Hakkarainen Clipping Service

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Fwd: Severe Weather Coordination Message #2

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: SkyWarn Announcement List <SkyWarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net>
Date: Thu, Jun 24, 2010 at 7:11 AM
Subject: Severe Weather Coordination Message #2
To: Skywarn-list@oak.powersrvcs.net

Hello to all..

..Potential exists for a Major Severe Weather Outbreak Across much of
interior Southern New England this Thursday Afternoon and evening as a
very strong cold front coupled with a potentially very unstable
atmosphere provides the focus for the potential severe thunderstorms
in widespread pockets over much of the NWS Taunton County Warning
Area. Damaging Winds in widespread pockets and Large Hail are the
primary threats with urban and poor drainage flooding also possible
and an isolated tornado and/or waterspout also possible. SPC has
placed much of the region in a 'high-end' Slight Risk for Severe
Weather and NWS Taunton is in agreement..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely anytime
beginning around 11 AM-Noon Thursday and lasting through early
evening..
..ARES/RACES/MARS and other EMCOMM Groups should closely monitor the
progress of this potential severe weather episode over the next 18
hours..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend weather may have some level of
issues with a threat of thunderstorms Saturday Evening which will be
reviewed more thoroughly after the Thursday event has passed. Amateur
Radio Field Day Weekend messages will commence on Thursday Evening..

At 700 AM, Doppler Radar showed a decaying area of showers and
thunderstorms from thundestorm complexes that formed overnight. This
activity is weakening rapidly. Cloud cover associated with this
activity may slow heating for a few hours but there remains breaks in
the cloudiness sufficient to realize heating to at least the upper 80s
to 90 degrees with low 90 degree temperastures possible. Renewed
activity will form as we get into the early afternoon hours and will
have the potential to become severe fairly rapidly.

The potential exists once again similar to the Sunday June 6th event
of a Major Severe Weather Outbreak across interior Southern New
England. Damaging Winds, Urban/Poor Drainage Flooding and Large Hail
are the primary threats though an isolated tornado and/or waterspout
will also be possible. A very warm humid air mass will be in place
across Southern New England with temperatures soaring into the upper
80s to low 90s with dewpoints in around 70 to the lower 70s. Winds
aloft will once again be very strong similar to June 6th. With the
intense heating and destablization coupled with the strong shear
aloft, the potential exists for a major severe weather outbreak in
interior Southern New England that could bring numerous severe
thunderstorms with damaging wind potential and widespread 'pockets' of
wind damage where numerous cities and towns have neighborhoods
affected by wind damage, large hail, and urban and poor drainage
flooding all threats. Given the shear and destablization!
, an isolated tornado and/or waterspout cannot be ruled out though
history dictates more of a linear wind damage threat. The level of
expected destablization and shear, however, could support an isolated
tornado or waterspout.

The caveats to the severe weather threat for Thursday concerning the
timing of the cold front and pre-frontal trough seems to be a
non-factor at this stage as the frontal timing near or at the time of
peak heating continues to look good based on current trends. The
second caveat concerning cloud cover seems to be a low risk as the
current decaying complexes of showers and thunderstorms continues to
weaken rapidly and there is still sufficient breaks in the cloud cover
to allow for fairly intense heating.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely anytime
beginning around 11 AM-Noon Thursday and lasting through early
evening. ARES/RACES/MARS and other EMCOMM Groups should closely
monitor the progress of this potential severe weather episode over the
next 24 hours. This will be the last complete coordination message on
this threat. A shortened coordination message will be issued if time
allows when Ops at NWS Taunton are initiated and if there is any
further upgrade on the severe weather threat. Below is the NWS Taunton
Hazardous Weather Outlook and SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend weather may have some level of issues
with a threat of thunderstorms Saturday Evening which will be reviewed
more thoroughly after the Thursday event has passed. Amateur Radio
Field Day Weekend messages will commence on Thursday Evening.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://www.wx1box.org

--
Karl A. Hakkarainen
www.roasterboy.com

Sunday, June 20, 2010

This is how Google makes money

I know that the Google algorithms for placing simple text ads next to web page content has earned Messrs Brin and Page a gazillion point two dollars each. And a big part of the reason for their success seems to be the impentrability of their algorithm.
Take, for example, this page, a page from the The Emergency Email Network®,that shows the current weather forecast with links to information about severe weather and other things to worry about.

Why, after reading this forecast, I should then want to buy a Plumber's Pillow as a gift for our plumber? We like our plumber. He's a great guy and does great work and deserves gifts of all kinds. Google, somehow, thinks that I'll be thinking about that when I'm reading about storms coming.
Oh, and cosmetic dentistry, too.

Before & After Photos Marlborough MA, Cosmetic Dentistry

Rigged, indeed

Pat Boone, in a general cautionary tale about God's power over all of us, notes that, in Vegas, the house always wins.

via Wake up, folks – the game is rigged!
On the same page, we learned that the National Tea Party Unity Convention is coming up in, as you might suspect, Las Vegas.

We report. They do what they do. You decide.

What was Huck thinking?

A series of occasional notes about things we find at the camp and how we try to understand the quirky engineering genius that was in my father's handiwork.
---
The kindling box in the sauna contains scraps of wood, mouse-chewed newspapers dating from 1973, and this.

