Whitman-Hanson Express

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Eye doctor envisions his retirement

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WHITMAN — Dr. George Leavitt III, 80, has always welcomed his patients to the optometric practice which has been in his family for 100 years with a sign in the entry way: “The doctor is in please be seated.”

In June, the business will close with his retirement.

He laughed when he realized that, all these years, most families who come in often don’t sit. The younger patients run for the toy box in the warm, sunlit front room. School aged children sometimes bring books and work on homework while they wait, he added.

Leavitt has recently informed his patients many whom had seen his father Dr. George Leavitt Jr., that he will move on to retirement with his wife of more than 35 years, Barbara.

He recalls several families who have been patients for four generations with the practice. He also has several patients who are in their 90s and still “going strong.”

Dr. George Leavitt III has seen advances in trends and types of materials used in contact lenses going from very hard lenses to paper thin, soft lenses. He expressed his continued amazement that contact lenses can be so thin and still have a proper prescription.

The biggest change to the profession he has seen in his career was in the early 1970s.

“In the 1970s optometry passed a diagnostic pharmaceutical bill in Massachusetts at which time optometrists were allowed to use diagnostic eye drops in the anterior segment of the eye,” he said. Using drops allowed for diagnosis of glaucoma, high pressure in the eye, abrasions and other eye diseases.

Reminiscing about his business’ history in Whitman Leavitt said his father George Leavitt Jr. came from a time when advertising was not used. Leavitt and his wife viewed timeworn brochures recalling that his grandfather’s generation was word of mouth and small town connections allowed for patient contact and reliable care.

The office is in the lower level of their home where the bustle of traffic passes by a prime location. They often heard the whistles blow at the old shoe factory when lunch began and the foot traffic was heavier back in the day, he said.

The practice has moved slightly since its inception in 1914 with his grandfather Dr. George Leavitt at its first location of 25 South Avenue, moving to 12 South Avenue then to the current location across from the post office at 8 Laurel St., in 1969.

Some of his patients became friends, like Harry Monk who has since passed away. A talented craftsman he would hand-carve water birds out of driftwood and deliver them to Leavitt whenever he thought a thank-you was in order, Leavitt recalls.

A collection of birds was unintentional, laughed Leavitt but came about as other patients added to it with unique fowl carvings and collectibles over the years. Recently a young patient had counted the figures, which totaled over 60 sculptures.

Leavitt who decided there was a beach house waiting for their enjoyment and relaxation will be wrapping up loose ends and closing his doors in June.

Perhaps the driftwood will inspire him, too

Whitman fighter in spotlight

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WHITMAN — Mixed martial arts fighter Joe “Skeletor” Giannetti, 23, of Whitman is undefeated in the cage — and plans to keep it that way — as he battles it out for the championship on this seasons “Ultimate Fighter Season 27 Undefeated.”

In episode one of the series Giannetti of Team Daniel Cormier UFC light heavyweight champion, fought against John Gunther of Team UFC heavy weight champion-coach Stipe Miocic. In 17 seconds Giannetti choked Gunther in a guillotine move, leaving Gunther out cold.

Looking back at his school wrestling career he says he did not have such high hopes of being where he is today.

Middle school was tough for him as he said he was bullied at school. He was not afraid to fight and often did feel the need to defend himself when he said school officials brushed off his claims.

Overweight and short, he was teased for his looks. When he didn’t make the basketball team he decided to wrestle and committed to the sport for four years. Taking the opportunity to slim down as he grew taller a much different young man emerged from high school. He learned to eat healthier, portion-sized meals.

A graduate of South Shore Vo-Tech’s Class of 2013, he grew up in Whitman and Rockland. He wrestled at heavy weight his freshman year, which he used to get himself in shape.

“I wasn’t very good so my goal was to get my weight down. By senior year I was wrestling at 170 pounds,” he recalled.

He trained under Justin Burrell at South Shore Sportsfighting in Norwell where he attended a wrestling camp and learned martial arts.

After fielding questions about going to college, Giannetti realized his career in MMA could earn him an occupation. Support from his father came as he got better.

“My Dad is super-excited about me being on the Ultimate Fighter. He wasn’t happy about me fighting at first, but now that I can make something out if, I think he’s proud,” he said.

When he isn’t training Giannetti can be found hanging out with friends and caring for his two pups.

“I have a soft spot for my dogs,” he said.

He adopted his first dog from a local shelter and recently took in his second pup that was in less-than-acceptable living conditions. His dog Frazier, 6, is a boxer he adopted early and Thor, 6, is an American bulldog which is working through separation anxiety.

