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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Behavioral Health Manager to Oversee Elder Mental Health Outreach Team and other Behavioral Health Programs

August 7, 2023 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Deana Andrade, LICSW, MSW has been promoted to Behavioral Health Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns.

Deana Andrade, LICSW, MSW

Andrade has been with OCES for 11 years and has been promoted several times – from Supportive Housing Specialist intern to Home Care Case Manager, to Consumer Advocate to Behavioral Health Supervisor. In her most recent position, Andrade developed Behavioral Health Programs including ANCHOR (Advocating and Navigating Care in the Home for Ongoing Risks, as well as the Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT), and the Clutter Reduction Support Program (CRSP).

Andrade holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University and Master of Social Work from University of New England in Maine. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. (NASW).

In her new role as OCES’ Behavioral Health Manager, Andrade will oversee behavioral health initiatives including ANCHOR and EMHOT, as well as hoarding and clutter reduction programs. Her responsibilities will also include conducting in-home assessments and supervising contracted LICSWs and clinical social work-related committees. Andrade will provide supportive consultation, assessment, and referral services to OCES staff in matters concerning behavioral health issues affecting the well-being of OCES’ consumers. In addition, she will facilitate support groups with/for Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Resource Network as needed.

Over the years, Andrade has served as a Facilitator in Buried in Treasures Workshops, and she provides clinical supervision to Social Work interns. She is the Chairperson of OCES’ Ethics Committee, The Social Work Licensure Program Coordinator and Internship Committee Coordinator. She is also a member of Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Resource Network (GBAH).

Elder Mental Health Outreach at OCES
OCES’ Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) offers behavioral health and wellness supports to older adults and individuals with disabilities (who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care. OCES’ EMHOT supports older adults who have complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term case management to improve overall wellbeing. OCES’ team provides counseling, support, referrals, and resources on a case-by-case basis.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Behavioral Health Manager to Oversee Elder Mental Health Outreach Team and other Behavioral Health ProgramsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Quality and Contracts Manager

July 27, 2023 // by admin

Vicky Rateau, LSW

BROCKTON, NORTH ATTLEBORO AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has promoted Vicky Rateau, LSW to Quality and Contracts Manager.

In her new role as Quality and Contracts Manager, Rateau will implement and monitor all facets of the provider contract process and ensure a robust, coordinated provider-services network for OCES consumers. She will also facilitate and monitor quality compliance across the organization and provide oversight. Prior to her promotion, Rateau held the position of OCES’ Quality and Contracts Supervisor for two years, overseeing the provider services team and maintaining provider contracts.

Rateau graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Boston with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a minor in Biology. She holds a License in Social Work (LSW).

She is a resident of North Attleboro, MA.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Quality and Contracts ManagerRead More

Naturally turning back the hands of time. REVERSE Beauty Skin Serum launched.

July 27, 2023 // by admin

REVERSE Beauty Skin Serum was the inspiration of a romantic date and the search for youth. Janice Pringle, now a Kingston, MA resident, met her now-husband who was 11 years her junior, and realized the clock was ticking. Her quest for eternal youth began.

After a year of experimentation in her kitchen, she found the perfect natural formula that gave her the glowing skin she had been searching for. She kept it a secret for years until friends and family couldn’t resist asking her about her glowing complexion. Thus, REVERSE Beauty was born – a brand dedicated to the power of natural ingredients in achieving beautiful skin.

As a former healthcare and pharmaceutical industry professional, Pringle understood the importance of natural ingredients and the impact of skincare on overall health. Her passion for natural skincare stems from the loss of her father to skin cancer, motivating her to be even more dedicated to the importance of caring for your skin.

REVERSE Beauty Skin Serum includes the natural ingredients including calming lavender oil, which soothes and moisturizes, while killing acne’s-causing bacteria; wrinkle fighting retinol (vitamin A), an anti-aging essential, retinol helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while also restoring collagen; hydrating coconut oil, one of the best ways to hydrate skin as well as strength it and act as the skin’s natural barrier; soothing tea tree oil with antimicrobial and anti- inflammatory; tea tree oil that keep skin clean and clear; brightening Vitamin C which fights wrinkles and dark spots and works to promote collagen, an essential element in building strong, elastic skin; whole leaf aloe, which help to soothe and hydrate to promote a healthy and radiant complexion; vitamin-rich rosehip oil, which is an effective moisturizer and builds collagen to reverses sun damage; and nourishing amla oil, full of fatty acids and antioxidants to soften skin, hydrate deeply and prevent acne, eczema and rosacea.

