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.

W-H junior named to All-Star Classic game

By Nathan Rollins
Express correspondent

McAleer shines for Shriners: Whitman-Hanson/Silver Lake girls’ hockey is sending a player to skate in this year’s Shriners All-Star Classic. Forward Melanie McAleer has been selected to compete in the event.

The Shriners All-Star Classic is a showcase of the best and most talented hockey players across Massachusetts. The game is played to help raise money for Shriners Hospitals for Children, specifically for the Aleppo Transportation Fund. Every year, the event raises thousands of dollars for the hospitals. The event illustrates the devotion Shriners Hospitals for Children has for their patients.

WHSL co-captain Mel McAleer, a junior forward, has been selected to participate in the seventh annual Shriners All-Star Hockey Classic on Saturday, March 26.
Photo by Sue Moss

McAleer said being one of a handful of girls chosen to take part in the action is a tremendous gesture.

“To play in the Shriners All-Star Classic Game is truly an honor,” the junior said. “I always knew that the players that were picked to participate are highly respected on and off the ice and it is truly a privilege to be one of them this year.”

The game, which is scheduled for Friday, March 26 at the in Loring Arena in Framingham, held an orientation on Feb. 6 at the Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School. It was there, that the players took team and individual pictures had the chance to meet with their coaches. McAleer said it was an incredible feeling to be among some of the best hockey players around but that’s not the real reason the game is held.

“What inspired me most during the orientation, was the video presentation that was shown of the patients that Shriners has helped,” McAleer said. “Listening to their stories made me understand why they bring us all together. It is awesome to be considered one of the best hockey players in the state, but it feels much better to be looked to with the responsibility of raising money for such a great organization.”

The 17-year-old McAleer said the sport of hockey drew her in at a young age and she has pursued it ever since.

“My family has always been into hockey, but my love for the game was natural,” McAleer said. “I always loved skating and when I was 7-year-old, my mom finally agreed to let me start playing. Ever since then, I haven’t stopped loving it.”

Whitman-Hanson / Silver Lake girl’s hockey coach, Kevin Marani, said McAleer has an incredible amount of talent on the ice.

“[She’s] an amazing strong skater with great stickhandling and a hard shot,” Marani, who coached McAleer for one year in youth hockey, said. “What separates Mel from most of the players is her unselfishness, commitment and leadership. Those three characteristics are paramount to our team’s success.

McAleer has notched 26 goals and complied 13 assists so far this season.

Weymouth man charged in Hanson bank robbery: Michael Neumeyer 40, of Weymouth has been arrested in connection with the Thursday, Jan. 28 robbery of the Mutual Bank branch at 430 Liberty St., Hanson.   

Michael Neumeyer 40, of Weymouth has been arrested in connection with the Thursday, Jan. 28 robbery of the Mutual Bank branch at 430 Liberty St., Hanson.

Neumeyer was taken into custody without incident at about 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29 at his residence located on Avalon Dr. Weymouth by Hanson Police with the assistance of Weymouth Police Department.  Hanson Police had obtained information from witnesses that lead to the apprehension of Neumeyer. 

After his arrest, Neumeyer was transported back to the Hanson Police Department and booked on the charges of armed robbery and larceny over $250.

Search Warrants were obtained for his residence and vehicle. Clothing matching the description worn by the robber, a pellet gun, and cash were seized along with a black 2007 Jeep Cherokee. 

The incident continues to be and ongoing investigation, according toa statement issued by Hanson Police.

Neumeyer is being held at the Plymouth County House of Correction on $50,000 cash bail pending his arraignment on Monday Feb. 1. 

Weymouth Police, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI assisted in this investigation. 

Clothing matching the description worn by the robber, a pellet gun, and cash were seized along with a black 2007 Jeep Cherokee.

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.

At approximately 12:50 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, the Mutual Bank branch on Liberty Street in Hanson was robbed. The scene is still active and under investigation by the Hanson police. The Express will provide more details as they become available.

