To have a friend, you have to be a friend, unless you have the cash

They say it's not, so I guess that I believe them

RentAFriend.com is a website that allows you to rent local Friends from all over the world. You can rent a local Friend to hang out with, go to a movie or restaurant with, or someone to go with you to a party or event. Rent a friend to teach you a new skill or hobby, or to show you around an unfamiliar town.
RentAFriend.com is strictly a platonic Friendship website. RentAFriend.com is NOT a dating website, and NOT an Escort agency. Services on RentAFriend.com are strictly for FRIENDSHIP purposes only.
via RentAFriend: Hire Someone As Your Friend For An Activity

But wait, there's more:

via Get Paid and Make Money Being a Friend and Party

Please keep Taxi Guy in your thoughts

Jeff has been hospitalized since Thursday 07/29/10.
via Wormtown Taxi: update!

Wildlife in suburbia

While we were having our breakfast this morning, a young red fox paid a visit.

With apologies for a picture through a screen door

It made a quick tour around the bird feeders, but the squirrels and chipmunks knew to keep their distance. On its way to the back of the yard, it gave chase to the rabbit that lives in our wood pile. The rabbit was too quick and the fox too clumsy (think teenager). After a time, the fox crawled under the fence in the far corner and went hunting elsewhere.
Marian hadn't yet finished her breakfast and still had a slice of bacon on her plate. Marley thought that the bacon might be for him and was unaware of the intruder in the yard.

When you were 19, you were doing what?

Yeah, me, too, pretty much.
Not this, though.

via On This Day

More about The Marquis de Lafayette

Science- the cause and cure of all of our problems

In these days of modern times, many aspects of life get complicated. You learn things, wonder about things, read things. It makes sense for a while, then it does, then it does again.
For example, in the "Do you guys read what the other guys wrote?" department, we learn that scientists can genetically modify bacteria to accelerate the production of biofuel.  Sounds pretty much kinda good, I guess, until you read a bit further and learn that the host bacterium is a new strain of Escherichia coli, "chosen because it breeds readily in laboratory conditions and so is a good candidate for industrial-scale processes."
Uh, huh. We know this bacterium by its colloquial name, E. coli. This stuff - Emerging E. coli strain causes many antimicrobial-resistant infections in US.
Granted, these are different strains of bacteria. You wouldn't want to assume that each is as dangerous as the other. It's like, well, I'm sure that we'll come up with a metaphor that'll make us comfortable with the idea that E. coli. is going to lead us to energy independence.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 21 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, July 19

1:41 a.m. Dome light in vehicle, Foss Hill Dr.; OK, vehicle still secure
4:52 a.m. Manhole cover popped off, water pouring out, Anderson Ave.
9:07 a.m. Animal complaint, Salisbury St.
11:13 a.m. Grafton caller found dog with Holden tag
12:18 p.m. Party found blue bicycle in woods behind Holden pool
12:26 p.m. Residence burglar alarm, Chapel St.; dog may have set it off
12:35 p.m. Threatening phone calls while caller was in Royalston. Advised to contact Royalston PD. Says Royalston PD being unhelpful
1:10 p.m. Well-being check requested on female with pink backpack crossing railroad bridge
1:40 p.m. Large white box truck in yard, Wachusett St., no one supposed to be home. OK, gutter repair
3:47 p.m. Suspicious vehicle from Virginia parked in front of neighbors’ that are away
7:37 p.m. Regular vehicle parked in handicap parking space at restaurant
7:52 p.m. Caller from Vermont reports iPhone stolen; GPS shows it in Lovell Rd. area; negative contact
9:28 p.m. Neighbor reports garage open and light on, Wyoming Dr., doesn’t think neighbors are home. Neighbor home, all set.
10:58 p.m. Deceased fox in the middle of Parker Ave.

