Olde World Remedies Donates $50,000 To Lynn For New Public Park
In a landmark move highlighting local business commitment to civic improvement, Olde World Remedies, a recreational and medical marijuana dispensary based in Lynn, Massachusetts, has donated $50,000 to the City of Lynn. This significant gift aims to renovate and revitalize Marian’s Gardens Park in Ward 6, delivering modern playground equipment and improved recreational amenities for children and the broader community.
This generous effort reflects the dispensary’s ongoing mission of community engagement, youth development, and urban transformation—all while reinforcing the positive role of licensed cannabis businesses in local society.
Background: Olde World Remedies – More Than a Dispensary
Established at 953 Western Ave, Lynn, Olde World Remedies is recognized as much for its community spirit as its curated selection of high-quality recreational and medical cannabis products.
The company—founded and managed by the Rothenberg family and longtime friend Sedrick Wali—is known for operating with transparency and sending the vast majority of its profits back into charitable projects and city development. Their philosophy emphasizes not only safe and convenient access to legal cannabis but also tangible, ongoing investments in Lynn’s well-being and future.
Dispensary Profile: Mission, Values, and History
- Mission: To provide safe access to recreational and medical marijuana while improving the local community through reinvestment and philanthropy.
- Family-Owned: The Rothenberg family, with deep local roots, drives the business—from business operations to social media and finance—with Sedrick Wali as an integral executive partner.
- Giving Back: Olde World Remedies is notable for its pledge to give the majority of its profits back to Lynn, with 20% earmarked for the Kennek Foundation (a children’s charity) and 80% distributed per decisions made by the city’s mayor or community council.
“Giving back is our motto; it’s what sets us apart.” - Deep Community Involvement: Since its founding, the dispensary has been a proactive catalyst for local improvement, supporting causes that range from youth initiatives to greenspace repairs.
The Historic Donation: Enhancing Marian’s Gardens Park
On a notable Tuesday night, the Lynn City Council officially accepted the $50,000 donation from Olde World Remedies. The funds will directly finance the installation of new playground equipment and the refreshing of recreational amenities at Marian’s Gardens Park, situated in the heart of Ward 6.
- Councilor Frederick Hogan, representing Ward 6, described the project as a “very good addition” to Marian’s Gardens Park, underscoring the essential nature of safe play areas for local children.
- The forthcoming improvements mirror similar successful efforts in Lynn’s Bennett Street Park and Warren Street Park.
- The targeted use of the donation ensures that every dollar contributes directly to the park’s facilities, maximizing positive outcomes for the surrounding community.
Community Response and Broader Impact
The donation by Olde World Remedies was met with enthusiasm and gratitude, with local officials and residents alike acknowledging its role in enhancing public resources and providing new spaces for children and families.
According to Councilor Hogan, “The $50,000 will go straight to a playground, which will be pretty amazing… these improvements really bring the community together and give our kids a place to play safely.”
The Lynn Cannabis Landscape: Economic and Social Context
Lynn has seen a constructive, regulated growth in the cannabis sector, with eight dispensary licenses approved and five marijuana retailers currently operating in the city.
As legal cannabis becomes more integrated into the Massachusetts economy, responsible businesses like Olde World Remedies aim to lead by example—demonstrating not only regulatory compliance but a strong sense of community partnership.
Why Community-Focused Businesses Matter
- Trust Building: Consistent charitable activity and transparent philanthropy foster trust between the dispensary, city government, and residents.
- Social Responsibility: Olde World Remedies reinvests locally, strengthening social infrastructure and demonstrating the positive impact of legal cannabis where it matters most: parks, youth services, and city facilities.
- Setting a Standard: Their profit-sharing and donation initiatives set a meaningful precedent for other businesses in the sector, making cannabis retail a legitimate force for good.
The Rothenberg Family and Their Vision
The story behind Olde World Remedies is steeped in local roots and entrepreneurial resilience. Alan Rothenberg, CEO and father, speaks with pride about the family’s decision to enter the cannabis industry as a way to meet new challenges and make a real difference. The company’s day-to-day operations and community donations reflect the family’s all-in commitment to Lynn. Their dedication is evident in the way each family member plays a distinct role, from finance and purchasing to store management and outreach.
