A mother swan nests with her cygnets Tuesday, May 3 on Wampatuck Pond near the Hanson Town Hall behind the Jack Conway Real Estate office. There appeared to be four or five babies. The business has been documenting the nesting process on its Facebook page as a community resource, and held a contest to name the parents — Gloria Swanson and Larry Bird were the winning entries.
This is only the beginning.
As the state continues to deal with the crisis of opioid addiction, a generation is being plagued by death from overdoses just as there have been changes in the Massachusetts Legislature and among local community coalitions to curb the increase of those overdoses and help those desperate to get clean.
The figures are disturbing: 865 people between 2000 -2015 have been confirmed as unintentional deaths related to opioids in Plymouth County, according to a recent report and statistics released by the state [Department of Public Health, Office of Data Management and Outcomes Assessment for January 2016].
In 2014, State Police responded to 75 suspected fatal overdoses in the county, according to a press release with recent data provided by investigating State Police assigned to the District Attorney’s office. In Hanson there were 37 overdoses and three deaths in 2015, and another five overdoses with one death so far this year. Whitman had 49 overdoses in 2015 with seven deaths and another 13 overdoses and two deaths between Jan. 1 and April 28 this year.
First responders, such as local Hanson Fire Department EMS Coordinator Lt. Keith Wilson, spoke with the Express about the crisis of addiction that has swept its way to every corner of the state — for addiction is not just an urban problem.
“This is a statewide problem,” said Wilson. “It’s not just the heroin junkie in the alley … there are no social backgrounds that are excluded.”
The rate of unintentional overdose deaths are based on the last five years, in which many confirmed heroin overdose victims also had tested positive for Fentanyl in autopsy results, according to Massachusetts Department of Public Health data. Whitman and Hanson police are trained to carry nasal NARCAN. Most town emergency services have a protocol if a patient is given NARCAN after overdosing they must be transported to the hospital, said Hanson Fire Chief Jerry Thompson.
Agencies often help each other.
Whitman EMS, for example, received a 911 emergency call last week for a person reporting someone who appeared to be overdosing in their car. A Massachusetts state trooper was nearby and heard the call. He arrived and administered a nasal form of NARCAN on the scene giving enough time for Whitman EMS to arrive and transport to the hospital. In this case he was revived, Whitman Police Chief Scott Benton said.
“If you are a parent you can’t put money on how many times you would save your child and be able to hug them … you want them alive,” Benton said.
The call for an overdose usually is phoned in — with a sense of frantic helplessness in their voices — by a parent or the person who has found the victim. Officers and first responders know what they are dealing with, and time is of the essence.
Although officers as first responders are trained in nasal NARCAN the surge of Fentanyl being cut into heroin is creating a lethal form of the drug with it divesting NARCAN of its typically fast-paced reversal rate.
NARCAN (Naloxone Hydrochloride) is an opioid antagonist. The administration reverses the effects of narcotics such as morphine and heroin, which depress the central nervous and respiratory system.
In mid-March, Gov. Charlie Baker signed the Opioid Abuse Law, which some say is a step in the right direction toward helping addicts, and their loved ones. Under the new law, a patient must remain in the hospital for treatment after NARCAN is administered, although some find ways around the assistance they need and addiction takes hold once again.
“Today, the Commonwealth stands in solidarity to fight the opioid and heroin epidemic that continues to plague our state and burden countless families and individuals,” Baker said at the signing. “While there is still much work to be done, our administration is thankful for the legislature’s effort to pass this bill and looks forward to working with the Attorney General and our mayors to bend the trend and support those who have fallen victim to this horrific public health epidemic.”
Most addicts reach the point where they either know they need help or they are doing drugs to die. It is a vicious cycle, officials say, and recovery is a hard road.
“It is not going away. We (as law enforcement) have to embrace this. The state has finally made changes… we are making strides within the arena of rehabilitation and they are recognizing that. It is an epidemic,” said Benton.
He also emphasizes that many addicts were treated for legitimate injuries or surgery, given pain pills and then could not get off them. The manufacturer knew how addictive Oxycodone was, according to Benton.
“But now through the vicious cycle with these coalitions we are learning there are many players. It is an ‘all-in approach’ from the doctors, clergy and clinicians this is not an instance of something just happening overnight, It will take years and millions of dollars to undo what has happened,” he said.
Changes as
a community
On April 11 community leaders and parents gathered at WHRHS to hear guest speaker Kathi Sullivan speak to an audience that wants to make a difference in the grip of drug and alcohol abuse in our community and how easily available these things are to their children.
