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Thibeault gets back to his roots

January 28, 2023 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — Jake Thibeault looked around the Wallace Civic Center Saturday afternoon with the eyes of world-weary traveler returning home.

It’s not so much what one would expect from a 19-year-old, but with all Thibeault has seen and gone through in the past year and a half, returning to Fitchburg once more brought about the feeling of going full circle. Having suffered a serious spinal injury playing hockey over Labor Day weekend in 2021, Thibeault’s time at rinks has changed drastically.

Currently unable to walk, Thibeault undergoes daily physical therapy with the goal of one day getting on his feet again.

Thibeault watches the Babson College hockey team almost daily, but there’s something different about returning to his roots, which he did on Saturday for the second annual “Hockey Day in the ‘Burg.”

“I’m at a rink just about every day, but I’m not here very much anymore so it’s nice to get back here,” Thibeault said. “It brings back a lot of memories. I grew up here, skated here. … I know a lot of the coaches around here and their teams.

“Just being here and seeing people I haven’t seen since last year, it truly is an awesome day.”

“Hockey Day in the ‘Burg” saw three teams with connections to Thibeault come together for a tripleheader on the ice, with all proceeds going to the Thibeault Family Rehabilitation Trust. Hundreds of fans turned out for the first game of the day alone, a MASCAC tilt between Fitchburg State and Plymouth State.

Fitchburg State head coach Dean Fuller is a longtime friend of the Thibeault family, having known Jake since his youth hockey days. Along with Littleton/Bromfield head coach Kevin Lizotte, Fuller has been one of Thibeault’s biggest supporters since the teen’s accident on the ice.

Jake Thibeault greets attendees at Wallace Civic Center during the Hockey Day in the 'Burg fundraiser on Saturday. (Sentinel & Enterprise / Alan Arsenault) — Jake Thibeault greets attendees at Wallace Civic Center during the Hockey Day in the ‘Burg fundraiser on Saturday. (Sentinel & Enterprise / Alan Arsenault)

“We had a lot of people here today. Supporting Jake is the most important thing we can do right now,” Fuller said following his team’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Panthers.

Thibeault is appreciative of everyone who has sent messages of support or made donations. But with Fuller, he says the impact made is even more meaningful.

“Not a lot of people know this, but (the Friday of Labor Day weekend in 2021), coach Fuller came to watch me play, just as a friend. I talked to him Friday afternoon and Saturday I was in the hospital,” Thibeault said. “He was pretty much the last coach I talked to (before the incident) and I think it was meant to be. He’s had a huge impact on me and has been one of my biggest supporters.”

Saturday’s event also saw Milton Academy, where Thibeault played prep hockey, hosting St. George’s and Fitchburg/Monty Tech — Thibeault’s high school program — playing crosstown rival St. Bernard’s. By day’s end, well over one thousand spectators had walked through the doors at the Wallace Civic Center.

“This is fantastic. We just want the whole day to go perfect for the kid. He deserves to have something nice like this for him,” Wallace Civic Center facilities operator Joshua Aho said. “You don’t hear him complain about all he has to do. And I know he looks forward to this.”

Now a freshman at Babson College, Thibeault has been embraced by the hockey team there. Far from where he started his hockey journey, he’s found his latest family on the ice.

“From Day One, I moved onto campus and within 30 minutes I had 10 guys from the team in my room coming to see me,” Thibeault said. “A big reason why I wanted to go there, even before I got hurt, is how much of a brotherhood the team is. You hear about that an its something you want to be part of.”

But for one day, Thibeault was back where his love for the sport began. And as it had last year in its inaugural edition, “Hockey Day in the ‘Burg’s” impact on him and his family was much greater than just the financial benefits.

“Emotionally, all these people here today have made an impact on me. It’s truly beyond words,” Thibeault said. “I say that a lot, but in the moment, there’s really no way to describe what all this means to me. I’ll always appreciate everything everyone has done for me.”

No occupant injuries, several pets dead, in Highland Avenue fire Saturday

January 28, 2023 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — Occupants of a Highland Avenue home were uninjured following a 2-alarm fire early Saturday morning.