Giannetti was low key while talking to the Express as he got his hair cut and posed for photos. He was recognized by locals, which he said has been new since the series is currently airing on TV.

Giannetti  is 24th ranked of 198 active U.S. Northeast Pro Lightweights. Also ranked at: Welterweight (23rd) Joe Giannetti is the 7th ranked of 67 active New England Pro Lightweights. Also ranked at: Welterweight (8th), according to Tapology online. He is also listed as 6-0 by Sherdog website boxing stats.

“The Ultimate Fighter” is a reality series but also a competition, in which 16 guys who live in a house for six weeks: no cell phones, radios, TV or music from the outside world and vying for the title of champ.

There are two weight classes of 145- and 155-pounds on a two eight-man brackets, with two finalists one from each team going toe-to-toe on the live card in July.

-One winner in each weight class will get a six-figure contract with the UFC.

July 6 Las Vegas will be live for the fighters that make it. Catch new episodes of “The Ultimate Fighter 27: Undefeated” every Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on FS.

Giving quality coffee a break

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WHITMAN —  The relocated Bostonian Barber Shop and Restoration Coffee offers customers a pristine shared space where they can sip a fresh brew while waiting for a crew (cut) — or just stop on for a quality caffeine fix for the train ride to work.

On Tuesday, May 8, owner Matt Wood officially opened Restoration Coffee at 401 South Avenue — serving only organic products with espresso drinks, lattes, mocha, tea, and of course coffee.

The Bostonian Barber has tripled their workspace with natural light and a comfy lounge area for clients. The entire setting is modern and clean with a rustic mix of brick, white tiling and ship lap wood.

Matt Wood and Eric Zaitz owner of Bostonian Barber began working seven days a week starting last January gutting and redesigning and rebuilding with a nook set up for his coffee vision.

“It is the freshest cup of coffee you will ever have,” he said of his java menu.

Wood uses a pour-over coffee method, which is manually poured coffee after grinding and measuring the beans for the perfect extraction. His beans are single origin from Central Africa and Guatemala.

So farm the mochas are popular with clients a double shot of espresso whole milk and chocolate similar to a latte but a bit sweeter as are the Dirty Matcha lattes — tea with a shot of espresso — also a well-regarded suggestion.

The brand Restoration Coffee for Wood came when he decided to find a rewarding career change and to “restore himself.”

His background in the industry cultivated from pure love of coffee and the quest for a product he could serve with pride. As a mechanic for BMW and Tesla for 15 years Wood is mechanically inclined, and constantly educates himself. He is also a talented photographer. He was shooting over 50 weddings a year, he said.

“Before that I have always wanted to own a coffee shop and I got the opportunity. I wanted to start out with something small when barbershop owner Eric Zaitz said he was moving to a bigger space,” said Wood.

Wood spends time prepping his dried beans in small containers each day. Speedwell Coffee is his local distributor in Plymouth where the beans are roasted.

All drinks are either brewed hot or poured over ice for a cold coffee. Wood grew up locally and resides in East Bridgewater. He lives with his wife Heather and two boys.

Every month Wood will have different single-origin beans, no blended beans like larger coffee chains. He will also have batch brew all year, of Columbian coffee for customers who like to keep their cup of Joe predictable.

Threat deemed not credible

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According to Whitman Police Chief Scott D. Benton and Hanson Police Chief Michael Miksch, police determined there was no credible threat against Whitman-Hanson Regional High School last week. Police investigated after an anonymous tip was received concerning a student that had been allegedly making threats to shoot a weapon in the school.

The situation came to light at approximately 10 p.m. Thursday, April 5, when another student left their name on the Whitman police tip line about a comment overheard through a third-party conversation.

“We were able to investigate and confirm the statements that were made — shutting down the threat,” said Lt. Casey of Hanson Police. “At no point and time were the students or the staff ever in danger. The situation was under control.”

Casey applauded the students for reporting their concerns to authorities “the incident was thoroughly investigated,” he said.

None of the juvenile students are being identified by authorities, although they are students at the high school.

“I want to assure everyone that the Whitman and Hanson police and fire have the first and utmost priority for the safety of our community, students and staff,” Casey added.

Hanson police said charges may still be pending against the student.

In a prepared joint press release Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ruth C. Gilbert-Whitner, said the student was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

“Principal Jeff Szymaniak and I would like to thank  Chief Benton, Chief [Timothy] Grenno, Chief Miksch, Chief [Jerry] Thompson, and the Police and Fire departments in Whitman and Hanson for their support, assistance, and partnership,” said Gilbert-Whitner.

