Where we belong is where we are

The teen-aged boy, whose name I didn't catch, reminded me that "if you take care of your truck, your truck will take care of you." He was one of a couple dozen young people who were helping to set up the flea market at the Phillipston school. Several pickup trucks were shuttling items from the church basement to the school.

I know some of the people, but very few. This is an odd thing about being in Phillipston. I've been in this town all of my life, but the focus has always been on the lake. Even the people on the lake whom I knew as a kid, they're long gone.
So, even with a life-long connection to the town, I can probably greet one percent of the townspeople by name.
The easy thing to do, of course, is nothing. Our camp, as we well know, is a very fine place. There's plenty to do for work and play and relaxation.
But, friends beget friends and pickup trucks beget even more. On Friday evening, the night before the bazaar and flea market, we work hard for a couple of hours. The young people, Boy Scouts, mostly, work well with the adults. During the previous week, people spent several hours each event in the church basement, sorting and pricing the sale items. (Other people had spent several mornings during the past month doing the same at one person's home.)
Now it is time to move stuff. The crew carries the goods from the basement and onto the lawn and then onto the trucks. A couple of the men coach the young people on the best ways to load a truck - heavier boxes on the bottom, oddly-shaped things on top.
At the school, another swarm of people unload the trucks and find places for the goods on tables in the gym. Those of us who don't know people's names get along fine. We can still joke, coach, and praise.
By 9:30, we've emptied the church basement. We know that there are more items at the aforementioned person's house, but we don't have any more room on the tables or floor.
A dozen people were  laying out the vases, fax machines, dish sets, Christmas ornaments, tea pots, rugs, baskets, bread boxes, statues of Jesus on the cross, vacuum cleaners, crutches, boogie boards, espresso machines, empty suitcases, badminton rackets, and, well, you get the idea.
I drove home, windows down, trying to remember the names of the people I met. There will be a quiz in the morning when we open up for business.

Where we belong is where we are

The teen-aged boy, whose name I didn't catch, reminded me that "if you take care of your truck, your truck will take care of you." He was one of a couple dozen young people who were helping to set up the flea market at the Phillipston school. Several pickup trucks were shuttling items from the church basement to the school.

I know some of the people, but very few. This is an odd thing about being in Phillipston. I've been in this town all of my life, but the focus has always been on the lake. Even the people on the lake whom I knew as a kid, they're long gone.
So, even with a life-long connection to the town, I can probably greet one percent of the townspeople by name.
The easy thing to do, of course, is nothing. Our camp, as we well know, is a very fine place. There's plenty to do for work and play and relaxation.
But, friends beget friends and pickup trucks beget even more. On Friday evening, the night before the bazaar and flea market, we work hard for a couple of hours. The young people, Boy Scouts, mostly, work well with the adults. During the previous week, people spent several hours each event in the church basement, sorting and pricing the sale items. (Other people had spent several mornings during the past month doing the same at one person's home.)
Now it is time to move stuff. The crew carries the goods from the basement and onto the lawn and then onto the trucks. A couple of the men coach the young people on the best ways to load a truck - heavier boxes on the bottom, oddly-shaped things on top.
At the school, another swarm of people unload the trucks and find places for the goods on tables in the gym. Those of us who don't know people's names get along fine. We can still joke, coach, and praise.
By 9:30, we've emptied the church basement. We know that there are more items at the aforementioned person's house, but we don't have any more room on the tables or floor.
A dozen people were  laying out the vases, fax machines, dish sets, Christmas ornaments, tea pots, rugs, baskets, bread boxes, statues of Jesus on the cross, vacuum cleaners, crutches, boogie boards, espresso machines, empty suitcases, badminton rackets, and, well, you get the idea.
I drove home, windows down, trying to remember the names of the people I met. There will be a quiz in the morning when we open up for business.

Please send one copy of MCAS spelling prep guide to ...

via M.G.L. - Chapter 1, Section 1

Please send one copy of MCAS spelling prep guide to ...

via M.G.L. - Chapter 1, Section 1

On this day ...

... in 1953, Worcester County was devastated by the strongest tornado ever to hit New England. With winds close to 300 mph, the twister traveled 46 miles across the county, reaching its peak intensity in Worcester.
...
The storm left 94 dead, 1,288 injured, 15,000 homeless and over $53,000,000 in property damage. When survivors emerged from the wreckage, they viewed destruction so complete that many thought it was either a nuclear explosion or the apocalypse.
Mass Moments: Tornado Devastates Worcester

On this day ...