Table: Key Contributions by Olde World Remedies
| Year | Amount Donated | Purpose | Beneficiary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $50,000 | Playground Renovation (Marian’s Gardens Park) | City of Lynn |
| 2023 | Charity Profits (20%+) | Children’s Programs & Kennek Foundation | Children in Need |
| Ongoing | 80% of Profits (annually) | City-Designated Causes | Lynn Civic Projects |
Olde World Remedies: A Model for Cannabis Industry Philanthropy
The ethos of giving at Olde World Remedies is embedded in their business structure:
- 100% of Profits to Charity: 20% automatically benefits the Kennek Foundation, with the remaining 80% funneled to initiatives selected by the mayor and local government.
- Employee Training: All staff receive comprehensive instruction not only in product knowledge and compliance, but also in community engagement and customer service.
- Educational Focus: At the dispensary, customers are encouraged to learn about the therapeutic potential of cannabis, building awareness and reducing stigma in the process.
Historical Footprint: Cannabis and Community Support
The name “Olde World Remedies” reflects an ideological connection to historical uses of cannabis as a remedy. Rooted in ancient practices spanning China, India, and beyond, the dispensary proudly references traditions where cannabis was a trusted aid for hundreds of ailments—framing their contemporary mission as a continuation of a very old legacy of healing and communal support.
Park Renovation: What Will Change?
The Marian’s Gardens Park renovation will bring:
- New playground equipment designed for safety and accessibility
- Landscaping and seating to enrich family gatherings
- Modern surfaces and facilities to encourage healthy outdoor activity
- Upgrades that prioritize inclusive play for kids with different abilities
These upgrades will follow recent successes at Bennett Street Park and Warren Street Park, ensuring a coherent vision for youth play across Lynn.
Civic Collaboration and Future Outlook
The partnership between Olde World Remedies and Lynn’s municipal leadership has blossomed into a model of public-private collaboration. With additional dispensaries operating and investing locally, the anticipated outcome is a greener, more vibrant, and more supportive Lynn.
Moreover, the transparent distribution of dispensary profits to city-chosen causes continues to drive community interest and support, positioning Olde World Remedies as an industry leader in responsible growth and civic reinvestment.
Olde World Remedies at a Glance
- Location: 953 Western Ave, Lynn, MA
- Business Focus: Recreational and medical cannabis retail, community philanthropy
- Operational Ethos: Family-run, education-centric, transparency in funding
- Key Social Goal: Allocate profits to maximize social good in Lynn
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Olde World Remedies, and where is it located?
Olde World Remedies is a family-run cannabis dispensary offering both recreational and medical products at 953 Western Ave, Lynn, Massachusetts.
How much did Olde World Remedies donate to the City of Lynn, and for what purpose?
The dispensary donated $50,000 specifically to fund new playground equipment and renovations at Marian’s Gardens Park in Ward 6, emphasizing youth health and community unity.
What sets Olde World Remedies apart from other dispensaries?
Their signature practice of donating all profits to charities and local projects—20% to the Kennek Foundation, 80% to city-decided causes—distinguishes them as a leader in cannabis industry philanthropy.
Is Olde World Remedies involved in other community projects?
Yes, beyond this playground renovation, Olde World Remedies supports a wide range of youth, wellness, and charity initiatives throughout Lynn, cementing their status as a true community partner.
How many dispensaries operate in Lynn currently?
There are currently five operational marijuana dispensaries in Lynn, with a total of eight licenses approved by the city.
Contact Olde World Remedies
- Address: 953 Western Ave, Lynn, MA 01905
- Website: Visit Olde World Remedies online to learn more about offerings, menus, and ongoing community projects.
- Hours: Open 7 days a week to serve the community.
Olde World Remedies continues to redefine what it means for local businesses to invest in civic life, demonstrating that a focus on social responsibility, transparency, and community wellness can drive both commercial and public benefit. As the city of Lynn grows and evolves, such partnerships will illuminate the future of urban improvement—one playground at a time.
References
- https://masscannabiscontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/Olde_World_Remedies_MRN282742.pdf
- https://oldeworldremedies.com/about/
- https://itemlive.com/2022/08/12/giving-back-is-lynn-companys-motto-olde-world-remedies-plans-saugus-store/
- https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/olde-world-remedies-dispensary-donates-50000-to-lynn-for-new-public-park/
- https://oldeworldremedies.com
- https://masscannabiscontrol.com/document/provisional-license-executive-summary-olde-world-remedies-inc-mrn282742/
- https://oldeworldremedies.com/menu/marijuana-flower-for-sale-lynn-ma/
- https://oldeworldremedies.com/menu/marijuana-concentrates-for-sale-lynn-ma/