REVERSE Beauty helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, and helps with eczema, psoriasis, acne, as well as cuts, burns and bug bites, while providing deep hydration and nourishment to the skin. It is an all-in-one skin care product and is lightweight to provide a smooth and silky texture, suitable for all skin types. It absorbs quickly, leaving the skin refreshed and revitalized.

The product is sold in one ounce designer packaging for $33.00. The product is made in small batches and is available online at www.ReverseBeauty.org, and several South Shore of Massachusetts boutique outlets including Apricot Lane, Duxbury, MA; Stacy Savage Salon, Plymouth, MA and Beauty Bar by Jen, Bridgewater, MA.

Naturally turning back the hands of time. REVERSE Beauty Skin Serum launched.Read More

Honey Dew Proud to be this Year’s Title Sponsor of Par for the Cure! Golf Tournament, Dinner & Silent Auction on September 26th in Kingston

July 13, 2023 // by admin

HINGHAM, NORWELL, PLAINVILLE AND KINGSTON, MA…Tee up! Type One presents Par for the Cure Golf Tournament, Dinner and Silent Auction on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 in Kingston, MA.

For the third consecutive year, Type One, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Hingham, along with Type One Fitness of Norwell, will hold a golf tournament, dinner and silent auction to raise funds for type 1 diabetes research and to assist those living with the autoimmune disease.

Presented by Type One and sponsored by Honey Dew, Par for the Cure golf tournament will be held at Indian Pond Country Club, 60 Country Club Way, Kingston, MA 02364. The private 18-hole championship golf course is perfect for golfers of all abilities. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. with a scramble shotgun start at 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by cocktail reception and dinner at 5:00 p.m. Player registration is $225. Type One supporters who would like to just attend the dinner and silent auction may purchase the dining-only experience for $50.

There will be a $10,000 hole-in-one prize as well as raffle prizes.

“As Honey Dew celebrates 50 years in business, we are honored to be this year’s title sponsor of the Par for the Cure golf tournament. We have supported this organization from the very beginning as they provide the resources and support that make a huge difference in people’s lives. Type 1 diabetes is a horrible disease and it must be cured, period! We are delighted to be part of that endeavor,” said Richard J. Bowen, president and founder of Honey Dew.

“We’re honored that Honey Dew is our title sponsor this year and we consider them one of our strongest partners,” said Paul Foti, co-founder of Type One. “Dick Bowen of Honey Dew has been onboard with Type One since day one and our first Renegade Run over a decade ago.”

The event raises critical funds that support type 1 diabetes research; provide qualifying recipients with assistance for diabetes management and treatment; and provide scholarships to local children with type 1 diabetes to attend type 1 diabetes camp.

Over $60,000. was raised last at last year’s tournament, and this year, Type One’s goal is to raise $75,000.

Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. This event is open to all ages and abilities.

Sponsor opportunities are available and include: Premier Sponsorship $5,000; Major Sponsorship $3,000; Benefactor Sponsorship $1,500; Partner Sponsorship $750; and Tee Sponsorship $200.

To become a sponsor or to register for the event, visit:
www.typeonefitness.org/par-for-the-cure

Type One Impact
Just over one in 10 Americans have diabetes, according to findings from the CDC’s National Diabetes Statistics Report. Not only that, but there has been a significant increase in new diagnosed cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes among youth in the U.S.