That very same night, Whitman police and fire had calls for two overdoses on their afternoon shift of 4 p.m. to midnight — and two overdoses at midnight. Two more overdoses were reported on the April 13 one was a repeat person from the 11th. One of the overdoses resulted in the death of a 27-year-old male, Benton said.
Sullivan knows too well the tragedy of losing a child. Her daughter Taylor Meyer died in a shallow swamp after a night of binge drinking, found three days after she wandered off from friends.
Whitman Hanson WILL, which co-sponsored Sullivan’s talk, brings a heightened awareness of the opioid and substance abuse for parents, students and community leaders. In a panel discussion following Sullivan’s talk, some found hope and answers as others struggled privately with an addiction that takes away all sense of “behind closed doors” secrecy as we have learned this approach is not helping addicts or their families.
Despite higher overdose rates among men in recently released data there is no discrimination, Benton said.
“The epidemic is one of public safety and health. It requires our empathy these people are addicted — they don’t want to be addicted,” Benton said. “As a parent what would you give to hug your kid again? When we hear comments on repeat offenders — that we shouldn’t keep responding to the same addicts overdosing) it doesn’t matter if we save the person 10, 20 or 1,000 times.”
His answer to naysayers who say “just let them die, we are wasting time and resources on people who want to do drugs,” is direct and heart-felt.
“No, they don’t want to die,” Benton said. “They don’t want to be addicted. We need to show compassion and empathy. It can be frustrating. The odds are we may not make it in time. The stigma of letting that person die doesn’t belong here.”
Whitman is part of the WEB Task Force and has recently become part of the East Bridgewater Hope (EB Hope) survive. Benton praised the drop-in center as ‘angels,’ former addicts who can relate and assist to talk with those struggling to break free of addiction.
“They know what it is like because they have been there with collaborative efforts to educate and learn from addiction while offering services to addicts and their families,” he said. “These are just a few of the pre-emptive changes that will join law enforcement and community members who will all be affected in different forms through this crisis. “
Several local groups working together to aid those in crisis are the Abuse task force for Plymouth County and the Brockton’s Mayors Opioid abuse coalition. Whitman Police Lt. Dan Connolly attends the meetings regularly as a liaison and instructs officers on administering NARCAN.
The data for Massachusetts’ deaths from overdoses is evidence that opioids and Fentanyl-related deaths are still on an incline. The increase in overdose is suspected to be caused by the cutting of Fentanyl creating a purification of the heroin to over 90 percent.
“As first responders we understand the problem and we want to work with other public safety agencies to assist with the growing problem of narcotics addiction in our state and community,” Wilson said.
Throughout the area, in playgrounds and along the roadside, there are random improper disposal of hypodermic needles, which is a health danger to others, Wilson said.
A conference, “Diversion Trends/Methods and Investigating Opiate Overdoses” was held Friday, April 29 with a two-part educational series on law enforcement attended by both Hanson and Whitman officers.
“Everyone knows someone struggling with opiate addiction and there is no telling where the bottom of this crisis is,” Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz has stated. “This training is about law enforcement coming together to share information and best practices on how to proceed with investigations into fatal and non-fatal overdoses. Productive investigations lead to successful prosecutions of those who are peddling these deadly poisons into our communities.”
Plymouth County Sheriff McDonald Jr. said, “By identifying what measures have been effective, and replicating these successes in other communities, we stand a better chance of preventing deaths, or more directly, saving lives.”
Herion addicts need access to treatment and recovery, but those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like heroin and Fentanyl to the citizens of Massachusetts need to be held accountable for their actions, advocates DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.
“In response to the ongoing opioid epidemic, DEA and its federal, state and local partners are committed to bringing to justice those that distribute this poison,” Ferguson said.
Cruz agrees.
“The elevated number of fatal overdoses in Plymouth County unfortunately reflects the numbers being reported around the state and country,” Cruz said. “Opioids are causing tragedies everyday within our communities and everyone knows someone affected by this epidemic. Law enforcement will continue to work at combatting the issue on all levels in 2016.”
A mother swan nests with her cygnets Tuesday, May 3 on Wampatuck Pond near the Hanson Town Hall behind the Jack Conway Real Estate office. There appeared to be four or five babies. ‘The female is nesting about 25 feet from our window,’ said Conway-Hanson Manager Susan Canedy. The business has been documenting the nesting process on its Facebook page as a community resource, and is holding a contest to name the parents. The winner will receive a $50 gift card.
Photo by Stephanie Spyropoulos
HANSON — Hanson Middle School Principal William Tranter encouraged his sixth grade DARE graduates to use the education they have received from Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and apply it to all of the very important choices they will have to make in life.