Tuesday, July 20

8:42 a.m. Walk-in reports brother-in-law missing. Text message said he was picked up by two men in Holden; party located and safe
12:13 p.m. Mother requesting cruiser check her house for storm damage; advised storm not as severe as expected, no damage reported
1:05 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with black male operator and California plates drove down driveway, backed out and now sitting on side of road, Princeton St.
1:28 p.m. Winter Hill Rd. resident wants to dispose of small bag of .22 rounds found in attic; advised to bring them to police station
2:26 p.m. Caller says detail officers on Malden St. are not very visible, difficult to negotiate lane closure
2:30 p.m. Report of male in front of house wielding large machete and cutting down tree branches, Wachusett St.; advised he is a surveyor
3:32 p.m. Flagpole taken on Lovell Rd., flag folded and put on steps
3:39 p.m. Caller’s niece sent text photo of marijuana and prescription drugs she alleges her mother and mother’s boyfriend have smoked and taken in front of her, Newell Rd.

10:34 p.m. Caller unable to sleep due to noise from residence, Fox Hill
10:42 p.m. Kids in area of Senior Center lighting fireworks
11:04 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St. Four occupants, dispersed
11:21 p.m. Suspicious pickup truck, Jennifer Dr.
11:40 p.m. Loud noises from back yard, Fox Hill; pool pump
11:59 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Malden St.

Wednesday, July 21

1:13 a.m. Clerk says two kids she told cannot “chill” in parking lot refuse to leave, Main St.; waiting for ride due to broken bicycle

4:49 p.m. Vehicle lockout, Bailey Rd., dog inside
9:21 p.m. Suspicious person, Main St. Male has truck parked at Walgreen’s and is out looking for food
11:42 p.m. Loud guitar playing, Butternut Cir.; advised to quiet down

Thursday, July 22

6:29 p.m. Walk-in with dog found wandering around Pinecroft Dairy
8:12 p.m. Caller from Hilltop St. reports people in Eagle Lake making noise between 2-3 a.m.
9:27 p.m. Youths asked to move along, Main St.

Friday, July 23

5:02 a.m. Caller reports female in black dress, walking barefoot on Rte. 122A near Rte. 68, appears “dazed”
7:48 a.m. Possible vandalism to home, outer window smashed, screens damaged, Salisbury St.; liquor store receipt near damage
10:40 a.m. Two German shepherds wandering near WRHS track
11:05 a.m. Cat hit, Juniper Ln.; cat alive, vehicle gone
12:08 p.m. Individual trying to hitchhike from Malden St. to center of town
2:01 p.m. Dead beaver found near 684 Wachusett St.; put it in bag for trash collection
5:17 p.m. Poorly-marked pile of gravel in middle of Avery Heights Dr.
10:01 p.m. Loud band, Thorny Lea.

Saturday, July 24

10:00 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle; Atlantic Beef white pickup truck with Maine plates and heavy-set male driver. Worcester PD advised
11:03 a.m. Raccoon on Shrewsbury St.


11:18 p.m. Loud party, Highland St; will quiet down

Sunday, July 25

12:18 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle behind CRA, Main St.
12:34 a.m. Vehicle parked in lot with no one around, Shrewsbury St.
3:02 p.m. Caller reporting male in driveway wearing nothing but a cast on his hand, Salisbury St. Units advise nothing showing

9:41 p.m. Winthrop Ln. resident advises he lives in an upscale neighborhood and dogs at neighboring residence are barking nonstop
9:44 p.m. House broken into, High St.; caller found suspect’s ID on son’s floor
10:42 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle with one male occupant, Main St.

Paxton

Monday, July 19

7:23 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, driving slowing in area, Marshall St.
7:05 p.m. Vehicle parked on side of road, not a hazard, Ridgewood/Aldewood Rds.

Wednesday, July 21

4:01 p.m. Raccoon in flower bed, person afraid raccoon will run into traffic, Brigham Rd.
5:10 p.m. Police check house struck by lightning, Crestwood Rd.
8:32 p.m. Caller heard gunshots behind house, Camp St.

