Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 24 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, October 11

12:01 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in lot on Main St., no one around
3:27 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in lot on Main St.
3:51 a.m. Two dogs barking on Main St.; dogs left on porch, owner fell asleep

1:59 p.m. Walk-in with photos of suspicious incident at Jefferson Mills
4:40 p.m. Group of youths "up to no good" behind church on Reservoir St.
5:26 p.m. Sick fox lying in mulch on Birch Hill Rd.; animal moved along
11:47 p.m. Three individuals inside closed business on Main St.; ok, cleaning crew

Tuesday, October 12

7:21 a.m. Repossession company reports individual holding car hostage in garage; owner claims repo company is blocking egress from property
8:47 a.m. Student parked car in business lot; vehicle tagged
10:23 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Harris St.
11:35 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Shrewsbury St.
11:42 a.m. Large fish in driveway on Malden St., sans head
2:52 p.m. Caller about pepper spray application process
3:50 p.m. Fox in area of Blossom Sq.; chased into woods
5:01 p.m. Injured hawk on Cranbrook Dr.; environmental police will take care of bird
5:59 p.m. Kids skateboarding in parking lot on Holden St.; advised to move along
6:13 p.m. Kids skateboarding in road on Heritage Lane; ok, they move when traffic comes

Wednesday, October 13

7:33 a.m. Caller asking how to file complaint against officer
7:49 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Salisbury St.
9:29 a.m. Suspicious incident on Cook St.; neighbors left garage door and basement door
wide open
10:19 a.m. Paving company working on Reservoir St. with no detail
12:49 p.m. Call about leaf blowing from business parking lot on Shrewsbury St.
1:55 p.m. Request for youths to be dispersed from doctor's office on Main St.
4:10 p.m. Request for police assistance for mother trying to get daughter in car on Reservoir St.
5:48 p.m. Lights at Main St. and Highland St. not cycling correctly; possibly kids pressing crosswalk button
6:27 p.m. Caller reports people removing items from home he just bought at auction

Thursday, October 14

4:22 p.m. Caller reports neighbor followed her to gas station and was screaming at her
4:44 p.m. Caller reports wife went to pick up their children at friend's home and neighbor not letting them leave

Friday, October 15

12:42 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle took off when officer approached to do well-being check

8:05 a.m. Large sink hole on Rte. 31
9:59 a.m. Large recycle bin removed from roadway
11:00 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on North Main St.
2:09 pm. Checking on vehicle beside road on Main St.; texting
3:15 p.m. Walk-in asking if uncle was chief in Holden at any time

5:52 p.m. Dog found

Saturday, October 16

1:42 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in driveway with door open on Manning St.
7:16 a.m. Elderly female walking in middle of Malden St.; lives in area, out for a walk
1:21 p.m. Report of motorcycle doing wheelies on Twinbrooke Dr.
1:36 p.m. Walk-in reports vehicle wouldn't let her merge on Rte. 122A causing her to drive off road
4:55 p.m. 911 hang-up; child dialing phone
8:10 p.m. 911 accidental; trying to dial a number with 911 in it
8:27 p.m. 911 German Shepherd found on Quinapoxet St.
9:19 p.m. Dead deer in roadway on Salisbury St.
11:27 p.m. Suspicious party on bicycle circling around neighborhood on Nola Dr.
11:45 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle idling on Tannery Dr.

Sunday, October 17

9:15 a.m. Two small dogs wandering on Sycamore Dr.

5:55 p.m. Large amount of water in road on Thorny Lane; possibly neighbor emptying pool
7:23 p.m. Suspicious individual asked for gas from elderly residents, promised to come back

Paxton

Monday, October 11

4:12 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in front of home, Boynton Pkwy.
12:08 p.m. Report of gunshots, Dunanderry Way
7:25 p.m. Report of multiple gunshots, Camp St.

Tuesday, October 12

11:10 a.m. Suspicious males tell homeowner they are from asphalt company and have extra materials, possible scam, Marshall St.
1:37 p.m. Beagle/pug mix dog got loose at Moore State Park
2:50 p.m. Possible breaking-and-enteringattempt, male threw rock through window, Pleasant St.
5:36 p.m. House broken into, basement door kicked in, Pleasant St.
8:42 p.m. Home broken into, Pleasant St.

Wednesday, October 13

10:47 a.m. Person locked out of vehicle, Pleasant St.
1:20 p.m. Keys locked in vehicle, Red Oak St.

Thursday, October 14

6:36 a.m. Gunshots behind residence, Cutler Rd.
7:10 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, possibly connected to recent housebreaks, Laurel St.
1:53 p.m. Suspicious male in neighborhood, Brigham Rd.
3:40 p.m. Arrest: ---- breaking and entering in daytime, felony, burglary (unarmed), attempted breaking and entering, larceny over $250
4:55 p.m. Small brown dog loose, Sunset Ln.

Friday, October 15

11:21 a.m. Caller inquiring about loose dog reported, Sunset Ln.
12:04 p.m. Suspicious phone call about winning large sum of money and car, Crystal St.
12:53 p.m. Dog escaped from electric fenced-in area can't get back in, running around Holbrook Ln.
4:38 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked beside road, Suomi St.

Saturday, October 16

3:07 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in front of vacant house, Orchard Dr.
9:14 p.m. Male and female arguing, female began walking toward center of town, West St.
9:48 p.m. Lights on at baseball field in center of town, Pleasant St.

Princeton

Monday, October 11

12:56 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about ongoing neighbor issue, Goodnow Rd.
6:08 p.m. Dog locked keys in car, Radford Rd.
6:15 p.m. Vehicle locked behind gate at state reservation, Mountain Rd.
8:02 p.m. Assist fire dept., possible microwave fire, E. Princeton Rd.

Wednesday, October 13

10:13 a.m. Missing black cat with brown stripes, Sharon Dr.
3:43 p.m. Large black bear with blue tag in yard all day Monday, Ball Hill Rd.
6:51 p.m. Possible injured dog on side of Mountain Rd. Found to be dead porcupine
10:10 p.m. Disabled truck, operator waving down traffic, Rte. 140 N

Thursday, October 14

4:35 p.m. Suspicious older black vehicle parked at Krashes Field, E. Princeton Rd.

7:14 p.m. Disabled vehicle, police follow person to gas station, Rte. 140 N

Friday, October 15

2:09 p.m. Suspicious gray vehicle and people with tripod and camera, Mountain Rd. Filming foliage

Saturday, October 16

12:26 a.m. Wire sparking against tree, Sterling Rd.
12:31 a.m. Light dept. called, Sterling Rd.
1:45 a.m. Light dept. requests traffic officer while they repair wires, Sterling Rd.

Sunday, October 17

10:11 a.m. Older male lying under guardraill, E. Princeton Rd.
3:05 p.m. Complaint about dog barking all day long, Dowds Ln.
6:20 p.m. Person locked behind gate at state reservation, Mountain Rd.

Rutland

Monday, October 11

11:10 a.m. Strange vehicle parked partially on lawn, Nick Alan Cir.
2:17 p.m. Small black and tan dog loose in neighborhood, Walnut St.
5:25 p.m. Stray dog on porch of home, Edson ens and Ave.
6:18 p.m. Caller says youth riding bicycle was trying to sell "weed" Memorial Dr.
8:43 p.m. Vehicle lockout, Main St.

Tuesday, October 12

9:45 a.m. Person lost firearm ID card, Main St.
1:25 p.m. Someone on the rail trail dirt area is target shooting. Crawford Rd.
3:38 p.m. Large coyote near house, Edson Ave.
5:46 p.m. Person lost beagle in Pleasantdale Rd. area
8:10 p.m. Suspicious male says he was going to swap out cable boxes, Maple Ave.

Wednesday, October 13

10:35 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about possible payroll fraud. Advised not a police matter, Main St.
3:58 p.m. Police waved down by person complaining about local merchant, Barre Paxton Rd. Advised to contact attorney general's office
5:14 p.m. Disgruntled customer picketing, Barre Paxton Rd.
6:22 p.m. Report of people parked in travel lane, Main St. None found

Thursday, October 14

6:50 a.m. Report of gun shots in area, Intervale Rd.
7:45 a.m. Large pumpkin smashed over mailbox, Prescott St.
7:53 a.m. Mailbox smashed with pumpkin, Juniper Ln.
11:59 a.m. Person at station to file report about being threatened on rail trail
1:56 p.m. Loose horse in Pommogussett Rd.
3:01 p.m. Report of 10 loose cows on little league field, Pommogussett Rd.
4:09 p.m. Black bear traveling on Glenwood Rd. toward Ridge Rd.

Friday, October 15

7:41 a.m. Tree on wires blocking road, bus driver needs police assistance backing up, Bushy Ln.
11:15 a.m. Two yellow Labs running loose in traffic, E. County Rd.
12:51 p.m. Report that people have moved from property and left behind a pen full of chickens and
kittens, E. County Rd.
3:44 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about person picketing in front of business, Barre Paxton Rd.
6:59 p.m. Police inspect car seat installation, Main St.

Saturday, October 16

3:14 p.m. Item delivered, Maple Ave.
3:46 p.m. Black bear in yard, Clealand Cir.

Sunday, October 17

12:51 a.m. Assist Barre PD trying to locate male involved in domestic assault and battery, Settlers Ln. Person no longer lives there
3:27 a.m. Someone going through vehicle, Juniper Ln.
10:17 a.m. Person calling about his deceased dog, Lord Ln.
10:48 a.m. Stray dog in yard, Forbes Rd.

Sterling

Monday, October 11

7:56 a.m. Older male dog wandering on Maple St.
9:50 a.m. Animal control officer picked up raccoon for testing, Leominster Rd.

12:15 p.m. Loose chocolate Labrador, Quail Roost Dr.
5:18 p.m. State police reporting boxes in travel lane, Leominster Rd.

Tuesday, October 12

11:25 a.m. Stray black and white dog in yard, Village Ln.
4:01 p.m. 911 hang-up, child playing with phone, Pikes Hill Rd.
5:21 p.m. Lost black and tan hound, Old Princeton – West Rd. Dog later found

Wednesday, October 13

6:45 a.m. Bus company advising of lights flashing and no train coming, Newell Hill Rd.
6:24 p.m. Person whose home was foreclosed on wants police check on individuals going through the residence, Worcester Rd.
7:37 p.m. Caller concerned about recent house breaks, says neighbor's dog has been barking for long time, Clinton Rd.

