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The HR Engineers outline what marijuana legalization means for Employers

The passing of Question 4, which essentially legalized marijuana for recreational use for persons aged 21 and over (with certain provisions) in Massachusetts, brings a number of questions to the forefront for employers. Can employers enforce a “no marijuana smoking” policy during the workday if employees are not on company property? What about employees consuming edibles during their lunch break?

With more than two decades of experience, The HR Engineers, providers of human resource consulting and services for smaller businesses throughout New England, clear the “smoky” air and clarify workplace policies that can be enforced by employers when it comes to marijuana.

First and foremost, there are existing laws prohibiting operating while under the influence or consuming while operating any motorized form of transport or machinery, such as a motor vehicle. Additionally, wherever the smoking of tobacco is prohibited; the smoking of marijuana is prohibited. Nor, can marijuana be consumed in a public place (unless it is an approved marijuana establishment).

An employer is not required to allow or accommodate conduct in the workplace just because it is allowable by law. Similar to workplace policies regarding the consumption of alcohol, employers may enact and enforce policies limiting the consumption of marijuana by employees. This includes smoking and/or consumption of marijuana just prior to the start of the workday and during work hours, regardless of whether or not they are on company property.

The new law does not change the previously enacted law and its regulations allowing marijuana for medical use. So in this regard, employers may maintain their current policies regarding the medical use of marijuana.

“With the passage of Question 4, which regulates marijuana for recreational purposes, employers have expressed a number of concerns,” explained Denise Noble, PHR (Professional in Human Resources), the firm’s founder and senior HR Consultant. “The bottom line is – employers may enact and enforce workplace policies that limit employees’ marijuana consumption, similar to policies that limit alcohol consumption. That being said, all policies and employee handbooks must be updated with very specific language that details these rules and regulations, leaving no ‘gray areas’ or room for interpretation.”

Establishing written policies and procedures helps avoid costly disputes in the workplace. The HR Engineers help employers by working with them to ensure their HR policies and practices are clear and applied consistently. The HR Engineers’ team also works with employers to establish new policies as needed.

To arrange for a complimentary HR compliance review from The HR Engineers, contact 508-785-4950.

About The HR Engineers
The HR Engineers provide outsourced HR services to businesses with 50 or fewer employees throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Founded by Denise Noble, PHR, who has more than 20 years of human resources, accounting and business management experience, The HR Engineers provide tailored solutions to help grow and protect small businesses. From the development of Employee Handbooks, Policies and Procedures to solutions for Optimizing Employee Engagement, Management Coaching, Labor Law, Compliance and more, The HR Engineers provide expert HR solutions to meet a small business’ needs and budget. In-person consultations are offered to companies within a 50-mile radius of their office in Franklin, MA. For more information contact 508-785-4950 or visit thehrengineers.com.

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Media Veteran Dean Mandel Launches Viamark Advertising in New York City

Dean Mandel of Viamark Advertising in New York City.

DATELINE: NEW YORK, NY…

In a Big-Apple move, it was announced today that digital and traditional media pro Dean Mandel will give the #1 media market in the country a local boost with the digital and broadcast solutions of Viamark Advertising. Mandel, a Syracuse grad and 20-year ad veteran, will head up the Viamark NYC metro office beginning this month.

Mandel began his marketing career on the digital side, helping local businesses develop an internet presence back when the concept was barely understood by the rest of the ad world. He honed his digital marketing craft over the years, navigating swift changes in technology and merging his marketing know-how with interactive concepts. His experience includes managing digital platforms in conjunction with traditional broadcast, print and out-of-home assets. Most recently, he served as Vice President and General Sales Manager of CoxReps, the largest television station rep firm in the U.S, where he helped build video solutions to fit the social media landscape.

Mandel’s unique experience, along with the tools and resources of Viamark Advertising, brings a fresh approach to NYC businesses starving for effective, yet cost-attainable campaigns— something for which Viamark has become known. Mark Storie, Viamark’s President, called Dean Mandel “a seasoned dual-media pro that’s difficult to find in today’s messaging climate.” “We’re talking about someone who ‘gets it’ on every level – something from which NYC Metro businesses will truly benefit and thrive. Dean brings incredible savvy to the local table. We’re thrilled to have his knowledge and talent in New York City,” said Storie.

Storie added that recruiting outstanding talent and experience is what makes Viamark’s model so successful. “People like Dean finally give smaller businesses in large cities a critical edge, and more bang for their media dollar. NYC businesses couldn’t ask for a better partner than Dean Mandel,” he said.