It's a thick piece of copper wire sticking up from a hole in the bottom of the box (which is also the floor of the sauna). It made enough sense for him, but not for us.

Notes from the cove

Occasional notes about life on the shores of Queen Lake
---
When seeing people whom we haven't seen for a while at the lake, the talk quickly turns to animal sightings.
"We have a bald eagle on the lake."
"Have you seen the loon?"
"Carole and Gerry had a bear on their deck. They've got pictures." (A yearling had been sent away so that its mother could tend to the newborns.)
"It looks like we have a beaver."
"You know that camp next to us? No one is living there and it's full of squirrels."
---
It's still very dark here at night, even when there's a bright moon. The trees are tall on our southern side, so the summer moonlight can barely peek through.
What's new now, though, are these dots of greenish light around the camp. We bought a new stove last year and it has a clock. The old radio gave out and we replaced it with a newer old radio that has a clock. The old outdoor lights along the path to the sauna were beaten up by one too many winters; we replaced them with $3 solar lights. The new lights are good, but they're on all night.
---
Ours is the only mailbox at the end of the road. We're getting mail for various people because it's the only mailbox. It's a good way for us to visit the neighbors.
---
I think that the bullfrogs may be coming back. We have one regular voice near the boathouse and I'm pretty sure I've heard a couple more as well. Some summers, it had been quiet. Those magnificent bellowing bullfrogs, well, I didn't appreciate how much I missed them until they came back.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Some things are still good

There's a line in Agatha Christie's "Witness for the Prosecution" - "One can get tired of gratitude." The line is spoken in the context of several plot twists, so we don't want to go too far with it. Being grateful, though, does require a certain amount of surrender. We recognize that a certain amount of our happiness is out of our control, that it comes to us as a gift. As I said, I don't want to go too far with that thought because that kind of thinking requires hard work, which is not what a nice summer weekend needs.
Last night, we joined friends for dinner at their camp on the lake. The air was warm and a breeze came off of the still cool waters. We talked about things near and far and about our grandchildren more than anything else.
After dinner, the four of us went to the Barre Playhouse where we saw the aforementioned Agatha Christie play. We didn't know it going in, but all of the actors were young, under 22. It was a fine a performance as you'll find in any community theater. The standout was the girl, all of 14, who played Romaine and who delivered the line about gratitude. The actresses name is Kate Hood. Watch for her. The kid's got skills.
We returned home late, our second late-night in a row. We were tired and yet renewed. Seeing young people having fun with their talents, imagining, as they might, what's ahead for them, well, this is good.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 11 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, June 7

9:54 a.m. Driver struck deer, Main St.
12:13 p.m. Caller reports elderly gentleman seems to be “out of it,” Bancroft Rd.
7:57 p.m. Two barrels with smoldering debris near construction, North St.

Tuesday, June 8

10:42 a.m. Car window shot out last night, Highland St.
11:25 a.m. Individual wants to know arrest date from 1994
11:57 a.m. Graffiti on tennis courts, Salisbury St.
3:10 p.m. Report of two solicitors, Quinipoxet Ln.
6:47 p.m. Suspicious chubby, grey-haired person asking juveniles for ride home, Main St.; brought to station
6:53 p.m. Caller reports white van with dark grey stripes, occupant taking pictures, South Rd.
9:05 p.m. Noise complaint about a dog, Somerset Ln.

Wednesday, June 9

3:20 a.m. Small dog running loose in neighborhood, Pinebrook Ln.
8:00 a.m. FBI looking for location of Central MA Chiefs meeting; informed of location
8:36 a.m. Assistant principal reports three girls were harassed at bus stop near Papa Gino’s, Main St. Five high school-age males made comments to females
9:05 a.m. Small dog wandering on Main St.
12:05 p.m. Sunnyside Auto reports that walklight is not functioning, Main St.
2:39 p.m. Caller received phone call from Mass Fraternal Order of Police soliciting for money; didn’t give any financial information
4:47 p.m. Walk-in to see regulations for bee nests and hives

9:21 p.m. Paxton PD advises of silver pickup swerving over marked lines and varying speeds; driver is very tired and apologizes for inconvenience

Thursday, June 10

9:11 a.m. Caller says white male, approx. age 50, got out of his vehicle and started yelling at person behind him; unit sent to investigate
12:40 p.m. Caller reports two parties in Apt. B arguing for 30 minutes; units dispatched; OK, verbal argument only
1:06 p.m. Postal employee reports fox rolling around, lying in street
2:32 p.m. Citizen at station with found dog; owner located

10:39 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle parked outside Dawson Rec, Salisbury St.

