MARCH 24, 2026 ~ GREATER CAPE ANN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ~ 

Built by Fishermen, Named by Artists, Loved by All

Join us for Motif No. 1 Day as we celebrate Rockport’s unique identity as both a historic fishing village and a vibrant artist destination. Centered around the iconic red fishing shack—long a favorite subject for painters and photographers—this beloved annual event brings together the very spirit of Rockport: coastal beauty, creative energy, and community pride.

Stroll through town as artists set up along the harbor capturing Motif No. 1 and Rockport’s stunning waterfront in real time. Enjoy live music, street performances, family-friendly art activities, and pop-up experiences that unfold throughout the day. From Dock Square to Bearskin Neck and beyond, there’s always something happening just around the corner.

Explore galleries, discover local shops, and experience the charm that has inspired generations of artists. Whether you’re watching a painting come to life, enjoying a performance, or simply taking in the view, Motif No. 1 Day invites you to slow down, look closer, and connect with what makes Rockport so special.

MARCH 27, 2026 ~ BACKYARDGROWERSGLOUCESTER ~ EDIT

 UPCOMING CONTAINER GARDENING WORKSHOPS  These workshops cover key considerations and benefits, container sizing, container-friendly plant and seed varieties, soil health and care & more. 

Choose a date:

 Saturday 4/11 9:30-11am at Backyard Growers HQ OR Thursday 5/14 5:30-7pm at Cape Ann Lanes

 FREE for Backyard Growers Program Gardeners. $20 general admission. Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ work creating equitable access to the resources, space & knowledge people need to grow their own food in our community.

Reserve your spot

Interested in a container garden with Backyard Growers? Learn more about our GrowBag Garden Program, which provides income-eligible household with three containers, container-friendly seeds and seedlings, organic soil, and more.

We drove over the bridge to Salem recently to visit the Peabody Essex Museum on a rainy day. Naturally, we were looking for lunch and libations afterward. We walked a very short distance to the Village Tavern on Essex Street. Our first impression upon walking in was to be reminded of the pubs we visited in Ireland. Several rooms, eclectic wall decor, large bar area all took us back to Ireland. Jim had pretzel bites and we ordered a pizza (delicious). I am always drawn to old newspapers and there was a front page from 1914 in a Salem newspaper describing some of the aftermath of what came to be known as the Great Salem Fire of 1914. It destroyed hundreds of buildings and left 18,000 people homeless over a 2 day period in late June. One of the articles on the front page described a commission being set up to assist residents and business owners with recovery and John B. Tivnan was named to head that effort. Low and behold, John B. Tivnan is on my family tree on the Gloucester side! I just happened to see this wall hanging, took a closer look and found a Gloucester tie. More to come on the Tivnan family connections. What a day! And the food was just right. If you’re over that way, check it out.

– 10 A.M. — Morning Battle Reenactment:

Maritime Chase and Capture

– 2:00 P.M. — Afternoon Battle Reenactment:

Land Battle and British Retreat

– ALL DAY beginning at 9 a.m. (except during battles) – Meet citizens of 1775 Gloucester, browse 18th century shops, and explore a Revolutionary War encampment.

Learn more about what you can expect from the weekend at https://battleofgloucester.com/ schedule-announced-for-battle-of-gloucester-reenactment-events-june-20-21-in-gloucester/

As we oscillate our way into spring, the snow banks have mostly melted and the ice is off the ponds.

Hope Springs Eternal…

Their guidance is grounded in deep relationships and enhanced by institutional-level research — offering the sophistication of a large firm with the personalized care of a local one.

🌐Learn more about Beauport Financial Services by visiting: Financial Solutions – Wealth Management – Beauport Financial Services

ROCKPORT – SAT AND SUN 8 AM TO SELLOUT – 1 WHISTLESTOP MALL

BAGEL OF THE WEEK:
Maple S&P Bagel – Glazed with 100% pure maple syrup, sprinkled with pink Himalayan salt and freshly cracked pepper. Served with maple butter for the perfect sweet–savory bite.

SCHMEARS OF THE WEEK: Dill Pickle – A pickle lover’s dream! Whipped cream cheese featuring Grillo’s Pickles and fresh dill for a bright and tangy flavor.

PRE-ORDERING:
http://www.hotplate.com/saltysbagels (see link in bio)

Paying a visit to a museum is a great rainy day activity so that’s what we did a few days ago. I hadn’t been there in several years so Jim agreed to take me. Parking was relatively easy though I would recommend uploading the Passport parking app ahead of a visit to Salem.The museum offers a number of reduced price options so do your research before you go to take advantage of those. Also keep your eye on the special exhibits and I’ll bet you see one that intrigues you.

The museum is pretty large so the hour or so we planned on wasn’t really enough. There was a special fashion exhibit as well as a scuplture display. Our very own Fitz Henry Lane is well represented. We especially appreciated the Salem Witch Trial display as balanced and informative. The PEM is worthy of a rainy day drive.

