Store employees face theft charges

Three Stop & Shop employees face larceny charges in the alleged theft of more than $350,000 worth of food from the Centre Avenue store during a four-month period. According to police, the employees worked the overnight shift, where they would fill orders for the store's online home delivery shopping program, Peapod. Employees Katherine McGann, 22, of Whitman, Cynthia Gomes, 38, of Abington, and William Parham, 38, of Rockland, are accused of taking groceries for bogus orders. "Store officials noticed a $350,000 shortage in inventory at the store and launched their own internal investigation," said Abington Police Lieutenant Kevin Smith. Smith said on Dec. 11, store security called Abington police to arrest the employees. Each has pleaded not guilty to one count of larceny over $250. - Robert Carroll

LESSONS IN SPACE TRAVEL - Seven students from the Montessori Middle School in Braintree completed a study on the Challenger shuttle space mission, which included a simulation of a space trip at the Discovery Center in Bridgeport, Conn. The program was inspired by the astronauts who died in the 1986 shuttle disaster. Students spent more than 30 hours each studying engineering, physics, chemistry, and other disciplines, said Dawn La Lama of the school. - Matt Carroll

BUBBLES MAKE POND UNSAFE - There will be no skating or any other winter activities allowed on Lily Pond this winter. Glenn Pratt, chairman of the town's water commission, said that a new aeration system installed in the pond will make the pond unsafe. The system creates a steady stream of tiny bubbles designed to reduce the amount of discolored tap water in town. The bubbles add oxygen, helping to reduce iron and manganese in the pond water. But the bubbles also make the ice unsafe for people to walk or skate on, Pratt said. "We may not need to run the aeration system every winter, so this may not be a permanent situation," he said. He said warning signs will be posted at the pond and police will enforce the ban. - Johanna Seltz

A LIFE WELL LIVED FOR 100 YEARS - Selectmen have approved a resolution to honor Bea Chase, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 21. A Duxbury resident for more than 60 years, Chase taught hundreds of Duxbury fifth-graders during her 30 years as a teacher. For many years, she was also an active member of the community through her involvement in the Eastern Star and volunteer activities for the Unitarian Universalist Church. "We can all benefit from Mrs. Chase's philosophy of living life completely, but making time to assist others," selectmen stated in their resolution. The Duxbury Senior Center held a luncheon in her honor on her birthday. - Robert Knox

ON THE ROAD AGAIN WITH DELLA - Bud and Patricia Kenny and their mule, Della , spent last winter fixing up the old Hersey farm in Hingham, renovating the vacant farmhouse and barns. This winter they are walking across America, with Della pulling all their belongings in a cart. For the moment, they are staying at Whistle Wood Farm, a 40-acre horse farm and bed-and-breakfast near Rhinebeck, N.Y. Bud is taking care of the horses and Patricia does other chores. "We aren't promoting any particular cause," Bud Kenny says. "We've simply slowed down to really see the world and learn what it has to teach us." A poet, he's also writing about the experience. When the Arkansas couple left Hingham last spring, they tried to go to Cape Cod, but couldn't get across the canal. Instead, they headed for the Berkshires, then visited New York City. They spent three days in the South Bronx, where they talked at local schools. More information about their odyssey is available at usonfoot.com. - Johanna Seltz

SENIOR TAX BREAK UNDER REVIEW - Selectmen will review letting senior citizens work off a portion of their property taxes by volunteering at town departments. The measure, passed at the last Town Meeting, would allow residents over 60 years old who meet income requirements to work at a town department and be paid a wage that would offset their property tax bill. It is a practice many communities have adopted across the state. - Franci Richardson Ellement

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP - Watercolor painters of all skill levels are invited to a watercolor workshop with J. Marshall Dyke, a Hull resident and artist. The one-day class will explore the use of various methods of painting with transparent watercolor, with an emphasis on understanding color, values and color theory. Dyke is a graduate of the Art Institute of Boston, and works as an illustrator. The workshop will be held on Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hull Lifesaving Museum, 1117 Nantasket Ave. The cost is $40 for museum members and $45 for nonmembers, with an optional $10 lunch. Interested people can call 781-925-5433 to register. - Johanna Seltz