For more information, visit viamark.com

About Viamark Advertising

Viamark Advertising is a full-service ad agency with intimate local knowledge, offering ‘tradigital’ (traditional + digital) marketing and advertising to local businesses throughout the east coast. The agency handles over 150 accounts from Massachusetts to South Carolina, and specializes in strategic media buying, planning, and creative services for broadcast, print, digital and social media.

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Old Colony Elder Services Receives $10K Grant from Eastern Bank

Jacquelyn Meekins, Vice President of Eastern Benefits (in center), presented the check to OCES’ Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi (left) and Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services and Money Management Programs Director (right).

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation.

The grant is for OCES’ Money Management Program (MMP), which assists older adults and individuals with disabilities with managing their household finances. The MMP serves individuals with limited income who are at risk of losing their independence due to their inability to pay rent, food and utility bills on a timely basis. MMP volunteers help these individuals by establishing a budget for them, organizing their mail, helping them write checks to pay their bills and balancing their checkbook.

MMP volunteers are needed in all 23 towns that OCES serves. Volunteers receive extensive training from OCES and must adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines. MMP volunteers make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of program participants’ income and expenses.

“We are very grateful for this grant from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “Because of the MMP’s positive impact, we have a number of older adults and individuals with disabilities who are waiting for financial management support. We are in need of MMP volunteers and we encourage those who are able to help to contact us.”

For more information on the MMP program and how to volunteer, visit ocesma.org or call Jean-Marie Doyle, Volunteer Coordinator at 508-584-1561.

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 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 247 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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Rodman CPAs Names Carol Latorre as Tax Manager

Carol Latorre

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm serving small, mid-market, and multi-generational companies throughout the greater Boston area, has named Carol Latorre, CPA, MST as Tax Manager. Ms. Latorre is a resident of Sudbury, MA.

Ms. Latorre is a Certified Public Accountant with 25 years experience in public accounting. In her new role at Rodman CPAs, she will be responsible for individual, partnership and corporate tax management.

Previously, Ms. Latorre was with the tax and accounting firm Fougere & Associates, Inc. in Winchester for 21 years, spending the last 9 years as a Tax Partner. Fougere & Associates merged with the firm of O’Connor & Drew, P.C. in September 2012, and Ms. Latorre continued as a Principal in the firm of O’Connor & Drew, P.C.

Ms. Latorre holds a Bachelor of Art in Business from Northeastern University in Boston and a Master’s degree in Taxation from Bentley University – Elkin B. McCallum Graduate School of Business in Waltham. She is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

For the last decade, Ms. Latorre has been a regular participant in the Pan-Mass Challenge fundraiser for cancer research and treatment at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She looks forward to getting involved with Rodman CPAs’ Volunteer Outreach Team and participating in firm-wide initiatives that give back to the community.

About Rodman CPAs

Rodman CPAs provides tax advisory, accounting, and business strategy to small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses. Named one of Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for, and one of the largest accounting firms in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal, Rodman CPAs offers an innovative and strategic approach with the personal touch of a smaller regional CPA firm. For more than 50 years, Rodman CPAs has been specializing in customized accounting and tax solutions that improve business performance, processes, financial operations, and information technology.

The firm serves as a true business partner, helping clients perform and succeed during each stage of the business lifecycle. As domain experts in alternative energy, the “Green Team” at Rodman CPAs works with renewable energy producers and businesses throughout the U.S. offering tax advisory, financial, accounting services, and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) studies.

Rodman CPAs is an independent member firm of BDO Alliance USA, which enables them to expand services to clients by accessing the resources of BDO USA, LLP and other Alliance members, ensuring greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

 

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Old Colony Elder Services employees hold drive to help those in need in Brockton and Plymouth

Avery Moore, Lenilda Carvalho, Mirchelle Ange-Laveus and Frank Faria from OCES’ Brockton office gathering personal care items for delivery to MainSpring House.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, are helping to support those who are experiencing homelessness this holiday season.

Led by OCES’ Protective Services (PS) and Money Management Program (MMP) team, OCES staff collected donations of socks and personal care items in an employee outreach drive held at OCES’ Brockton and Plymouth offices. The donations were delivered to MainSpring House shelter located at 54 North Main Street in Brockton and New Hope Chapel located at 89 Court Street in Plymouth.

“Each year, our Protective Services and Money Management Program team holds a drive to collect needed items for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community,” explained Teresa Kourtz, LSW, PS/MMP Director, who led the drive. “There are a number of people facing uncertain circumstances who are in need of emergency shelter. We strive to help by providing personal care necessities to those who don’t have ready access to these items.”