... in 1953, Worcester County was devastated by the strongest tornado ever to hit New England. With winds close to 300 mph, the twister traveled 46 miles across the county, reaching its peak intensity in Worcester.
...
The storm left 94 dead, 1,288 injured, 15,000 homeless and over $53,000,000 in property damage. When survivors emerged from the wreckage, they viewed destruction so complete that many thought it was either a nuclear explosion or the apocalypse.
Mass Moments: Tornado Devastates Worcester

No, it's not what they serve in school lunches

via Patriot Food

No, it's not what they serve in school lunches

via Patriot Food

Crime in suburbia

2From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 14 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, May 24

6:01 a.m. Skunk in travel lane of Holden St.
4:09 p.m. Report of strange behavior and inappropriate comments by neighbor, Torrey Ln.
9:17 p.m. Tractor-trailer stuck under railroad bridge, Main St.

Tuesday, May 25

12:58 a.m. Lost dog
1:42 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in area of light dept.; teens seen leaving area, Holden St.
5:47 a.m. Chevy Blazer speeding daily on Main St. to Rutland
5:49 a.m. Paxton PD requests check of residence for plants stolen in Paxton
8:37 a.m. Animal complaint, Princeton St.
9:01 a.m. Vehicle operator yelling at woman in her driveway, Bullard St.; dispute over traffic violation
10:53 a.m. Walk-in to discuss divorce issue
12:20 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle near Rail Trail
12:28 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Union St.; OK, cleaning service
1:39 p.m. Lockout of residence, General Hobbs Rd.
1:42 p.m. Dump truck advised to move from roadway, Wachusett St.
2:48 p.m. Animal complaint, Winthrop Ln.
4:50 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Sandy Glen Dr.
8:49 p.m. Neighbor mowing lawn while children are trying to sleep, Malden St.
8:50 p.m. Resident reports probable prank call from library about overdue book, Duxbury Ln.

Wednesday, May 26

6:37 a.m. Caller reporting no water, Highland St.
7:06 a.m. No water, Picadilly Cir.
8:00 a.m. Detained beetle reported to HMLD; will call USDA
8:16 a.m. Insect determined to be harmless Pine Sawyer beetle; set free
8:31 a.m. Turtle trying to cross Wachusett St. at Unionville Pond Bridge, potential traffic hazard
1:41 a.m. Arrest: ---  peddling door-to-door violation
1:55 p.m. Report of solicitor in area, Salisbury St.
4:43 p.m. Questions regarding disappearance of roadside memorial
4:54 p.m. Questions regarding swimming pools/fencing laws
5:05 p.m. License plate removed from accident scene by wrong party; will be returned
5:10 p.m. Group of youths on Princeton St.
5:34 p.m. Male on moped on Holden St. wearing baseball helmet
8:05 p.m. Caller regarding best way to dispose of knife that fell apart while cutting watermelon
8:06 p.m. Workers wrapped cable line around electrical line, Mayflower Cir.

Thursday, May 27

11:51 a.m. Caller reports father driving unregistered motor vehicle without a license
12:46 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Wachusett St.
2:08 p.m. Disabled motor vehicle, Harris St.; not disabled, just reading mail
2:08 p.m. Loose dog preventing neighbors walking their dog from returning home, Fisher Rd.; owner has warrant for failure to license dog
3:21 p.m. Second call regarding father driving unregistered motor vehicle without license
6:17 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St.

Friday, May 28

1:25 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle behind business, Main St.
9:27 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, South Rd.
10:04 a.m. Well-being check on female with hearing aids she turns off at night
10:33 a.m. Brown tap water, Tannery Rd.
1:10 p.m. Injured raccoon under deck, Harris St.
1:41 p.m. Dog causing traffic problem, South Rd.
2:46 p.m. Water bubbling up through sidewalk, Walnut St.
3:36 p.m. Ten houses will be without water for awhile, Walnut St.
4:18 p.m. Vehicle with pieces of tailgate hitting vehicle behind it
6:36 p.m. Pigs in road, Malden St.
7:35 p.m. Septic tank cover overflowing, Hemlock Rd.
8:40 p.m. Request for well-being check, Mt. View Dr.; children OK
9:43 p.m. Water flowing in area, Lovell Rd.

