By Chris Lisinsk
State House News Service

Boston Marathon organizers are tentatively targeting Monday, Oct. 11 as the date for this year’s race if road races can take place under Massachusetts regulations by that point, the Boston Athletic Association announced Tuesday. The association had postponed and then canceled the 2020 marathon when the pandemic hit, and it already pushed the 2021 race back from its traditional springtime date as COVID-19 continues to pose threats.

“We announce the 2021 Boston Marathon date with a cautious optimism, understanding full well that we will continue to be guided by science and our continued collaborative work with local, city, state, and public health officials,” BAA CEO Tom Grilk said in a statement. “If we are able to hold an in-person race in October, the safety of participants, volunteers, spectators, and community members will be paramount.”

Road races are not included until Phase 4 of the Baker administration’s phased reopening plan, which is contingent upon availability of vaccines or COVID-19 treatments. In a statement published by the BAA, Gov. Charlie Baker said his team “remain(s) hopeful that the 125th Boston Marathon can take place this October.”

“Vaccination Update:

“As you can imagine, there have been several inquiries made regarding vaccination information, and how it applies to the town of Dartmouth.

In an effort to better assist you, we received the following information from the Board of Health:

A vaccination site will occur in Dartmouth, and details will be posted on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week for Phase 2 of the Massachusetts plan.

This clinic is limited to those in Phase 1, and the first category of Phase 2 – people who are 75 years of age or older.

As Dartmouth High School was announced as the location where the clinic will be set up, we ask that you please DO NOT call Dartmouth High School, or any other Dartmouth Public School, for information.

Please DO NOT show up at Dartmouth High School unless you have a scheduled appointment, which will be outside of the operational hours of the school.

The town’s website will be updated next week with the vaccination clinic details.

Residents 75 years of age and older who do not have access to a computer, and who may need assistance accessing the clinic, are encouraged to contact the Dartmouth Council on Aging at 508-999-4717.

PLEASE SHARE!”-Dartmouth Police Department.

The owner of a commercial and residential painting business on Nantucket was charged today with an income diversion and payroll tax scheme resulting in a tax loss that exceeded $2 million.

Durvan C. Lewis, 51, of Nantucket, was charged and has agreed to plead guilty to one count of tax evasion and one count of failure to pay over taxes. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.

Lewis owned and operated a painting business known as DCL Painting. From 2014 through 2017, Lewis allegedly diverted over $1.5 million of DCL Painting’s gross receipts to his personal bank account and failed to report the diverted receipts to his tax preparer. In addition, during the tax quarters ending March 31, 2012 through Sept. 30, 2019, it is alleged that Lewis paid over $5 million in wages to DCL Painting’s employees in cash “under the table.” As a result of his conduct, Lewis underreported his personal income tax obligations, as well as failed to report and pay over to the IRS the employment taxes owed on the cash wages. In total, Lewis allegedly caused a loss to the IRS of $2,084,852.

The charging statutes provide for a sentence on each count of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew Lelling and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Drabick of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

“I grew up in New Bedford and move away in 2001 to make a better life for my children. My dad passed in 1990 ,had lived for many years at 56 Peckham St. with his girlfriend.

When she began to be ill, her only child moved her out of state where she passed away also. I was told a lot of their possessions had been thrown away when she moved out. I am looking for one thing in particular that I am hoping someone rescued before it hit the dump.

The year would have been around 2009 and the thing I hope to find is my father’s military flag from his casket. It was in a beautiful wooden case. Maybe someone out there can help me get this back?

His name was Robert Donald Simmons. Email: Ltlmom84868991@aol.com.” -Bobbie Jo Simmons.

Photo by Bobbie Jo Simmons.

Matt Murphy
State House News Service

As frustration with the state’s vaccination efforts grows, Gov. Charlie Baker detailed plans to Monday to have 103 public vaccination sites open by the end of the week with an online map and registration portal ready for eligible residents to make appointments. Baker also said that residents aged 75 or older would become eligible to receive the vaccine beginning Feb. 1 at the start of the state’s second phase of vaccination. Residents aged 65 and older have been bumped up in priority, and will join people with two or more comorbidities in the second group to become eligible in Phase II sometime in February.

The update to the state’s progress on vaccinations was delivered as public health experts and policy leaders are increasingly voicing their concerns with the pace of vaccination in Massachusetts, which ranks among the bottom of states, by some metrics, in distributing vaccine to its residents. Baker said that by mid-February the state will have 165 public vaccination sites open with the capacity to administer 305,000 doses per week, but he stressed that Massachusetts will need to begin receiving more vaccine from the federal government than it currently receives in order to fulfill that promise.