Friday, June 11

11:28 a.m. Possible rabid raccoon in dumpster, Main St.; raccoon deceased
11:51 a.m. Question about disembarking on handicapped spots
12:41 p.m. Sunken catchbasin making noise, Quinapoxet St.
12:50 p.m. Dog found
1:38 p.m. Truck lost lumber from roof, Highland St.
2:06 p.m. Finder of dog can no longer keep him
3:43 p.m. Boy Scouts will be working late in cemetery tonight on Eagle Scout project
6:07 p.m. Kids on bikes smoking at Davis Hill School
6:30 p.m. Fox in back yard, Putnam Rd.
6:49 p.m. Five kids given warning at bandstand
9:42 p.m. Homestead Rd. resident thinks he heard 12-15 gunshots; unknown if it was firecrackers
10:01 p.m. Resident heard two gun shots, Winthrop Ln.
11:10 p.m. Dog barking for several hours, Autumn Cir.
11:18 p.m. Chocolate lab missing

Saturday, June 12

12:41 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at Dawson Recreation, Salisbury St.
8:15 a.m. Walk-in with questions about cleaner that closed; has two jackets of hers; advised to contact their corporate office
8:22 a.m. Fox in back yard; will call animal control Monday if fox acts strangely
10:11 a.m. Turkey with broken leg, Salisbury St.
10:43 a.m. Caller attacked by hawk while jogging at Trout Brook, Manning St.
1:48 p.m. Property damage from plow, Park Ave.; advised it is civil matter, not police
6:23 p.m. Neighbors report strange vehicles in driveway, Kenwood Rd.; vehicle is owner’s
9:43 p.m. Loud music/party, Chapel St.; homeowner asked to turn music down
10:00 p.m. Pothole blew out tire, Salisbury St.
10:31 p.m. Loud noise in garage, Sumac Cir.; OK, just spring on garage door
11:05 p.m. Large loud party, Bullard St.

Sunday, June 13

12:40 a.m. Vehicle in lot at Trout Brook; scouts having camp fire
8:59 p.m. Loud yelling and swearing, Chapel St.
9:16 p.m. Resident reports what sounded like gunshots; possibly firecrackers, Hultin Cir.
9:24 p.m. Unsecured fridge put out for trash pickup, concerned about kids getting locked in it; doors removed

Paxton

Monday, June 6

7:55 a.m. Vehicle struck deer near Spencer town line, Rte. 31; deer is injured
11:51 a.m. Police talk with family members about confused individual, Holden Rd.
7:38 p.m. Complaint about dog barking “viciously” at person, Dunanderry Way

Tuesday, June 8

7:07 a.m. Report of excessive smoke from chimney, Richards Ave.
9:05 a.m. Police gain entry to vehicle owner locked out of, Pleasant St.
6:08 p.m. Vehicle beside road has lots of smoke coming from it, Pleasant St.

Wednesday, June 9

3:30 p.m. Hydrant shooting water straight into the air, Pleasant St.

Friday, June 11

1:02 a.m. Kids getting out of vehicle and ringing doorbells, Briarcliff Ln.
1:17 a.m. Someone banged on caller’s door and took off in vehicle, Keep Ave.
1:28 a.m. Doorbell rang and someone took off in vehicle, Brigham Rd.
5:39 a.m. Police assist person locked out of vehicle, Pleasant St.
9:30 p.m. Person on black sports bike speeding and doing wheelies, Briarcliff Ln.

Sunday, June 13

11:00 a.m. Escort individual to Camp St.

Princeton

Monday, June 7

12:31 p.m. Police stand by while Highway Dept. removes tree from Calamint Hill Rd. S
6:41 p.m. Caller reports several suspicious phone calls inquiring about fire alarm system at residence, Main St.

Tuesday, June 8

2:06 a.m. Injured cat in Sterling/Town Farm Rds. Animal Control Officer brought to Animal Rescue League
2:42 p.m. Person in pickup truck tailgating school bus, Sterling Rd.

Wednesday, June 9

3:28 p.m. Golden retriever and yellow Labrador missing, Houghton Rd. Later returned home
6:00 p.m. Police with disabled vehicle until it was removed, Rte. 140 N

Thursday, June 10

4:27 p.m. Suspicious female claiming from environmental organization going door-to-door, Clearings Way
7:00 p.m. Police speak with individual going door-to-door with environmental petition, Radford Rd.
8:37 p.m. Tan and white bull terrier ran off, Main St.

Friday, June 11

11:05 a.m. Caller concerned about chimney company they are unable to contact to cancel appointment, Leominster Rd.
12:01 p.m. At vehicle stop, registration found to be expired; vehicle parked on dirt turn-off until it can be registered, Main St.
11:07 p.m. Caller reports barrels and road closed sign at Ball Hill/Wheeler Rds. intersection. Highway supt. says no roads are closed in town; found signs belong to Westminster

Sunday, June 13

2:32 p.m. While on a police detail in Westminster, Princeton officer attempted to stop a vehicle and the car took off, pulling officer with it, Mile Hill Rd.

Rutland

Monday, June 7

8:24 a.m. Person turned in motorcycle license plate they found, Main St.
11:59 a.m. Request for assistance with out-ofcontrol person, Miles Rd.
4:51 p.m. Person wants to speak with police about census, Main St.
7:20 p.m. Police asked to check Community Hall for evening meeting, Main St.
8:25 p.m. Suspicious vehicles, car and truck occupants looking at yards in neighborhood, Pleasantdale Rd.

Tuesday, June 8

8:35 a.m. Motorists saw 40 pound bobcat crossing Main St.
2:52 p.m. Complaint about ongoing parking issue, Nancy Dr.
5:12 p.m. Dead cat in yard, Main St.
9:06 p.m. Black bear in yard, Campbell St.