Saturday, May 29

6:34 a.m. Caller asking for officer to request that resident wait to mow lawn, Raymond St.
9:34 a.m. 911 hang up, Highland St.; teaching child to dial 911
10:42 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle unattended, South Rd.
1:28 p.m. 911 Multiple gunshots reported, South Rd.
4:55 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Shrewsbury St.
6:07 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Chapel St.
10:19 p.m. Parties on golf cart at Holden Hills; OK, watering the course

Sunday, May 30

1:43 p.m. Lockout of residence, Deane Ave.
5:08 p.m. Ammunition to be destroyed picked up
10:37 p.m. Business manager concerned about kids hanging around parking lot; all set

Paxton

Monday, May 24

8:35 a.m. Large dog running free, Wildewood Dr.
10:10 a.m. Lockout of residence, Eugenia Ln.
3:10 p.m. Child’s scooter found on Wildewood Dr.; parent retrieved
5:31 p.m. Census taker in for help finding address; advised dwelling was torn down
6:48 p.m. Water in roadway near Pleasant St. residence, maybe swimming pool
6:57 p.m. Elderly gentlemen inquiring why trucks left the station today; informed it was to put out a fire
10:40 p.m. Large bonfire, Pleasant St.

Tuesday, May 25

5:30 p.m. Suspicious male, possibly stealing plants, Grove St.

Wednesday, May 26

3:41 p.m. Lockout of motor vehicle, Pleasant St.

Thursday, May 27

9:36 a.m. Loose pit bull, Suomi St.
4:00 p.m. Caller reports suspicious vehicle taking pictures of home, Whitney Dr.

Friday, May 28

1:05 a.m. Caller heard two loud noises like gun shots, Howard St.
6:30 a.m. Turkey on side of Suomi St., possibly wounded
9:05 a.m. Dog being mistreated, Richards Ave.
11:06 a.m. Caller found what looks like Asian longhorned beetle; wants information
2:45 p.m. Scraggly looking raccoon in driveway, Suomi St.
5:08 p.m. Speak to tenant about burning laws, West St.

Saturday, May 29

1:39 p.m. Caller wants to know where to buy tomatoes
2:11 p.m. Northampton Barracks State Police report getting several 911 calls from Johnnel St. residence; child playing with phone

Sunday, May 30

12:29 a.m. Suspicious auto, Pleasant St.; will be on their way
1:39 p.m. Unoccupied vehicle in lot, Marshall St.
11:20 p.m. Holden PD reports someone walking down Rte. 31 toward Paxton

Princeton

Monday, May 24

12:45 p.m. Lost license plate between Princeton and Waltham
10:37 p.m. Motor vehicle violation, Brooks Station Rd. Vehicle towed
11:27 p.m. Police transport person from previous call to home on Maple Ave. in Rutland

Tuesday, May 25

7:08 a.m. Caller reports speeding Porsche on Forslund Rd. from Sterling Rd. every morning
7:39 a.m. Traffic control, Ball Hill Rd. Speeding complaint
12:19 p.m. Abandoned call from pay phone, Mountain Rd. Kids playing with phone

Wednesday, May 26

12:40 a.m. Traffic safety hazard. Police remove mattress from roadway, Main St.
6:25 a.m. Large snapping turtle on Rte. 140 N. Police get turtle off road headed toward water

Thursday, May 27

7:59 a.m. Traffic control duty due to complaints about speeders, Ball Hill Rd.
8:00 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, police gain entry, Sterling Rd.

Friday, May 28

12:02 a.m. Westminster PD requests cruiser to investigate people possibly swimming in area, Fitchburg Rd.
8:09 a.m. Person reports seeing flashlight in woods previous night, Sharon Dr.
9:45 p.m. Vehicle with lights on parked next to power lines, Esty Rd.

Saturday, May 29

4:48 p.m. Stray dog on back step of home, Gates Rd.
9:25 p.m. Police assist person locked out of vehicle, Worcester Rd.
10:04 p.m. Police transport owner of vehicle to Gregory Hill Rd.

Sunday, May 30

11:22 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, debris scattered all over ground, Fitchburg Rd.