As part of the effort to increase access to the vaccine, Baker said the state plans to open a total of seven mass vaccination sites. In addition to Gillette Stadium and Fenway Park, Baker said the Eastfield Mall in Springfield will open on Jan. 29 as a mass vaccination site, followed by the DoubleTree Hilton hotel in Danvers on Feb. 3 and the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury sometime in the first week of February.

Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said retail pharmacies that will be among the public vaccination sites will also be told to prioritize sites in communities of color like Chelsea, Revere, Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury and communities outside of Boston that have have experienced a disproportionate impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.

At approximately 1 a.m. today a Trooper assigned to State Police-Shelburne Falls was on patrol on Route 91 in Bernardston when he observed a speeding Chevrolet Silverado pass his location. The Trooper entered traffic and caught up to the Silverado, clocking its speed at 88 miles per hour in a 65 mile per hour zone. He activated his cruiser’s emergency lights signaling the truck to pull over.

Upon the truck coming to a full stop the Trooper approached it and identified three occupants inside. The operator, BENJAMIN KENDALL, 31, of Vershire, Vt., informed the Trooper he did not have identification on him and explained that the truck was a rental but that he was unaware of who rented it. It was discovered on scene that KENDALL did not have a driver’s license and was placed under arrest. The Trooper observed numerous items consistent with the sale, use, and transport of narcotics then removed the other two occupants, identified as BROOKE ROWELL, 37, of Concord, Vt. and JESSE PEASE, 39, of West Fairlee, Vt., from the vehicle in order to conduct a search. Trooper Nathan Jackman and Officer Emily Rowell from the Greenfield Police Department responded to assist.

During the search Troopers located approximately 200 wax baggies containing a substance suspected to be heroin, approximately 10 grams of a substance suspected to be crystal methamphetamine, nine pills, and approximately two grams of a substance suspected to be cocaine. Trooper Greg Valentine then arrived at the scene with K-9 Kyber to search the vehicle. Kyber alerted to the dashboard area of the vehicle which was observed to have been tampered with after a closer inspection. Troopers searched this area and located 16 large bricks, each containing 300 bags, of a substance suspected to be fentanyl along with additional packages of heroin. It was also discovered that PEASE had an active warrant for his arrest. ROWELL and PEASE were then placed under arrest and escorted to cruisers.

All three occupants were transported to the Shelburne Falls Barracks for booking. A bail commissioner was contacted and set bail at $25,000 for PEASE and KENDALL, and $20,000 for ROWELL. They were scheduled for arraignment at Greenfield District Court on the following offenses.

BENJAMIN KENDALL:

1. Trafficking in Heroin;
2. Possession of a Class A Substance;
3. Possession of a Class B Substance with Intent to Distribute;
4. Possession of a Class B Substance;
5. Possession of a Class E Substance;
6. Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law;
7. Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle;
8. Speeding; and
9. License Plate Violation.

BROOKE ROWELL:

1. Trafficking in Heroin;
2. Possession of a Class A Substance;
3. Possession of a Class B Substance with Intent to Distribute;
4. Possession of a Class B Substance, two counts;
5. Possession of a Class E Substance;
6. Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law; and
7. Tampering with Evidence.

JESSE PEASE:

1. Trafficking in Heroin;
2. Possession of a Class B Substance with Intent to Distribute;
3. Possession of a Class B Substance, two counts;
4. Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law; and
5. Tampering with Evidence.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

At approximately 4:20 p.m. yesterday Trooper Cody Smith, assigned to State Police-Dartmouth, was stationary monitoring traffic on Route 24 southbound in Freetown.

At that time he observed a red Nissan Murano traveling approximately 80 miles per hour in a 65 mile per hour zone. He also observed the operator holding a cell phone in his hand to his head. Trooper Smith activated his cruiser’s lights and siren and signaled the vehicle to stop. While the operator was pulling over Trooper Smith observed him reach toward the front passenger seat area.

Upon the Nissan coming to a full stop Trooper Smith approached it and identified the operator as TAYLOR STAVROU, 24, of Taunton, and informed him why he was stopped. After some conversation with STAVROU Trooper Smith observed a knife on his person. Fearing there may have been another weapon in the vehicle where STAVROU was reaching he was removed and pat-frisked. During the pat-frisk Trooper Smith felt a baseball-sized item on STAVOU’s person. He was secured in the rear of a cruiser and questioned further.