“We want you to make good decisions. If you wonder, ‘Which way do I go?’ These are the people you can turn to. Take advantage of the fact that they are here for you,” said Tranter. He pointed to those who filled the room: parents, grandparents, teachers, peers, and staff as well as local law enforcement who are and will be supportive as well as lending an ear for trials in life.
The conclusion of the DARE program with Officer William Frazier was held Friday April 29. He briefly touched on topics that were discussed within the classroom about avoiding peer pressure to use drugs, recognizing bullying and internet safety, which has become a significant topic as students expend more time on computers.
For the second year in a row Liam Talbot, 18, also a W-H student spoke to the graduates.
He reminded them of the numerous medical challenges he faces day to day, as he was born with arsenic poisoning. He has relied on the first responders in our towns to assist him in his sickest days. As he recalled his trip last year with the Make-A-WishFoundation he exclaimed that no matter how bad things are you can make the right choice and ask for help.
“I choose to be positive and I would not change one single thing about my life,” said Talbot.
There were several awards given to students who participated regularly in class and also best poster submission.
Mason Giove received a standing ovations from his peers and teachers as he was named the recipient of the Liam Talbot award by Officer Frazier.
Giove had a cancerous tumor in his brain at the age of 18 mos. and despite his daily medical challenges as he enters his pre-teen years he is friendly, uplifting to others, and chooses to take each day on with a positive attitude.
A couple from Whitman succumbed to their injuries after a rotten tree fell on their car in a freak accident in Abington on Sunday morning during stormy weather.
Franklin Teixeira, 49, who was driving, and his wife Manuela, 52, were identified as the victims by Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz.
Their adult son Frank Teixeira works in the Whitman-Hanson school district technology department.
“At Whitman-Hanson, we are deeply saddened by the untimely loss of Frank Teixeira’s parents. We are keeping Frank, a valued member of our Technology Department, in our thoughts and prayers.” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ruth Gilbert-Whitner.
“The tree, which was rotten and hollow, was completely uprooted and appears to have fallen as a result of the morning’s high winds and snow. The tree fell through power lines and disrupted service at 255 Rockland Street for a time,” Plymouth County DA Timothy Cruz said in a press release.
The incident was investigated by Abington Police, State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office and State Police Crime Scene Services and Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
HALIFAX — Members of the Plymouth County Technical Rescue team rescued a 51-year-old man from a trench after the land gave way around him Tuesday morning.
Paul Brown of Plymouth was approximately eight feet down in a yard on South Street in Halifax on Tuesday morning when the earth around him collapsed.
“He was conscious the whole time, “said Halifax Fire Chief Jason Viveiros.
It took rescuers two hours to free Brown.
“We were in constant communication with him and he was receiving advanced life support treatment as the team was working to free him,” Viveiros said.
Chief Viveiros along with Lt. Rob O’Brien of Hanson fire spoke to media following the intensive rescue effort. A long backboard with several pulley systems was secured to heavy ropes as the group slowly and methodically pulled Brown up.
“They used small army-type shovels to move the dirt as any heavy machinery could jeopardize the victim; dumping more dirt on him,” said O’Brien who is part of the Plymouth County Technical Rescue team.
After securing the trench for members to enter, buckets were moved by rotating firefighters who were taking turns in the hole lifting dirt out. Fire chiefs as well as their fire department members who are specially trained in technical rescues represented many towns on the South Shore.
A portable heating unit was placed with flexible tubes in the ground while the man was trapped as he began to show signs of hypothermia.
It appeared Brown suffered from possible lower extremity injuries, said Viveiros.
Brown who works for Evergreen Landscaping was in the trench working when the area collapsed around him. Another person who was not injured had operated an excavator.
They continuously talked with him letting him know that there were specialists to help get him out, the ‘best of the best’ who constantly train for these rescues, said Viveiros in an effort to keep the victim calm.
The homeowner said Brown was speaking to her and expressed that he didn’t think he could get out when she called 911 after 9 a.m. Tuesday. She said she could see him moving the dirt with his hands but he could not free himself.
The repair was involving a septic system unit and was on private property, said Viveiros.
“I just can’t say enough for the support and what they did here – the technical team and the individuals who were here today,” Viveiros said.
The incident’s positive outcome and rescue was very fortunate, he said.
Brown was flown via Med Flight to a Boston Hospital.
OSHA and several state inspectors were on scene throughout the day as part of the investigation, according to Viveiros.
WHITMAN — After a failed child abduction attempt on Lazel Street Friday, Whitman Police have asked for the public’s help in identifying the male who reportedly grabbed a 9-year-old girl in her front yard.