Rutland

Monday, May 24

9:00 a.m. Injured baby owl beside driveway, parents in tree above, Maple Spring Dr.
12:37 p.m. Disabled truck with flat tire being jacked up with a propane gas tank, Central Tree Rd./Main St.
2:46 p.m. Suspicious black vehicle parked partially in roadway for more than half hour, Pommogussett Rd.
3:15 p.m. Report of rabid raccoon in tree, Miles Rd. Found to be mother raccoon protecting her young

Tuesday, May 25

9:53 a.m. Complaint about motorcycles going by house and large trucks using their “jake” brakes. Believes it’s a conspiracy against him. Wants officer to stop traffic, Pleasantdale Rd.
4:10 p.m. Caller’s terrier attacked by neighbor’s rottweiler, third incident, Dakota Trl.
4:19 p.m. Youths skateboarding in and out of driveways, Birchwood Dr.
8:04 p.m. Complaint about person riding dirt bike late evening, Glenwood Rd.

Wednesday, May 26

12:16 p.m. Caller found small black dog, Rutland State Park
4:42 p.m. Two young males asking people to buy liquor for them, Main St.

Thursday, May 27

7:45 a.m. Loose sheep dog-type dog, Brooke Haven Dr.
12:40 p.m. Female walking followed by black dog, Pommogussett Rd.

Friday, May 28

3:11 p.m. Caller reports male came up behind her on rail trail and became very irate, Rutland State Park
4:52 p.m. Person at station with dog running around the post office

Saturday, May 29

7:17 p.m. Two children in back of car with no car seats, Barre-Paxton Rd.
8:19 p.m. Police speak with individuals about fireworks, Maple Ave.
8:23 p.m. Complaint about fireworks, Laurelwood Rd.
8:35 p.m. Two teens on rail trail with camping gear, Pommogussett Rd.
9:55 p.m. Caller reports someone yelling name, River Rd.

Sunday, May 30

2:50 a.m. Loud party with fireworks and bonfire, Cameron Dr.

Sterling

Monday, May 24

9:11 a.m. Caller concerned about horse lying down in field, Kendall Hill Rd. Horse is fine, elderly
7:17 p.m. Caller brought newborn rabbit to animal control officer
9:51 p.m. Caller reports person walking with no reflective gear, Leominster Rd.

Tuesday, May 25

8:08 a.m. Animal control officer looking for another feral kitten, Goulding Rd.
8:53 a.m. Caller with questions about fox family living on his property, Quail Roost Dr.
9:22 a.m. Complaint about barking dog, Woodside Dr.
2:10 p.m. Officer requested to speak with driver “zooming up and down” Albright/Pratts Jct. Rds.
5:02 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about strange phone call from Arizona, Elliott Rd.
6:16 p.m. Caller concerned about dogs, Leominster Rd.
6:30 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about two dogs in her yard that attacked her cat, Twine Rd.

Wednesday, May 26

6:34 a.m. Loose goat, Flanagan Hill Rd.
6:54 a.m. Caller requesting animal control officer for fox in yard, Pamela Ln.
10:39 a.m. Attempt to find last of feral kittens, Goulding Rd.
11:49 a.m. Large couch or refrigerator fell off truck in I-190 N on-ramp
4:01 p.m. Abandoned 911 call; child playing with phone, Redemption Rock Trl.

Thursday, May 27

12:24 p.m. Dog howling as if in pain, Holden Rd.
5:17 p.m. Person in parking lot offering to sell items to patrons of business, Redemption Rock Trl.

Friday, May 28

11:55 a.m. Lost tabby cat, Sky Farm Rd.
3:29 p.m. Motorist dropped off two small dogs running in roadway, Laurelwood Rd. Bichon and terrier-type

Saturday, May 29

2:03 a.m. Police transport individuals to home on Bean Rd. after they had difficulty changing tire
1:50 p.m. Caller reports disabled vehicle for long period of time, Redemption Rock Trl. Wants it moved

Sunday, May 30

7:15 p.m. Caller reports possibly sick male on side of road, Sunset Dr.
8:07 p.m. Inside door is open and storm door locked at home, Pineview Rd.

Crime in suburbia

2From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 14 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, May 24

6:01 a.m. Skunk in travel lane of Holden St.
4:09 p.m. Report of strange behavior and inappropriate comments by neighbor, Torrey Ln.
9:17 p.m. Tractor-trailer stuck under railroad bridge, Main St.