Wednesday, June 9

5:54 a.m. Person walking dog yelled at person who suggested the dog should be leashed, Jonathan Cir.
9:28 a.m. Report of loose, limping, confused dog, Clealand Cir.
11:03 a.m. Suspicious males hanging around, Milne Rd.
11:26 a.m. Complaint that someone is using vacant lot for their dogs to do their business, Jonathan Cir.
12:09 p.m. Male and female arguing in front of building, Glenwood Rd.
2:24 p.m. Dog picked up, Barre Paxton/ Pleasantdale Rds.
8:51 p.m. Suspicious males dressed in black, at end of driveway, Prouty Ln.

Thursday, June 10

9:51 p.m. Suspicious 18-wheeler parked, E. County Rd.

Friday, June 11

6:53 a.m. House egged during night, Jamie Ann Dr.
10:00 a.m. Loose bull mastiff on Maple Ave.
1:03 p.m. House egged at 1:30 a.m., person saw vehicle go down Lizzy Ln.
3:01 p.m. Request to have Dumpster removed, Maple Ave.
6:55 p.m. Vandalism, possibly from vehicle scrubbing tires, Pleasantdale Rd.
7:35 p.m. Suspicious phone call, Lord Ln.
7:40 p.m. Large group of youths skateboarding in area, Pommogussett Rd.
8:16 p.m. Person saw owner of dog beating the animal, E. County Rd. Person caught dog and dog officer will pick up animal

Saturday, June 12

3:28 a.m. Person walking in and out of yards, Birchwood Rd.
10:00 a.m. Person on horseback reports gunshots on rail trail, Barre Paxton Rd.
10:29 a.m. Suspicious male and female, E. County Rd. Found to be returning dog that was running in road

Sunday, June 13

2:00 p.m. Caller reports lost child in yard, Highland Park Rd. Child returned home; sister ditched him while they were playing outside
6:50 p.m. Officer requested for neighbor throwing things at door, Maple Ave.
9:00 p.m. Dog on porch of home, Laurelwood Rd.

Sterling

Monday, June 7

12:46 a.m. Caller reports two kids running from driveway, Princeton Rd.
9:04 a.m. Juvenile issue, boy refusing to go to school, Tuttle Rd.
1:11 p.m. Missing yellow Labrador, Taft Rd.; found
2:36 p.m. People trying to sell television service, Kendall Hill Rd.
6:53 p.m. Loose dog running on Princeton&Burpee Rds., possibly injured. Unable to catch

Tuesday, June 8

12:40 a.m. Two youths wearing black hoodies ducking in bushes, Wilder Rd. No-trespass order issued
10:00 a.m. Large doberman running up Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
11:05 a.m. Tiger striped cat missing, Walnut Dr.
1:03 p.m. Complaint about census taker who refused to leave property, Princeton Rd.
6:30 p.m. Request for officer, two vehicles parked at town beach, Hall Ave.
6:45 p.m. Caller wants officer to check status of male going door-to-door canvassing, Redstone Hill & Rugg Rds.
7:04 p.m. Person does not want disabled vehicle in driveway, Redemption Rock Trl.
7:17 p.m. Person taken into protective custody, Redemption Rock Trl.
10:29 p.m. Complaint about noise from construction equipment, Otters Way

Wednesday, June 9

10:58 a.m. Request for officer to check area around business for trucks using air brakes, horns, extreme exhaust fumes, Redemption Rock Trl.
6:29 p.m. Young girls attempting to flag down motorist, Redemption Rock Trl.

Thursday, June 10

7:03 a.m. Animal control officer notified of person walking with dog that defecated on private property, Kendall Hill Rd.
4:19 p.m. Juvenile left home angry, police transport back home, Tuttle Rd.

Friday, June 11

12:31 p.m. Keeping the peace services, Chestnut Ave.
5:03 p.m. Caller wants police to speak to business owner regarding trucks constantly speeding at business entrance/exit, Redemption Rock Trl.
5:47 p.m. Missing yellow/orange tabby cat possibly hiding in woods, Redstone Pl.
11:25 p.m. Caller hears kids shouting, Still River Rd.

Saturday, June 12

2:11 a.m. Horses walking down Kendall Hill Rd. Broken fence, three horses rounded up
3:05 p.m. Stray dog on side of Chocksett Rd. Owner located

Sunday, June 13

2:17 a.m. Caller reports someone ringing his doorbell multiple times, Patriots Way

Friday, June 18, 2010

In missione per conto di Dio

Dry toast for communion wafers, please:

... they dress in black, drink too much, swear and sing. They are clearly traditional neighbourhood Catholic priests. It's incredible that the rest of the world has taken 30 years to catch on. ®
via Vatican orders Catholics to watch the Blues Brothers • The Register

Here's the article from the Vatican newsletter - L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO Edizione quotidiana 16 giugno 2010.

La parabola dei fratelli Blues, quindi, finirà com'era prevedibile dov'era cominciata: in galera. Sulle note della quanto mai opportuna Jailhouse Rock di Elvis Presley. Ma solo dopo che la coppia avrà portato a termine con successo le sue due missioni. Salvare l'orfanotrofio ed entrare nella storia del cinema.