DORY DEMONSTRATION DELAYED - Because of a winter storm earlier this month, the Jones River Landing Environmental Heritage Center postponed a program by Connecticut boat builders Bill Taylor and Dave Snediker on the building of Thoreau's dory and their work restoring and building reproductions of classic Herreshoff yachts. The program will be rescheduled early next year. The next scheduled event on the center's Maritime Artisans Speakers Series is Jan. 12 , when John Karbott will give a presentation on the construction of a Downeast lobster boat; reservations are required. Charlie York is also scheduled to speak about building Beetle Cat boats on Jan. 17. The nonprofit Jones River Landing Environmental Heritage Center combines environmental and local history interests. For directions to Jones River Landing and more information see jonesriver.org or call 617-462-7215. - Robert Knox

LIBRARY CLOSED FOR NOW - The Ventress Memorial Library had to be closed for several days because water was leaking through its ceiling. "There was 6 inches of ice on the roof, which created a lot of leaking," said library Director Ellen P. Riboldi. The town's building inspector closed the library on Dec. 17, and Riboldi said she hoped it could be reopened by the end of the month. For the latest updates, visit the library's website at ventresslibrary.org, or call 781-834-5535. - Emily Sweeney

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BOARD - Milton selectmen are looking for residents to serve on a seven-person committee charged with developing possible uses for the Governor Stoughton property, which is used to aid the poor of the town. Selectmen are overseers of the property's trust, which was established in the 1700s. Selectmen are looking for people with a variety of skills - an attorney with a knowledge of trusts, someone who has done development, perhaps an engineer - and anyone else interested in helping. Those interested should contact Town Administrator Kevin Mearn. - Matt Carroll

RAISING FUNDS FOR SCHOOL PROGRAMS - The Norwell Education Foundation is initiating its annual fund drive. Over the coming month, the organization will be sending a brochure and fund-raising letter to all households and businesses in town. Donations are tax deductible. The nonprofit foundation raises money to support programs that the Norwell public school system cannot fund as part of the regular budget. As an example, the group sponsors an "artist in residence" program at the high school, allowing an artist to visit the school each year and work with students. At the end of the school year, artwork produced by the students are displayed alongside that of the artist. The foundation is also seeking new board members. For more information call Antonia Clifford at 781-987-1203. - John Laidler

PROGRESS ON CABLE PACT - Selectmen will be receiving an update in January from the Cable Advisory Committee on the panel's negotiations with Comcast on a new franchise agreement for the company to offer cable television service in town. Comcast is currently providing service under the town's previous franchise agreement with Adelphia Communications, whose assets were assumed by Comcast. That agreement expired some months ago, but Comcast is operating under it pending the completion of a new one. Also next month, representatives of Verizon are expected to update selectmen on that company's project to install a fiber optic network in town. The network would allow Verizon to supply high-speed Internet service in town, and potentially to seek a cable franchise, according to Town Administrator Edwin Thorne. - John Laidler

NEW BATTALION CHIEFS - The Plymouth Fire Department has six new battalion chiefs: Daniel C. Braley, Donald E. Brown, Stanley E. Eldridge, Kevin G. Hurley, Kevin T. Murphy, and Michael A. Young. Braley, Brown, Eldridge, Murphy and Young had served as acting battalion chiefs since November 2006. Hurley is a 21-year veteran of the department and was appointed to the rank of captain in July 2004. - Emily Sweeney

BIDDING FAREWELL TO 2007 - New Year's Eve is upon us once again and Quincy is ready. The city will sponsor a family-oriented celebration tomorrow from 5 to 8 p.m. in Quincy Center, with indoor and outdoor events, including magicians, storytellers, and a "KidsFest" venue with carnival games, a DJ and karaoke. Admission is free. The evening will be capped off with a fireworks display over Faxon Field. - Matt Carroll