The girl’s grandmother, who talked to the Express on Sunday, was still visibly upset as she recalled the previous day’s events. Whitman police and the Express are not identifying the family name because of safety concerns.
Just after 4:15 p.m. Friday, when her two granddaughters and their friend — all elementary age — were playing outside in the driveway of the family’s Lazel Street home a man came and put his gloved hands over one girl’s mouth.
“She came in the house and said, ‘Nanny there was a man in the driveway, he was whispering something to me and he put his hand on my mouth and he unzipped my jacket,’” the woman said. “She said the man ran away when the other girls came towards the yard.”
The child didn’t hear what the white male whispered but she told police he jumped over a fence and ran when the other girls approached —perhaps startling him, according to police who released the following information:
The suspect is a white male, 5’10”, in his late 20s to early 30s, thin build, clean shaven, with acne on his face. He was wearing black stocking hat, brown jacket, blue jeans, black shoes, and black fingerless gloves.
“My granddaughter is very articulate and she described him in detail to police,” the woman said. “She was comfortable talking with the officer (School Resource Officer Kevin Harrington) who assured her that the school and her teachers would be aware of what happened.
“She had the presence of mind not to panic,” the grandmother continued. “She told the neighbor, her grandfather and the police were here in minutes. She was calm Friday night and was still OK. We thought maybe she would have a tough night sleeping. We clarified with her that this was in fact an event and she was very clear in recalling what happened.”
Whitman police sent out several community alerts regarding the description of the suspect immediately following the occurrence. Whitman Police Department received several reports of persons matching the description of the suspect. Each report was followed up and although the descriptions were close, the suspect was not identified, said police in a press release.
“After an extensive search by the K-9 teams, the suspect was not located. Anyone with information regarding this incident should call the Whitman Police Department at 781-447-1212. Detective Pete Aitken is the lead investigator for this incident.
Deputy Chief Timothy Hanlon said the department is also analyzing surveillance video from area businesses.
WHITMAN — In a final standing ovation for his lifetime of generating music and melody, musician Leonard J. “Lennie” Baker, 69, of Whitman was laid to rest Tuesday at the Colebrook Cemetery surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and classmates.
His bandmate and longtime friend Paul Pennini, also a graduate of W-H and part of the group Paul Wayne and the Wantells, performed “Rock ’n’ Roll is Here to Stay” in front of Baker’s casket — asking those in attendance to rise one last time for Baker. Pennini said the song was his connection to his fellow musician and would forever remain that memory. So he jammed on his guitar with not a dry eye in the room.
As a graduate of Whitman Hanson class of 1963 Baker was a well-known member of the 1950s-style doo-wop group Sha Na Na and appeared on a TV variety show from 1977- 1981. The group made their biggest appearance in the classic movie “Grease” in 1978. Baker sang lead on “Blue Moon,” a song he continued to perform for more than 30 years — even selling out Carnegie Hall. The movie soundtrack album went multi-platinum. He never disregarded smaller venues and hit all the local Boston night clubs, colleges and universities around the country. Fame didn’t change him. “Lennie never left his roots,” said sister- in- law Marcia Baker. “He was a grounded man and he did what he could for his family and the town of Whitman.”
He was always generous and committed to his family. Although he had failing health, he received a kidney transplant from his nephew David Baker, surviving 15 more years. He recently celebrated the anniversary in his life, said the Rev. Sue Webster of Winthrop Church of Holbrook who performed his services. He celebrated the millennium and officially retired Jan. 1, 2000 after playing at the International Dateline in Fiji. He was one of four brothers and his natural gift of music emerged in elementary school when he learned to play the clarinet then the saxophone. He was asked to perform with the W-H high school band while he was still in middle school. He performed early on in his career at local clubs with the musical group the Pilgrims and later The Spellbinders. He joined Sha Na Na in 1970 performing with them for the next 30 years. He sang, played sax and enjoyed life spending time on the water with his two boats, and living in Martha’s Vineyard for several years. However the musician was only one side of Baker’s personality. His family and friends described him as a generous, kind-hearted soul.
Baker’s picture hangs in the W-H Hall of Fame. His first and last public performances were in the presence of his community. He appeared on stage in the musical “Grease” in February 2014 with the cast at W-H under the direction of Laurie Healey, theater director and owner of Dance Dimensions in Whitman. His career came full circle when he appeared in one show with the full cast even though he was in a wheelchair at the time. “I asked him to attend the show and meet the kids…he was so personable,” she said. “He offered to perform ‘Blue Moon’ in the show.” He spoke with the cast, answering questions, and was a classy, wonderful spirit, she said. “He finished where he started off,” said Healey who emphasized how thrilling it was to have him perform and attend their show. Baker had been in failing health recently and died peacefully on Feb 24, at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth.