Game 7

We went further than we'd expected. A few quick thoughts:

The Celtics lost the game on the offensive boards.

via Sports – Sports News - Boston.com
When they moved without the ball, they got the shots.
I don't know which was worse - the TV play-by-play or the officiating.
For most of the series, we listened to the radio. Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, and Dr. Jack Ramsay were quite good (said by a guy who grew up listening to Johnny Most). The TV crew ranged from forgettable to lame.
Although the pace of pro basketball games would probably suffer, the NBA needs to use instant replay more.
Where was the fast break?
The three-point shot produces bad basketball, particularly for the example that it sets for kids. Let each player spend that amount of time practicing free throws instead.
Rajon Rondo impresses me more by his hustle than by his skills and he's got plenty of skills.
Thanks to this year's Celtics team.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Re: yesterday's appointment with our dental hygenist

Listening to my country

I switched over to the AM band and picked up the Red Sox game just as I was passing Fenway on the Pike on my way home from Boston. I listened to the play-by-play for a while, hearing about Victor Martinez's long out to center field and J.D Drew's double to put the Sox ahead. When the inning ended, I hit the search button on the radio, revisiting a world from long ago.
In junior high school, our science teacher mocked our radio habits. "FM is fine music," she said. "AM is average music." AM radio was our world. FM was classical and other stuff that was of no interest.
Even more important than the music was the world beyond that came through on an AM radio after dark. The forecasts of lake-effect snow for Cheektowaga, New York were more real to us in central Massachusetts because WKBW from Buffalo was a clear channel station while WMEX, from Boston, dropped its power at sundown. (More about this at the FCC web site: Why AM Radio Stations Must Reduce Power, Change Operations, or Cease Operations at Night).
Because I was driving, I didn't try to record call letters or frequencies. I'd listen for a while and move up the dial until the tuner circled back to the beginning. I listened to

Red Sox, Yankees, and Mets games in English and Spanish
bloviating gasbags such as Michael Savage who had a sore throat and wondered if the Communists had put some Gulf shrimp into his Chinese take-out
preachers who sounded too much like Reverend Lovejoy
nationally syndicated broadcasts of various loonies, such as a guy who rattles off a lengthy list of eye-of-newt type of herbal formularies to treat a woman's husband who has a long list of ailments that she's determined to cure for him.
very little music
identifiable local content only from the all-news stations from New York and Montreal and from Dan Rea on WBZ with a particularly evasive Charlie Baker.

By the time I arrived home, it was well after dark and the station lineup had changed from near to far. Even with all of the consolidation of media outlets and homogenization of formats, AM radio mixes it up pretty well. You won't fun tunes to rock your world, but you will get a dose of what Steinbeck said of Cannery Row:

Cannery Row - Google Books

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Shoppers, start your engines

It took us the full two hours to unpack boxes and fill the tables. The goods were organized in general topic areas, but not slavishly so. There were tables full of Christmas and Halloween items, tables with dishes, glasses, games, and such, a front table with copper cups, plates, and other gems, and an area in the middle with large and admittedly sometimes strange things.

We arrived for work at the Phillipston school gym a bit before eight in the morning. Within a few minutes, some early flea-marketers were innocently seeking entry, well ahead of our ten o'clock opening time.

Someone will likely pay dearly for this piece

The people were leaning on the gate when we reached the appointed hour

and soon filled the hall.

The rain started shortly after we opened up and fell steadily, often heavily, for much of the day.
In spite of the bad weather, the church made $3000.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 18 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, May 31

1:04 a.m. Loud party on Jackson St.; advised to quiet down
6:52 a.m. Question about parade and what time Main St. will close
7:34 a.m. Question about what time construction can start in a.m.; advised 7 a.m.
9:23 a.m. Caller for directions to flea market in Hubbardston
9:46 a.m. Bicycle stolen, Main St.
12:03 p.m. Caller wants name of pet shop on Main St.
8:56 p.m. Large fish thrown on side of Lincoln Ave.; similar occurrences with other animal carcasses

Tuesday, June 1

8:58 a.m. Three calls from person attempting to identify Asian longhorned beetle; referred to other office
11:42 a.m. Dog loose, Bailey Rd.
12:33 p.m. Request for drug sniffing dog for laptop caller’s been asked to deliver to Thailand; advised to try state police
5:51 p.m. Possible disabled motor vehicle, Main St.; OK, dropping off laundry at dry cleaners
7:35 p.m. Two young men on bikes looking in windows, Main St.
8:09 p.m. Caller reports neighbor shot BB gun at husband yesterday, Arizona Ave.
9:44 p.m. Walk-in to talk to officer about something she found online
10:02 p.m. Caller asking where to bring cat struck by car
11:34 p.m. Suspicious vehicle behind business, Main St.
11:42 p.m. Animal near neighbor’s pool growling, Shrewsbury St.

Wednesday, June 2

12:03 a.m. Suspicious vehicles in business parking lot, Main St.
12:31 a.m. Two suspicious vehicles at Dawson Recreation area, Salisbury St.
9:50 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout at high school
12:44 p.m. Caller says will take town to court over arrest
1:32 p.m. Alarm going off at neighbor’s home, Wachusett St.; unsure what kind of alarm; residence appears secure
2:23 p.m. Deceased cat on Main St.
4:53 p.m. Business reports suspicious behavior in parking lot; individual in and out of car but hasn’t come in; OK, using cell phone
7:46 p.m. Caller complaining about derogatory sign neighbor put up, Main St.