Over the past decade, Type One has made an incredible impact toward their mission of funding research to cure type 1 diabetes and supporting those in need of help to manage their disease through unique fundraising events such as annual Renegade Run Obstacle Course Race and annual Par and Serve for the Cure tournaments. These events have generated over $223,000.
in support of families and individuals living with type 1 diabetes, as well as in support of research at the Faustman Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). The Faustman Lab is focused on discovering and developing new treatments for type 1 diabetes, a vaccine for the reversal of long-term type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. For more information on the Faustman Lab at MGH and type 1 diabetes, visit www.faustmanlab.org

About Honey Dew
What started as a “cubby hole” in Mansfield, MA of June 6th, 1973 has become a celebration of 50 years. Honey Dew is New England’s largest locally owned donut and coffee shop chain with more than 100 stores and an extensive menu with inventive new offerings! Plainville, MA is Honey Dew’s home base. For more information, visit www.honeydewdonuts.com

About Type One, Inc.
Type One, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, recognizes a world free of type 1 diabetes and is dedicated to that future by raising public awareness and funds toward a cure through research. Type One, Inc. was founded in 2012 by a group of South Shore residents to support their friend Tyson Sunnerberg, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, when he was 21 years old. The first ever Renegade Run Obstacle Course Race was held in 2012, raising awareness and funds toward a cure. Since then, Type One, Inc. has incorporated the Type One Cares campaign which is dedicated to building a community to assist those affected by type 1 diabetes with support, education and endowment, so they can live a powerful life beyond the diagnosis. In their commitment to expanding and enhancing support for the many families and individuals living with diabetes throughout the South Shore, Type One, Inc., headquartered in Hingham, MA, launched Type One Fitness in Norwell, MA, the first athletic center with a focus on diabetes wellness that is dedicated to building a culture of good health, well-being and inclusion for youth and families.  Visit www.typeonefitness.org.

Honey Dew Proud to be this Year’s Title Sponsor of Par for the Cure! Golf Tournament, Dinner & Silent Auction on September 26th in KingstonRead More

When media goes rogue–and it will

July 13, 2023 // by admin

Steve Dubin, PR Works, outlined PR and marketing tips for the New Hampshire-based Evolution Business Development group.

When media goes rogue–and it willRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Honors Volunteers with Awards and Appreciation Luncheon

July 12, 2023 // by admin

Front row, left to right:  Rick Alvarnaz, Sharon Perry, Rochelle Degany, Sophia Loc-Tringali, Sandra Saltzman, Kathleen Breen, Christina Butta, John Tuffy, Sharon Frank, Peter Keohan, Nancy McDermott, Cidalia America and Kari Anderson.

Back row, left to right:  Steve Meissner, Anne-Marie Borsje, Joanne Protasewich, Sherry Williamson, Mi Kim, David Drain, and Paul McDermott

BROCKTON, DUXBURY, EASTON, HALIFAX, KINGSTON, MIDDLEBORO, PLYMOUTH, STOUGHTON, WAREHAM, MA… More than 220 volunteers from Southeastern Massachusetts attended Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and awards ceremony held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA.

The Plymouth County based non-profit agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities honored their volunteers and presented special awards to 22 volunteers.

OCES is a National President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Certifying Organization which honors outstanding volunteers and recognizes the impact they make. Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Program Manager and Cidalia America, Volunteer Coordinator hosted the event and bestowed the awards.

Sharon Frank of Wareham was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.  The PVSA’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes 4000+ volunteer hours in a lifetime.

The Annual Gold Award is given to those who have volunteered for more than 500 hours during the year. The PVSA’s Annual Gold Award was presented to Anne-Marie Borsje, David Drain, Peter Keohan, Mi Kim, Nancy McDermott, Joanne Protasewich, Sophia Loc-Tringali, John Tuffy, Gary Peterson, Marie Claire Ording, Richard Shoemaker and Sherry Williamson of Duxbury; Steve Meissner of Easton; Christina Butta of Middleboro; Kathleen Breen of Plymouth; and Sandra Saltzman of Stoughton.

OCES’ Make a Difference Award recognizes exceptional volunteers for their dedication to helping others making an impact on the community. Sharon Perry of Halifax, along with OCES staff members and volunteers Rochelle Degany, Rick Alvarnaz, Paul and Neal Mullen were each presented with the Make a Difference Award.

“We recognize and thank all of our generous volunteers for their tremendous dedication to helping others in our community and making the world a better place,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES.