Scene of the robbery midday Thursday on Liberty Street in Hanson. The Mutual Bank branch will be closed for the rest of the business day.
Photo by Stephanie Spyropoulos

The goal in sight: WH hoops alums fundraise for grandkids of coach

HANSON — PJ Fisher, 3, and his little sister Jovi, 1, are like a lot of children — he loves train sets and hanging out with his grandpa and she has a favorite blanket to snuggle.

But an eye exam at 10 days old, confirmed PJ had bilateral retinoblastoma, a genetic mutation that causes tumors to grow in the retina. His sister was diagnosed in-utero and was delivered prematurely to permit surgery on her right eye.

“My eye was sick,” as PJ puts it now. “We had to heal it.”

PJ Fisher, 3, says ‘Swiss cheese’ for the camera as his dad, Paul Sr. looks on while discussing his children’s retinal tumors. Photo by Tracy Seelye

It’s not quite that simple. PJ and Jovi have to have MRIs every six months, if not sooner, to monitor their eye tumors and any potential growth in their brains. They also have very routine eye exams under anesthesia (EUA) on a monthly or bi-monthly schedule. The EUAs will continue for the rest of their lives.

Tumors had also started to show up on photos, such as at PJ’s baptism when he was 3 months old, according to his mom Kate Daley-Fisher.

“It started glowing white [in photos],” she said. “It’s a big movement called ‘Know the Glow.’”

Red-eye in photos is normal, a white spot is a sign of trouble.

“It’s pretty obvious when you see it,” said the children’s maternal grandmother Maureen Daley.

Reaching out

W-H girls’ basketball alumnae who played for PJ’s grandfather, James Daley when he coached the Lady Panthers, have stepped up to help fund some of the children’s medical costs. Their fund-raising goal is $10,000.

As the song puts it, “That’s what friends are for.”

It still elicits an emotional response from their former coach.

“I see a lot of them at different times and we do connect and get some nice Christmas notes,” Daley said of his former players Sunday evening. “This took me by surprise. They’ve really done a wonderful thing.”

One of those former players, Susan Cole of Whitman, said she and Kate (Buckley) Lussier are “planning to give back” with a fundraiser at the Meadow Brook Restaurant from 7 to 11 p.m., Saturday Feb. 20.

“At W-H Mr. Daley touched so many kids’ lives,” Cole said. “It’s time for us to start to give back to them.”

Admission is $20 per ticket. Baskets for raffle range from Bruins ticket packages to an overnight stay at the Cape, gift card tree and much more. At this point there are 20 baskets up for raffle as well as cash prizes.

“Mr. Daley was a huge part of my life and our family,” Cole said. “Mrs. Daley babysat my son from the time he was 6 months old. I want people to realize this family wouldn’t seek anything out and they’ve handled this like champs — they are those people who just do, do, do, including Kate and her husband Paul.”

Daley-Fisher was also touched by the gesture.

“It’s really nice,” she said. “It’s nice to see them come together and want to help.”

Future risk

Retinoblastoma carries a higher risk for secondary cancers and sarcomas, so PJ and Jovi will be watched very carefully. They also will pass the genetic mutation on to their children.

The children inherited the mutation from their dad.

There are about 200 cases of bilateral retinoblastoma diagnosed each year, but there are “tons” of mutations, Daley-Fisher said. Her children and husband are three of only four people with their specific mutation.

“I’m the first one to have it,” Paul Fisher Sr. said. PJ is a family nickname for Paul Jr. “When they found mine it was pretty much by accident because my mother had brought me to the doctor for an ear infection.”

During that examination, Fisher’s eye tumors were discovered.

“Our kids’ form is hereditary,” said Daley-Fisher. “Not all forms are. We were told of would be a 50/50 chance one of our children would get it. We just hit the jackpot and got two.”

Daley-Fisher is a teacher in Randolph and her husband is self-employed shipping contractor. The couple reside in Holbrook.

PJ’s left eye was removed due to spreading tumors in the fall, when daily radiation appointments forced his mom to take a leave of absence from teaching. She is now back at work.