Thursday, October 14

1:33 a.m. Ongoing issue with barking dog, Stuart Rd.
1:58 a.m. Caller's dog barking as if someone is outside, Avery Ln.
2:28 a.m. Caller reports several people around his wife's car, unsure what they are doing, Heywood Rd.
6:43 a.m. Possible gun shots, Chace Hill Rd.
12:36 p.m. Caller wants to know if skunk in his back yard can be shot, Sandy Ridge Rd.
3:53 p.m. Skunk in area foraging for food, caller says animal appears wobbly, Sandy Ridge Rd.

Friday, October 15

6:18 p.m. Loose dog near animal shelter, Laurelwood Rd.

Saturday, October 16

1:55 a.m. Suspicious activity in business parking lot, Redemption Rock Trl.
8:56 a.m. Small white deceased dog on side of road, Main St.

Sunday, October 17

12:14 a.m. Loud outdoor party, Redstone Pl.

Ken O'brien's response

In a Holden blog post earlier this week, Your next representative in the Worcester 1st, I asked each of three candidates to offer their thoughts on why one of the other candidates might win the election. Here is Democratic candidate Ken O'Brien's response, sent to me in an email:
Ken O'Brien's response

1st Worcester district, meet your neigbors

We received Ken O'Brien's latest flier in the mail yesterday. Ken, as you may recall, is running for state representative for the 1st Worcester district. He's a local guy and, as his campaign material says, he's the right choice for our communities and our families.

The photographs on his flier weren't of any people I know, so I thought I'd look around a bit. It turns out that posing for stock photography is a popular occupation kids in our area.

Elementary school geography class | Royalty Free Stock Photo Image | iStockphoto.com

Pretty Female Student Surrounded by Library Books | Royalty Free Stock Photo Image | iStockphoto.com

Doctor holding and monitoring baby with stethoscope

For what it's worth, I threw out the campaign literature from Kim Ferguson or Jon Long, so I can't comment on how they are portraying their prospective constituents.
Ferguson's web gallery has gone missing:

via Gallery « Vote for kim

Jon Long's home page has picture of the Holden town hall and an outdoorsy scene blended together.

via Jonathan Long for State Representative

Jon Long's response

In a Holden blog post earlier this week, Your next representative in the Worcester 1st, I asked each of three candidates to offer their thoughts on why one of the other candidates might win the election. Here is independent candidate Jon Long's response, sent to me in an email:
Jon Long's response

Happy 19th, Matt

Your next representative in the Worcester 1st

Cross-post of my Holden OntheCommon.com blog Your next representative in the Worcester 1st

When I say that I need help, I mean it.

Anyone who knows me and my writing knows that I make typos. Plenty of typos. Enough to fill a sand truck.
My favorite was in a system management manual that I wrote a dozen years ago. I intended to write, using the passive voice, even, "If an error occurs, you will be alerted." What came out in print was "..., you will be altered."
So, it's with great compassion and empathy that I present this item from the local Help Wanted listings:

Our coffee is so hot that ...

---

A jury of your white peers

Missed it by one. The last person called to the jury was #51. My juror card was #52.
This is the closest that I've been to being on a jury. In times past, I've called the juror hotline and learned that my services wouldn't be needed at all. In a couple of instances a long time ago, I sat in the juror waiting room until I was told that my services wouldn't be needed. Yesterday, I made it into two separate courtrooms and sat through two jury selection sessions before being told that my services wouldn't be needed.
A few observations:

• The Worcester trial court is a very nice place indeed.
• The acoustics in the courtrooms themselves are horrible. I guess that the high ceilings may be good because the extra air gobbles up the sound of conversations at the sidebar and at the parties' tables. When the judge spoke to us in a normal voice, his voice was also absorbed by the big boxy room. 
• People make interesting choices in what to bring and what to wear.
  Some folks had backpacks and briefcases; others brought nothing at all. Many people brought newspapers. A few brought a book. Many just sat there and stared into a space beyond the walls.
  Some dressed as though they were going to an office job. Others wore sweat pants, t-shirts, and sneakers.
• Somehow, couples managed to have jury duty together. In one case, this one guy had his girlfriend, I kid you not, carry his coat and hat from the juror waiting room to the courtroom and back. Twice.
• I didn't hear the phrase "a jury of your peers" during the orientation films or from the judges. The operative phrase was "trial by an impartial jury." 
• A friend who had jury duty last week remarked that she saw no people of color in the jury pool and thought that very odd. I figured that it was a fluke.
  Yesterday, in a pool of 100 or so jurors, there were two people of color. 

Into each life, some balloons must rise

At the request of Krista, we gathered yesterday afternoon on the lawn outside UMass Hospital and presented Joe with balloons and good cheer.

Joe was glad to see us, but it wasn't easy. This was his first time outside since Wednesday.

Football ok. English needs improvement.

via How will Wachusett Football fair against Leominster? Check out Ken Powers' predictions

Wachusett defeated Leominster 35-14 in a Friday night game.

I'm old. I vote. Now, gimme.

The Social Security Administration has determined that the core inflation rate is close enough to zero. As a result, there will be no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients in 2011.
[Disclaimer: I currently receive Social Security disability payments.]
The SSA bases its rates on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).  In 2009, because of a jump in energy prices, the payments increased by more than 5%, an increase that, upon review, was higher than warranted. Because the payments increased more than they should have, it will take a time of inflation before the price index recovers to the 2009 level.
There is talk about a $250 payment in lieu of a COLA, but nothing will happen until after the election.
The newly-minted Google Price Index (GPI) indicates that prices overall are declining, that we're nearing a deflationary period. Deflation, as in lower prices, sounds good to most of us, but can be just as disruptive to the overall economy as inflation because, well, because people who are selling stuff don't make as much money. As a side note, the GPI measures prices on items sold on the Internet and so doesn't address many of the things that Social Security recipients purchase.
So, there will be no COLA increase.The reaction from seniors was loud and clear:

“We have a generation now that we’re not going to leave a very good legacy for,” said one senior advocate.

A good bit of the commentary tied the no-COLA-for-you decision to the upcoming election, that Democrats would suffer because they were trying to balance the budget by inflicting suffering on the elderly. That might be fun, watching AARP voting in a Tea-soaked Congress.
In a similar vein, Yvonne Abraham notes in The inside men that the State Police Association of Massachusetts has endorse Charlie Baker because they believe that a key part of his platform, state pension reform, cannot pass a Democrat-controlled legislature. Elect people whose policies you oppose because you want to slap the incumbents.
Last year, I wrote a similar piece and heard from some people who made good points about how the COLA calculations didn't truly reflect the costs that affect seniors. No doubt, some people's expenses have gone up more than the average and that there are people who are receiving Social Security payments who don't need them. Big systems that operate on averages are inherent unfair to most people, unfair in their favor or against. To insist, however, that Social Security payments should increase at rate faster than wage income is unrealistic and even, well, wrong.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 27 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, October 4

1:03 a.m. Motor vehicle pulled to side of road; only dropping someone off on Main St.
8:20 a.m. Light on pole on Salisbury St. remains on during daylight
8:42 a.m. Suspicious vehicle driving around station; has found dog over the weekend
10:48 a.m. Complaint about kids loitering at doctor's office
1:06 p.m. Caller has no phone service and wants to be connected to West Boylston resident; advised to use cell phone to call
2:20 p.m. Group of kids removed from steps of doctor's office
3:53 p.m. Senior Center requesting police disperse group of kids gathered at back door
4:48 p.m. Caller from Manning St. asking for vehicle to be removed from end of driveway
5:06 p.m. Report of young male doing wheelies on sidewalk on Main St.
6:11 p.m. 911 Raccoon unsteady on its feet on Wachusett St.; heading into woods
7:09 p.m. Report of illegal dumping on conservation land on Rte. 31

Tuesday, October 5

7:13 a.m. Caller asking that police advise wife not to call and harass him at work; wife said she had no intention of calling him
8:10 a.m. 911 Suspicious window open on Doyle Rd.
9:02 a.m. Suspicious person on Main St.
10:48 a.m. Caller heard blast; advised contractor working/blasting
2:20 p.m. Kids loitering at Dr.'s office on Main St.
2:37 p.m. Caller regarding his missing motor vehicle
2:44 p.m. Tire moved out of roadway
4:14 p.m. Bat in house on Damon Rd.

Wednesday, October 6

12:06 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on side of Putnam Rd., one individual hanging out of car
9:18 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Harris St.; ok, party using cell phone
9:30 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on River St.
1:17 p.m. Caller concerned about sidewalk washing away on Main St.; DPW notified
1:44 p.m. Report of cat in tree
8:33 p.m. 911 hang-up from Jennifer Dr.; child playing with phone
8:40 p.m. Caller about accidents in town possibly involving individual; no such accidents
10:01 p.m. 911 Report of suspicious motor vehicle parked in middle of Phillips Rd., doors open, operator appears to be staggering
11:20 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in lot on Main St.

Thursday, October 7

2:05 a.m. Vehicle doors open in driveway on Country Hill Rd.; homeowner was unloading groceries
11:53 a.m. Suspicious person looking up driveways on Salisbury St.; no contact
3:32 p.m. Report of dog returning on Princeton Lane
4:24 p.m. Vehicle lockout at post office on Princeton St.
7:29 p.m. Six kids in front of business on Main St.
8:25 p.m. Cars blocking road on Union St.
9:56 p.m. Cars blocking road on Wachusett St.
10:34 p.m. Mixter Rd. resident reports three suspicious cars entered woods past house

Friday October 8

12:45 a.m. Suspicious person on Reservoir St.
3:50 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout on Stoneleigh Rd.
7:17 a.m. Large group of kids at Dr.'s office on Main St.; issued trespass notice
10:49 a.m. Motor vehicle parked by side of Malden St. gathering sand; too close to roadway
2:15 p.m. Caller reports employer holding her check
4:19 p.m. Caller reports sex offender that lives behind caller staring at her and her daughters; says he was walking dog and comments drew his attention
5:01 p.m. Suspicious car parked behind business on Shrewsbury St.
6:14 p.m. Dog attacked neighbor's dog and female owner in High Ridge Rd. neighborhood
11:31 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on Autumn Cir.

