February 13, 2025 ~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

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Please join the Greater Cape Ann Chamber on Thursday, March 6 from 7:30 – 9 AM at the Magnolia Library & Community Center for our 2025 Economic Outlook Breakfast.

This year’s Economic Outlook Breakfast features expert panelists exploring the critical role of Downtown Economic Vitality and how it drives our local economy. The conversation will explore how a thriving business district can fuel economic growth and the importance of strategic planning to balance economic development with the growing need for affordable housing. We will explore strategies for how local businesses and municipalities can collaborate to drive positive change. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with local leaders committed to a prosperous future for Greater Cape Ann.

Panelists Include:
Emmy Hahn – Program Coordinator of the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative
Clark Ziegler –  Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership

Facilitator:
Representative Kristin Kassner – MA House of Representatives, 2nd Essex District

For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/EconomicOutlookBreakfast.

The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members.

Schedule:

• 7:30 AM: Breakfast
• 8:00 AM: Panel Discussion
• 8:40 AM: Q & A

Speaker Bios

Emmy Hahn: As the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Program Coordinator for the Executive Office Economic Development, Emmy Hahn is the state resource for technical assistance relating to all aspects of downtown/town center/commercial area revitalization. In addition to administrating the MDI Emmy is also the point of contact for communities interested in implementing a Business Improvement District and Parking Benefit District. In 2021, Emmy was also the Program Coordinator for the IDA Pinnacle award winning Local Rapid Recovery Program. The program was responsible for implementing $10 million worth of technical assistance of CARES funds in response to COVID-19. Recently Emmy was asked to oversee the MA Vacant Storefront Program and assisted with the redesign of the program.

Prior to working at DHCD, Emmy was the Project Manager for the Main Street Program in Lynn, MA and was the Executive Director of Downtown New Bedford, Inc. in New Bedford, MA.

Clark Ziegler: Clark Ziegler is Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, a public agency that finances affordable rental housing and home ownership, provides community technical assistance, and helps shape state housing policy. Under his leadership since 1990 MHP has delivered more than $7 billion in below-market financing for more than 58,000 housing units.
Mr. Ziegler chairs the nonprofit Housing Partnership Fund, which is a national, federally-certified community development financial institution and an affiliate of the Housing Partnership Network. He also serves on the board of the Massachusetts Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). He previously served on the MBTA’s management team and spent six years in Washington where he was legislative assistant and chief of staff to Massachusetts Congressman Robert Drinan. Mr. Ziegler is a longtime Ipswich resident and served as chair and as a 15-year member of the town’s Finance Committee.

Representative Kristin Kassner: Kristin Kassner is the State Rep for the 2nd Essex District – Ipswich, Hamilton, Rowley, Newbury, Georgetown, and Topsfield precinct 1. She lives in Hamilton with her husband and son. As a planning professional with 20 years of local government experience, she has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for people and their environments in her district and the Commonwealth.

Rep. Kassner has a BA in Urban Planning and Geography from Miami University of Ohio; a Master’s degree in Urban & Environmental Policy from Tufts University, and completed the Supervisory Leadership Development Program from the University of Massachusetts. She was the Planning Director for the Town of Burlington, served as President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association and as Vice-Chair of the Hamilton Master Plan Committee. She is a member of the Associated Institute of Certified Planners, The Trustees, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Essex County Greenbelt, and Essex County Trails Association (ECTA).

Economic Outlook Breakfast: Critical Role of Downtown Economic Vitality

Lonely at the Top…

We’ll be open Saturday and Sunday (rain, snow or shine) from 8-11:00 am at 1 Whistlestop Mall in Rockport.

This week’s bagel of the week is Maple S&P. ☕️☕️☕️We’ll also be serving up Motif Roaster’s Morning Blend and their ever so popular dark roast Dogtown. ☕️☕️☕️

Have a great day!

bagels #schmears #capeann #rockport #gloucester #manchesterbythesea #essex #valentines #goodmorninggloucester

✨ Find Your Peace, Balance & Purpose with Life Coaching ✨

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next steps? Life coaching can help you gain clarity, create balance, and step into your true potential. Here’s how:

✅ Clarity & Direction – Cut through the noise and hear your own voice. Discover what truly matters to you and set a clear path toward a fulfilling life.

✅ Balance & Well-Being – Life can feel like a juggling act. Coaching helps you create harmony between work, relationships, and self-care so you can thrive developing a habit stacking routine.

✅ Confidence & Growth – You are capable of more than you think! With the right support and accountability, you can overcome self-doubt and take bold steps toward the life you deserve.