After subsequent investigation the item was dropped from STAVOU’s pant leg. Trooper Smith suspected the substance inside to be fentanyl and placed him under arrest. The total weight of the suspected fentanyl was more than 61 grams. After a search of the vehicle Trooper Smith located a large amount of cash, multiple cell phones, and illegally possessed Suboxone. Trooper Smith also discovered on scene that STAVOU’s driver’s license was revoked.

STAVOU was transported to State Police-Dartmouth for booking. He was eventually transported to the Ash Street Jail and scheduled for arraignment at Fall River District Court on the following charges:

1. Trafficking in Fentanyl;
2. Possession of a Class B Substance;
3. Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Revoked Driver’s License; and
4. Speeding.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., on January 25th, 2021 the Canton Police Department, Canton Fire Department, and Troopers from the State Police-Milton Barracks responded to a report of a 7-year-old boy who fell from a chair lift at the Blue Hills Ski Area located at 4001 Washington St. in Canton.

The child was transported by medical helicopter to Children’s Hospital in Boston with potentially serious injuries. A State Police detective responded to the hospital to continue to gather information about the incident.

The child was with family at the ski area at the time of the incident.

The State Police notified the State Office of Public Safety and Inspections of the incident, which remains under investigation.

Steppingstone Inc. is seeking qualified candidates for several positions throughout their organization. All of these jobs are based in either the New Bedford or Fall River area. Scroll down for a full description of each job, salary and requirements. All full-time employees are eligible for benefits (PTO, medical, dental and employer paid benefits), part-time employees are eligible for partial benefits depending on hours worked.

-Clinician (Bi-Lingual/ Spanish Speaking)- New Bedford
-Driver/Maintenance Worker – New Bedford
-Direct Care Staff – New Bedford & Fall River
-Counselor – Fall River
-Clinical Supervisor – Fall River

Interested? Apply online: EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES or you can also email your resume to: srekowski@steppingstoneinc.org Applicants that require accommodation on the job application process, please contact 508-674-2788 extension 11103
———–
Clinician (Bi-Lingual/ Spanish Speaking):
($50,000-$60,000/year)

Position Specific Duties
§ Conduct screening and intake interviews to determine consumer eligibility for services.
§ Perform consumer orientation on program services and requirements.
§ Conduct confidential, quality assessments that are gender and culturally responsive and trauma informed.
§ Develop, implement, and monitor an individualized treatment/service plan with each assigned consumer using collaborative information from all sources to develop short and long term goals.
§ Possess knowledge of effective treatment practices such as cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing and trauma-informed techniques and Integrated Treatment in individual, group and family sessions.
§ Meet, collaborate and coordinate services with probation/parole, employment and educational agencies, Department of Children and Families (DCF), human services providers, medical and primary care, clinical mental/behavioral health, and family/social support.
§ Link consumers to services provided by community-based organizations such as peer support groups, legal services, nutritional counseling, HIV rapid-retesting and Hepatitis B and C testing and other sexually transmitted infections.
§ Assist consumers with enrolling in health insurance, Medicaid and other benefits such as SNAP, SSI/SSDI and TANF.
§ Provide consumer education in finances, housing stability, behavioral and primary health, life skills and all aspects of addiction and related life domains.
§ Provide crisis intervention by assessing severity of the episode, de-escalating the consumer, referring to emergency response team as needed, and developing a safety plan to assist in resolving the crisis.
§ Develop and coordinate discharge planning with consumer, family, housing, and other community providers.
§ Maintain an ongoing awareness of consumer’s mental status, adding additional services to maintain a therapeutic level of care as needs change.
§ Ability to climb three flights of stairs to deal with emergencies.
§ Ability to respond to emergency situations by placing calls to Fire, Rescue, Police, and Medical, etc.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The Clinician must perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge/skill and/or ability required.

§ Master’s degree social work, mental health, counseling or other related field preferred.
§ Licensed LMHC/LICSW/CADAC/LADC.
§ Minimum of three years counseling in the field of drug or alcohol abuse rehabilitation, mental health or other related field.
§ Requires CPR certification every two years.
§ Good working knowledge of computers and electronic health records.
§ Requires valid driver’s license due to business-related travel.
§ Must be fluent in Spanish.