Saturday, October 9

12:50 a.m. Tractor trailer having trouble making it under railroad bridge
9:30 a.m. Two raccoons appear to be sick near Rail Trail
10:55 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout at post office
11:05 a.m. Report of female walking down Main St., male in vehicle following, yelling at each other
11:19 a.m. Dog with West Boylston tags
12:21 p.m. Ongoing boundary dispute on Pilgrim Dr., trash left on neighbor's property
1:46 p.m. Suspicious vehicle might belong to individual with restraining order, Brattle St.
4:37 p.m. Power outage on Boyden Rd. after loud pop heard
7:51 p.m. Suspicious phone call received on Avery Heights Dr.
8:05 p.m. 911 Several calls reporting drunk male walking/hitchhiking in road

Sunday, October 10

1:45 a.m. Vehicle coming from behind business on Wachusett St.
3:33 a.m. Citizen in to file complaint
8:03 a.m. Call regarding boundary dispute
9:01 a.m. Caller asking for info regarding overnight parking; states neighbor parks ugly truck in yard across from his front door
9:15 a.m. Possible sick vulture/hawk; number given for environmental police
10:11 a.m. Caller considering moving to area of Diamond Hill Rd. asking about safety
1 1:18 a.m. 911 Misdial; meant to dial 411
12:01 p.m. Caller reporting baby rabbit in yard; advised to leave it for mother
12:33 p.m. Caller inquiring if she can press charges on sister for not providing ride to retrieve belongings; advised not
4:25 p.m. Car egged on Brattle street during the night last night
5:45 p.m. Dogs in road on Broad St.
7:36 p.m. Homeowner having issue with smoke detector beeping, no fire or smoke
8:08 p.m. Caller reports individual borrowed canoe five years ago and hasn't returned it; advised it's a civil matter to take to court

Paxton

Monday, October 4

8:58 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in area of abandoned house, Keep Ave./West St.
5:13 p.m. Call from young child, another screaming in background, Pleasant St.; children playing with phone

Tuesday, October 5

7:20 a.m. Call about need for police detail for utility crew working in roadway, Streeter Rd.
10:53 a.m. Loose sheep in road causing traffic hazard, West St.

Wednesday, October 6

11:10 a.m. Suspicious person in yellow jacket went into mailbox, Holden Rd.
4:02 p.m. Assist homeowner with basement heater, Monticello Dr.

Friday, October 8

4:25 p.m. Call about male on motorized scooter, West St.
4:54 p.m. Suspicious vehicle at home, Pleasant St.
7:33 p.m. Group of kids knocking on door and running away, Red Oak St.

Saturday, October 9

12:38 p.m. Vehicle hit and killed cat, Maple St.
2:37 p.m. Person locked out of vehicle, Suomi St.

Sunday, October 10

7:40 p.m. Female locked out of home, Keep Ave.

Princeton

Monday, October 4

6:01 p.m. Caller reports young child going door to door soliciting donations, concerned for boy's safety, Laurel Ln.

Tuesday, October 5

7:03 a.m. Report of teal-colored pick up truck hit several turkeys, turned around and hit more, Jefferson Rd.

Wednesday, October 6

11:30 a.m. Police remove large tree branch from Hobbs Rd.

Thursday, October 7

3:23 p.m. Call about incident with aggressive dog, Mirick Rd.
7:15 p.m. Report of dogs barking and woman screaming, Ball Hill Rd. Police speak with dogs' owner

Friday, October 8

5:40 p.m. Vehicle dropped furniture in roadway. Police help pick up items and direct traffic, Gregory Hill Rd.
6:25 p.m. Police conduct educational program for Cub Scouts, Redemption Rock Trl.

Saturday, October 9

6:51 p.m. Suspicious female came to door asking for directions, Worcester Rd. Police speak to all parties
7:15 p.m. Vehicle locked in parking lot at state reservation, Mountain Rd.

Sunday, October 10

4:25 p.m. Large black bear in roadway, Westminster Rd.
5:30 p.m. Motor vehicle violation, criminal
complaint issued to driver for driving with revoked
license, Rte. 140 N
6:24 p.m. No power at home, Mirick Rd.,

Rutland

Monday, October 4

9:00 a.m. Possum in back yard. Homeowner unsure if it's rabid, Pleasantdale Rd.
12:01 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with one male occupant in parking lot for long time, Pommogussett Rd.
12:30 p.m. Wire down, Pleasantdale Rd.
1:40 p.m. Low hanging wires near Watson Rd.
1:42 p.m. Person at station reporting wires snapped from pole and sparking, Main St. Phone lines also down
5:55 p.m. Low-flying aircraft circled number of times, engine sputter, Bushy Ln.

Tuesday, October 5

11:13 a.m. Two dogs running loose, Jackson Ave.

Wednesday, October 6

8:30 a.m. Person at station to report suspicious vehicle, Pommogussett Rd. Person using computer
12:32 p.m. Call lost cat, Prescott St.
9:11 p.m. Mother concerned about son late from scout meeting, Hope Way. Person had trouble starting car

Thursday, October 7

11:41 a.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about problem with neighbor, Main St.
3:09 p.m. Caller reports inappropriate signs targeting particular female, Emerald Rd. Signs removed
5:42 p.m. Loose golden retriever in yard, Michael Dr.
5:48 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about people holding campaign signs at busy intersections during peak traffic hours, Main St.
6:40 p.m. Ongoing issue with neighbor's dog being loose and running after kids, Main St.

Friday, October 8

7:04 a.m. Dead beaver in road, Pommogussett/Bigelow Rds.
8:15 a.m. Missing gray cat, E. County Rd.
9:16 a.m. Possible injured or dead bear cub, Pommogussett Rd. Found to be previously reported beaver
1:38 p.m. Pole on town common is rotted at the base and leaning, Main St.
1:55 p.m. Resident's dog killed by vehicle that didn't stop, E. County Rd.
5:58 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked behind building, Main St.
7:00 p.m. Vehicle door open, no one around, Main St.
10:10 p.m. Vehicle parked beside rail trail, Wachusett St.

Saturday, October 9

12:08 a.m. Deer hit, Barre Paxton Rd.
9:03 a.m. Backpack found on playground, Memorial Dr.

Sunday, October 10

10:05 a.m. Two loose Labrador dogs on Rail Trail, E. County Rd./Wachusett St.
2:50 p.m. Keys locked in vehicle, Main St.

Sterling

Monday, October 4

4:25 a.m. Multiple reports of white box-like truck that hit front of fire station, bushes, flagpole and mulch damaged. Person said she sees same vehicle every morning, Main St.
8:03 a.m. Vehicle impounded, may have been involved with fire station incident, Worcester Rd.
10:04 p.m. Loose chocolate Labrador running on Dana Hill Rd.

Tuesday, October 5

1:26 p.m. Residential lockout, Chace Hill Rd.
5:28 p.m. Old English sheepdog in Chace Hill Road yard, ran toward Metropolitan Rd.
5:29 p.m. Stray dog dropped off at kennel, no kennel space available, person told to bring dog to police station, Laurelwood Rd.
10:55 p.m. Loud gunshot, Samuels Ln.

Wednesday, October 6

1:25 p.m. Person turned in old gas meter found in middle of Wilder Rd.
6:55 p.m. Missing Port-a-potty that was chained to fence at park, Muddy Pond Rd.

Thursday, October 7

10:09 a.m. Request for officer to discuss parking problem, Main St.
11:38 a.m. Suspicious male in pickup truck, Clinton/Flagg Rds.
5:27 p.m. Caller heard rapid gunshot fire in woods, Holden Rd.
8:51 p.m. Suspicious person walking with flashlight, Osgood Rd.

Friday, October 8

7:01 a.m. Request for officer to Town Hall to deal with possible irate customer, Park St. No problem
9:47 a.m. Suspicious truck, Pine Woods Ln.
10:29 a.m. Suspicious male asking about scrap metal, Beverly Dr.

Saturday, October 9

12:11 p.m. Wallet found on Rte. 12
1:19 p.m. Suspicious male walking up and down Rte. 140
1:30 p.m. Officer wanted, male acting aggressively, threw trash can, destroyed mailbox, Walnut Dr.
8:41 a.m. Caller reports people on street yelling at each other, Chestnut Ave.

Sunday, October 10

1:09 a.m. Three intoxicated males jumping into traffic, Pratts Junction Rd.
1:28 a.m. Intoxicated male walking on Pratts Jct. Rd. toward power plant; placed in protective custody
1:10 p.m. Request for well-being check for person on bridge, slumped over, Muddy Pond Rd.; OK, fishing
1:48 p.m. Tan dog running in and out of traffic, Princeton Rd.
3:42 p.m. Board of health regarding testing of raccoon, Birch Dr.
8:45 p.m. Redstone Pl. caller requesting Sterling PD call Mass State Police regarding arrest of her son

In the best world, kids would not need hospitals

noGrandson Joe has been in the hospital for a few days with an infection that's dug deep into his system. The good folks at UMass have kept him comfortable much of the time, but he's had a really rough go of it. This past evening, his fever spiked.
Mike and Lynn have been with him around the clock, taking time away for a quick trip home for a shower, perhaps a nap, and a check on the other kids. We're fortunate to be just across town. Our chores have been modest: a ride to there or elsewhere for one of the kids, evening meals for whomever is home, 'n stuff like that.
And, amid the claustrophobic tedium of two MRIs, the severe pain, and the loss of his football season, Joe remains polite to the staff and grateful to family and friends.
Joe's is not the worst case in the hospital. There are kids on the ward who probably won't go home again. Still, I hope that the other parents and grandparents will understand that, as much as we empathize and share their sadness, this is our only Joe and that's where our thoughts and energies are focused.
There are explanations of why these things happen to kids, but there are never any good ones.

