OK, if you are turning right onto Great Rd. from Strawberry Hill and then you need to make an immediate left onto Brooks St. (by Donelan's), you need to either stop at the sign and wait until you can get right out into the lane to turn, without hesitation, or if you can see that there's no car closely approaching on 2A when you are coming to the stop, just book it, and get out there! If you are just turning right on 2A there's a pretty big shoulder there. You can't hug the right side in the first situation. If you are out in the lane well ahead of the turn or stop, I can't imagine someone just running you over! And stick your arm out and sort of shake it, pointing with your finger as you are getting in the lane. It gives the drivers some idea of your intention. Sometimes, I think they just aren't sure what we are going to do; they don't see bikes as vehicles and are surprised when we act as one. Now, that woman sounded like a real azzhole, but, I have found most around here are not.
As far as the Rt. 27 goes, I am not sure if you were on 27, turning onto Newtown (the one by the library). It must have been Newtown, as Hammond is off of there and you mentioned that. Or, were you waiting at Newtown, to turn left on 27? That is an intersection I avoid at all costs, except on weekends, early in the AM. You could die waiting to get across there. It's even worse in the car. I don't really like riding on 27; I do it, but usually just little parts. It is safer and easier to either cross or turn at Nagog Hill, and then you can cut through one of the neighborhoods to get over to Newtown. I have a friend who lives in that area, and I would have never known about those streets if I didn't go to her house.