MOVIE SERVICE GOES DELUXE - For an additional $10, patrons of Showcase Cinemas in Randolph can watch movies in luxurious seats with access to dining and cocktails during a two-month pilot program. The Lux Level program offers preferred seating in two theaters and amenities to customers 21 years old or older. Amenities include VIP parking with an umbrella-toting escort in inclement weather, plush swivel-rocker seats or loveseats with movable armrests, and wait service at the push of a button. Parent company National Amusements, which operates 79 theatres in the US, will use customer feedback as it plans to include Lux Level programs in new theatres to be built in Dedham and Foxborough. Lux Level tickets are available onsite, online at nationalamusements.com, or by phone, 781-963-5600. - David Connolly

WARNINGS ON LIQUOR VIOLATIONS - Two liquor stores caught recently in a liquor store sting for selling alcohol to minors were warned they could have their licenses suspended for any more violations. Police said clerks at Luke's Liquors, 167 Market St., and Cote Maisons de Liqueurs , 347 Market St., sold alcohol to a 20-year-old who worked with police during the Nov. 2 undercover operation. In each case, the 20-year-old did not show any identification and was still served, police Lieutenant Barry E. Ashton said. Selectmen last week gave the owners of the stores warnings, and raised the prospect of license suspensions if it happens again. Ashton said police will continue the crackdown. - Milton Valencia

COA DIRECTOR HAS NEW POST - Former Scituate Council on Aging director Joan Wright was recently hired as the new community development director of the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association. Wright served as Scituate's Council on Aging director for eight years until this past Nov. 13, when she resigned to accept her new job. The Norwell-based nonprofit provides home healthcare services to residents in 18 South Shore communities. Wright, a Marshfield resident, is no stranger to the agency, having previously served as its marketing and public relations director from 1993 to 1998. "I'm thrilled to be back because it's an exciting time for this agency," she said. - John Laidler

LIGHTS KEEP SEASON GOING - Richard Clark is keeping his Christmas lights - all 10,000-plus of them - up until the new year. "They're on 12 timers, all set to go on at 5 p.m. and off at 11 p.m.," Clark said. "It takes about two weeks to get it all up and running. This is my fourth year doing it. I noticed that more neighbors are getting into it. It's not really competition, but everybody's really getting into the spirit of Christmas, which is great." This year Clark, a 45-year-old mason who is single, switched to more energy efficient LED lights. He built a 25-foot tall Christmas "tree" on one side of the house on Weybosset Street, to go with the giant illuminated star on the other side yard. The decorations also include candy canes, bows and lights on his fence, reindeer, the wise men, a snowman, Charlie Brown and giant wrapped presents. "I do it mainly for the neighborhood kids," he said. - Johanna Seltz

AROUND THE REGION

HELP KEEP FIRE HYDRANTS CLEAR - The Fire Department is asking for help from the community in clearing snow from fire hydrants after snowstorms. Chief James Driscoll said that although firefighters shovel out as many hydrants as they can, the sheer number makes it difficult for the Fire Department to clear them all. "If we do have to shovel out the hydrants in the event of the fire, it delays our ability to fight the fire properly," Driscoll said. "The delay could result in raising the risk of injury or death and possibly result in additional property damage." In addition, snow should be brushed off the outlet caps so that the caps won't freeze shut. - Sara Jacobi

REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER CONSIDERED - Selectmen in Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester are considering sharing the cost of building a regional animal shelter. The discussion came at a tritown board meeting, and after Marion's animal control officer, Susan Connor, gave notice that she could no longer board animals on her property because of her homeowner's insurance policy. Marion Town Administrator Paul Dawson said the administrators of all three towns will begin a preliminary study regarding the cost and logistics of building a regional shelter. Marion now boards its stray animals in Dartmouth. - Paul E. Kandarian