To my family and congressional delegation

If it's all the same to you, after I die, I wouldn't mind it if you didn't name an ice field after me. A park, maybe, or even just a rock would be fine.
Then again, the family of Sen. Ted "Tubes" Stevens is quite pleased at S.3802, the  Mount Stevens and Ted Stevens Icefield Designation Act.
Here's the icefield:

View Larger Map

More on sleep, Chile, work, and compassion

It's a line of context, but Dylan is good for that:

Ain’t it just like the night to play tricks when you’re tryin' to be so quiet?
Visions Of Johanna 

As I've mentioned often before, I have a type of insomnia that my mother had. I sleep for a while and then am awake for several hours during the night. Generally, I get back to sleep in the early morning and, with a nap in the early afternoon, do ok.
Two nights ago, I dreamed that I slept a full night. I woke enthusiastically and was then disappointed to learn that it was one in the morning. This past night, I dreamed that I couldn't sleep. I woke at the same time, quietly restarted the fire in the stove (quietly so that I wouldn't wake the dog who no longer sleeps on his bed near the stove) and listened to the BBC coverage of Chilean mine rescue.
As I've very often said, whatever it is that I do, I work hard, but what I do isn't hard work. The major challenge I've had in my work is that I turned my desk 90^° so the afternoon sun isn't shining in my eyes. I didn't have to wait 10 weeks for someone to drill through 700m of stone to rescue me.
Nevertheless, I've found that comparisons rarely help me change how I feel about my situation. In the early 1980s, I went to a doctor with symptoms that I now know were the early signs of depression. "What have you got to be depressed about?" the doctor said. "Look at all those people who are losing their jobs in Detroit." Now I had three things to feel bad about - my initial symptoms, the people in Detroit, and the fact that I didn't feel bad enough about the people in Detroit.
Researchers have shown that different parts of the brain are activated when we show compassion or not in the presence of another's pain. In the sweet language of scientists, we learn that

The researchers concluded that empathy-associated activation of the anterior insula motivated costly helping, whereas a signal in the nucleus accumbens, a brain area related to reward processing, reduced the propensity to help.

via Competing motivational brain responses predict costly helping

I think that this means that the part of my brain that seeks rewards is less compassionate. This suggests that if I'm told that I should be nice to others because it's good for me, I'm less likely to be motivated to do so. Instead, if I perceive someone is part of my group, I'm already predisposed to be willing to relieve their pain.
That's a lot to ponder. And, as the guy says, "I may not be much, but I'm all that I think about."

Drudge Report unifies astronomy and politics

via

Bonus points: the article is on your favorite channel:

via Strange Signal Comes From Alien Planet, Scientist Says - FoxNews.com

Toward a theory of October and then away

I think that we had a bit of frost the other morning, but this morning's was more widespread. The outdoor thermometer sits about five feet from the ground and showed a low of 33 at 7:09 AM. Our wood stove keeps us cozy. We've not yet had to turn on the heat. It's October.
By month's end, the leaves will be down. There's an order to these things, seasons coming and going with a familiar rhythm.  The record high for this date was 86 in 1939. Two hundred years ago, there was a snow hurricane; heavy snow and brutal winds caught and killed many. Lows in three weeks will be, on average, six degrees lower, but not as low as the actual reading this morning. NECN meteorologist Tim Kelley often reminds us that weather averages are interesting, but rarely useful for anything going on today. Averages of big numbers can be useful for spotting trends, but are generally not applicable to an individual situation.
As Sandra and I sat at dinner this evening (she's doing fine after her cataract surgery this week), we took a moment to reflect. We thought about the people near to us, family and friends and neighbors, and of the many, many more who go about their lives, completely unaware of what's bringing joy or ache in our hearts. Everything that's so important to us, all of our loves and hopes and tears and dreams, means absolutely nothing to all but a few.
And this is why it's not good to brood too much. It's ok to watch the frost in the morning or the thumbnail moon at night, to listen to one of those hurts-so-good autumn songs. 

See the geese in chevron flight
Flapping and racing on before the snow

Urge For Going by Joni Mitchell

Just don't spend a lot of time chasing big answers. Big answers are like averages; they work for large numbers of people, but often aren't much help to you. My step-father, Linc, was a physician. He noted that, on average, every person has less than one testicle.

Bliss or BSOD?

For the über-nerds, 10-10-10 is 42 is base 2. 42, as we know, is the ultimate answer to Life, the Universe and Everything. Therefore,   10/10/10 — a Nice Day To Celebrate the Meaning of Life.
Or will 10/10/10 prove to be the date that our computer systems grind to a halt.

In the news today, we have ...

• war: Afghans Linked to the Taliban Guard U.S. Bases - NYTimes.com
• peace: BBC News - Nobel Peace Prize awarded to China dissident Liu Xiaobo
• ecological disaster: Hungary's red sludge nearly equals Gulf oil spill - FoxNews.com
• hope: Johnny Depp Makes Girl's Dream Come True with School Visit - Good Deeds, Johnny Depp : People.com
• and: Mongolia asks for Finnish reindeer semen, Helsingin Sanomat - International Edition

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 24 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, September 27

6:52 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle church lot; party opening church
9:19 a.m. Two dogs missing
9:54 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in post office lot all morning
10:19 a.m. Call about construction equipment left on property
10:56 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in front of neighbor's house, then moved up street; OK, Jehovah's Witnesses
12:24 p.m. Small child bolted from elementary school; staff with child
12:32 p.m. Sick/injured fox, Highland St.
12:54 p.m. Vegetables missing from community garden; request for extra patrols
1:00 p.m. Two dogs matching description of earlier missing dog report found
1:06 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Meadow wood Dr.
1:13 p.m. Suspicious person; wardrobe malfunction, nothing inappropriate, Reservoir St.
3:59 p.m. Multiple calls of bear, Blair Dr.
4:00 p.m. Dog dead, Edgewood Dr.
7:39 p.m. Backpack found in Worcester dropped off
8:16 p.m. Two cars on side of Rt. 68, dog or animal hit
8:25 p.m. Individual ran off after cutting off house arrest anklet, Newell Rd.
9:39 p.m. Neighbor reporting loud drums, Greenwood Parkway; homeowner advised

Tuesday, September 28

12:14 a.m. Individual standing outside restaurant; workers afraid to leave
6:37 a.m. Caller worried about woman dressed in black walking dog, Main St.
8:50 a.m. Suspicious phone call from National Credit Bureau; advised not to give information
8:55 a.m. Caller concerned about fridge on side of road with doors still on, Kendall Rd.; owner spoken with
5:54 p.m. Kids on bikes removed from bandstand area
7:42 p.m. Multiple reports of Rte. 31 falling apart due to rain
8:20 p.m. Towing company received call from vehicle on its side, Whitney St.

Wednesday, September 29

12:13 a.m. House with all lights on and doors open, Nola Dr.; OK, just painted
2:13 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Princeton St.
6:01 a.m. Vehicle parked in handicap parking spot; driver advised
7:24 a.m. Loose German shepherd, Britney Dr.
8:42 a.m. Fox in yard, Kendall Rd.
9:43 a.m. Caller from nursing home reports person stopped for outstanding warrant
11:20 a.m. Dog barking viciously, Kendall Rd.
11:31 a.m. Black bear with blue ear tag, Wyoming Dr.
3:32 p.m. Caller hasn't seen son since Monday evening; believes he has been home and left dirty clothes
6:46 p.m. Parking citation from N.H. delivered to Winfield Rd.
8:39 p.m. Tree fell on home, Sandy Glen Dr.
9:19 p.m. Open gate, Main St.
9:38 p.m. Mother concerned that son is overdue

Thursday, September 30

8:58 a.m. Gun found, Bailey Rd.; OK, just a BB gun
11:02 a.m. Call regarding school recess policy when bears are in area
11:07 a.m. 911 caller is stuck in parking space because of vehicle parked next to her
12:45 p.m. Weapons violation
2:00 p.m. Fox in area of town hall
10:27 p.m. Woman at caller's door complaining of sore hip, says boyfriend left her by side of road, Princeton St.; taken into protective custody

Friday, October 1

7:38 a.m. Caller asking if she can be involved with helping find missing grandson
9:28 a.m. Lost cat, Winifred Ave.
12:29 p.m. Road flooded, Rte. 31
1:44 p.m. Facebook issue reported
5:01 p.m. Traffic lights in front of fire station cycling wrong
5:56 p.m. Loose dog, Main St.
6:58 p.m. 20-30 youths hanging out at residence, General Hobbs Rd.
7:31 p.m. Vehicle lockout, Main St.
8:20 p.m. Lost dog, Main St.
11:41 p.m. Four individuals at business, Main St.

Saturday, October 2

1:44 a.m. Suspicious person, Main St.
8:06 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Country Hill Rd.
2:38 p.m. Large fight, multiple teens, General Hobbs Rd.; no fight, just teens boxing, owner OK with it
4:19 p.m. Caller reports neighbor cut tree from his property
5:02 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Mill St.
9:12 p.m. Moose on Bailey Rd.
11:20 p.m. Suspicious truck near unoccupied dwelling, Scenic Dr.; OK, dropping off work equipment

Sunday, October 3

2:04 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Reservoir St.
9:19 a.m. Trash dumped in parking lot, Paxton Rd.
2:40 p.m. Suspicious male going door-to-door, Hunter Cir.

Paxton

Monday, September 27

4:25 a.m. Complaint about noisy dump trucks working at golf course early in the morning, Marshall St. Police found no trucks
3:21 p.m. Caller reports rabid skunk running around his property, Grove St.

Tuesday, September 28

No calls for service

Wednesday, September 29

1:00 p.m. Disabled vehicle with flashers, Richards Ave./Brooks Rd.
2:45 p.m. Request for animal control officer to pick up deceased skunk and have it tested for rabies, Grove St.

Thursday, September 30

8:00 p.m. Lost tiger cat, Dunanderry Way

Saturday, October 2

3:08 a.m. Caller wants address where underage kids are drinking alcohol so she can confront homeowners. Party believed to be in Worcester. Advised to call Worcester PD
11:45 a.m. Pitbull loose, South St.

Princeton

Monday, September 27

7:50 a.m. Traffic control, Sterling Rd.
12:35 p.m. Poodle and hound-type dog found on E. Princeton Rd. Owner found

Tuesday, September 28

12:11 p.m. Person at station to report being bitten by dog, Mirick Rd.
4:01 p.m. Beagle and small black dog found in E. Princeton Rd. Owner fined

Wednesday, September 29

9:49 a.m. Strange dog wearing electronic fence collar digging in yard, E. Princeton Rd.
2:29 p.m. Two gunshots, Calamint Hill Rd. N

Thursday, September 30

1:08 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, E Princeton Rd.
1:05 p.m. Debris in Mountain Rd.
1:39 p.m. Police assist gaining entry to vehicle, Worcester Rd.

Friday, October 1

10:06 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Bullard Rd.
7:00 p.m. Public service, homeowner advised to turn off main breaker, Mirick Rd.
10:23 p.m. Officer flagged down by person who was lost, Main St.

Saturday, October 2

10:14 a.m. Key ring found at home where yard sale conducted, Gregory Hill Rd.
1:11 p.m. Delivery person bitten by dog, Town Hall Dr.
8:45 p.m. Police remove deceased porcupine from roadway, Mountain Rd.
9:58 p.m. Police transport two people to station, Town Hall Dr.
10:17 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with window open parked at athletic field, E. Princeton Rd.