More about the PVSA
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action too. Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.  As an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee, OCES receives funds through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for volunteers age 55+. RSVP of Plymouth County (RSVP-PC) volunteers help OCES and other local agencies that are Community Service Partners.

Volunteering for OCES
The Volunteer Program supports OCES and other RSVP-PC Community Service Partners. With the help of more than 550 Nutrition Program volunteers, OCES serves 2,000 meals each weekday as part of its Meals on Wheels Program. Money Management Program (MMP) volunteers assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks, and in special cases, negotiating debt with creditors. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, MMP and RSVP Community Advisory councils and contribute to many other important efforts.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit www.ocesma.org.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Honors Volunteers with Awards and Appreciation LuncheonRead More

Making the Most of Type E Mounted Units. eBook offered by Emerson Bearing

July 7, 2023 // by admin

BOSTON, MA… Emerson Bearing, a Boston, MA-based bearing company catering to niche markets nationwide and the sister company of Action Bearing which serves the New England market, announces the availability of a complimentary eBook and other online resources for Type E Mounted Bearings.

Emerson Bearing meets the needs of customers that require bearings that are both high capacity and rugged. Type E Mounted Units have become a mainstay in electric motors, manufacturing, mining, petroleum and robotics.

The company’s latest eBook on Type E mounted bearings outlines additional details about standard and split housing styles, as well as vital information about mounting, lubrication, shelf life and more. Topics covered include:

– Benefits of each style
– Industries & applications
– Lubrication
– Mounting instructions
– Shelf life & storage

The “Type E Mounted Units” eBook is available for download at EmersonBearing.com.

Secondary Seal Guide Available
The Type E mounted unit is widely used in heavy duty applications. The add on of a secondary seal has broadened the range of applications where customers can get improved life.

A complimentary PDF for Type E Secondary Sealing System is also available for download at EmersonBearing.com.

“Type E units are among our top sellers for their overall ruggedness and their cost-effective, efficient design,” said Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing. “Our eBook provides comprehensive information about selecting the proper bearing, installation, shelf life and much more.”

Emerson Bearing’s complimentary eBook can be downloaded from their website.
To download “Type E Mounted Units” eBook, visit Emerson Bearing’s Resource Library on their website: https://www.emersonbearing.com/resources-library/bearing-products/

Emerson Bearing serves 16 major markets and their team of experts can assist with bearing solutions. To speak with a Marketing Specialist or request a quote, contact 800-225-4587 or visit EmersonBearing.com.

About Emerson Bearing Boston
Founded in 1957, Emerson Bearing Boston specializes in bearings for niche markets nationwide. The company provides solutions to a variety of industries including: aggregate, concrete, mining, machine tools, electric motor repair, marine, material handling, metal processing, packaging, food processing, paper converting, printing, wind/power generation, recreation, heavy construction, robotics, automation, transportation, wood products, wastewater treatment, pump, compressor and oil field.

Emerson Bearing Boston offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings – ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring
15-foot-diameter giants; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing Boston has become a leading provider of bearings in the U.S. They are the sister company of Action Bearing, which serves the New England market, and maintain headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, visit www.emersonbearing.com or call 800-225-4587.

Making the Most of Type E Mounted Units. eBook offered by Emerson BearingRead More

Hundreds participate in March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

July 7, 2023 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and Plymouth Center for Active Living (CAL), recently held “March Against Elder Abuse” events in Brockton and Plymouth to raise awareness of elder abuse.

“Last year, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs reported 37,918 reports of elder abuse in the state,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “It is estimated that 1 in 10 elders have experienced some form of abuse – physical, mental, emotional or financial. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to increase awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. Both of our Marches Against Elder Abuse events were extremely well-attended, and we cannot thank our community enough for coming together to raise awareness of this important issue. We must continue to work together- if you see something, say something!”

Raising Awareness in Brockton
The Brockton March Against Elder Abuse event, which included a rally at the Brockton Rox Campanelli Stadium and luncheon, held at the Shaw’s Center on June 15, 2023, which is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Senator Michael Brady and Representative Rita Mendes were among 150 in attendance.