Thursday, June 3

2:06 a.m. Suspicious person entering business, Main St.
9:08 a.m. Metal swing set thrown in business dumpster, Reservoir St.
1:50 p.m. Individual dropped off taffy at police station
3:18 p.m. Call regarding situation that occurred out of town; advised to contact other police department
3:53 p.m. State police advising paving crew working near blind curve, Malden St.
5:58 p.m. Resident requests radar for habitual speeders, Oregon Trl.
8:05 p.m. Loose sheep, Salisbury St.
8:40 p.m. Caller reports seeing 14-year-old driving car, Boulder Hill Rd.
11:32 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle in lot, Manning St.

Friday, June 4

1:56 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in roadway, Dorothy Ave.
6:21 a.m. Loose collie, Chapel St.
1:01 p.m. Shrewsbury St. employee reporting scratch on her car
2:59 p.m. Wife reports husband driving outside his designated time frame, wants officer to keep an eye out
3:54 p.m. Tree crew advised to move out of roadway, Parker Rd.
5:12 p.m. Vet reports cat brought in with bullet wound
7:14 p.m. Suspicious individual, Main St.
7:25 p.m. Suspicious person, Main St.
9:50 p.m. Suspicious vehicles in parking lot at Dawson Recreation area
10:26 p.m. Children riding bikes on Main St., disrupting traffic

Saturday, June 5

11:58 a.m. Solicitor reports neglected animals in car, Doyle Rd.; more found, animals transported to Animal Rescue League
12:08 a.m. Bag of ice left on steps with note, Wyoming Dr.
2:40 a.m. Multiple calls regarding power outages, arcing wires
8:00 a.m. Raccoon in road, Wachusett St.
12:45 p.m. Caller questioning Fraternal Order of Police solicitation call; advised no info and Holden PD doesn’t endorse it
1:20 p.m. Gates open at Trout Brook, Manning St.; Girl Scouts using area
4:08 p.m. Dog found with bandana; will be held until rain stops
4:26 p.m. Woman and children locked in pool area at Dawson Recreation; parties free at 4:44 p.m.
5:58 p.m. Lost dog, Marlen Rd.
7:25 p.m. Report of loud party, Banbury Ln.
8:43 p.m. Boy Scouts canceling camp-out due to weather

Sunday, June 6

1:40 a.m. Report of loud party, Greystone Dr.
2:48 p.m. Suspicious male with jack in parking lot of garage
10:35 p.m. Suspicious male jumping in front of traffic, yelling and screaming at drivers, Holden St.

Paxton

Monday, May 31

5:06 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about meighbor playing loud music, McCann Pl.

Tuesday, June 1

7:29 a.m. Possible pole fire, Knollwood Rd.
10:37 a.m. Caller saw bear behind church, Pleasant St.
5:09 p.m. Shed door open at playing field with some bicycles nearby, Grove St.
6:05 p.m. Vehicles removed from lot, Pleasant St.
9:29 p.m. Request for officer to check home where person heard door close and dog bark, Holden Rd.

Wednesday, June 2

10:21 a.m. Large pieces of metal in roadway, Holden Rd.
5:11 p.m. Vehicle doing “doughnuts” in street, Marshall St.
9:00 p.m. Police turn off lights on two school buses, Pleasant St.
9:09 p.m. Suspicious truck on side of road, Pleasant St.

Thursday, June 3

5:30 p.m. Person found white cat with collar, Shanandoah Dr.
6:30 p.m. Officer wanted, person unable to access building for meeting, West St.

Friday, June 4

10:19 a.m. Request to speak with officer about repossession that occurred with her camper, Grove St.

Saturday, June 5

8:09 p.m. Stray dog on property, Nanigian Rd.

Sunday, June 6

8:53 a.m. Caller asking if police have received calls about missing golden retriever, Rockland St.
8:47 p.m. Accident, car hit deer, Nanigian Rd.

Princeton

Monday, May 31

9:44 a.m. Assist person with directions, Main St.
10:23 a.m. Check on suspicious vehicle, Mirick Rd.
1:23 p.m. Vehicle lockout, Fitchburg Rd.

Tuesday, June 1

7:30 a.m. Power out on Forslund Rd since 1 a.m.
8:47 a.m. Person locked keys in car, Calamint Hill Rd. North
11:42 a.m. White truck parked beside road, Clearings Way. Police assist driver with directions
12:34 p.m. Disabled vehicle; operator has assistance on the way, Mountain Rd.
1:07 p.m. Dollar bill suspected of being counterfeit brought to police station, Town Hall Dr.
2:36 p.m. Woman found dog and wants to bring it to kennel, E. Princeton RD.
3:00 p.m. Police secure dog at kennel, E. Princeton Rd.
6:04 p.m. Caller reports her Maine coon cat is missing, Mountain Rd.

Wednesday, June 2

8:13 a.m. Traffic control, Sterling Rd.
8:58 a.m. Police have dollar bill checked at bank to see if it’s counterfeit
10:29 a.m. Suspicious van parked in front of home, Mountain Rd.

Thursday, June 3

12:20 p.m. Residents request traffic control around 5 p.m. on newly paved road, Gates Rd.
5:44 p.m. Caller found dog at her home frightened by thunder, Calamint Hill Rd. S.; dog returned home
7:13 p.m. Two suspicious males sitting in vehicle, Mountain Rd.