Sunday, October 3

10:55 a.m. Wandering German shepherd, Hubbardston Rd.

Rutland

Monday, September 27

8:42 a.m. Moose in area, Pleasantdale Rd.
7:51 p.m. Person hit and killed dog, E. County Rd./Michael Dr. Dog taken to vet clinic

Tuesday, September 28

11:55 a.m. Person with disconnected phone needs assistance contacting phone company, Oakridge Dr.

Wednesday, September 29

12:54 a.m. Police remove debris from River Rd.
6:28 a.m. Skinny black dog appears disoriented, E. County Rd.
10:23 a.m. Loose black dog with blue collar, Main St.
1:33 p.m. Loud buzzing in neighborhood, Valley View Cir.
2:38 p.m. Missing cat, gray with black and white
4:15 p.m. Police investigate possible neighbor complaint, Kenwood Dr.
5:19 p.m. Request for police to respond to neighbor problem, Naquag St.
10:23 p.m. Report of young male kicking car, Maple Ave.

Thursday, September 30

1:21 p.m. Person locked out of vehicle, Barre Paxton Rd.
6:20 p.m. Multiple calls about female lying injured in middle of Maple Ave.

Friday, October 1

7:15 a.m. Wallet found; owner found
7:23 a.m. Person locked out of vehicle, Barre Paxton Rd.
2:28 p.m. Person locked out of vehicle, Central Tree Rd.

Saturday, October 2

7:21 a.m. Person at station to retrieve firearms, Main St.
4:47 p.m. Call about person squatting at vacant residence, Central Tree Rd.

Sunday, October 3

2:02 a.m. Barre PD requests assistance for large house party, Worcester Rd.
2:33 p.m. Disoriented female was drinking, unsure where she was, Maple Ave. Holden PD transported her to their station
5:37 p.m. Group of young men walking down street and one of them urinated in yard, Joanna Dr.
6:25 p.m. Suspicious male walking around looking in cars, Maple Ave.

Sterling

Monday, September 27

10:42 a.m. Escort service, Worcester Rd.
11:07 a.m. Animal control officer looking for kittens, Goulding Rd.
11:10 a.m. Suspicious male walking up and down the road looking at houses, Quail Roost Dr.
1:30 p.m. Two dogs running loose, opened gate, Quail Roost Dr.
5:50 p.m. Police assist cleaning person into bank, Main St.
10:33 p.m. Domestic disturbance, yelling in background, Worcester Rd.

Tuesday, September 28

1:23 a.m. Argument between neighbors, Elliott Rd.
6:58 a.m. Caller believes her car was shot at sometime during the night, Upper N. Row Rd.
4:13 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in driveway, person rang doorbell, then left, Avery Ln.

Wednesday, September 29

8:18 a.m. Suspicious person taking photos of home, Chace Hill Rd.
10:50 a.m. Snapping turtle hit by vehicle, Chace Hill Rd.
9:05 p.m. Report of reverse harassment, neighbor slamming door very hard, Jill Ln.

Thursday, September 30

2:04 a.m. Female won't leave house, Redstone Hill Rd.
2:39 a.m. Caller concerned that female may have had an accident on way to Redstone Hill Rd.
7:36 a.m. Someone may have tried to break into house, Gates Terr. Damage to screens determined to be old
6:03 p.m. Property returned to individuals, Leominster Rd.
6:16 p.m. Youths on bicycles swerving through traffic, causing vehicles to swerve to avoid hitting them, Clinton Rd.
7:13 p.m. Suspicious vehicle at end of driveway, Redstone Hill Rd.

Friday, October 1

1:39 a.m. Complaint about barking dog, Griffin Rd.
7:28 a.m. Suspicious male walking on Boutelle Rd.
9:25 a.m. Suspicious male on bicycle pulled off roadway, Beaman Rd.
5:20 p.m. Pocketbook found, N. Row Rd.
6:23 p.m. Male seen running out of woods carrying plants, vehicle sped away, person running down Justice Hill Rd.
6:27 p.m. Horse running loose on Bean Rd. toward Rte. 12
6:31 p.m. Officer requested for three young males riding bikes and playing on construction equipment, Redstone Hill Rd.

Saturday, October 2

3:12 a.m. Suspicious male followed female home, Cynthia Ln.
10:44 a.m. Officer investigation looking for marijuana plants, Justice Hill/Hastings Rds.
11:59 a.m. Lost Beagle, Kendall Hill Rd.
2:30 p.m. Damage at town beach from rainstorm
5:57 p.m. Officer investigation, Justice Hill Rd.

Sunday, October 3

11:54 a.m. Caller reports brakes screeching and car with open door in middle of road, Campground Rd.
3:04 p.m. Parking violation, Griffin/Muddy Pond Rds.
3:17 p.m. Silver teapot with monogram found at end of Sky Farm/Tuttle Rds. Possible stolen item

Marley: 29 Feb 1996 - 4 Oct 2010

There's a bit of magic in everything
and then some loss to even things out
-- Lou Reed

The banality of illness

In our compulsion to make sense of things, we often ascribe moral, spiritual, or philosophical meaning to illness. Usually, though, we make these ascriptions to someone else's illness. That person suffers from depression or has beaten cancer. Truth be told, however, our illnesses aren't that ennobling. They dull us and leave us feeling cheated. We're just sick and feel lousy. Me? I've got just a cold.
As I said, though, in others we imagine greater struggles. Marley's not doing well, not well at all. This is day four of not showing much interest in food. A black Lab with no interest in food is kinda like, well, kinda like nothing else because it happens so rarely.
He sleeps a lot, shallow breaths that make us stop to check that he truly is breathing. When he's not sleeping, he's just staring. I can put a peanut butter cracker on the floor near his nose and he shows no interest. If I cough, though, he raises his head. If I'm coughing a lot, he struggles to his feet and come over to me and wait to be assured that I'm ok. Then, he goes and lies down again.
We'll call the vet later this morning, but we're pretty sure we know the answers ahead. Damn.

The banality of illness

In our compulsion to make sense of things, we often ascribe moral, spiritual, or philosophical meaning to illness. Usually, though, we make these ascriptions to someone else's illness. That person suffers from depression or has beaten cancer. Truth be told, however, our illnesses aren't that ennobling. They dull us and leave us feeling cheated. We're just sick and feel lousy. Me? I've got just a cold.
As I said, though, in others we imagine greater struggles. Marley's not doing well, not well at all. This is day four of not showing much interest in food. A black Lab with no interest in food is kinda like, well, kinda like nothing else because it happens so rarely.
He sleeps a lot, shallow breaths that make us stop to check that he truly is breathing. When he's not sleeping, he's just staring. I can put a peanut butter cracker on the floor near his nose and he shows no interest. If I cough, though, he raises his head. If I'm coughing a lot, he struggles to his feet and come over to me and wait to be assured that I'm ok. Then, he goes and lies down again.
We'll call the vet later this morning, but we're pretty sure we know the answers ahead. Damn.

An autumn afternoon

From my Phillipston blog on OnTheCommon.com

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 34 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, September 20

5:18 a.m. Suspicious vehicle turned in driveway, Fisher Rd.; OK, limo at wrong residence
8:29 a.m. Lowell Ave. resident wants info about why cruisers were near home
9:00 a.m. Resident needs help with Meals on Wheels delivery
10:40 a.m. Cat returned, High St.
12:05 p.m. Call regarding missing Irish setter
4:59 p.m. Caller reports dead squirrel on front lawn; advised to call Pest Control
5:39 p.m. Kids yelling and holding sign, Main St.
8:35 p.m. Caller received strange phone solicitation
9:57 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle with lights on, Mill St.
9:58 p.m. MV sprayed with something, Main St.

Tuesday, September 21

10:37 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Wood St.; OK, Jehovah's Witnesses
11:31 a.m. Caller asking if private gate can be opened due to construction, Rte. 31
1:32 p.m. Open door at house, Wachusett St.; OK, painting crew
6:17 p.m. Group of youths dispersed from bandstand

Wednesday, September 22

12:37 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.; OK, looking at vinyl siding
1:14 a.m. Rhode Island State Trooper calling about info on resident
4:26 a.m. Trailer in cul-de-sac, Nottingham Cir.
7:31 a.m. Suspicious female with scissors walking on railing, Reservoir St.
9:43 a.m. Wife looking for husband, Kenwood Rd.
10:30 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in front of towers, Shrewsbury St.
11:11 a.m. Fox limping around with animal in its mouth, Salisbury St.
11:58 a.m. Bus unable to travel Laurelwood Rd. due to vehicles blocking roadway
1:05 p.m. Male and female arguing, threatening each other, Main St.
1:58 p.m. Caller regarding information on witness to incident; denied
2:37 p.m. Walk-in to speak to officer about private investigator
5:26 p.m. Suspicious vehicles at Eagle Lake; individuals threw bag in trash can
5:57 p.m. Truck parked in front of residence, Holden St.
8:02 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in front of home, Nola Dr.

Thursday, September 23

12:14 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Heather Cir.
10:38 a.m. Bear sighting
12:09 p.m. Elderly male trying to change tire, Shrewsbury St.
1:10 p.m. Injured fox, Salisbury St.
1:30 p.m. Bear in back yard, Cimarron Ln.
1:55 p.m. Bear in back yard, Forest Dr.
3:25 p.m. Bear in area, Meadowwood Dr.
4:38 p.m. Highland Ave. resident reports pump running for hours and house smells
4:51 p.m. Wounded fox, Salisbury St.
5:30 p.m. Suspicious vehicle appeared to be attempting to pick up teen male, Main St.
7:01 p.m. Wallet lost, Reservoir St.
7:23 p.m. Young girls going door-to-door selling magazines, Pleasant St.
8:45 p.m. Unruly parents at soccer game as well as players fighting on field, Main St.