Thursday, July 22

3:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with loud music in parking lot, West St.

Friday, July 23

12:25 a.m. Kids playing on top of vehicle, vehicle left area with no lights on, Suomi St.
1:40 a.m. People trying to flag down motorists, possible disabled vehicle, Marshall St.
11:17 a.m. People in gray van taking stone from neighbor’s driveway, Tanglewood Rd.

Saturday, July 24

No calls for service

Sunday, July 25

9:38 p.m. Report of large bonfire, Holden Rd.

Princeton

Monday, July 19

4:15 p.m. Traffic control duty, center of town for stop sign enforcement
5:32 p.m. Police use hand-held radar, Sterling and Merriam Rds.
6:41 p.m. Dog went after jogger, Dowds Ln.
8:53 p.m. Transformer struck by lightning, Rocky Pond Rd.
8:53 p.m. Police assist light dept., Rocky Pond Rd.

Tuesday, July 20

9:57 a.m. Suspicious red van with ladder in yard, Hobbs Rd.
10:00 a.m. Stray cat hanging around home, Calamint Hill Rd. N. Owner picked up
11:10 a.m. Traffic control duty, Goodnow Rd.

Wednesday, July 21

1:04 p.m. Ostrich with injured right leg in yard, Wheeler Rd.
2:20 p.m. Person at station to report fraudulent use of debit card in France, Town Hall Dr.

Thursday, July 22

12:07 a.m. Police remove barrel from road, Hubbardston Rd.
11:27 a.m. Dog visiting at Town Hall, owner contacted to pick up, Town Hall Dr.
11:52 a.m. Town wide power outage
11:53 a.m. Assist fire dept. checking generator at Town Hall that smelled of smoke
7:04 p.m. Low-hanging wires across road, police remove telephone line to side of road, Ball Hill Rd.

Friday, July 23

3:50 a.m. Suspicious white car in lot of restaurant on Worcester Rd. Found to be cleaners
7:50 a.m. Caller’s dog attacked by another dog, Oak Cir.
11:53 a.m. Barking dog, Worcester Rd.
2:08 p.m. Weasel in garage, Brooks Station Rd.
3:44 p.m. Weasel in home, Brooks Station Rd.

Saturday, July 24

7:28 p.m. Suspicious male in back yard, Gleason Rd.

Sunday, July 25

2:43 p.m. People removing fieldstone from property, Beaman/Hobbs Rds.
3:15 p.m. Dog with Princeton tags wandering on Upper N. Row Road, Sterling
7:04 p.m. People removing stone wall from foreclosed property, Beaman Rd.
8:13 p.m. Person locked out of truck, police assist with entry, Main St.

Rutland

Monday, July 19

12:45 p.m. Hound dog missing from Devereux School
3:23 p.m. Request officer to handle irate customer, Mann’s Trailer Sales
10:36 p.m. Suspicious male outside closed business; waiting for ride

Tuesday, July 20

12:13 p.m. Loose cat, Campbell St.
9:59 p.m. Suspicious persons, Kenwood Dr.; married couple out for a stroll
11:35 p.m. Loud verbal dispute, Jackson Ave.

Wednesday, July 21

5:42 a.m. White male jumped fence at old state hospital; he is a contractor
6:37 a.m. Suspicious male in red pickup, Ware Rd.
7:49 a.m. Welfare check for male sitting in his vehicle for an hour, Carly Cir.
9:50 a.m. Caller said vehicle was towed due to construction work, Maple Ave.; not aware of parking ban
1:50 p.m. Kids on dirt bikes and four-wheeler, Maggie’s Way

Thursday, July 22

12:54 p.m. Suspicious person in white SUV walking around residences; is an appraiser at wrong location
1:43 p.m. Suspicious party with red vehicle on property, Glenwood Rd.; advised assessors drive red vehicle
1:57 p.m. Loose dog, Joanna Dr.; caller secured in basement

Friday, July 23

10:45 a.m. Neighbor trimming his bushes, but on caller’s property, Summerhill Dr.
12:31 p.m. Male black cat missing for two days, Prouty Ln.
4:01 p.m. Caller working on computer; upset homeowner refuses to let him leave, Haven Hill Rd.
11:30 p.m. Australian shepherd running loose near library.