“He likes to say, ‘I fixed my eye’ and hands it to you,” Daley-Fisher said of PJ. “He’s trying to get used to it — it doesn’t fit right yet.”

Carrying on for Kent:  Pinewood car workshop honors late scoutmaster

WHITMAN — Cub Scout Pack 22 hosted a tri-town Pinewood Derby workshop Saturday at the Cardinal Spellman Center in Whitman.  Dozens of volunteer carpenters and parents loaned and operated tools for the carving and building process of the wooden cars.

BUILT FOR SPEED: Jackson Preskins, top right, holds up the winner of the practice trials during the annual Pinewood Derby Workshop Jan. 9. Photo by Stephanie Spyropoulos

Going forward, the workshop will be named the Scott Kent Workshop for Pinewood Derby after the longtime scout leader and volunteer. Kent lost his battle with pancreatic cancer just days before Christmas less than six weeks ago.

He was a longtime Whitman resident — a volunteer for many years as well as a cabinet and furniture maker and a union tradesman. He was phenomenal with his hands, said Mike Warner Boy Scoutmaster and longtime leader and friend.

“He always organized the volunteers for the pinewood workshop,” Warner said. “The kids would draw what they wanted and he would work with them on how they could achieve the finished cars.”

Kent was strongly involved while his son was younger and then he often gave his time volunteering for events and racing his own pinewood car in the adult races.

“Something will be in the works to honor Scott we are working on that,” Warner said.   

Kent’s son Hayden, who is in his early 20s completed his rank as Eagle  Scout and is still very involved with the troop as an assistant scout master.

“Scott was one of those people who came to work behind the scenes,” Warner said. “At the pancake breakfast he would cook. He was the guy who would quietly make it happen. He was never concerned over recognition. He was just there for the boys.”

Warner’s own son, now 22, is also still a volunteer for the 11-18 years of age group.

“He was a friend to all,” Warner recalled about Kent.  “He was the first guy to say, ‘What do you need and how can I help?’”

In Saturday’s workshop, which had been started by Kent in the early 2000s and ran for approximately four hours, Cub Scouts applied pictures of how their wooden cars would look in pencil for the  upcoming derby, which is only a few weeks away. They were assisted with light direction but for the most part each Cub Scout finished his own project.

Gabe Newman, 11, of Whitman designed his car to look like an ant. It was black with a white eye on the side. Some scouts chose sports car designs, others the classics. Numerous designs lay to dry at the paint station with unique details such as lightning rods, flames, lucky numbers, as well as stripes and initials.

The Pinewood Derby is a long-standing tradition at the beginning of year for each age group of the scouts.

Building their own wooden car from start to finish and completing the project for the most part on their own is a great self-esteem builder, said volunteer and mom Crissy Pruitt.

She assisted her son in a few of the stations, mostly involving tools, but Tyler, 7, wanted to create everything himself.

“They can see they are a part of something,” said Pruitt who said her older son Jake, 10 won two years.

“It is a great project for them to be involved in,” she said.

Saturday was a day of completion carrying out their vision in a five-ounce piece of wood.

Cubmaster Robb Preskins and other volunteer den leaders and assistants took turns at the official weight center. Some of the boys held their breath as they eagerly watched to see if their car made the weight limit.

Each year the kids enthusiastically await the event, but believe it or not the parents have officially been entered into the “friendly competition”.  It has long been a passion of many den leaders to have their own cars while evoking childhood memories of their own Pinewood Derbies.

Helen O’Reilly said she loves watching the kids make their “cool” cars.  They understand the event is just for fun, but there is a bit of competition that arises, she said.

Growing up with brothers O’Reilly always wanted to be included.  Throwing back to the good ole days she re-created an original 1970 midget car, which she unveiled to her son, Jon, 9, who had no idea his mom would be competing.

“I’m going to beat her,” he said after taking a nanosecond   to gather his thoughts. Suddenly, the pair knew they had their own discreet competition he eyed her like a competitor and ran off to finish painting his car.