Friday, September 24

12:35 p.m. Person in back yard of residence;, Shrewsbury St.
3:35 a.m. Multiple 911 calls from Sherwood Hill Dr. residence; caller confused
7:03 a.m. Bear on Wachusett St.
7:52 a.m. Bear on Chapel St.
8:02 a.m. Person walking on train tracks near business, Main St.; OK, works for railroad
9:35 a.m. Party waiting for tow; appears to be passed out, Bailey Rd.
9:38 a.m. Resident complaint about parked cars, Highland Ave.
12:54 p.m. Anonymous report of party fooling around in motor vehicle at Trout Brook; parties just talking; woman believes it was ex-boyfriend who called
1:17 p.m. Dumpster left in travel lane, Wachusett St.
1:40 p.m. Kids cutting through yard, Sunnyside Ave.
1:55 p.m. Bear in yard, Lowell Ave.
2:24 p.m. Worcester PD reports motor vehicle accident might be in Holden; parties exchanging words
4:35 p.m. Suspicious incident reported, Main St.
6:31 p.m. Domestic disturbance, Jackson St., individuals screaming and swearing at each other
7:14 p.m. Wallet found on Highland St.; unauthorized political sign placed on property
8:56 p.m. Report of four teens loud and disturbing at business, Main St., won't leave; 8-10 year olds playing hide-and-seek
10:32 p.m. Two cars racing, Newell Rd.
10:35 p.m. Two suspicious men, Salisbury St.
11:52 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Rondeau Rd.

Saturday, September 25

6:26 a.m. Vehicle on Bailey Rd. with balloons and shaving cream on it
10:23 a.m. Black bear, Wyoming Dr.; several calls from nearby streets
11:16 a.m. Person at business cleared items off shelf after not being waited on
1:05 p.m. Loose dog, Main St.
4:47 p.m. Suspicious person walking, Main St.
8:22 p.m. Report of rabid coyote or wolf, Wachusett St.; husky dog, on its owner's property
8:50 p.m. Caller reports automatic calls advertising cruise trips from number of individual who knows nothing about the calls
8:56 p.m. Loud yelling and screaming near Bailey Rd.
10:51 p.m. Kids in back yards, can see flashlights; parents advised
10:59 p.m. Report of 16 youths in front of neighbor's house, possibly drinking, Holden St.

Sunday, September 26

12:38 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.; OK, exchanging dogs
12:39 a.m. Eight to 10 adults, swearing and being loud, Chapel St.
3:42 a.m. Suspicious individuals at business, Main St.
9:41 a.m. Black bear seen earlier, Flagler Dr.
9:52 a.m. Black bear, Erin's Way
10:20 a.m. Individual in to pick up found wallet
10:54 a.m. Fox on Jamieson Rd. near Rte. 31, with paw in air, eating fruit
11:25 a.m. Lost dog reported
11:32 a.m. Dog found
12:00 p.m. Bear, Flagler Dr.
12:44 p.m. Two reports of bear, Highland Ave.
2:14 p.m. Fox acting strangely, Highland St.
2:45 p.m. Sick/injured fox, Highland St.
3:48 p.m. Fox, Highland Ave.
4:31 p.m. Large black bear, Malden St.
9:09 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Union St.

Paxton

Monday, September 20

3:03 a.m. Loose donkey walking in road, Grove St.
3:34 a.m. Noise on dirt road and open camper door, Grove St.
3:04 p.m. Suspicious person, possibly soliciting, Briarcliff Ln.

Tuesday, September 21

8:07 a.m. Bus company wants to know if it can go down Streeter Rd. Police will escort
10:30 a.m. Person at station to speak with officer about telephone scam, Pleasant St.
9:43 p.m. Female banging on car door outside business, Pleasant St.

Wednesday, September 22

12:40 a.m. Three subjects throwing items from vehicle, Rte. 122; one hit another vehicle
7:17 p.m. Suspicious male sitting by sidewalk in front of house, then staggered down street. Police find he had walked from Worcester and was tired

Thursday, September 23

8:27 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in front of house, Grove St.
11:23 a.m. Suspicious vehicle with male driver, Camp St.
1:58 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in area, Holden Rd.

Friday, September 24

3:16 a.m. Loud bang like a gun shot awakened caller, Thistledown Ln.
4:00 p.m. Dump truck emitting extreme amount of exhaust, Holden Rd.
6:24 p.m. Young juvenile walking around same spot for long time, Pleasant St.
8:26 p.m. Vehicle may be on fire, Marshall St.
9:16 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in parking lot of business, Pleasant St. Using cell phone

Saturday, September 25

4:58 p.m. Person attempting to fix vehicle, Pleasant St./Asnebumskit Rd.
9:08 p.m. Caller reports someone keeps banging on her door, then taking off, Old Lantern Cir.

Sunday, September 26

9:38 a.m. Loose white Labrador in area of Pleasant/Grove Sts.

Princeton

Monday, September 20

12:28 p.m. Report of huge bear in back yard, Coal Kiln Rd.
4:55 p.m. Female trying to wave down motorists to get a ride to Fitchburg, Fitchburg Rd.

Tuesday, September 21

9:58 a.m. Cat hit, Beaman Rd. Person attempting to find owner
12:15 p.m. Suspicious vehicle going up and down Ball Hill Rd.
4:47 p.m. Pet carrier with two kittens left by mailbox, Worcester Rd.
6:10 p.m. Man yelling in wood, possibly calling dog, Westminster Rd.
7:31 p.m. Vehicle locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.

Wednesday, September 22

12:20 a.m. Police remove branch from road, Rte. 140 N
1:13 p.m. Suspicious white van backed up to home, Mirick Rd.

Thursday, September 23

11:53 a.m. Pile of shingles left behind building, Mountain Rd.
4:18 p.m. Police investigation, woman found part of headstone on property, Calamint Hill Rd. N
5:30 p.m. Suspicious vehicle. Owner is professor conducting snake research in area throughout the fall, Mountain Rd.
10:00 p.m. Suspicious vehicle leaving area behind building, Main St.

Friday, September 24

5:13 p.m. Police find two females with inappropriate signs, Main St. Signs destroyed
7:41 p.m. Black Lab following car at athletic fields, E. Princeton Rd. Placed in kennel

Saturday, September 25

3:59 p.m. Person videotaping homes, E. Princeton Rd.

Rutland

Monday, September 20

8:00 a.m. Officer wanted, person didn't pay for gas, Main St.
8:13 a.m. Person drove off without paying for gas, Main St.
8:14 a.m. Caller inquiring about cars parking and blocking traffic, Main St.
8:35 a.m. Suspicious van in area, Bushy Ln.
11:49 a.m. Caller has possum in cellar, Maple Ave.
1:27 p.m. Person locked keys in car, Pommogussett Rd.
3:18 p.m. Person at station complaining about problems with school bus, Main St.
4:30 p.m. Person will be in area of Main St. passing out fliers
7:12 p.m. Caller reports seeing bright blue flash above trees in area of state park, Barre Paxton Rd.

Tuesday, September 21

7:03 a.m. Shaggy dog loose near high-tension lines, Intervale Rd.
6:38 p.m. Caller hit black cat, Main St.

Wednesday, September 22

3:51 p.m. Orange colored trike-type recreational vehicle speeding up and down Hillside Rd.
6:33 p.m. Juvenile male lying on side of Main St.
9:26 p.m. Deceased cat in roadway, Turkey Hill Rd.
9:58 p.m. Request for police to investigate sound of skill saw, Maple Ave.
11:25 p.m. Person at station to bail out female prisoner, Main St.

Thursday, September 24

10:12 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in area, Charnock Hill Rd.
12:54 p.m. Officer wanted for out-of-control male who was drinking, then left in truck, Dakota Trl.
3:19 p.m. Suspicious activity, Barre Paxton Rd.

Friday, September 24

7:50 a.m. Request for officer to hold records for individual, Main St.
1:38 p.m. Female at station requesting bail money be returned, Main St.
2:45 p.m. Loose dogs, Sumac, Summerhill, Skyline area
3:06 p.m. Female at station to speak with officer about speeders.

Sunday, September 26

4:07 a.m. Vehicle with lights on, Walnut St.; flat tire
5:30 p.m. Assist Oakham PD checking on three males walking in middle of Rte. 56 and refusing to move over

Sterling

Monday, September 20

10:00 a.m. Large moose crossed Leominster Rd.
12:18 p.m. Suspicious male wearing trench coat, Beaman/Princeton Rds.area
5:16 p.m. Golden retriever running in traffic, Princeton/Beaman Rds.
6:34 p.m. Female entered home unannounced, said was there to clean, Birch Dr.
6:47 p.m. Officer wanted for female unwelcome at home, School St.
9:34 p.m. White vehicle parked in lot for several hours, Worcester Rd.

Tuesday, September 21

11:54 a.m. Feral cat had kittens on property, Goulding Rd.
2:57 p.m. Assist citizen with vehicle, Chocksett Rd.
3:03 p.m. Suspicious male in truck asking about buying scrap metal, Redemption Rock Trl.
6:44 p.m. Assist citizen with fingerprinting, Leominster Rd.

Thursday, September 23

10:27 a.m. Missing black cat, Clinton Rd.
3:33 p.m. Male hitchhiker ran into woods, Leominster Rd.
6:10 p.m. Suspicious older truck with three males in driveway, John Dee Rd.
8:13 p.m. Suspicious SUV pulled into business parking lot and turned off lights, Pratts Jct. Rd.

Friday, September 24

7:41 a.m. Female taking pictures of homes, Sherwood Dr.
12:06 p.m. White vehicle parked beside road, Westland Farm Rd.
6:02 p.m. Lost black and white cat, Clinton Rd.
9:23 p.m. Two people with flashlights walking around exterior of house, Boutelle Rd.; looking for cat

Saturday, September 25

10:05 a.m. Escort motorcycle group to W. Boylston line
11:55 a.m. Motorcycle ride escort, Princeton Rd./Main St.
5:56 p.m. Stray black, longhaired cat at home, Maple St.
9:35 p.m. Possible gun shots in area of home, Pikes Hill Rd. People possibly in woods behind home, crashing through the brush
11:43 p.m. Officer wanted, N. Row Rd. Caller hears car horn blaring

Sunday, September 26

3:25 p.m. Skunk sleeping in barn, Justice Hill Rd.
4:43 p.m. Assist other agency, Beaman Rd.

Jesus is your fireman

The Wormtown Fleet wanders to the north county.

---

From my couch to your browser

My notes, Going to the candidates' debate, on the latest in the 1st Worcester campaign. Because it's the first of the month, you could also read the Telegram's report, Taxes hot topic at 1st Worcester debate, for free; you'll have to register if you haven't already done so

Happy 11th Birthday, Lily

Lily in 2003

Great! Expectations!

I would Expect! nothing less.