Saturday, July 24

7:46 p.m. Party with question regarding trespassing; wants to work at his mother’s residence, but her roommate doesn’t like him.
9:36 p.m. Suspicious car, Main St.

Sunday, July 25

12:15 p.m. Dead cat on side of Main St.

Sterling

Monday, July 19

12:54 a.m. Male ran into woods after seeing cruiser, Leominster Rd.
12:46 p.m. Caller reporting protesters at the post office advised of freedom of speech, Clinton Rd.
2:47 p.m. Caller wants to speak with animal control officer, Chace Hill Rd.
3:01 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about harassment with her employer; taking place in Holden
5:54 p.m. Caller reports rapid firing at rifle range, Beaman Rd.

Tuesday, July 20

6:54 p.m. Parking attendant requesting police for vehicle parked in no-parking zone, Hall Ave.
7:48 p.m. Barking dog, Newell Hill Rd.
8:34 p.m. Suspicious black car traveling very slowly, occupants looking around, Rowley Hill/Tuttle Rds.

Wednesday, July 21

7:01 a.m. Coonhound running loose in area of Princeton Road for two months; captured and brought to rescue league
7:28 a.m. Raccoon curled up in ball on side of road, George E. Peeso Ln./Patriots Way; baby, relocated
9:43 a.m. Stray yellow Labrador found to belong to Princeton resident, Holden Rd.
1:42 p.m. Disabled vehicle with kids inside, Chocksett Rd./George E. Peeso Ln.
1:58 p.m. Dog running loose attacked another dog, Chace Hill Rd.
1:58 p.m. Person wants to talk with animal control officer about lost cat, Leominster Rd.

Thursday, July 22

4:34 a.m. Person looking for address to take possession of vehicle, Leominster Rd.
6:10 p.m. Person at station to report missing terrier, Old County Rd.
6:41 p.m. Small pug-like dog came out of woods, Clinton Rd.

Friday, July 23

10:15 a.m. Stray dog running around on Princeton Rd.; returned to owner
11:10 a.m. Stray black dog, Gates Ter.
12:18 p.m. Stray dog, possibly pug, Clinton Rd.
2:55 p.m. Vehicles parked on trail to reservoir, asked to leave, Upper N. Row Rd.

Saturday, July 24

10:03 p.m. Vehicle pulled into driveway on John Dee Rd. Occupant started to yell and then took off

Sunday, July 25

12:59 p.m. Injured hawk on golf course, Albright Rd.
2:03 p.m. Chocolate Labrador swimming in pond, Bean Rd.
4:52 p.m. Male golden retriever with Princeton tag found, Upper N. Row Rd.
6:16 p.m. Kitten at back door of home, Jill Ln.
6:38 p.m. Brown and white tabby cat at back door of home, Sandy
Way
8:13 p.m. Two loose hens, Justice Hill Rd.

Whistling past the newspaper

The recent obits have showed several people in my age cohort. I didn't know any of them this time. I did know one other fellow, several years older than me, but still young enough.
I've attended a lot of funerals for folks my age and younger. Most died at these early ages because of booze or drugs or related causes. Some had been to Vietnam and brought home physical and psychic poisons.
These recent passages, however, seemed to just folks who died on this side of the median age, brought down by ordinary diseases.
I don't think about death often or for very long when I do. Sometimes, though, the news reminds us (me) that we each get one, that it'll come at an inconvenient time, and that others will be left to learn the lessons from our lives.

And now, here's your moment of Zen

While climbing up and down the limbs and trunk of the Boston Globe home subscriber telephone tree, I reached this message:

Please wait for the silence for assistance.