Driver/Maintenance Worker:
($15-16/hour)

Position Specific Duties
§ Organize customer transportation schedules.
§ Interact with customers in a professional matter according to the ethical standards.
§ Delivering and picking up administrative documents, and or other items.
§ Maintain vehicles in a clean, workable and safe condition at all times.
§ Provide regular routine maintenance checks to vehicles including monitoring of Massachusetts State inspections of vehicles.
§ Arrange vehicle repairs when necessary.
§ Ensure the vehicles have sufficient gas and are always ready for use.
§ Supervise customers when in transport reporting any incidents.
§ Updating daily mileage records.
§ Perform minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical work along with routine maintenance.
§ Perform snow removal and other activities as required or needed.
§ Perform landscaping and routine yard maintenance.
§ Observe all health and safety requirements.
§ Ability to climb three flights of stairs to deal with emergencies.
§ Ability to respond to emergencies by placing calls to Fire, Rescue, Police, and Medical etc.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The Driver/Maintenance Worker must perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge/skill and/or ability required.

§ High School or General Education Diploma (GED) preferred.
§ Minimum of one-year driving experience in a similar or related position required.
§ Excellent time management skills.
§ Ability to lift fifty pounds.
§ Requires valid driver’s license due to business-related travel.

Direct Care Staff:
($13.75- $14.75/hour)

Position Specific Duties
§ Supervise consumers during the shift, including conducting hourly rounds.
§ Monitor Consumers to ensure they are compliant with program guidelines.
§ Ability to count, document and observe consumers taking various prescription drugs.
§ Collect, prepare and supervise drug screenings as well as administer breathalyzer as needed.
§ Observe and identify consumer concerns and communicate with the clinical team.
§ Ability to climb three flights of stairs to conduct rounds on an hourly basis and deal with emergencies.
§ Ability to walk outside to tour the grounds and ensure the safety of consumers.
§ Ability to respond to emergency situations by placing calls to Fire, Rescue, Police, and Medical etc.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The Direct Care I staff must perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge/skill and/or ability required.

§ High School or General Education Diploma (GED) preferred.
§ General knowledge of the homeless and those affected by Substance Use Disorder.
§ Demonstrated ability to maintain previous employment.
§ Requires CPR certification every two years.
§ Good working knowledge of computers, electronic health records and data collection.
§ May require valid driver’s license due to business-related travel.

Counselor:
($15-$16.50/hour

Position Specific Duties
§ Conduct screening and intake interviews to determine consumer eligibility for services.
§ Provide consumer orientation on program services and requirements.
§ Conduct confidential, quality assessments that are gender and culturally responsive and trauma informed.
§ Develop, implement, and monitor an individualized treatment/service plan with each assigned consumer using collaborative information from all sources to develop short and long term goals.
§ Possess knowledge effective treatment modalities such as cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing and trauma informed techniques and Integrated Treatment in individual, group and family sessions.
§ Meet, collaborate and coordinate services with probation/parole, employment and educational agencies, Department of Children and Families (DCF), human services providers, medical and primary care, clinical mental/behavioral health, and family/social support.
§ Link consumers to services provided by community-based organizations such as peer support groups, legal services, nutritional counseling, and HIV rapid retesting and Hepatitis B and C testing and other sexually transmitted infections.
§ Assist consumers with enrollment to obtain health insurance, Medicaid, and other benefits such as SNAP, SSI/SSDI and TANF.
§ Provide consumer education in finances, housing stability, behavioral and primary health, life skills and all aspects of addiction and related life domains.
§ Provide crisis intervention by assessing severity of the episode, de-escalating the consumer, referring to emergency response team as needed, and developing a safety plan to assist in resolving the crisis.
§ Assist with resume writing, interview skills, employment search and enrollment into employment/educational programs.
§ Develop and coordinate discharge planning with consumer, family, housing, and other community providers.
§ Collect, prepare and supervise drug screenings as well as administer breathalyzer as needed.
§ Maintain an ongoing awareness of consumer’s mental health status adding services to maintain a therapeutic level of care as needs change.
§ Ability to count, document and observe consumers taking various prescription drugs.
§ Ability to climb three flights of stairs to conduct rounds on an hourly basis and deal with emergencies.
§ Ability to respond to emergency situations by placing calls to Fire, Rescue, Police, and Medical, etc.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The Counselor must perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge/skill and/or ability required.

§ Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university preferred or is a licensed (LADC)/certified (CADAC) drug counselor or is the process of obtaining licensure or minimum of two years’ work experience providing services to those affected by substance use disorders.
§ Requires CPR certification every two years.
§ Good working knowledge of computers, electronic health records and data collection.
§ Requires valid driver’s license due to business-related travel may be required.