Tuesday, May 25

12:58 a.m. Lost dog
1:42 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in area of light dept.; teens seen leaving area, Holden St.
5:47 a.m. Chevy Blazer speeding daily on Main St. to Rutland
5:49 a.m. Paxton PD requests check of residence for plants stolen in Paxton
8:37 a.m. Animal complaint, Princeton St.
9:01 a.m. Vehicle operator yelling at woman in her driveway, Bullard St.; dispute over traffic violation
10:53 a.m. Walk-in to discuss divorce issue
12:20 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle near Rail Trail
12:28 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Union St.; OK, cleaning service
1:39 p.m. Lockout of residence, General Hobbs Rd.
1:42 p.m. Dump truck advised to move from roadway, Wachusett St.
2:48 p.m. Animal complaint, Winthrop Ln.
4:50 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Sandy Glen Dr.
8:49 p.m. Neighbor mowing lawn while children are trying to sleep, Malden St.
8:50 p.m. Resident reports probable prank call from library about overdue book, Duxbury Ln.

Wednesday, May 26

6:37 a.m. Caller reporting no water, Highland St.
7:06 a.m. No water, Picadilly Cir.
8:00 a.m. Detained beetle reported to HMLD; will call USDA
8:16 a.m. Insect determined to be harmless Pine Sawyer beetle; set free
8:31 a.m. Turtle trying to cross Wachusett St. at Unionville Pond Bridge, potential traffic hazard
1:41 a.m. Arrest: ---  peddling door-to-door violation
1:55 p.m. Report of solicitor in area, Salisbury St.
4:43 p.m. Questions regarding disappearance of roadside memorial
4:54 p.m. Questions regarding swimming pools/fencing laws
5:05 p.m. License plate removed from accident scene by wrong party; will be returned
5:10 p.m. Group of youths on Princeton St.
5:34 p.m. Male on moped on Holden St. wearing baseball helmet
8:05 p.m. Caller regarding best way to dispose of knife that fell apart while cutting watermelon
8:06 p.m. Workers wrapped cable line around electrical line, Mayflower Cir.

Thursday, May 27

11:51 a.m. Caller reports father driving unregistered motor vehicle without a license
12:46 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Wachusett St.
2:08 p.m. Disabled motor vehicle, Harris St.; not disabled, just reading mail
2:08 p.m. Loose dog preventing neighbors walking their dog from returning home, Fisher Rd.; owner has warrant for failure to license dog
3:21 p.m. Second call regarding father driving unregistered motor vehicle without license
6:17 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St.

Friday, May 28

1:25 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle behind business, Main St.
9:27 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, South Rd.
10:04 a.m. Well-being check on female with hearing aids she turns off at night
10:33 a.m. Brown tap water, Tannery Rd.
1:10 p.m. Injured raccoon under deck, Harris St.
1:41 p.m. Dog causing traffic problem, South Rd.
2:46 p.m. Water bubbling up through sidewalk, Walnut St.
3:36 p.m. Ten houses will be without water for awhile, Walnut St.
4:18 p.m. Vehicle with pieces of tailgate hitting vehicle behind it
6:36 p.m. Pigs in road, Malden St.
7:35 p.m. Septic tank cover overflowing, Hemlock Rd.
8:40 p.m. Request for well-being check, Mt. View Dr.; children OK
9:43 p.m. Water flowing in area, Lovell Rd.

Saturday, May 29

6:34 a.m. Caller asking for officer to request that resident wait to mow lawn, Raymond St.
9:34 a.m. 911 hang up, Highland St.; teaching child to dial 911
10:42 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle unattended, South Rd.
1:28 p.m. 911 Multiple gunshots reported, South Rd.
4:55 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Shrewsbury St.
6:07 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Chapel St.
10:19 p.m. Parties on golf cart at Holden Hills; OK, watering the course

Sunday, May 30

1:43 p.m. Lockout of residence, Deane Ave.
5:08 p.m. Ammunition to be destroyed picked up
10:37 p.m. Business manager concerned about kids hanging around parking lot; all set

Paxton

Monday, May 24

8:35 a.m. Large dog running free, Wildewood Dr.
10:10 a.m. Lockout of residence, Eugenia Ln.
3:10 p.m. Child’s scooter found on Wildewood Dr.; parent retrieved
5:31 p.m. Census taker in for help finding address; advised dwelling was torn down
6:48 p.m. Water in roadway near Pleasant St. residence, maybe swimming pool
6:57 p.m. Elderly gentlemen inquiring why trucks left the station today; informed it was to put out a fire
10:40 p.m. Large bonfire, Pleasant St.