I did and received the assistance that I needed. All that we need, I guess, is silence.

And now, here's your moment of Zen

While climbing up and down the limbs and trunk of the Boston Globe home subscriber telephone tree, I reached this message:

Please wait for the silence for assistance.

I did and received the assistance that I needed. All that we need, I guess, is silence.

Around the house

We needed to install one of those hand-held shower gadgets in the bathroom that my mother-in-law uses. We found a nice-looking Waterpik^® product, one that requires no tools for installation.
It did, however, require several sharp implements to get the unit out of its plastic armor. After a few minutes of muttering about the genetic evilness of the packaging engineers, I had the pieces ready for installation. The unit has three parts: a bracket with a pivot ball  that connects to the shower pipe, a hose, and the shower head itself.
In some humid factory in Asia, someone's boss said, in whatever language was being used, "Put these little paper tabs at each end of this hose."

And, put them they did.
Second only to washers, my father's favorite accessory to any project was Teflon tape. He's been gone for more than three years and we still haven't used up his supply.

Best company name ever, sadly, no longer in business

Upon testing, I discovered that it worked fine once, then made a loud groaning noise and no water to came out. It worked fine again on a retest. We now just need to remember to tell the home health aide and others that the shower works every other time.

Happy Birthday, Sandra

More on work and jobs

The flurry of new connections on LinkedIn indicated that there was churn in the workforce. Then,  we received word from former co-workers that there was a recent round of layoffs at our former company. More people are now looking for work. Some are finding jobs, temporary, mostly.
It was just about a year ago that Sandra got word that her work would be going away. She had a choice: accept a severance package or follow the work to India. She chose the former and is now retired. (We may not be done with work for pay, but careers as we knew them are pretty much done.)
We now get to watch the world of work from a different vantage. Here are some items of note:

• Remember the opportunity to follow the work to India? It turns out that some people are seeing this as a viable option. You can live cheaply and find plenty of opportunities for career development and advancement. via No work in the US? Move to India - Boing Boing.
• I don't know many people who use a pencil these days. (I carry a mechanical pencil and use it rarely.) Apparently, there are a few folks left and, among them, are those who take their pencils really seriously. Cartoonist David Rees Launches 'Artisanal Pencil Sharpening Service'. You can get your pencils sharpened manually.
  Quote of the day:
  "Just because something makes you smile or laugh ... doesn't mean it's a joke."  via Artisanal Pencil Sharpening.
• Don't know what kind of work you should be doing? Your brain can tell you. Brain scans may help guide career choice.
• Some people like the excitement, challenge, and risk of working for a small startup company. If you do, here's a cautionary tale about bailing out too soon. The third co-founder of Apple Computer, Ron Wayne, designed the original logo and wrote the first manual. He decided that the Steves (Jobs and Wozniak) were too unfocused and unrealistic and so he sold back his 10% stake in the company for $800. It would now be worth north of $22 billion.
• If you're young, smart, and female, you can make some decent money selling your eggs. Good SAT Scores Lead To Higher Egg Donor Prices.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 23 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, July 12

12:05 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in front of home, Montana Dr.
12:15 a.m. Patient asking for nurse who isn’t coming fast enough
6:51 a.m. Deceased cat, Reservoir St.
9:04 a.m. Illegal dumping at reservoir
10:15 a.m. Individuals without fishing licenses fishing at Peter Carr Pond
10:48 a.m. Caller says left bicycle at business last week, now gone
1:50 p.m. Incident at store, Reservoir St.
4:20 p.m. Suspicious truck, Bull Run; OK, waiting for the storm to pass
4:55 p.m. Suspicious male with case of beer sitting by pond; very talkative with caller and her children, made them feel uncomfortable; taken into protective custody
6:20 p.m. Undesirable person in house, Wachusett St.
9:07 pm Unwelcome male party at residence, Wachusett St.; family concerned about him taking items; OK, male removed and doors locked
11:02 p.m. Three suspicious cars near building, Main St.