Friday, June 4

10:15 a.m. Female driver was run off the road and is shaken up, Main St. Police respond but woman had left
5:00 p.m. Golden retriever in road, Hubbardston Rd.
7:15 p.m. Caller found injured owl in road, Houghton Rd. Animal Control Officer notified

Saturday, June 5

8:28 a.m. 911 hang-up, Leominster Rd. Police respond and find everything is OK
12:33 p.m. Caller complaining about shooting at club, Coal Kiln Rd.

Sunday, June 6

3:44 p.m. Caller found small terrier dog, Ball Hill/ Brooks Station Rds.

Rutland

Monday, May 31

6:19 p.m. Police asks people to leave rest area, Rte. 122
6:43 p.m. Person wants to meet with officer about loose dog complaint, Dakota Trl.

Tuesday, June 1

6:18 a.m. Police attempt to serve warrant, Maple Brook Dr.
3:18 p.m. Black dog running in and out of traffic Main St.
8:42 p.m. Person locked out of vehicle, police gain access, Miles Rd.
8:48 p.m. Caller believes his cat was hit by youth that speeds on regular basis, Glenwood Rd. Can’t find cat
9:33 p.m. Caller’s two horses are missing, Glenwood Rd. Later reported that horses were home
9:46 p.m. Caller reports missing some oxycodone pills, Stevens Way

Wednesday, June 2

8:17 a.m. Loose golden retriever in yard, Campbell St.
9:06 a.m. Loose dog in yard dragging cloth lead, Tanglewood Cir.
12:30 p.m. Caller thinks person is abusing dog, Brunelle West

Thursday, June 3

7:51 a.m. Police enroute to East Brookfield District Court from Lizzy Ln.
3:20 p.m. Abandoned 911 call, police respond, will return and talk with parents, Juniper Ln.

Friday, June 4

10:10 a.m. Hubbardston Animal Control Officer returning two dogs from Rutland loose in Hubbardston
11:00 a.m. Red vehicle in neighborhood passed house several times, Joanna Dr.
12:14 p.m. Two loose dogs in area of Barre Paxton Rd. One appears to be limping
1:56 p.m. Caller has issue with parents, Summerhill Dr.
4:09 p.m. Assist with vehicle lockout, Miles Rd.
5:42 p.m. Two juveniles skateboarding on Pommogussett Rd.

Saturday, June 5

12:21 a.m. Man yelled at people retrieving shoes from area of pool and took pictures of their license plate, Maple Ave.
1:08 a.m. Someone ringing doorbell, then running off, Wildbrook Dr.
2:01 p.m. Person at station reporting house egged and doorbell rung after 1 a.m., several times, Main St.
5:47 p.m. Several teenagers in playground area, Memorial Dr.
8:59 p.m. Report of 30 kids heading into Main St. area with flashlights
8:59 p.m. Police assist with vehicle lockout, Miles Rd.
10:43 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about neighborhood issue, Joanna Dr.

Sunday, June 6

7:27 a.m. Two loose cows in road, Pommogussett Rd.
8:05 a.m. Missing golden retriever, Main St.

Sterling

Monday, May 31

4:54 p.m. Report of disabled vehicle. Found to be person conducting GPS experiments, Holden Rd.
6:09 p.m. Police with individuals pushing ATVs along Heywood Rd.
9:47 p.m. Vehicle in front of house and people arguing, Redemption Rock Trl.
10:52 p.m. Juvenile walking down Main St., acting strange, ran behind building

Tuesday, June 1

8:45 a.m. Person complaining about neighbor who walks dog that defecates on her property and doesn’t pick up after the animal, Bean Rd.
11:57 a.m. Caller wants to speak with animal control officer regarding identifying snake under porch of home, Wyman Way
1:02 p.m. Suspicious bicyclist, Heywood/Rowley Hill Rds. Found to be person out for a ride
5:19 p.m. Men wearing orange jackets canvassing door-to-door. Found to be asking about quality of reception since new lines were installed, Sandy Ridge Rd.

Wednesday, June 2

1:05 a.m. Police off with vehicle in lot, Worcester Rd.
4:49 a.m. Caller reports suspicious vehicle driving around, pulled into ball field, playing rap music, Princeton Rd
5:59 p.m. Caller concerned for the safety of her two dogs from pitbull that enters her yard, Pratts Jct. Rd. Animal Control Officer advised
6:23 p.m. Caller reports gunshots in woods, Cynthia Ln.
6:55 p.m. Caller reports gunshots again. Males exiting woods, Pamela Ln.
8:08 p.m. Black Labrador in yard dragging chain Kendall Hill Rd.

Thursday, June 3

8:25 a.m. Strange orange tabby cat hanging around residence for several days, Redstone Pl.
6:33 p.m. Two unattended vehicles, Upper N. Row Rd.
8:36 p.m. Caller requesting officer for large group of teens exiting vehicle headed toward reservoir, Primrose Ln.
8:44 p.m. Caller requesting officer check on male standing on side of road, Kendall Hill/Chamberlain Rds.

Friday, June 4

2:03 p.m. Dog appears to be in distress, Bean/Boutelle Rds.
6:37 p.m. Caller requesting officer to check on male walking around carrying clipboard, Kendall Hill Rd.
6:48 p.m. Caller reports chipmunk running around in circles in middle of road, questioning about rabies, Squareshire Rd.
7:36 p.m. Loose Boston terrier bit dog and a child, Leominster Rd.