The practice track was open to competing siblings and families in the name of amusement.

‘Always a smile’: Nurse mourned after fatal crash

HANSON — Amanda Turner Russell, 32, of Hanover was getting in a training run for the Boston Marathon when she was hit by a car on Winter Street just over the town line in Hanson on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

She died from traumatic injuries to her head and neck on Monday, Dec. 28, according to family spokesman Brian Dever of the Taunton-based Keches Law Group.

Amanda Turner Russell, a labor and delivery nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, was taking a training run for her first Boston Marathon when she was hit by a car in Hanson Dec. 23. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Russell was a labor and delivery nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She leaves an 8-year-old son.

At about noon on Dec. 23, Hanson Police received numerous 911 calls reporting a motor vehicle crash with a person ejected from the vehicle in the area of 854 Winter St., according to Chief Michael Miksch.

“Hanson Police officers working a paid detail in the area arrived to find a motor vehicle had struck a pedestrian and a utility pole,” Miksch stated.

Hanson Fire and Hanover Fire also responded to the scene.

The pedestrian, later identified as Russell, was transported to Brockton Hospital for treatment. She was flown by Med Flight to Boston for further treatment. The operator of the vehicle, a female Hanson resident, was transported to South Shore Hospital for treatment.

Miksch said the driver’s name won’t be released unless charges are filed, but Dever indicated civil action is likely regardless of whether the driver faces charges.

The vehicle involved in the crash is a 2004 Nissan Altima, according to Miksch. The Altima was travelling south on Winter Street when it crossed the roadway and struck Russell. The vehicle then struck a pole, snapping it in half before coming to rest in the center of the roadway.   

National Grid crews responded and shut off power to the area while pole repairs were made — a job that took about an hour. Approximately 480 customers lost power in Hanson and Hanover.

The road remained closed as members of the Hanson Police, Massachusetts State Police, and Plymouth County BCI investigated. The roadway remained closed for the afternoon as crews worked to restore power to the area.  Hanson Police were also assisted by the Hanover Police Department.  The office of Plymouth County DA Timothy Cruz is also investigating, a process that is still ongoing, according to spokesman Beth Stone.

A family steps in

Russell’s son is being looked after by her family members, including her ex-husband and the boy’s grandparents, according to Dever.

“The family is a strong and supportive one,” he said. “There’s an actively involved father. There are grandparents that are actively involved. There are wonderful aunts and an uncle. … Everyone is really trying to do what’s best for Amanda’s 8-year-old son.”

Dever said the family is in the process of setting up a fund for the boy’s education.

“It’s a tragic situation,” he said.

Russell’s colleagues at BIDMC are also mourning her death.

“I had intended no more blog posts for this year, but then Amanda died, and she merits recognition,” former Beth Israel CEO Paul Levy wrote on his “Not Running a Hospital” blog. “She was a loyal friend. Working in the most optimistic part of our hospital, she saw and delivered joy.”

‘shining light’

Levy called her “a shining light in so many ways.”

As Russell was fond of posting sunrise photos on social media (#bidmcsunrise), dozens of her friends are honoring her life on Facebook with #sunrisesforamanda posts of their own sunrise photos, according to Levy.

As of Tuesday, Russell’s Crowdrise page for Team BIDMC had raised $19,073 — 254 percent over her original goal of $7,500 for what would have been her first Boston Marathon run. Her fellow labor and delivery nurse Nancy Eaton told Runner’s World magazine she now plans to run the marathon in Russell’s place — to earn the finishing medal Russell wanted so much.

A GoFundMe page  has been created by Beth Sinibaldi of Marshfield to benefit Russell’s family, raising $26,721 of a  $30,000 goal from donations by 440 people in six days.

“Amanda succumbed to her injuries earlier this week and gave the ultimate gift in her passing, the gift of life,” Sinibaldi wrote Dec. 30. “Amanda was always the first person to help out someone in need, she would always go that extra mile for anyone, and always with a smile on her face.”