1st Worcester race

One of the better tenets of good politics is that, when your opponent is making trouble for himself, keep quiet. That seems to be what Kim Ferguson is wisely doing as Ken O'Brien thrashes around.
The latest troubles come in an exchange of letters to the editor in the local outlets. Last week, former selectman Joe Sullivan wrote a letter to The Landmark outlining the reasons that he could not support his former colleague, O'Brien, in the race for state representative in the 1st Worcester district. Sullivan concluded

Finally, Ken O’Brien’s [sic] often speaks without thinking. His comments about “older” municipal employees required a select board motion repudiating Ken’s remarks while embracing the absence of discrimination in our community.
A nice guy? Yes. A great candidate for state representative? No way.
via Former colleague can’t vote for O’Brien | www.thelandmark.com | Landmark

Also last week, Ed Meyer of Holden wrote a lengthy piece in TheDailyHolden.com Letter to the Editor: The Superior Court Law Suit against Holden’s Ken O’Brien. In the letter, Meyer alleges a number of serious ethics violations against O'Brien, along with a charge that O'Brien has failed to produce documents that the Secretary of State's office has ordered. Meyer has file suit in Superior Court to have O'Brien produce the documents.
I'm not in a position to evaluate the validity of Meyer's claims or O'Brien's defenses. Those are left to the court. I would suggest Mr. Meyer, however, to make sure that he spells Mr. O'Brien's name correctly. Lines such as this get confusing:

On April 28, 2010 Secretary Galvin’s Office issued a second order to Mr. O’Brian reaffirming its’ earlier “determination ordering Mr. O’Brien to provide you (me) with a fee estimate for the provision of these records…”. 

Anyway, so, how does O'Brien respond? In his own letter to the TheDailyHolden.com, ,  Letter to the Editor: Negative campaigning obscuring race for State Rep., O'Brien says,

I have been sued by Mr. Edwin Meyer, the same person observed handing out negative hand bills to members of the Hubbardston Lions Club, and attaching them to every car in the parking lot at the Hubbardston field day. 

Not much of a rebuttal, eh? He made a similar complaint against Sullivan, dismissing the severity of the charge because Sullivan has contributed to Ferguson's campaign.
Ken O'Brien is working hard to get elected. I've seen his signs prominently placed throughout the district. I've seen him campaigning early in the morning at the intersection of Route 2 and 140 in Westminster. He has the endorsement of people whom I respect. 
What he's not done, however, is address the series of very serious issues concerning his attitudes and actions throughout his time as selectman in Holden. He's responded with ad hominem attacks of his own. That's not a way to establish credibility. That's not a way to get my vote.
The candidates for state representative will debate on Thursday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. at the Holden town hall. 

What is a newspaper?

A post on my other blog - Parallel Eagles: What is a newspaper?

Don't get out much anymore

I joined some folks for dinner in Cambridge last night, a group of people I've known or know of via email groups and other electronic channels for a long time. You know how some people at gatherings will pass around pictures of their kids, grandkids, or vacations to exotic places? One dinner guest brought a stack of 1992 PC Magazines.
The ride into the city reminded me that I'm quite removed in time and space from life on the Pike. For one thing, and maybe it's just my age, but the jerks in heavy traffic don't bother me as much. That Acura that jumped ahead a few car lengths by staying extra long in the breakdown lane - good for you. I hope you got where you needed to be soon enough. Same goes for the big Chevy with the New York tags. I listened to music, watched the moon come up over Boston, dodged the cyclists of Cambridge, and arrived a half hour late. There were three tables for 10 in use. Two tables were full. I took the last seat at the third table.
The conversations meandered from search engine optimizations to swimming with dolphins to the maglev train in Shanghai that does 420 km/hr to so-and-so's lectures at nearby MIT to, well, you get the idea. No one, to my knowledge, was sneaking out to the bar to check on the Red Sox game. I didn't hear anyone specifically say that they were looking for a job, but, for these folks, they're always looking, even if they have work today.
Homeward, naturally, I got turned around a bit and wound up across the river into Boston. It was late and I wanted to get home and yet the liveliness of the city had an energy that was compelling.

It wasn't until I hit the darkened skies west of Framingham that I started to feel tired. I made it home safely and was asleep by midnight.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 32 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, September 13

7:29 a.m. 911 Caller heard cry for help and dog barking on Lowell Ave.
8:31 a.m. Report of two antique sleds stolen from Bullard Street property sometime in the past
11:40 a.m. Motor vehicle stopped on Quinapoxet St.; driver upset
12:49 p.m. Truck blocking driveway on Chapel St.
4:28 p.m. Road Rage incident
4:31 p.m. Bear on Buckingham and Mason roads reported

8:33 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Pilgrim Dr.
9:38 p.m. Princeton requesting backup for incident on Calamint Hill N.
11:00 p.m. Loose dog almost hit by car
11:50 p.m. Person with restraining order inquiring about how to go pick up car

Tuesday, September 14

12:28 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked by side of Woodridge Rd.; boyfriend and girlfriend talking
12:50 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in church lot on Shrewsbury St.
8:57 a.m. Partially open manhole lid on Salisbury St.
9:41 a.m. Bear in yard on Quinapoxet St.
12:28 p.m. 911 Bear going through trash on Greenwood Parkway; then moved to Cimmaron Lane
1:25 p.m. Bear on Forest Dr.
2:38 p.m. Caller asking officer to accompany him to pick up last paycheck at business and turn in uniform
2:50 p.m. Bear in yard on Quinapoxet St.
3:12 p.m. Caller reports being bitten by dog on Newell Rd.
4:28 p.m. Fox on Sycamore Dr.
4:52 p.m. Four teens in lot skateboarding on Holden St.
6:36 p.m. Kid on four wheeler on Fruit St.; putting it away
7:38 p.m. Two individuals reported causing a disturbance while drinking on Broad St.; misunderstanding
8:26 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in area of South Rd.
9:43 p.m. Calling about laws regarding kids hanging out in town

Wednesday, September 15

6:59 a.m. Abandoned motor vehicle behind business on Main St.; removed from Anna Maria because it was leaking fluid
8:04 a.m. Suspicious vehicle
9:20 a.m. Suspicious male sleeping in playground; waiting for someone; advised to move along
12:35 p.m. Suspicious backpack left at Dawson Recreation area; belongs to Bailey Rd. resident
1:18 p.m. Eleven-year-old carrying bag of clothing seen on Reservoir St.; okay, going to friend'shouse
1:28 p.m. Report of youths blocking traffic on Walnut St.
2:03 p.m. Six youths behind business on Industrial Dr.
2:09 p.m. Group of a dozen teens walking on railroad tracks on Sunnyside Ave.

5:15 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle on bank premises on Main St.
5:34 p.m. Black bear observed crossing Rte. 31 near Elmwood Ave.
6:06 p.m. Suspicious text messages to Lowell Ave. resident; advised to ignore and call provider to block number
6:15 p.m. Two males yelling on Sawyer Lane
6:33 p.m. Smell of gas coming from stove on Explorers Way
7:24 p.m. 911 Patient complaining about nurse
8:34 p.m. Violation of harassment order at place of employment

Thursday, September 16

12:34 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in front of home on Doyle Rd.
1:12 a.m. Beer cans in lot on Causeway St.
6:50 a.m. Dead raccoon in road on Malden St.
9:12 a.m. Tractor trailer stuck under bridge on Main St.
2:28 p.m. Caller about ticketing on Newell Rd.
3:15 p.m. Lockout of vehicle on Main St.
3:48 p.m. Caller concerned about something sprayed on side of Newell Rd.
4:21 p.m. Suspicious activity on Manning St.
5:26 p.m. Road Rage incident on Ararat St. reported
6:28 p.m. Caller heard gun shots from Chaffins Pond Area; goose season
6:44 p.m. Caller about two individuals shooting within 500 feet of Gail Dr. residence; shooters are 201 yards away
6:58 p.m. Domestic on Holden St., just verbal
8:32 p.m. Caller reports suspicious person went behind house on Manning St.; when confronted, said he was looking for work
9:05 p.m. Large amount of water in roadway on Main St.

Friday, September 17

1:42 a.m. Suspicious vehicles exiting from Dawson School
9:30 a.m. Complaint about vehicles speeding on Avery Rd. through detour
10:46 a.m. Mountview School requesting check on truant
2:25 p.m. No water at residence on Quinapoxet St.
2:30 p.m. Walk-in with medication to be disposed of
3:28 p.m. Caller wanting to take parking sign; informed signs are town's property
6:10 p.m. 911 from Lowell Ave.; no answer on callback
6:18 p.m. Group of kids in pickup truck yelling rude remarks in parking lot on Reservoir St.
6:43 p.m. Lowell Ave. party called about 911 call; teaching child to use phone

Saturday, September 18

12:05 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in lot on Shrewsbury St.
12:10 a.m. Suspicious person staggering northbound on Highland St.
12:24 a.m. Suspicious person on Main St., blindfolded, no recollection of events; later said event was staged as a result of argument with father
2:56 a.m. Noise heard in Industrial Park
1:09 p.m. Skateboarders on Main St.
1:20 p.m. 911 from Princeton St.; no one there on callback
2:06 p.m. Fox in area of Jamieson Rd.
2:11 p.m. Fox walking down middle of Phillips Rd.; doesn't look sick
2:44 p.m. 911 Suspicious motor vehicle operating aggressively on Main St.
2:58 p.m. Lockout of motor vehicle on Main St.
3:21 p.m. Paxton PD reports party left sink by side of road in Paxton, was headed toward Holden
4:31 p.m. Young kids being excessively loud on FortSumter Dr.
5:09 p.m. Fox in front yard on Dogwood Circle
5:40 p.m. Motor vehicle smoking on Doyle Rd.
9:11 p.m. Two male teens looking in windows of vehicles on Brentwood Dr.
10:51 p.m. Possible fight in parking lot on Main St.