Extra police presence was provided by both towns at the school on Friday, out of an abundance of caution, according to the joint statement.

Chief Benton commended the student who demonstrated the courage to provide a tip through the anonymous tip line.

“Any comments about harming others will be treated with the utmost seriousness and vigilance. The safety of the students and our communities is our top priority,” said Benton. “I would also like to thank Superintendent Ruth C. Gilbert-Whitner and Principal Jeff Szymaniak for their assistance every step of the way with this situation.”

Chief Miksch said, “Detectives made quick work of locating and speaking with the suspect and were able to determine that there was no credibility to the threats.

“Great work by officers from both Hanson and Whitman in quickly resolving this issue,” he said. “We want to remind everyone that if they see or hear any suspicious activity to immediately report it to police.”

In an unrelated event, at 9:55 a.m. on Friday, the fire alarm sounded at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School and the school was evacuated.

It was determined that a trip switch on a sprinkler valve failed, causing the alarm to go off, according to the statement.

Three arrested in break-in

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HANSON — Three Braintree men are being charged in connection with the armed break-in of a Hanson house Saturday night, March 24.

A Hanson resident was able to call 911 with help from neighbors after he fled his home Saturday night on Adams Circle while two masked men smashed their way in.

Christian Paiva, 19, and Christopher Paiva, 22, were taken into custody in the immediate area of the home. Giovanni Rodrigues, 23, fled on foot and was taken into custody on State Street. All three are from Braintree, said Hanson Police Chief Michael Miksch in a press release.

The three have been charged with breaking and entering while armed, malicious destruction of property over $250, and larceny over $250.   Hanson Police later recovered property taken from the home on Sunday.

The homeowner, who was not identified by police,  was not physically harmed. Police were seen photographing the lower level entry of a ranch style home Saturday at around 8 p.m. A K9 handler and State Police were also seen combing the wooded area by the dwelling.

Hanover Police Officers and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department BCI Unit also assisted in apprehending the three. Rodrigues was found to be carrying a knife when he was taken into custody on State Street by Hanover Police and Sheriff’s Department officials.

“Hanson Police Department would like to thank the many witnesses who called in to assist us in locating the third individual,” said Miksch. “We would also like to thank the Hanover Police and Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.”

Hanson Officers investigating the case were Officers Billy Frazier, Jared Meegan, Christopher Dominguez, and Ben Ford. Detective Paul O’Brien, Sgt. Gene Andrews, and Lt. Michael Casey also assisted.

The three suspects were slated to be arraigned in district court today [March 26].

According to police, the break-in is not a random incident as the victim apparently knew one of the suspects.

Main break buckles street

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HANSON — The rupture of a 12-inch water main caused the shutdown of several area businesses and traffic near 1120 Main Street at noon on Tuesday, while crews stopped the water flow.

A Hanson Highway Department worker came across the active break as he was driving down Main Street around 11:40 a.m. and relayed to the water department.

The street had buckled from the water flow underneath the roadway a failure of the roadbed three feet across, affecting both sides of the street.

“Residents may notice a brownish tinge to the water, which is normal for a water main break,” said Assistant Superintendent of the Water Department Jerry Davis.

There was no reported boil order in effect, he said.

Approximately 15 homes and four businesses, including Dunkin’ Donuts were affected by the water shut off. The road closures did not affect the commuter rail, which was still operating normally.

Workers were able to shut off the water by 12:07 p.m. They would be making the repairs as quickly as possible, but were expected to take several hours, Davis said.

Davis said the Whitman-Hanson School Department was notified by his office in case the bus route was affected later Tuesday.

Hanson police blocked traffic at Elm Street and Main Street and Elm Street to Phillips Street. Highway Surveyor Robert Brown, Dig Safe and Brockton Utilities were also on scene as repairs were being made.

One dead in Halifax head-on collision

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A head-on motor vehicle accident on Route 58 in Halifax Tuesday night left Richard March, 78, of South Meadow Rd, Carver, driver of a 2005 Honda CRV, trapped in his vehicle with serious injuries sustained at approximately 8:46 p.m.  He was transported by med-flight to a hospital in Boston where he died several hours later.

Alec Dowie, 51, of Washington St., Whitman, the operator of the 2018 Dodge Challenger, was transported to South Shore Hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

A landing zone was cleared at Walmart for March, who had been trapped in the Honda CRV. He was airlifted to Boston Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries, according to State Police Media Spokesperson David Procopio.