Hanson bank robbery investigated: A midday bank robbery at the Mutual Bank 430 Liberty St. Thursday, Jan. 28 closed the branch for the rest of the day as authorities investigated the incident.
In a prepared press release Hanson police described the male suspect as approximately 6-feet, 4-inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. He handed the teller a note stating he had a weapon and demanded cash in large bills. No weapon was shown. He was approximately 30 years old with dark hair.
The suspect was wearing lime green nylon pants with a yellow stripe, dark-colored winter jacket, black knight hat, sunglasses, and red and black winter gloves.
The suspect was wearing lime green nylon pants with a yellow stripe, dark-colored winter jacket, black knight hat, sunglasses, and red and black winter gloves. The suspect fled in a small dark colored SUV believed to be a Jeep Liberty or Jeep Compass. The vehicle fled west on Route 14 toward Whitman.
Hanson Police, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department BCI Unit, and the FBI are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hanson Police at 781-293-4625.
A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.
As of Friday afternoon there had been no arrests made, according to Hanson Chief Michael Miksch.
Still keeping her Hanson hometown near to her heart, Kristen Merlin will be home in just a few days to perform after her recent move. She is settled in Nashville, after relocating this fall, where she said she is deeply immersed in writing and defining her musical profession.
Kristen Merlin has moved to Nashville, to further her music career. Photo courtesy www.kristenmerlin.com
“As much as I love the adventure of playing original music, I truly miss my hometown fans and their energy,” she said. “I’m looking forward to experiencing that again at the ‘Country Voices Collide’ concert on Jan. 23 at Plymouth’s Memorial Hall.”
Merlin who will perform at the all-ages show with a full band plans to entertain with her originals from her CD, “Boomerang,” as well as all the fan favorites.
She is anticipating playing her new originals and giving fans a taste of what she has been accomplishing in Nashville.
She regularly participates in writers’ rounds, usually attending two writes a day for several hours with other artists and writers.
“It is a great night of networking and a new sense of adventure for me,” she said.
Merlin has always wanted to take her talents to the next level with her original music.
In an interview with the Express less than two years ago Merlin said becoming known for her own music was her ultimate dream.
“On a national scale I hope for my own words and music to be impressing to others,” she said in 2015.
Merlin has proved time and again that she can belt out all genres of music and has demonstrated her vocal strength in her cover shows developing a fan following on the east coast.
Discovering new stomping grounds, she has been performing before live audiences at some recognizable pubs in Nashville — The Listening room, The Dawghouse Saloon, Tin Roof Bar, known for its laid back style and live music sets, and the Pour House to name a few.
“It’s nice to have fans come to listen to your original material,” she said. “The Listening room has certain nights dedicated for musicians to showcase their talents. I have been performing and writing. It’s been busy.”
The move to Nashville was a worthy choice as she was continuously traveling back and forth.
“I can be a lot more productive while I am here. It felt like the right time to make that next step to be full-time in Nashville,” she said.
She was exhilarated to recently co–write with Lance Carpenter, a well-known songwriter who penned “Love Me Like You Mean It,” performed by rising pop-country singer Kelsea Ballerini.
Over the Christmas holiday Merlin performed with “Country Girls in the City” at Loretta’s Last Call in Boston. The group was combined with regulars who perform in the group: New England to Nashville.
“We played to a packed house,” she said.
Merlin’s last all ages show, which was jammed with hometown fans and friends was at the annual Marshfield Fair last summer.
She recently became part of the McPherson guitars family last year and is endorsed by Kevin Michael carbon fiber guitars. The guitar is made of carbon fiber and is unlike any wood guitar.
“The McPherson guitars caught my attention with the Kevin Michael line. It has become one of my new favorite toys. The sounds that I can get out of this guitar are beautiful,” she said.
The process of writing sometimes is built on a single word or hook. With her ear trained on sounds, for Merlin, writing rounds are often inspired by simple conversation.
“Something usually jumps out. Listening and working with different writers has brought diverse experiences in each session and each level is a step towards creating a song,” she said.
Honed in on her writing she is motivated to challenge herself and steadily evolve musically.
Merlin recently sat and wrote with Jake Worthington runner up on NBC’s “The Voice: Season Six.”
“He’s a friend first, and fellow musician. I enjoy trading stories . . . checking in and seeing his path musically,” she said. “Each one of us is still taking the journey she said of her fellow Voice competitors. Merlin progressed to the top five on Team Shakira on NBC’s Season Six in 2014.