Sunday, September 19

1:05 p.m. Suspicious people on railroad tracks behind Main St. business
6:00 p.m. 911 Caller states parents won't give keys back so she can leave, Cumberland Circle
7:08 p.m. Suspicious person exited vehicle and headed towards water on Reservoir St.
10:18 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Main St. at Jefferson School

Paxton

Tuesday, September 14

12:08 p.m. Black dog followed woman home and is sitting on her front steps, Grove St.
3:59 p.m. Car lock-out, Congregational Church
4:24 p.m. Small brown dog chasing boy on bike, Walbridge Rd.
4:59 p.m. Party in lobby to turn in solar landscaping light she found in mailbox

Wednesday, September 15

9:09 p.m. Bale of hay in the road, between Nanigian Rd and Spencer town line

Friday, September 17

9:06 p.m. Suspicious auto, Dunkin' Donuts

Saturday, September 18

3:10 p.m. Report that female in a blue van dumped a kitchen sink off the side of Bel Arbor Rd.
4:30 p.m. Walk-in to speak with officer about dogs that scratched his car door, Pond St.
9:45 p.m. Two suspicious vehicles parked on Marshall St, fled at high rate of speed when caller turned light on

Sunday, September 19

11:26 p.m. Suspicious person, Pleasant St.
11:52 p.m. Suspicious auto, Mower St. Dispersed parties.

Princeton

Monday, September 13

8:07 a.m. Walk in to report being passed in no passing zone and car speeding, Hubbardston Rd.
1:12 p.m. Disabled vehicle parked beside road, Rte. 140. Police determine it needs to be removed before dark
1:40 p.m. Two stray dogs, white with brown spots, in yard on Sterling Rd.
1:45 p.m. Request for traffic control due to speeders, Gates Rd.
9:26 p.m. 911 abandoned call, back up requested from Hubbardston and Holden, Calamint Hill Rd. N
9:30 p.m. Domestic disturbance, Calamint Hill Rd. N

Tuesday, September 14

9:04 a.m. Glass water bottle with metal inside found at end of driveway on Radford Rd.

Wednesday, September 25

1:30 a.m. Caller hears tapping on side of house and possibly voices outside, Goodnow Rd.
6:21 p.m. Someone in garage possibly taking items, green pickup truck, Merriam Rd.
7:00 p.m. Pickup truck parked beside road for a long time. Found operator talking on cell phone, Merriam Rd.

Thursday, September 16

12:00 a.m. Person came to report a larceny, Merriam Rd.
4:13 p.m. Vehicles parked in crosswalk at the school, Sterling Rd.
11L17 p.m. Suspicious person walking along Calamint Hill Rd. North

Friday, September 17

8:20 p.m. Siberian Husky found in Worcester that has Princeton tag. Dog had been given up for adoption

Saturday, September 18

7:10 p.m. Two dogs in yard on Merriam Rd.
7:32 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Houghton Rd. Person lost
8:59 p.m. Police speak with three males in church parking lot, sent on their way, Worcester Rd.
8:59 p.m. Police transport person to home on Mirick Rd.

Sunday, September 19

12:39 p.m. Police assist with traffic at motorcycle rally, Mountain Rd.
7:58 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in lot on Rte. 140 North

Rutland

Monday, September 13

12:46 p.m. Five bags of trash dumped in dumpster on Glenwood Rd.
2:50 p.m. 'Shadow' and his buddies loose in neighborhood, Summerhill Dr.
5:09 p.m. Large tank in swamp area, Pleasantdale and Barre Paxton Rds.

Tuesday, September 14

8:40 a.m. Report of young girl hiding behind house, Prouty Lane & Clearview Rd.
4:06 p.m. Lockout, Glenwood Rd.
6:07 p.m. Suspicious call from person claiming to be census taker, Campbell St.

Wednesday, September 15

3:35 p.m. Report of fight between two juveniles near basketball court, Memorial Dr.
4:20 p.m. Walk in to speak with an officer regarding a neighbor problem, Glenwood Rd.
10:09 p.m. Person locked out of bedroom where young child is, Maple Ave.

Thursday, September 16

9:15 a.m. Disabled vehicle in parking lot near Long Pond boat ramps
9:29 a.m. Suspicious person walking between houses, Sycamore Dr. Found to be with landscaping company
9:48 a.m. Caller requesting assistance with lockout of vehicle, Main St.
5:02 p.m. Yellow Labrador mix dog loose in neighborhood, Briarwood Rd.
5:18 p.m. Keys lost, Skyline Dr.

Friday, September 17

3:31 p.m. Resident reports finding a dead skunk in her mailbox, Pleasantdale Rd.
7:20 p.m. Officer wanted regarding issues with neighbor, Clealand Circle
7:19 p.m. Person came to pick up license plate, Main St.
8:50 p.m. Police assist with car lockout, Hillside Rd.

Saturday, September 18

6:14 p.m. Report of two men, one with a ski mask and one with a camera, approached residence on Beechwood Rd.
7:59 p.m. Officer requested while person removes belongings, Maple Ave.
9:42 p.m. Request for officer while person removes belongings, Maple Ave.

Sunday, September 19

7:32 a.m. Report that two mailboxes are missing, John Robert Dr.
10:42 a.m. Report of stolen mailbox, Naquag St.
12:03 p.m. Complaint about dirt bikes racing up and down Sassawanna Rd.
3:55 p.m. Pink cell phone lost, Memorial Dr. Later found

Sterling

Monday, September 13

6:54 a.m. Officer wanted for possible drug activity, Jill Lane
7:32 a.m. Officer requested for ongoing problems between parent and bus driver, Sandy Ridge Rd.
4:31 p.m. Suspicious red vehicle in area of Albright Rd. using some kind of electronic equipment
6:23 p.m. Report of people yelling at each other, Muddy Pond Rd.
8:28 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in yard, argument took place, person left, Redemption Rock Trl.
9:36 p.m. 911 call, yelling in background, person said call was accidental, North Row Rd.
11:02 p.m. Two youths wearing dark clothing walking south on Rte. 12, very hard to see, police asked to speak with them, Leominster Rd./Chocksett Rd.

Tuesday, September 14

8:45 a.m. Report of sick cat in yard, can barely walk, Taft Rd.
3:35 p.m. Person reports being threatened by a gun, report may have been fabricated, Main St.

Wednesday, September 15

10:55 a.m. Very sick cat returned, Taft Rd. Animal control officer picked up cat
4:58 p.m. Report that someone was entering house through a window, Wiles Rd.

Thursday, September 16

3:57 p.m. Caller reports a delivery truck backed into him, Chocksett Rd.
5:08 p.m. Lost golden retrievers, one later returned, the other still missing, Chace Hill Rd.
7:53 p.m. Police respond to scene of disabled vehicle where operator is being belligerent, Beverly Dr.

Friday, September 17

12:38 p.m. Jack Russell Terrier ran off, Stuart Rd.
1:50 p.m. Suspicious activity, paintball activity, five people involved, Heywood Rd.
3:23 p.m. Report of missing five year old, child located at 3:53 p.m., Newell Hill Rd.
5:42 p.m. Young child found wandering in street, Park St. Reunited with father
7:19 p.m. Caller reports someone may be smoking marijuana, Jill Lane
7:21 p.m. Person came in to station for fingerprinting, Leominster Rd.
7:34 p.m. Bull loose on Rte. 190 northbound

Saturday, September 18

11:52 a.m. Several vehicles parked at town beach without stickers, violations issued to all, Hall Ave.

Sunday, September 19

12:14 a.m. Officer wanted to assist with angry family member, Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
3:02 p.m. Caller reporting possible drug activity, Rail Trail

Some headlines write themselves

via Stink Bugs Taking Area by Swarm | NBC Washington

Crime in suburbia, special edition

A local Facebook friend waives his 5th amendment rights and reports:

Dept. of Why I hate computers

Spent an hour trying to solve a problem. A person was trying to send email to a domain that I manage, a domain that's uses Google Apps. The help files say that you can set up a whitelist to allow email to come through, but there is no such widget in the apps services area. As I said, I worked on it for an hour while my supper was heating and then cooling in the microwave.

After supper, I came back and found that the email had gone through just fine.
I'm gonna go out and look at the moon and Jupiter, hoping that they don't fall from the sky or something. It's not been an easy day.

Heavens above

I know folks - school administrators, police officers, mental health workers - who are absolutely convinced that their clientele behave much worse during the time of the full moon. The general data shows no statistical correlation. These folks, as they go to work this week, might appreciate the science, but will still be on their guard.
Weather, including high wind, appears to have a more verifiable effect.
Nothing in the skies, however, seems to either increase or diminish the agitated quality of some.

This was an attempt at deicide by Obama....

Obama reached a new height of subversion with his bastardization of these keywords from the Declaration of Independence. That betrayal of the founding document of our country – America's birth certificate, if you will – shows him not only unworthy of the office of the presidency, but unworthy of U.S. citizenship as well.

via Obama's Subversion ~ Bible Prophecy Today

If you identify the error, do you get the job?

hint: The Apostrophe Police | Facebook

10 years gone

My mother died on this day in 2000.

We knew what she believed

She knew that her father loved her.

And, of course, we always knew what finally we needed to know.

My wife's family is a puzzle

Danger in suburbia

The town of Holden is getting pretty good about keeping folks updated on events around town. You can subscribe to news which gets you an email with items of note around town. Through this email, we've learned about road closings, recycling services, library book sales, and the latest incursions of nature into suburbia:

Black bear alert
The Holden Police Department has received several bear sighting reports in local neighborhoods, as well as outlying rural areas. For detailed information, visit the town's website. If you feel a bear is creating a public safety hazard, please call the Holden Police Department at (508) 829-4444.

For more information and suggestions about living with our bear population, visit the Mass Wildlife website.

Sandra and I recently completed the fourth segment of our walk to the center of town, this time walking the 4.7 miles from the Princeton line. We were blithely unaware that we were on a path of peril.

Sightings have been reported near the northern sections of Wachusett Street including Mason Road and Wood Street, and also in the area of Quinapoxet Street, Slipper Hill Lane, Tannery Drive, Cimarron Lane, Fort Sumter Drive, Forest Drive, and the Highland Street end of Nola Drive.
via Black Bear Alert

Yikes. We walked along Wachusett and Highland, squeezing onto the shoulder to avoid cars zipping along on a Sunday. We were so concerned about speeding Christians that we paid no attention to the dangers lurking in woods and yards.

Black bears are generally non-aggressive, but it can be disconcerting to have one near your home. Please follow some common sense guidelines to prevent them from wandering close to houses, such as keeping pets indoors and/or under your control, not feeding pets outside, temporarily bringing in bird feeders, and keeping trash cans indoors. They are also attracted to fresh garbage on compost piles, so you may need to suspend composting for the time being.

I wasn't carrying any fresh garbage on this walk and Marley sat this one out, so we were probably in little danger. Nonetheless, it's a reminder that we're never far from trouble.
Be safe and be alert.

Where can I find a job like this?

No, seriously, where?