Special guest speakers during this event included: Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald; Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan; Janice Fitzgerald, Director at the Brockton Council on Aging; and Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services Director at OCES.

The “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” in memory of Pat Foley, a longtime OCES employee, volunteer and advocate, was presented to Janice Fitzgerald, Director of COA, and Dottie Slack Health Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Brockton COA.

Raising Awareness in Plymouth
Over 100 were in attendance, including Representative Kathleen LaNatra and Representative Mathew Muratore, for the March Against Elder Abuse event along Water Street, in Plymouth on June 21, 2023. A luncheon was held at Tavern on the Wharf following the March. Special guest speakers included: Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald; Michelle Bratti, Director of Elder Affairs at the Center for Active Living (CAL); and Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services Director of OCES.

Plymouth Police Chief Dana Flynn presented the “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” to Lt. Reid and Officers Antonson and Lapollo of the Plymouth Police Department and to Lindsay Reik and April Thompson of Plymouth CAL.

OCES would like to thank the event sponsors: Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; Women of the Moose Chapter 2218; HarborOne Bank; Bluestone Bank; Rockland Federal Credit Union; Sevita; Almeida & Carlson Insurance Agency, Anodyne, and Navicare.

Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 older adults aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physical health, and dementia. Nationally, at least $36.5 billion annually is lost by victims of financial abuse according to the National Council on Aging.

OCES’ Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving elder abuse. When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.

If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you want to file a report on elder abuse, please contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275.

About WEAAD
WEAAD was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations in 2006. To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/

Hundreds participate in March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth for World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead More

Massachusetts cannabis entrepreneur who brought focus to unfair “impact fees” charged by municipalities blasts city for unfair collection practices.

June 30, 2023 // by admin

HAVERILL, June 29, 2023–The Haverhill, Massachusetts cannabis entrepreneur whose lawsuit has shined a spotlight on the state’s controversial law allowing municipalities to collect “impact fees” from cannabis retailers is accusing her host city of unfair collection of the fees.

Caroline Pineau, owner of Stem Haverhill, recently requested that Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini place the three impact fees paid by Stem since its 2019 opening into an interest-bearing escrow account. Pineau’s request came after the Lawrence Eagle-Tribune newspaper reported that other cannabis retailers in the city had made one or no payments.

“I find this to be an extraordinary, and indefensible, double standard,” Pineau wrote in her June 26 letter, which requested that her three payments remain in escrow until the city “enacts a consistent and equitable impact fee payment or non-payment policy” applicable to all cannabis businesses.

” I also request that the city refrain from all future impact fee collections until a clear and equitable payment policy is in place. I find it disturbing that the city is negotiating on a store-by-store basis rather than establishing an across-the-board policy that treats all operators fairly and equally,” Pineau continued.

Stem has made three impact fee payments to the Haverhill, totaling $887,487.91. The payments were made on May 28, 2021 ($358,942.53), May 31, 2022 ($328,568.35) and June 1, 2023 ($199,977.03).

The June 15 Lawrence Eagle-Tribune story cited city records showing that the city’s other three cannabis retail shops have paid far less than Stem in impact fees. Full Harvest Moonz has made a single payment of $314,246 and CNA Stores has made a single payment of $176,864. The third shop, Mello, has made no impact fee payments.

Pineau, who filed suit against Haverhill in 2021 in part to force Haverhill to produce documentation of actual cost impacts to the city by Stem’s cannabis sales, said her efforts have generated significant attention to municipalities collecting impact fees without demonstrating actual impacts. Since Pineau began her legal battle, several communities have returned the impact fees or have declined to collect any more fees.

“I’m grateful that my legal efforts have benefited many individual operators and the industry in general, but those efforts have come at a great legal cost borne by me alone. To see that other operators in Haverhill are not being forced to pay the fees while I still am discouraging and incredibly unfair,” Pineau said.

Pineau’s suit against Haverhill is still pending.

Massachusetts cannabis entrepreneur who brought focus to unfair “impact fees” charged by municipalities blasts city for unfair collection practices.Read More