To learn more about MainSpring House, visit helpfbms.org. To learn more about Plymouth New Hope Chapel, visit www.newhopeplymouth.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 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 247 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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To Celebrate 75th Birthday, Artist, Priscilla Beadle Makes 52 Necklaces in 2017

Priscilla Beadle

To celebrate turning 75, many people choose a relaxing vacation or a great party; some people are happy just to make it through the day. Priscilla Beadle, Hull MA artist, challenges herself.

Inspired by a friend who was fascinated by the 52-drawer apothecary chest in her studio, Beadle decided to create a one-of-a-kind beaded necklace each week in 2017. Each neckpiece will originate from a different drawer. “I consider this an adventure fantasy trip,” enthuses Beadle. “Do I think about slowing down for 75? Do I think about maintaining? Or shouldn’t I speed up for a year?!” she laughs. “The fact I’m turning 75 makes me want to speed up!”

An English major in college, Beadle has lived her life by Robert Browning’s line, “…a man’s reach should exceed his grasp,/ Or what’s a heaven for?” This quote is the driving force behind all Beadle’s difficult and exciting endeavors. “It gives me permission to push myself,” she says. For her, this challenge is self-motivating as it produces a real accomplishment each week. “Sometimes you just have to push yourself to grow, stretch, and do things for yourself,” Beadle advises. She has already begun to write a maker’s journal that she will keep throughout the year.

Adding to Beadle’s motivation, her large vintage apothecary chest has 52 drawers; seven square drawers arranged in seven rows, with three large drawers at the bottom. Purchased in Hong Kong, the inspirational 1940’s era Elm wood apothecary chest is more than seven feet tall, four feet wide, with each drawer going 16 inches back.

“I’m going to start in the upper left corner drawer and work my way through every drawer, from left to right, top to bottom,” confides Beadle. She uses the chest to organize her vast collection of beads based on color and material. Each drawer has three compartments. The first necklace of the year will be drawn from Venetian glass beads which have been divided into silver/gold, blue/green, and red/orange groups. The second drawer has different color Venetian glass; black/white; purple/yellow; and multi-colored. The last drawer of the year contains faux amber—cherry, butterscotch, and yellow mock amber—resin beads from Indonesia.

Beadle keeps clasps and centerpieces in a special cabinet, not in the drawers. Center pendants can be made of glass, jade, silver, brooches, semi-precious gems, and oddities such as extraordinary buttons or other upcycled adornments.

Creating bead jewelry art since 1993, Priscilla Beadle first found inspiration for her bold, eclectic designs in the bazaars of Tibet and Nepal, in dusty shops in Beijing, on remote Indonesian islands reached by catamaran, in beautiful Bali, and in verdant Indochina—Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each Beadleful design starts with a centerpiece—add whimsy, color excitement, texture, chunky beads, a fabulous clasp—a collectable necklace is born.

Priscilla Beadle returned to her hometown, Hull MA, in 2011. For 34 years she had lived in California, eleven in the historic mission town of San Luis Obispo. She brought her business, Beadleful, with her and crafted a comfortable studio for her work on the ground floor of her home. The spark of Beadleful ignited when, after 23 years in the corporate world, Priscilla retired in 1993 to accompany her husband on his job assignment in Hong Kong. Southeast Asia became her handicraft fantasy world as she hunted for beads: –odd, large, ethnic, contrarian beads; antique or contemporary glass beads; rare and unusual colors; textures that lead to touching. Whether traveling the world or stalking New England galleries, successful bead hunting inspires the bold eclectic designs that characterize Priscilla’s unique necklaces and bracelets.

For more information or to arrange a studio tour, please visit https://priscillabeadle.com/

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Rodman CPAs Offers “Preparing for Year End” QuickBooks Seminar January 17th

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm serving small, mid-market, and multi-generational companies throughout the greater Boston area, is offering a “Preparing for Year End” QuickBooks seminar, on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at their office at 51 Sawyer Road, Suite 610 in Waltham, MA 02453.

The seminar, which includes time for registration and a Q&A session, will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the firm’s classroom. Refreshments will be provided.

Rodman CPAs’ Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisors will cover a number of topics including: Preparing for year-end; reconciling accounts; reviewing and adjusting accounts receivable and accounts payable; 1099s; sales and use tax; and backup procedures.

Rodman CPAs has been a member of the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program since 1999. Having provided hundreds of small to mid-size companies with training and consulting, Rodman CPAs’ Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisors team, Kathy Parker CPA, Leah Shanahan CPA, Janine O’Connor EA, Christine McGoldrick and Kayla Luther, provide superior services and expertise to meet the accounting software installation, setup, and training needs of businesses.