Fitchburg Fire Capt. Anthony Castelli said the call for the fire came in at 5:39 a.m. for a fire at 65 Highland Avenue. The blaze was contained to the basement and first floor of the two-and-a-half story home. Despite the fire, the structure is intact and no determination had been made on the damages.

An eyewitness said heavy fire was showing when firefighters arrived on scene.

While the home’s occupants were able to escape without injury, one firefighter sustained minor injuries. They did not require transport to an area hospital. Castelli added several pets including reptiles perished in the fire.

Leominster and Lunenburg provided mutual aid at the scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Castelli said.

Find the funny this winter with Jerry Caruso

January 28, 2023 by pkzadmin

LEOMINSTER — Jerry Caruso always had an interest in comedy. Beginning to be funny at the age of 12, he would impersonate different celebrities at the St. Patrick’s Elementary School schoolyard and hasn’t lost his sense of humor since.

Caruso, who is now an acclaimed area comedian, motivational speaker, and actor, will put on his professor’s gown to teach the Third Annual Stand-Up Comedy Workshop starting Monday, Jan. 30, from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at the Leominster Public Library, 30 West St.

“In my workshops, people will learn how to be funny and how to present what they perceive as funny (to them) in an entertaining way to an audience,” Caruso said. “There are many ways to be funny without the use of vulgarity and sexual references. That is what I have learned over the years of performing.”

Caruso said he loves sharing what he has learned to anyone who wants to attempt comedy.

“When I began doing comedy, I never had a ton of resources or guidance,” he said. “I learned with each comedy performance. Now, with the Stratton Players, led by Sally Cragin, and the Leominster Public Library I once again am provided the opportunity and God knows I am beyond thrilled to teach this comedy workshop.”

Caruso believes that that every individual wants that five to 10 minutes of fame, “here is their chance and opportunity.”

For many years now, Caruso has performed for numerous Boston based comedy groups as well as different comedy clubs throughout New England and New York.

His unique mix of celebrity impressions, song parodies, and standup comedy has brought laughter to audiences at many different venues.

In 1994, he co-founded “Comics for a Cure” with Toney Markus. From there on, Caruso put his God-given talents to good use by organizing and performing at comedy shows for nonprofit organizations and worthy causes.

“Laughter is so important especially during these difficult times,” Caruso said. “In times of stress I believe that laughter provides an outlet or an escape. Winter blues remains prevalent especially after Christmas and New Year. Think about it, January is a long month filled with cold days where the sun goes down between 4:30 and 5 p.m. Darkness can make people sad and depressed.”

Caruso said this is when he attempts to provide laughter in many ways via comedy shows, his football radio show, zoom sessions, comedy classes, podcasts, and motivational speaking.

Subsequent workshops will be held Mondays, Feb. 6 and 13, and a date to be announced before the “Graduation Performance”, which will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Thirsty Robot Brewing Company, 265 Summer St., in Fitchburg.

Sally Cragin, president of the Stratton Players, agrees with Caruso that everyone needs a laugh.

“We are very happy to have the ‘Professor of Punchlines’ Jerry Caruso collaborate with Stratton Players, and inspire our actors to stretch their abilities, and learn new skills,” said Cragin. “Stand-up comedy is within anyone’s ability. If your family has ever laughed at something you said at the dinner table – you have the potential.”

This collaboration with Stratton Players, supported by the Leominster Cultural Council, is free and open to all.

“I schedule these shows especially during winter months,” he said. “You see, I believe that God gave me the gift to make people laugh. With that said, I love to use this gift to bring joy to those in need. Comedy brings people together to have fun and it’s that common bond that I love most.”

For more information, or to register for these workshops, which is required, visit leominsterlibrary.org or call the library at 978-534-7522, ext. 3.

Infant in Duxbury tragedy has died, the DA’s office says

January 27, 2023 by pkzadmin

The last of the three Clancy children at the heart of the Duxbury tragedy has died.