Saturday, June 5

12:07 p.m. Dog missing for three days, Sevenbridge Rd.
1:12 p.m. Caller reports man threatened kids skateboarding on property, Worcester Rd.
1:20 p.m. Caller reports male on sidewalk showing another person a shotgun, Main St.
3:43 p.m. Lost black Labrador retriever, Kendall Hill Rd.
11:49 p.m. Report of loud party, Wilder Rd.

Sunday, June 6

8:56 a.m. Person at station reporting drawers gone through in home, Flanagan Hill Rd. Wants officer to check home
10:07 p.m. Caller saw person in yard, Beaman Rd.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 18 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, May 31

Tuesday, June 1

Wednesday, June 2

Thursday, June 3

Friday, June 4

Saturday, June 5

Sunday, June 6

Paxton

Monday, May 31

5:06 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about meighbor playing loud music, McCann Pl.

Tuesday, June 1

Wednesday, June 2

Thursday, June 3

5:30 p.m. Person found white cat with collar, Shanandoah Dr.
6:30 p.m. Officer wanted, person unable to access building for meeting, West St.

Friday, June 4

10:19 a.m. Request to speak with officer about repossession that occurred with her camper, Grove St.

Saturday, June 5

8:09 p.m. Stray dog on property, Nanigian Rd.

Sunday, June 6

8:53 a.m. Caller asking if police have received calls about missing golden retriever, Rockland St.
8:47 p.m. Accident, car hit deer, Nanigian Rd.

Princeton

Monday, May 31

9:44 a.m. Assist person with directions, Main St.
10:23 a.m. Check on suspicious vehicle, Mirick Rd.
1:23 p.m. Vehicle lockout, Fitchburg Rd.

Tuesday, June 1

Wednesday, June 2

8:13 a.m. Traffic control, Sterling Rd.
8:58 a.m. Police have dollar bill checked at bank to see if it’s counterfeit
10:29 a.m. Suspicious van parked in front of home, Mountain Rd.

Thursday, June 3

Friday, June 4

Saturday, June 5

8:28 a.m. 911 hang-up, Leominster Rd. Police respond and find everything is OK
12:33 p.m. Caller complaining about shooting at club, Coal Kiln Rd.

Sunday, June 6

3:44 p.m. Caller found small terrier dog, Ball Hill/ Brooks Station Rds.

Rutland

Monday, May 31

6:19 p.m. Police asks people to leave rest area, Rte. 122
6:43 p.m. Person wants to meet with officer about loose dog complaint, Dakota Trl.

Tuesday, June 1

Wednesday, June 2

8:17 a.m. Loose golden retriever in yard, Campbell St.
9:06 a.m. Loose dog in yard dragging cloth lead, Tanglewood Cir.
12:30 p.m. Caller thinks person is abusing dog, Brunelle West

Thursday, June 3

7:51 a.m. Police enroute to East Brookfield District Court from Lizzy Ln.
3:20 p.m. Abandoned 911 call, police respond, will return and talk with parents, Juniper Ln.

Friday, June 4

Saturday, June 5

Sunday, June 6

7:27 a.m. Two loose cows in road, Pommogussett Rd.
8:05 a.m. Missing golden retriever, Main St.

Sterling

Monday, May 31

Tuesday, June 1

Wednesday, June 2

Thursday, June 3

Friday, June 4

Saturday, June 5

Sunday, June 6

8:56 a.m. Person at station reporting drawers gone through in home, Flanagan Hill Rd. Wants officer to check home
10:07 p.m. Caller saw person in yard, Beaman Rd.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Where we belong is where we are

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

I know some of the people, but very few. This is an odd thing about being in Phillipston. I've been in this town all of my life, but the focus has always been on the lake. Even the people on the lake whom I knew as a kid, they're long gone.
So, even with a life-long connection to the town, I can probably greet one percent of the townspeople by name.
The easy thing to do, of course, is nothing. Our camp, as we well know, is a very fine place. There's plenty to do for work and play and relaxation.
But, friends beget friends and pickup trucks beget even more. On Friday evening, the night before the bazaar and flea market, we work hard for a couple of hours. The young people, Boy Scouts, mostly, work well with the adults. During the previous week, people spent several hours each event in the church basement, sorting and pricing the sale items. (Other people had spent several mornings during the past month doing the same at one person's home.)

Now it is time to move stuff. The crew carries the goods from the basement and onto the lawn and then onto the trucks. A couple of the men coach the young people on the best ways to load a truck - heavier boxes on the bottom, oddly-shaped things on top.
At the school, another swarm of people unload the trucks and find places for the goods on tables in the gym. Those of us who don't know people's names get along fine. We can still joke, coach, and praise.
By 9:30, we've emptied the church basement. We know that there are more items at the aforementioned person's house, but we don't have any more room on the tables or floor.
A dozen people were laying out the vases, fax machines, dish sets, Christmas ornaments, tea pots, rugs, baskets, bread boxes, statues of Jesus on the cross, vacuum cleaners, crutches, boogie boards, espresso machines, empty suitcases, badminton rackets, and, well, you get the idea.
I drove home, windows down, trying to remember the names of the people I met. There will be a quiz in the morning when we open up for business.

Where we belong is where we are

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

On this day ...

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