Are you ready to find your true North? Let’s connect and start your journey!

I hear YOU, I see YOU, I believe YOU!! LEt’ S GO

Visit www.capeanncompass.com to learn more! #CapeAnnCompass #LifeCoaching #FindYourTrueNorth #BalanceAndPurpose

We’re at 44 Main for your Valentine’s needs 11-3 and if you need a free local delivery this morning just reach out.

Happy Valentine’s Day wishes from a couple of our favorite beaches. I hope you can make someone feel extra special today. Thank you all for following and the kind comments we hear along the way.

FEBRUARY 12, 2025 ~ SAWYER FREE LIBRARY

The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to announce that it has received a $50,000 Digital Equity Initiative Partnership Grant from the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF). The grant will support the launch of the Library’s 2025 Digital Learning Lab—Gloucester’s first educational space dedicated to inclusive digital learning—and the Library’s inaugural Computer Basics Course, which will provide 15 hours of hands-on technology training. In addition, qualified participants will receive a free device and a one-year Internet service plan.

The Sawyer Free Library is one of 13 grantees to receive a 2025 ECCF Digital Partnership Grant. These grants, which total $627,000 and encourage cross-sector collaborations, are part of Advancing Digital Equity, ECCF’s multi-year, $3 million commitment to empower all Essex County residents with the access, education and equipment necessary to successfully navigate today’s increasingly digital world.

In total, this group of grants represents more than 60 local community partnerships and will positively impact residents from 26 Essex County communities. The Library’s $50,000 ECCF grant is allocated as follows: $18,520 for furnishings and audiovisual teaching equipment for the Digital Learning Lab, and $32,480 for program expenses associated with the Computer Basics Course.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Essex County Community Foundation for this generous support,” said Jenny Benedict, Sawyer Free Library Director. “By helping us establish the Digital Learning Lab and our first- ever Computer Basics Course, ECCF has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring equitable access to technology for all Gloucester residents. This partnership will transform how our greater community learns, connects, and grows in a digital world.”

The Digital Learning Lab, slated to open early this Fall as part of the Sawyer Free Library’s major renovation and expansion, will be an 800-square-foot publicly accessible space on the Library’s ground floor. Furnished with an interactive teaching display, Chromebooks, and classroom seating for 20 participants, the Lab is designed to address critical barriers to digital equity, such as broadband access, device access, and digital literacy.

Beginning in September 2025, the Computer Basics Course will introduce up to 50 participants—divided into four cohorts—to fundamental digital skills, including basic computer operations, productivity software, online safety, and communication tools such as email and video conferencing. Upon completion of the 15- hour training and demonstration of proficiency, participants will receive a free Chromebook and one year of Internet service.

The course is open to anyone who qualifies by demonstrating need or by identifying an educational, workforce, or personal well-being goal. Community partners such as Open Door, Action Inc., the Senior Center, and Wellspring House will refer participants, helping ensure the project’s success. Additionally, the Council on Aging/Rose Baker Senior Center, Gloucester Housing Authority, and the Gloucester Health Department will play a vital role in reaching those who benefit from the program and ensuring they remain engaged.

This initiative also includes valuable professional development for local high school and college student interns, who will help deliver the program through small-group tutoring and one-on-one support. Internships will be promoted in partnership with Gloucester Public Schools, leveraging channels such as the student newspaper, The Gillnetter.

UMass Lowell, which has played a crucial role in advancing digital equity throughout the region, will support the Library’s new educational program by providing additional funding for computer. The university is also embarking on a new college student intern program and anticipates a placement at Sawyer Free Library for the delivery and evaluation phases of the Computer Basics Course. The intern will assist with instructional activities, assessment tools, program promotion, and participant recruitment.

The Sawyer Free Library is a leader in advancing digital equity in Gloucester through partnerships, programs, and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging, community building, and continuous learning. Currently operating from its temporary location at 21 Main Street and online at sawyerfreelibrary.org, the Library looks forward to its grand reopening later this year. The renovated, expanded, and modernized space will bolster the Library’s central role in delivering innovative resources and opportunities to Gloucester’s diverse community.

To learn more about Advancing Digital Equity, please visit eccf.org/digital-equity/.

There’s like zero competition other than Talise in the summer. Captain Hooks is all done. An Italian/Pizza joint would slay here. I’d love to see the Rhea pizza truck people open a joint here with a beer/wine license.