Tuesday, May 25

5:30 p.m. Suspicious male, possibly stealing plants, Grove St.

Wednesday, May 26

3:41 p.m. Lockout of motor vehicle, Pleasant St.

Thursday, May 27

9:36 a.m. Loose pit bull, Suomi St.
4:00 p.m. Caller reports suspicious vehicle taking pictures of home, Whitney Dr.

Friday, May 28

1:05 a.m. Caller heard two loud noises like gun shots, Howard St.
6:30 a.m. Turkey on side of Suomi St., possibly wounded
9:05 a.m. Dog being mistreated, Richards Ave.
11:06 a.m. Caller found what looks like Asian longhorned beetle; wants information
2:45 p.m. Scraggly looking raccoon in driveway, Suomi St.
5:08 p.m. Speak to tenant about burning laws, West St.

Saturday, May 29

1:39 p.m. Caller wants to know where to buy tomatoes
2:11 p.m. Northampton Barracks State Police report getting several 911 calls from Johnnel St. residence; child playing with phone

Sunday, May 30

12:29 a.m. Suspicious auto, Pleasant St.; will be on their way
1:39 p.m. Unoccupied vehicle in lot, Marshall St.
11:20 p.m. Holden PD reports someone walking down Rte. 31 toward Paxton

Princeton

Monday, May 24

12:45 p.m. Lost license plate between Princeton and Waltham
10:37 p.m. Motor vehicle violation, Brooks Station Rd. Vehicle towed
11:27 p.m. Police transport person from previous call to home on Maple Ave. in Rutland

Tuesday, May 25

7:08 a.m. Caller reports speeding Porsche on Forslund Rd. from Sterling Rd. every morning
7:39 a.m. Traffic control, Ball Hill Rd. Speeding complaint
12:19 p.m. Abandoned call from pay phone, Mountain Rd. Kids playing with phone

Wednesday, May 26

12:40 a.m. Traffic safety hazard. Police remove mattress from roadway, Main St.
6:25 a.m. Large snapping turtle on Rte. 140 N. Police get turtle off road headed toward water

Thursday, May 27

7:59 a.m. Traffic control duty due to complaints about speeders, Ball Hill Rd.
8:00 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, police gain entry, Sterling Rd.

Friday, May 28

12:02 a.m. Westminster PD requests cruiser to investigate people possibly swimming in area, Fitchburg Rd.
8:09 a.m. Person reports seeing flashlight in woods previous night, Sharon Dr.
9:45 p.m. Vehicle with lights on parked next to power lines, Esty Rd.

Saturday, May 29

4:48 p.m. Stray dog on back step of home, Gates Rd.
9:25 p.m. Police assist person locked out of vehicle, Worcester Rd.
10:04 p.m. Police transport owner of vehicle to Gregory Hill Rd.

Sunday, May 30

11:22 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, debris scattered all over ground, Fitchburg Rd.

Rutland

Monday, May 24

9:00 a.m. Injured baby owl beside driveway, parents in tree above, Maple Spring Dr.
12:37 p.m. Disabled truck with flat tire being jacked up with a propane gas tank, Central Tree Rd./Main St.
2:46 p.m. Suspicious black vehicle parked partially in roadway for more than half hour, Pommogussett Rd.
3:15 p.m. Report of rabid raccoon in tree, Miles Rd. Found to be mother raccoon protecting her young

Tuesday, May 25

9:53 a.m. Complaint about motorcycles going by house and large trucks using their “jake” brakes. Believes it’s a conspiracy against him. Wants officer to stop traffic, Pleasantdale Rd.
4:10 p.m. Caller’s terrier attacked by neighbor’s rottweiler, third incident, Dakota Trl.
4:19 p.m. Youths skateboarding in and out of driveways, Birchwood Dr.
8:04 p.m. Complaint about person riding dirt bike late evening, Glenwood Rd.

Wednesday, May 26

12:16 p.m. Caller found small black dog, Rutland State Park
4:42 p.m. Two young males asking people to buy liquor for them, Main St.

Thursday, May 27

7:45 a.m. Loose sheep dog-type dog, Brooke Haven Dr.
12:40 p.m. Female walking followed by black dog, Pommogussett Rd.