Tuesday, July 13

12:57 a.m. Suspicious individuals on bicycles, Main St.
1:51 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle with dome light, Manning St.
2:19 a.m. Suspicious vehicle going in and out of driveways, Main St.
5:09 a.m. Individual trying to exit moving vehicle, Main St.
6:30 a.m. Suspicious individual, Wachusett St., OK, just walking
8:48 a.m. Caller’s brother arrested for immigration issues; advised to contact arresting agency
10:40 a.m. Loose dog, Highland St.
12:23 p.m. Erratic driver using cell phone; driver warned
12:35 p.m. 911 caller lost six-year-old on Rail Trail
12:43 p.m. Child found in good condition
9:13 pm Youths playing on music stage, Main St.

Wednesday, July 14

1:07 a.m. Suspicious unoccupied vehicle, Willow Brook Rd.
2:10 a.m. Suspicious vehicle behind building, Parker Rd.

7:59 a.m. Caller believes tenants are dealing drugs out of basement


12:10 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.
1:45 p.m. Caller reports someone took pictures of his home
5:01 p.m. Caller reports father won’t talk to her, wants advice

Thursday, July 15

6:15 a.m. Vehicle left sideways and running in roadway, Shrewsbury St.
9:02 a.m. Construction barrel in Malden St.
9:41 a.m. Suspicious male exited vehicle and walked behind houses, Princeton St..
11:54 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Nottingham Cir.
2:07 p.m. Complaint about kids driving homemade go cart back and forth, Lovell Rd.

3:20 p.m. Turtle in backyard
3:59 p.m. Someone drove through fence during night, Fisher Rd.
7:24 p.m. Vehicle with two dogs has windows rolled up
8:20 p.m. Caller heard 8 or 9 gun shots behind property, South Rd.; doesn’t believe it was fireworks
8:32 p.m. Suspicious vehicle off side of South Rd.; party urinating
9:48 p.m. Four gunshots, Shrewsbury/Brattle Sts.; believed to be fireworks
9:59 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in field, Main St.
10:39 p.m. Party requests police search son’s bag for missing Motrin and Tylenol; canceled, found medication
11:48 p.m. Scream heard in woods, possibly fisher cat, Muschopauge Rd.

Friday, July 16

10:10 a.m. Deceased skunk, Highland St.
4:36 p.m. Disgruntled customer at garage, Main St.
6:24 p.m. Small child riding ATV in Cranbrook Dr.
9:06 p.m. Suspicious van at school, Jamieson Rd.
10:57 p.m. Caller heard popping noises coming from Woodland St. area; electric company working

Saturday, July 17

12:35 a.m. Suspicious vehicle with no plates, Causeway St.
1:07 a.m. Erratic SUV driver yelling at other driver
1:46 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle using air machine to pump tires, Main St.

6:41 a.m. South Rd. resident advises will be putting up fence today and expects complaints from neighbor
8:07 a.m. Caller reports vehicle missing; advised it was towed
8:47 a.m. Caller reports huge turtle trying to cross road, backing up traffic
9:13 a.m. Dead tree leaning on power lines, Whitney St.
9:14 a.m. Neighbor’s dog roaming in caller’s yard, aggressive toward her on multiple occasions
10:13 a.m. Water bubbling up through street, Brattle St.
11:01 a.m. Caller from W. Boylston received tickets from Holden; advised due to misunderstanding about location of Holden/West Boylston line
12:58 p.m. Lost black and white cat, River St.
1:43 p.m. Cat found
3:53 p.m. Caller reporting suspicious silent phone calls at 2:30 a.m. from restricted line
4:46 p.m. BB shot through window, Bullard St.
5:55 p.m. Caller states son at another residence in town last night where there was consumption of alcohol and other narcotics; would like officer to have parent call her; advised can’t force resident to call
11:08 p.m. Several reports of fireworks on Winthrop Ln., Flagler Dr. and Walnut St.; no contact