I’m just sayin…

ORDER HERE https://gloucesterapparel.square.site/

Pat Dalpiaz and Pat D’s Photos will also be at the shop!

https://twitter.com/buccigross/status/1890155417185185883?s=46&t=CibBnaDO0TgITfMMGbuCmg

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Wintry Walk…

The Rockport Art Association & Museum (RAA&M) in Rockport, MA is currently receiving consignment submissions of works by Historic American Artists, Highlighting the Cape Ann School, for its Annual Art Auction. The consignment deadline is March 8, and the Auction will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 – Live Online Only. The Auction Preview Exhibition will be on view for two weeks prior to the auction in the Hibbard and Maddocks Galleries of the RAA&M. 

Each year, this prestigious fundraising event attracts serious collectors from across the country, as well as those just starting an art collection. The auction features works by master Cape Ann artists of the past such as: Aldro T. Hibbard, Emile Gruppé, Anthony Thieme, Antonio Cirino, W. Lester Stevens, Jane Peterson, Frederick Mulhaupt, Harry A. Vincent, Max Kuehne, Frederick J. Waugh, Marguerite S. Pearson, Charles Paul Gruppé, Harrison Cady, Theresa Bernstein, Charles Vickery, Paul Strisik, Charles Movalli, and many more. The RAA&M auction specializes in Cape Ann art, but is not limited to this region and also includes works by numerous other prominent historic American artists.

The auction, now in its 40th year, began with a bequest by founding member Antonio Cirino (1888-1983). Cirino left his artwork to the Association with the stipulation that the art be auctioned to help support the organization. The auction quickly evolved to include other historic Cape Ann artists and has been the RAA&M’s major annual fundraising event ever since.

For more information about the Rockport Art Association & Museum and its Annual Art Auction, please visit www.rockportartassn.org/auction.

To make an appointment or to inquire about consigning, please contact Margaret Redington at 
978-546-6604, ext. 1002 or auction@rockportartassn.org.

Masked in mystery and draped in decadence, this unforgettable masquerade ball promises an evening of magic, intrigue, and timeless elegance. Step back in time to 15th-century Venice, where the Renaissance ignited a flourishing of art, beauty, and imagination. Originally an exclusive affair for the elite, masquerade balls grew in popularity across Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, defying societal norms by uniting rich and poor in shared celebration. At Hammond Castle Museum, we invite you to an extraordinary evening of colorful costumes, captivating music, exquisite cuisine, and dazzling live entertainment. From 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, immerse yourself in the grandeur and enchantment of The Masquerade Ball of Dreams. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the thrilling spectacle of a fire juggler, lighting your way across the drawbridge and into the castle. Inside the Great Hall, a live-string quartet will fill the air with the timeless sounds of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Mozart, and Beethoven, setting the perfect ambiance. Throughout the evening, a roving harpist will serenade you with Italian classics as you explore the castle’s galleries and secret passageways. Indulge in elegant hors d’oeuvres and decadent desserts, featuring both passed and stationary selections designed by Missy Sallah OF Sugar Magnolia. An open bar will offer beer, wine, Prosecco, and a signature cocktail crafted especially for the night. As you mingle and dance, captivating performers, including jugglers, contortionists, and stilt walkers, will enchant and dazzle, ensuring every moment is filled with wonder and excitement. Prepare for a night of splendor and revelry that will transport you to another time and leave you with memories to cherish forever.

Purchase tickets here- https://bit.ly/BallofDreams25

FEBRUARY 13, 2025 ~ TRIXY546

SeniorCare will hold “The SAVVY Caregiver,” a free 6-week workshop for caregivers of memory-impaired recipients, which meets weekly and will help caregivers understand the impact of dementia, learn skills to manage daily life and communicate more effectively, and take care of themselves. To register, contact Abby Considine at 978-281-1750, ext. 581.

Taking care of a person living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia is specialized work. To do this work successfully, caregivers need special skills, knowledge, and a positive attitude that helps them care for themselves.

Savvy Caregiver Training will help you:

• Understand the impact of dementia on both you and the person you are caring for.
• Learn the skills you need to manage daily life.
• Take control and set goals.
• Communicate more effectively.
• Strengthen family resources.
• Feel better about your caregiving.
• Take care of you!

This workshop will take place on Fridays, February 28-April 18, 2025, at the Cape Ann YMCA. Participants should plan to attend all six sessions of the workshop. (The group will not meet on March 7 or April 4.)

For information and to register, call Abby Considine at 978-281-1750 x-581.

This new signage was recently posted along the new Sugar Magnolias location on Rogers St. Summer can’t get here fast enough!!