Halifax Police Chief Theodore Broderick was on scene with investigators for several hours Tuesday night as the State Police Reconstruction and Analysis Team began their investigation in cooperation with Halifax Police.   Firefighters and EMS were seen debriefing in a circle with Fire Chief Jason Viveiros, the wreckage just a few feet away.

Remnants of the two mangled vehicles and debris were scattered down Route 58, Monponsett Street, at Palmer Mill Road.  Parts of vehicles and orange spray paint marked lines in the road and were still visible as police returned to the scene Wednesday morning, according to Chief Broderick.

A preliminary investigation by State police suggests at approximately 8:46 p.m. a 2018 Dodge Challenger heading north on Monponsett Street and a 2005  Honda  CRV heading south on Monponsett collided head-on, said Procopio.

Their initial investigations indicate that the driver of the Dodge Challenger did not negotiate the curve at the intersection of Palmer Mill Road and lost control of his vehicle between the southbound and northbound lanes. The investigation is still active and ongoing, said Procopio.

Sgt. Theodore Benner of Halifax Police and the S Procopio told The Express that investigations can take several weeks to determine the cause of the crash.

First responders from Halifax, Plympton, Hanson and the State Police assisted at the scene, and at the landing zone at Walmart following the crash.

Police donation aids child with cancer

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WHITMAN — With an infectious smile and determination Kyler Hockney’s played with his Lego toy like any child his age — he is full of spunk. Even his name means warrior, and he is certainly striving for the title.

At the age of 4, Kyler Hockney is battling, and winning, his fight against childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

With mom and dad by his side and new baby brother Max, Kyler was given a check from Cops for Kids with Cancer CFKWC for $5,000 at the Whitman Police station Tuesday, Aug. 8, along with an entertaining bag of treats, a teddy bear and a gift certificate to get ice cream at Peaceful Meadows.

“We can’t thank them enough for the involvement.  The people were phenomenal (CFKWC) we had to take Kyler in for an emergency platelet transfusion and we talked to Helena and she was wonderful helping us reschedule,” said Kyler’s dad Devin Cooney.

In January, with three weeks until her due date with Max, parents Lisa and Devin Cooney were given a diagnosis that Kyler who was then 3 years old, had childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He is also Philadelphia Chromosome Positive. ALL is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many immature lymphocytes a type of white blood cell.

The family was given direction from both a mutual friend and social services through Massachusetts General Hospital where he is being treated about the CFKWC program.

The Cooneys acknowledged their great support system they have through the challenges of Kyler’s treatments.

Most days he is running around playful, happy full of energy.

“He’s always smiling,” said dad. “We have those days he has been phenomenal you wouldn’t know, (he’s sick) but there are days his counts are off and he won’t eat and… he just wants to be a kid.”

In 2001 the FDA had approved a certain oral chemotherapy that Kyler takes daily. It specifically blocks the chromosome from doing what it wants to do, which is make the leukemia repeat itself. He has a specific treatment plan that he follows.

“Even though he has the chromosome … they know how to treat that,” said mom Lisa.

Deputy Chief of Canton Police Helena Rafferty, who is also President of Cops for Kids with Cancer was the presenter at the gathering at the Whitman Police Department. She started her remarks with wishing that Kyler didn’t have to have cancer in his life and be able to play at the playground being a healthy kid.

“When your child is traveling this journey of being treated for cancer there are so many concerns that families come up against,” said Rafferty. “They should be able to totally concentrate on the child. But there are so many financial issues mortgage, gas and transportation to the hospital.  It is a privilege to be able to help the family.”

In the past families have used monies presented by CFKWC to construct backyard playgrounds, pay mortgages and even take a family vacation.

“[As officers] we have taken the oath to protect and serve — we know what the protect aspect is-the everyday things you connect with policing,” Refferty said. “This is serving our community. The people who truly need it at a desperate time and when your child is sick- there is nothing more desperate than that.”

On behalf of the Whitman police she donated the check to the family to offset their financial burdens with Chief Scott Benton and Whitman officers gathered to welcome the family and offer their encouragement.

Established in 2002 according to the CFKWC website the charity has grown tremendously over the last fifteen years.

“We have a 20-plus person board of directors comprised of active and retired police officers, and friends of law enforcement,” Rafferty said. “All are volunteers, receiving no salaries. We all work very hard to plan events and keep our overhead to a minimum.” Their missions  is Cops for Kids with Cancer is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on raising funds to provide assistance to families of children fighting cancer, to improve their quality of life.