The fee for “Preparing for Year End” QuickBooks seminar is $45. To register, visit Rodman CPAs website, http://www.rodmancpa.com/quickbooks-seminar-series-preparing-for-year-end

About Rodman CPAs

Rodman CPAs provides tax advisory, accounting, and business strategy to small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses. Named one of Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for, and one of the largest accounting firms in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal, Rodman CPAs offers an innovative and strategic approach with the personal touch of a smaller regional CPA firm. For more than 50 years, Rodman CPAs has been specializing in customized accounting and tax solutions that improve business performance, processes, financial operations, and information technology.

The firm serves as a true business partner, helping clients perform and succeed during each stage of the business lifecycle. As domain experts in alternative energy, the “Green Team” at Rodman CPAs works with renewable energy producers and businesses throughout the U.S. offering tax advisory, financial, accounting services, and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) studies.

Rodman CPAs is an independent member firm of BDO Alliance USA, which enables them to expand services to clients by accessing the resources of BDO USA, LLP and other Alliance members, ensuring greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

For more information, visit their website at http://www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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“Music and More” Offered by Old Colony Elder Services. New Program Supports Local Memory Cafés

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth county and surrounding communities, has launched a “Music and More” program to support local Memory Cafés.

With a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), OCES developed the “Music and More” program to support Memory Cafés, where individuals with dementia and their caregivers can go for socialization and relaxation in a safe, supportive environment. OCES is currently working with three Memory Cafés, which operate out of the Pembroke Council On Aging (COA), the Middleborough COA and Express Yourself! through Road to Responsibility in Marshfield.

As part of “Music and More”, OCES has partnered with Old Colony Hospice and South Shore Conservatory to provide music and habilitation therapy presentations at the three Memory Cafés. OCES also provides complimentary activity books and DVDs at each Memory Café as well as refreshments during the presentations.

“Memory Cafés provide a safe and welcoming environment for those with dementia and their caregivers to gather, connect with peers, and enjoy music and refreshments,” explained Chris McClaren, Community Programs Director at OCES.  “We are delighted that our Music and More program can enhance the visitors’ experience.”

The Pembroke, Middleborough and Marshfield Memory Cafés are held once a month and are free and open to the public.

For more information about a particular Memory Café, call the location directly: Pembroke COA 781-294-8220, Middleboro COA 508-946-2490 or Express Yourself! 781-536-4983.

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 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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Plans and general information on medical marijuana dispensary in Sandwich to be discussed at forum on Thursday, December 29

Tim McNamara of Holistic Health Group

SANDWICH, MA…

Holistic Health Group, Inc., a Massachusetts non-profit applying for a medical marijuana dispensary to be located on Route 130 in Sandwich, Mass., will host an information session on its plans on Thursday, December 29, from 6 to 8pm. The forum will be held in Room 2 at the Sandwich Public Library, 142 Main Street, Sandwich, Mass., in the lower level.

“Based on my conversations with people in town, I find there are still a lot of questions about what a medical dispensary would mean for Sandwich,” said Tim McNamara, COO and security officer of Holistic Health Group, Inc. “Our intent is to begin an information exchange with people in town early on so that we can incorporate specific community concerns into our business plans, while also making sure people hear accurate data about the medical and economic benefits dispensaries have brought to other communities.”  McNamara owns a law office in Sandwich and resides in the neighboring town of Mashpee.

Holistic Health Group will be one of two groups applying for the only medical dispensary license permitted by the Town of Sandwich’s by-laws. McNamara said his group entered the process because his management role and presence in town can ensure the character of the Town is respected, that Sandwich businesses and workers will be the beneficiaries, and, most importantly, his continued availability will ensure town officials have an accountable officer on the premises on a daily basis.

The event will also feature two guest speakers. The first is Steve Mandile of Veterans for Alternative Healing, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on getting veterans access to medical marijuana for PTSD and also pain management in lieu of opiates. The second speaker is Sandwich resident Ellen Kurtz of Sandwich, a certified nurse practitioner who will discuss her experience in recommending marijuana to patients.

“It’s really just the beginning of what is will be a very long approval process. This informational session will provide an outline of what’s to occur over the next 18 months,” said McNamara. “We will also be accepting resumes from people looking to get a job in what will be a growing industry for the next several decades.”

For information on the medical marijuana business in general Massachusetts, inquiries are directed to the company’s general email address at info@holistichealthgroup.org.

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