MARCH 23, 2026 ~ THE CUT LIVE

Wednesday our weekly Celtic Seisiún in the restaurant starting at 6pm. This is intended to be a collaborative music experience so come grab a Guinness and enjoy the cozy neighborhood pub vibes! No cover. 

Thursday it’s The Cold Stares with Danielle Miragliaat 8pm (doors at 7pm), 21+. There are still tickets available for what is sure to be a killer night of blues-rock. Come discover your new favorite band! 

Friday we have Dead to the Core! This is the third installment of their residency at The Cut. There are still some tickets available, but the price goes up $5 day of show, so get yours now. Doors at 7pm. Show at 8pm. 21+. Make sure you bring you punch card from the February show so you can collect another stamp. Come to all the shows Feb – Nov and get free tickets to the New Year’s Eve show! 

Friday night there will also be live music in the restaurant with Peter Tentindo from 7pm-10pm. No cover.

Saturday is a fundraiser for The Glen Urquhart school, but it’s open to everyone! Tickets include light apps and Amy + These Dudes playing a mix of throwbacks and current hits! Doors at 6pm. Show at 7pm. 21+.

Plus, DJ Vito & Friends will be throwing it down in the restaurant from 9pm – close. No cover.

Sunday Sessions in the restaurant this Sunday with 50 cent wings, free pool, live music from Matt Rich (2-5pm) and more! No cover. Come enjoy the neighborhood bar hang vibe!

BRAVO² is serving their killer Detroit Style pizzas along with a full menu of other delicious salads, sides, and mains. Come on by and check them out! Updated hours are below. 
Their winter hours are: 
Wed 5pm – 9pm
Thu 5pm – 9pm
Fri 5pm – 10pm
Sat 5pm – 10pm 
Sun 12pm – 9pm
Closed Mon & Tue

THE COLD STARES TICKETS

DEAD TO THE CORE TICKETS

AMY + THESE DUDES TICKETS

Northshore Magazine’s Best of the North Shore voting is happening NOW. The Cut has been nominated for Best Live Music (in the PLAY category) and Best Sports Bar (in the DRINK) category. If you love The Cut, please help us spread the word by voting for us! BONS is a great way to help people who haven’t heard of The Cut yet find us! 

VOTE FOR THE CUT

Our 2026 The Cut Memberships are still available. Sign up for exclusive presales, perks and privileges!

GET MEMBERSHIP DETAILS HERE

HOURS: 
MON CLOSED, TUE CLOSED, WED 5PM, THU 5PM, FRI 5PM, SAT 5PM, SUN 12PM

THE CUT | 177 Main Street | Gloucester, MA

Visit Our Website

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Organizations Can Submit Grant Applications Through April 30 

The Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) will begin accepting applications for its 2026 grants beginning April 1 and will allow organizations to submit proposals through April 30.

Applications for Foundation grants will be made available on the CACF www.lovecapeann.com website on April 1, and completed applications must be submitted by Wednesday, April 30. 

CACF annual grants are funded by the proceeds from the sale of our Cape Ann License Plate and direct donations from the community. Since 2017, the Foundation has awarded more than $130,000 in grants to over 60 Cape Ann organizations.

These grants – which range from $1,000 to $3,000 – are focused on supporting organizations that are underserved and projects that are underfunded.  

Eligible applicants must be organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and in good standing at the time of application. Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status may apply if they have a qualified fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Local governments and their subdivisions in the communities of Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport are also eligible to apply for CACF grants. Organizations must be based in or provide services to the Greater Cape Ann community.

Cape Ann License Plate Funding

A key enabler is the sale of Cape Ann License plates, available through the Registry of Motor Vehicles for a $40 fee that goes directly to the CACF fund.

In addition, the Foundation will also hold its annual Cape Ann License Plate Online Auction on April 10-20, during which the four remaining low-number Cape Ann license plates – CA 66, CA 78, CA 79 & CA 88 – will be up for bid.  In addition, 3- and 4-digit custom plates will be offered at a reduced auction price of $250/plate, and special number plates based on local area codes, zip codes, and historic dates will be offered at a reduced auction price of $300/plate.

Proceeds from the auction go directly to Greater Cape Ann non-profits and civic organizations in the form of grants awarded by the Foundation annually.

“The Cape Ann Community Foundation believes it is critical to support our non-profits, and we encourage eligible organizations across the region to apply for our grants so that they can continue to deliver services important to Greater Cape Ann,” said Britta Cahoon, Co-Chair.

“The Foundation addresses an important need in our community, supporting non-profits that are underserved and programs that are underfunded, and we look forward to extending the impact of grant awards to more organizations in 2026,” added Tony Sapienza, Co-Chair.

The Cape Ann Community Foundation was created by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce to serve as the Chamber’s non-profit support organization. To learn more about the Foundation, the Cape Ann license plate, the organizations supported by CACF grants, or the 2025 grant program, contact the Chamber at 978-283-1601 or visit the Foundation website at www.lovecapeann.com.