Friday, May 28

3:11 p.m. Caller reports male came up behind her on rail trail and became very irate, Rutland State Park
4:52 p.m. Person at station with dog running around the post office

Saturday, May 29

7:17 p.m. Two children in back of car with no car seats, Barre-Paxton Rd.
8:19 p.m. Police speak with individuals about fireworks, Maple Ave.
8:23 p.m. Complaint about fireworks, Laurelwood Rd.
8:35 p.m. Two teens on rail trail with camping gear, Pommogussett Rd.
9:55 p.m. Caller reports someone yelling name, River Rd.

Sunday, May 30

2:50 a.m. Loud party with fireworks and bonfire, Cameron Dr.

Sterling

Monday, May 24

9:11 a.m. Caller concerned about horse lying down in field, Kendall Hill Rd. Horse is fine, elderly
7:17 p.m. Caller brought newborn rabbit to animal control officer
9:51 p.m. Caller reports person walking with no reflective gear, Leominster Rd.

Tuesday, May 25

8:08 a.m. Animal control officer looking for another feral kitten, Goulding Rd.
8:53 a.m. Caller with questions about fox family living on his property, Quail Roost Dr.
9:22 a.m. Complaint about barking dog, Woodside Dr.
2:10 p.m. Officer requested to speak with driver “zooming up and down” Albright/Pratts Jct. Rds.
5:02 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about strange phone call from Arizona, Elliott Rd.
6:16 p.m. Caller concerned about dogs, Leominster Rd.
6:30 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about two dogs in her yard that attacked her cat, Twine Rd.

Wednesday, May 26

6:34 a.m. Loose goat, Flanagan Hill Rd.
6:54 a.m. Caller requesting animal control officer for fox in yard, Pamela Ln.
10:39 a.m. Attempt to find last of feral kittens, Goulding Rd.
11:49 a.m. Large couch or refrigerator fell off truck in I-190 N on-ramp
4:01 p.m. Abandoned 911 call; child playing with phone, Redemption Rock Trl.

Thursday, May 27

12:24 p.m. Dog howling as if in pain, Holden Rd.
5:17 p.m. Person in parking lot offering to sell items to patrons of business, Redemption Rock Trl.

Friday, May 28

11:55 a.m. Lost tabby cat, Sky Farm Rd.
3:29 p.m. Motorist dropped off two small dogs running in roadway, Laurelwood Rd. Bichon and terrier-type

Saturday, May 29

2:03 a.m. Police transport individuals to home on Bean Rd. after they had difficulty changing tire
1:50 p.m. Caller reports disabled vehicle for long period of time, Redemption Rock Trl. Wants it moved

Sunday, May 30

7:15 p.m. Caller reports possibly sick male on side of road, Sunset Dr.
8:07 p.m. Inside door is open and storm door locked at home, Pineview Rd.

Slow water

They'll resume work in the morning, first to recheck the rate of water flow. At day's end on Friday, at a depth of 440 feet, we were getting about 2.5 gallons/minute, half of what's recommended. We might be able to get by, but the pump would have to work harder, shortening its life.
One option is to keep drilling. Our neighbor across the cove reached a good flow at 520 or so. (Another lakeside resident was getting 15 gallons/minute at 150 feet. It's tempting to run a pipe along the lake bottom to his well.)
The other option is hydro-fracture, also known as hydro-frac or fracking. In brief, the crew would pump pressurized water back down the hole. The pressurized water fractures the rock around the veins that are feeding the well, increasing the rate of water flow.
This seems like a lot of work (and money) to get water when we're right beside a lake. The lake water, as good as it is, however, is susceptible to a number of biological processes resulting from human, animal, and plant activities, particularly during the warmer periods of summer.  This project is worth it, allowing us to have a reliable supply of good drinking water.
I just hope we don't find oil.

Fwd: Tornado Watch for Holden, MA

Karl Hakkarainen
---
From the Droid Dept.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Weather Underground Email Service" <emailer@email.wunderground.com>
Date: Jun 6, 2010 11:08 AM
Subject: Tornado Watch for Holden, MA
To: <kh@queenlake.com>

Tornado Watch
Statement as of 11:10 AM EDT on June 06, 2010

Tornado Watch 272 is in effect until 800 PM EDT for the
 following locations

MA
.    Massachusetts counties included are

Berkshire            Bristol             Essex
Franklin             Hampden             Hampshire
Middlesex            Norfolk             Plymouth
Suffolk              Worcester






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