Sunday, July 18

8:11 a.m. Lost dog reported
8:49 a.m. Suspicious male carrying packpack, Newell Rd.
9:43 a.m. Caller wondering whether teen son involved in incident; advised report doesn’t indicate involvement

11:50 a.m. Male driver sitting alone in vehicle, River St.
12:14 p.m. Business requesting assistance for individual requesting to pick up vehicle from impound lot
1:33 p.m. Husband calling to thank officer for assisting wife back to their vehicle on Rail Trail; appreciated his “professionalism and thoughtfulness, and he made sure she had water”
3:52 p.m. Generator failure at septic pumping station, Jennifer Dr.
5:17 p.m. Loose dog, Wachusett St.
5:32 p.m. Dog reunited with owner
8:45 p.m. Ongoing problem with neighbor’s dog barking, Salisbury St.
9:19 p.m. Dog in distress, Salisbury St.
10:35 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Mason Rd., infant in vehicle

Paxton

Monday, July 12

3:41 p.m. Police attempt to serve summons, Monticello Dr.
5:06 p.m. Police attempt to serve warrant, Monticello Dr.
8:19 p.m. Attempt to serve warrant, Monticello Dr.

Tuesday, July 13

12:28 a.m. Caller states kids have been yelling and being loud, Grove St.
1:32 a.m. Complaint about loud noise from home, Grove St.
3:09 p.m. Attempt to serve paperwork, Monticello Dr.

Wednesday, July 14

3:30 a.m. Dog running in and out of the road, Pleasant St./Lincoln Cir.
10:54 a.m. Suspicious mini-van driving up and down Laurel St.
7:05 p.m. Summons served, Monticello Dr.

Thursday, July 15

10:18 a.m. Dog found in area, Camp/Pleasant Sts.
11:17 a.m. Person at station to speak with police about family member held in Canada, Pleasant St.

5:50 p.m. Male riding ATV in Black Hill Rd.
7:53 p.m. Possible illegal dumping at empty lot, South St.

Friday, July 15

11:09 a.m. Summons served, Monticello Dr.
3:56 p.m. Possible gun shots in woods behind home, Crystal St.
7:30 p.m. Request for well being check on juvenile walking on Marshall St.
9:40 p.m. Caller’s terrier ran off, Pond St.

Saturday, July 17

10:04 a.m. Person at station to have car seat inspected, Pleasant St.
11:13 a.m. Person found Labrador dog, Oakwood Rd.

Princeton

Monday, July 12

6:30 p.m. Dirt washed onto roadway from storm, highway dept. notified, Sterling Rd.

Tuesday, July 13

4:55 p.m. Tree blocking road, highway dept. requested, Bullock Ln.
5:48 p.m. Power line down, arcing in grass, Bullock Ln.
7:00 p.m. Police transport female to Pine Tree Ln., Hubbardston

Wednesday, July 14

6:50 p.m. Tree blocking Rte. 140 S, found to be in Sterling

Thursday, July 15

11:26 p.m. Person wants to speak to animal control officer about cat that got into screened porch, Sam Cobb Ln.
5:19 p.m. Police assist with vehicle lockout, Hubbardston Rd.
10:13 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in lot, Fitchburg Rd. Police find people camping in woods and asked them to leave

Friday, July 16

10:08 a.m. Pigeon on air conditioning unit all night, Main St.
5:09 p.m. Police secure door of home where two dogs got loose, Beaman Rd.

Saturday, July 17

10:38 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in driveway, Sterling Road.
3:02 p.m. Tree across Thompson Rd.
3:18 p.m. Highway dept. requested for large tree down, Thompson Rd.

Sunday, July 18

5:30 p.m. Police remove string running along roadway from Main St. to Sterling town line
7:45 p.m. Police assist person with vehicle lockout, Westminster Rd.
7:45 p.m. Small brown dog bothering homeowner’s dog, Mirick Rd.