Although life has challenged them this last year the Cooney’s are staying focused on Kyler’s recovery.

“Having a three year old diagnosed with cancer was very hard to hear at first,” Devin Cooney said. “We have such a great support system around us it’s helped tremendously. We can’t thank the people at Mass General enough. They have made this so much easier for us, for him.”

When Kyler’s treatments were decided upon they felt optimistic in the news doctors gave.

“We were told at the beginning that this medicine is a ‘game changer,’” he said. “We were told by his doctors it (ALL) used to be a very bad actor. But with this new medicine prognosis is becoming much better.”

Kyler has had some setbacks delaying treatments due to low platelet counts but they are about five months through his treatments.

“We have amazing medicine now in 2017. We can’t really look too far in the future, it is taking each day as it comes,” said his mom Lisa.

Whitman holds a night out against crime

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Whitman officials and first responders from many agencies merged together to create a family event Tuesday at the Memorial Field in Whitman. A tradition, which had been hosted at the Brockton Rox Game, was hopefully re-fueled by the excitement of the evening. Whitman held their first annual Night out against Crime and perhaps will carry on the torch.

The event was well attended as children and families used multiple bounce houses and inflatables from Busy Bee jumpers, they interacted with the State police helicopter following a landing nearby. They had ice cream delivered by Little Duke ice cream truck of Pembroke; a dream come true on a hot summer evening.

Volunteer face painters were all from the community of local youths who had some creative characters, which they were highlighting on the faces of little ones at the event.

Whitman police, fire, ADT home security, Plymouth County Sheriffs, Busy Bee Jumpers, Regal Marketplace and The Knights of Columbus donated ice it was many agencies coming together. All services were donated to the family event.

Chief Scott Benton thanked the generous donations by many who gave to the event, which was free to all.

“It was community creating a common cause for the kids,” said Benton, who was pleased at the turnout.

The Whitman Police Association wanted to do something for the community as a way of interacting and thanking them for their support, said School Resource Officer Kevin Harrington who was among the dozens of local officers who mingled with those in the crowd.

Families were able to enjoy themselves on a warm summer night, and also talk with first responders of police and fire. Many had their entire families with them whom also were volunteering manning the grills andwelcoming all.

The Regal Marketplace donated grill items such as hot dogs and hamburgers, cheese and all the fixings with deli salads, cold beverages and pastries for dessert.

2 charged in WEB drug bust

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WHITMAN — A drug arrest was made in Whitman July 20 in conjunction with the WEB Task Force after a month-long investigation.

The WEB Task Force combines the investigation efforts of officers from West Bridgewater, Whitman, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater and Bridgewater State University.

Samuel Rutledge, 28, of 50 Center St., Brockton, was identified by West Bridgewater Officer Sean Devilly,  and Whitman officers Paul Young and Peter Aitken as the Fentanyl supplier to various customers in this region.

Rutledge was an alleged dealer utilizing various female drivers to transport and deliver the narcotics.

On Thursday, July 20, investigators assigned to the task force observed Rutledge engage in what was believed to be a narcotics transaction in Whitman. Detectives then stopped Rutledge and the female who was driving Rutledge to the narcotics transaction, according to a police statement. He had possession of what was suspected to be Fentanyl and crack cocaine, which was packaged for resale, according to a prepared press release from the WEB Task Force. The estimated street value of the seized drugs was approximately $3,000.

“The pairing of crack cocaine and Fentanyl is problematic for investigators and health care workers as there has been a noticeable increase in overdoses due to the coupling of these two narcotics,” police stated. “Investigators and Health Care experts have noticed that traditional cocaine users are overdosing on what they believe to be Fentanyl instead of cocaine.”

Rutledge was charged with trafficking a class B substance, distribution of a class B substance three counts, possession with intent to distribute a class B Substance – Fentanyl and one count of trafficking more than ten grams of Fentanyl. He was arraigned on July 20. The Commonwealth requested $50,000 bail. Judge Bernard set bail at $25,000 along with the requirement to wear a GPS monitoring bracelet. A probable cause hearing is set for Aug. 18.

The driver Christina Justiniano, 31,who gave her address as Weymouth during booking — but was identified as from 126 Nicholson Drive, Brockton in the WEB relase —was charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the drug law. She was also arraigned on July 20 and is due back to court Sept. 7. She was given a bail warning.