighbor with her small dog, Hyacinth, came up to the porch and chatted for a bit. We sit on the front porch whenever we can, just for this reason. Marley wasn't a gracious host to Hyacinth; he had a few sharp words to her, but his tail was wagging.
In the morning, a visiting nurse will, well, visit. We've a lot to understand about how to care for our housemate (and ourselves). Next week, we'll talk with doctors of one type and another, move more furniture, learn about insurances and pensions, learn more about what's safe, what's respectful.
When we say, "It's been one of those days," we refer to a type of day that's happened before. This one that we've just finished up, though, isn't like others that we've known. This is not unique; we know that. Plenty of families perform miracles every day. We've a lot to learn. We'll find something that we'll call ordinary again and maybe it'll look like this.
In the meantime, we can enjoy the quiet.
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