Rutland

Monday, July 12

7:19 a.m. Stray white dog, Barre Paxton Rd.
3:15 p.m. Young male dancing near Main St.

Wednesday, July 14

8:55 a.m. Scruffy-looking male tried to flag down female motorist, Turkey Hill Rd.
11:15 a.m. Three dead Canada geese in road, mother and two fledglings, Barre Paxton Rd.
11:55 a.m. Person at station to ask about no-trespass laws, Main St.
1:54 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer regarding neighbor issues, Main St.

Thursday, July 15

4:50 a.m. Caller wants to know if papers were served, Main St.
7:23 a.m. Vehicle parked on caller’s front lawn, Bigelow Rd.
2:47 p.m. Police assist with vehicle lockout, Pommogussett Rd.
7:01 p.m. Large cat, described as mountain lion, in yard, Village Way
7:28 p.m. Barking dog complaint, Skyline Dr. Nothing found
7:39 p.m. Census taker threatened by male at home, Beechwood Dr.

Friday, July 16

9:48 a.m. Three young children fooling around near road, almost hit by car, Maple Ave.
10:33 a.m. Request for police officer for irate person causing disturbance, Glenwood Rd.

Saturday, July 17

1:08 a.m. Holden PD requests Rutland officer go to home on Maple Ave. to find out why vehicle was left parked at Eagle Lake
10:42 a.m. Caller concerned about well being of cats locked in camper for days during hot weather, River Rd.
7:24 p.m. Large female black bear and two cubs in area, Pommogussett Rd./Campbell St.

Sunday, July 18

6:34 p.m. Report of muddy, dirty dog in neighborhood, Michael Dr.

Sterling

Monday, July 12

11:25 a.m. Black sports coat found on lawn, Holden Rd.
2:33 p.m. Caller wants to speak with animal control officer about raccoon, Lake Shore Dr.
5:08 p.m. Injured cat, Lakeshore Dr.
7:23 p.m. Skunk in area, Lakeshore Dr.
7:54 p.m. Raccoon on porch and roof, Lakeshore Dr.
11:07 p.m. Large amount of realtor magazines thrown on Main St., traffic hazard

Tuesday, July 13

8:30 a.m. Van transport driver wants to speak with animal control officer, Park St.
2:57 p.m. Raccoon up tree in back yard, Lakeshore Dr. Have-a-Hart trap set up; caught

Wednesday, July 14

1:39 p.m. Calico cat missing, N. Row Rd.

6:27 p.m. Person at station for car seat installation, Leominster Rd.

Thursday, July 15

2:58 a.m. Caller’s boyfriend and car are gone, John Dee Rd.
10:51 a.m. Children observed pack of dogs in orchard, Wiles/Redstone Hill Rds.
7:56 p.m. TV set left on caller’s property, mailbox damaged, Mortimer Rd.
8:11 p.m. Attendant at recreation area having trouble with lots of cars without resident stickers coming to beach, and group of unruly teenagers, Hall Ave.

Friday, July 16

12:09 p.m. Person at station reports he has garter snake living in his home, keeps finding shed skins, E. Park Rd.
6:48 p.m. Person at station to turn in firearms, Leominster Rd.

Saturday, July 17

11:19 a.m. Boat trailer left at town beach, Hall Ave.
3:21 p.m. Female wants to speak with officer about vehicle that was sold and buyer is coming back, Maple St.
10:13 p.m. Water balloon possibly hit caller’s car, Princeton Rd.

Sunday, July 18

8:44 a.m. Report of 500 bicyclists speeding down Maple St. using front yard as bathroom and throwing water bottles
9:02 a.m. Complaint about people on bikes taking up too much of travel lane, Maple St.
12:51 p.m. Car off drive-through area, Leominster Rd.
1:06 p.m. Large pitbull running around yard, Pratts Jct. Rd.

7:41 p.m. Two kittens found on rail trail, transferred to animal control officer