“Today, at approximately 12:30 p.m., The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner contacted Massachusetts State Police assigned to our office to report that at 11:18 a.m. today, the third Clancy child was pronounced deceased at Children’s Hospital in Boston,” the Plymouth District Attorney’s office announced Friday afternoon. “The victim has been identified as Callan Clancy.”

Callan, just 7 months old, held on for three days. His older siblings, Cora, 5, and Dawson, 3, were pronounced dead Tuesday night after Duxbury first responders found them unconscious at the home at 47 Summer St.

The events of Tuesday night, from husband Patrick calling 911 at 6:11 p.m. to report that his wife, Lindsay, had attempted suicide to first responders finding all three children unconscious has dominated headlines since that evening.

In a press conference the next day, Plymouth DA Timothy Cruz said that preliminary investigation indicated that the children had been “strangled.” Final determination of their cause of death is in the hands of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, he said.

An arrest warrant was issued for Lindsay Clancy that evening. The Plymouth District Court had no further information to release Friday afternoon.

The warrant shows Clancy, who remains in a hospital, with eight counts: two counts of murder, three counts of strangulation or suffocation and three counts of assault and battery with a deadly weapon. It is not immediately clear if the death of Callan will bring a fresh charge.

The “unimaginable, senseless tragedy,” as Cruz described it mere hours after first responders arrived at the home, shook the small bedroom community nine miles north of Plymouth.

First responders who worked the scene or coordinated and dispatched efforts were placed on leave to recover from what they had seen and endured, department heads announced Wednesday, and area churches opened their doors for all to heal together.

A vigil was held Thursday night.

Community members and others from near and far have contributed monetarily, as well, for Patrick to do what he needs to do, with more than $443,000 raised in just a day to a GoFundMe drive with a $700,000 goal.

“On behalf of the extended Clancy Family we invite you to offer support for Patrick as he navigates an unimaginable tragedy,” organizer Matthew Glaser, of Wakefield, wrote on the page, which he added “is intended to help Pat pay for medical bills, funeral services, and legal help. This assistance is especially needed because Pat will be unable to work for the foreseeable future as he weathers this painful, life-altering tragedy.”

Glaser could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.

Driver uninjured in Friday morning rollover accident in Leominster

January 27, 2023 by pkzadmin

LEOMINSTER — A driver was uninjured in a Friday morning rollover accident at the intersection of Central and Willard streets.

According to the emergency radio broadcast, the accident occurred around 7 a.m. Police Chief Aaron Kennedy said a 2017 Toyota RAV4 was traveling from the Sterling direction.

“[The car] hit a patch of ice going up that hill in that area, then it slid to the side and hit the embankment right about at the intersection and rolled on its side,” Kennedy said.

Gerry Lally, an employee at nearby United Solutions, came upon the accident shortly after it happened. Lally helped the driver get out of the vehicle by getting the airbags out of the way unharmed.

Kennedy said the driver declined further treatment at an area hospital and no transport was needed. The Fitchburg Fire Department provided mutual aid on scene.

After the accident, Kennedy said officers called the Department of Public Works to treat the icy patch of road. All parties agreed the icy road was the cause of the accident.

Despite the car landing on its roof and airbags deploying, Kennedy said the driver was able to self-extricate and escape without injury. He added the driver declined further treatment at an area hospital and no transport was needed. The Fitchburg Fire Department provided mutual aid on scene.

While the city had seen its fair share of bad weather over the past week and there had been accidents, Kennedy said the city was fortunate none were too serious.

“We don’t want anybody to get hurt,” he said.

The driver of a 2017 Toyota RAV4 was uninjured in a rollover accident in the area of Central and Willard streets on Friday morning in Leominster. (GARY FOURNIER/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)

New video shows hammer attack on Paul Pelosi and suspect breaking into San Francisco home

January 27, 2023 by pkzadmin

Video released Friday morning shows the seconds leading up to an alleged hammer attack by a Richmond man on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband Paul, providing a chilling new look at the savage, politically-driven assault that shook the nation.