Clinical Supervisor:
($58,000 to $68,000 annually)

Position Specific Duties
Conduct regularly scheduled staff meetings, in-service training and supervision with assigned personnel.
Attends relevant professional development conferences and make presentations to staff.

§ Responsible for the fiscal budget, invoicing services, and electronic health record data oversight.
§ Perform direct counseling services when necessary.
§ Conduct confidential, quality assessments that are gender and culturally responsive and trauma informed.
§ Oversee clinical reviews to monitor consumer progress.
§ Provide individual, family and group therapy when need arises.
§ Ensure compliance, accuracy and quality of clinical documentation.
§ Prepare monthly quarterly reports on delivery of services and expenditures.
§ Knowledge of all funding sources and related scope of services and requirements.
§ Provide ongoing consultations and crisis intervention.
§ Constructively utilize formal and informal customer comments to evaluate and improve effectiveness in providing services. Ensures standards of confidentiality in handling records, collaboration with other providers, and internal communication.
§ Participate in various outside meetings to coordinate and benefit program services.
§ Ensure compliance with regulatory and licensing standards.
§ Ability to count, document and observe consumers taking various prescription drugs.
§ Ability to climb three flights of stairs to conduct rounds on an hourly basis and deal with emergencies.
§ Ability to respond to emergency situations by placing calls to Fire, Rescue, Police, and Medical, etc.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The Clinical Supervisor must perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge/skill and/or ability required.

§ Master’s degree social work, psychology, mental health, counseling or other related field.
§ Licensed LMHC/LICSW.
§ Minimum of five years counseling in the field of drug or alcohol abuse rehabilitation, mental health or other related field.
§ Minimum of three years’ experience in leadership and management.
§ Ability to incorporate regulatory standards into clinical practice to ensure compliance.
§ Requires CPR certification every two years.
§ Good working knowledge of computers, electronic health records and data collection
§ Requires valid driver’s license due to business-related travel.

Interested? Apply online: EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES or you can also email your resume to: srekowski@steppingstoneinc.org . Applicants that require accommodation on the job application process, please contact 508-674-2788 extension 11103

The following was reported by the New Bedford Fire Department regarding the Saturday night fire at 2 Smith Street and the Sunday morning fire at 95 Rivet Street in New Bedford:

Firefighters on Group D were busy battling two separate fires which both occurred on Saturday. The Department is proud of their diligence and skill in battling both of these fires.

The first fire occurred at 1:30 pm in a single-family residence located at 2 Smith Street Court. The fire began on the exterior of the residence and was extending into the interior when crews arrived. Members of Engines 1, 7, 8, along with Ladders 1 and 4 were able to extinguish the fire and prevent further extension into the dwelling. Command Units 1 and 2 also responded to this single alarm fire.

At 1:57 am multiple 911 calls were received reporting a structure fire at 95 Rivet Street. This is a three-story mixed occupancy with a former restaurant located on the first floor with apartments on the second and third floors. There is also a single-story addition in the rear of this structure being used for storage.

Upon arrival, crews located fires on two floors that were rapidly extending throughout the building. First arriving fire companies began conducting interior operations including a primary search for victims as not all of the tenants had been accounted for. After a short time fire conditions deteriorated and with the tenants accounted for, District Chief Robert Mourao ordered crews to exit the building and begin exterior operations. The fire was elevated to a third alarm requiring all six engines and three ladder trucks to operate at the fire scene.

Firefighting operations became difficult due to wind conditions, frigid temperatures, dangerous footing, and freezing equipment and apparatus.

Our thoughts are with the five displaced residents who are victims of this fire. Fortunately, they were awakened by working smoke detectors and were able to safely escape the building. They are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Three firefighters suffered injuries, two were transported to St. Luke’s Hospital and released later in the day, and one was treated on scene by NBEMS.

The Department would like to thank NBEMS, NBPD, and NBEMA for their on-scene support. Rehabilitation services were provided by the Providence Canteen and the MA Department of Fire Services. Mutual aid was provided by the Fairhaven, Acushnet, Mattapoisett Fire Departments as well as Dartmouth Fire Districts 1, 2, and 3. Eversource Gas and Electric along with NB DPI assisted at the scene as well.

The cause of this fire remains under investigation by the NBFD Fire Investigation Unit and the MA State Fire Marshals Office.”