David DePape, of Richmond, is accused of bludgeoning Paul Pelosi with a hammer in late October after allegedly breaking into the couple’s San Francisco home seeking to kidnap Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, who was second in the line of presidential succession at the time. A recording of DePape describing the attack during a police interrogation and a recording of a 911 call were also released Friday under orders from a state judge.

Pelosi on Friday told reporters that her husband “is making progress but it will take more time.” Referring to the released material, she said, “I have not heard the 911 call. I have not heard the confession. I have not seen the break-in, and I have absolutely no intention of seeing the deadly assault on my husband’s life.”

Police body-camera video shows officers — responding to a 911 call from Paul Pelosi made from a bathroom after DePape allegedly broke in — arriving at the Pelosi home and knocking on the front door, calling for someone to answer.

The door opens to reveal Paul Pelosi in a collared shirt and underwear, and a man later identified as DePape in blue sweatshirt and shorts, both holding onto a hammer with their right hands. DePape appears to be pulling the hammer away from Pelosi.

“What’s going on?” an officer asks.

“Everything’s good,” DePape replies.

An officer commands, “Drop the hammer,” DePape responds: “Um, nope.”

VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED: Video contains graphic content.

DePape then yanks the hammer away from Paul Pelosi, who abruptly lurches backward. DePape swings the hammer back and then launches a savage overhand swing; the impact takes place outside the camera’s view.

In a chaotic scene, the officers rush through the door and wrestle DePape to the ground in an attempt to subdue him. Paul Pelosi lies on the floor unconscious, snoring, with his feet bare, as the officers and DePape struggle just inches away.

Paul Pelosi, 82, underwent surgery to repair multiple skull fractures and was hospitalized for nearly a week after the attack.

Authorities have said they believe DePape broke into the Pelosi household shortly after 2 a.m. on Oct. 28 seeking to kidnap Nancy Pelosi, the then-Speaker of the House and the second person in line for the presidency. He told investigators that he planned to break Nancy Pelosi’s kneecaps and wheel her in front of Congress to deliver a message to lawmakers that their actions carried “consequences” for their actions, prosecutors said at a December preliminary hearing.

But Nancy Pelosi was in Washington, and Paul Pelosi was sleeping in the couple’s bedroom in San Francisco.

In the newly-released recording of DePape’s interrogation five hours after the attack, he tells a San Francisco Police sergeant, “It originates with Hillary,” referring to former secretary of state and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. However, he adds: “Day in and day out, the person that was on the TV lying every day was Pelosi.”

He claimed that Democrats had been on a four-year “crime spree” against former President Donald Trump, who lost the 2020 election to President Joe Biden. “They go from one crime to another crime to another crime and it’s like the whole (expletive) four years until they were finally able to steal the election,” DePape said. “It’s unacceptable.”

A video from outside the couple’s house in the upscale Pacific Heights neighborhood shows DePape arriving onto the back patio. He wanders the yard, peering into windows, before disappearing around a corner, then returning, wearing a very large backpack and carrying a smaller bag.

He begins digging into the smaller bag, pulling out a hammer and taking other items from the backpack.

Eventually, he strikes the patio door of the house with the hammer, pushing it through the glass in an attempt to make a hole big enough to reach through. After the door won’t open, he begins swinging the hammer aggressively at the door, using two-handed overhead chops for about 30 seconds, before he steps through the door, into the house, and disappears from view.

The attack shook the nation ahead of the November midterm elections, fueled fears of politically motivated violence and led to the spread of misinformation, including by Twitter and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

DePape, court heard in December, said he planned to target President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and actor Tom Hanks in a suicide mission, according to testimony aired by prosecutors in a San Francisco court.

Court records already have detailed how Paul Pelosi called 911 and alerted authorities before abruptly ending the call as his attacker stood nearby, telling dispatchers that “he wants me to get the hell off the phone.”

DePape faces charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment, and other state felonies, as well as federal charges of attempted kidnapping of a federal officer and assault of an immediate family member of a federal official. A status conference for the case in U.S. District Court in San Francisco is scheduled for Feb. 8. His next hearing in the state case is set for Feb. 23.

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