With all the seasonal places opening up I’d just like to put out a little PSA of what my friends and I talk about all the time:

If you’re hiring especially for the summer season where you know it’s gonna be busy…
No one gives a fuck about your craft cocktail program if they can’t get a drink served quickly, efficiently and with a smile. When hiring bar staff, hire animals that can get it done rather than prima donna artisans that move as slow as molasses. You wanna master something? Master how to push a Tito’s soda or beer across the bar as efficiently as possible. I don’t need a fancy artisanal drink if it’s going to take 20 minutes and the bar is lined with empty glasses. Let’s have a summer!

Join us at Stage Fort Park for clean up

The cleanup will take place rain or shine on Saturday, April 12, 2025.  Time will be from 10:00 to 12:00.  All year long, should be clean up time, our first official pick up will be April 12, 2025 at Stage Fort Park. Everyday should be Earth Day.  Hope to see you on Saturday.

 

Join Us for a Clean Up of

Stage Fort Park

Saturday, April, 12, 2025 starting at 10 am

In honor of Earth Month

 We will meet at the bandstand in the park. Trash bags, recycling containers & trash pickers will be provided.

Everyone is welcomed!

 Sponsored by:

The Annisquam Village Church

The Interfaith Committee of the

Cape Ann Climate Coalition

One Hour at a Time Gang

Seaside Sustainability

 Thank you

 

Essex Shipyard on a foggy day

Driving by the Essex Shipyard, the fog and reflections in the water were actually pretty.

Happy Spring from Loren Doucette Studios! 

Dear Friends,

Here are some exciting April Happenings…
The first show is on Front St. in Marblehead and the second is at the Shalin Lu Performance Center in Rockport. All Info below!

Show number one:

What: 2-Day Pop-Up Art Exhibition
When: Friday, April 11th 5-8 PM
            Saturday, April 12th 10 AM-4 PM with Artist Demo 1-2:30pm.
Where: 89 Front Street, Marblehead
Who: Katharine Pickering & Ingrid Swanson present “New Works” by Acclaimed Painters Loren Doucette & Matthew Billey 
Vernissage with refreshments
Browse, Buy & Be Dazzled
Special Opportunity: The artists will
be doing a demonstration on Saturday 1-2:30pm.
Please reserve your spot by texting 978-473-9818
Hosted by Milicent Armstrong of Artemis Design Company & Page Minshall of Seaweed Studio

Show number two:

Loren Doucette & Matthew Billey will be showcasing their works inspired by Erica Pistaturo and Scott Moore’s FOLK ELECTRIC album which will be performed live in concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, Saturday April 19. That’s right: along with the 11-piece band on stage, the third floor will be filled with vibrant creations in the Folk Electric: Painted Dreams series, providing another opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and individuality of these two artists’ work—and an opportunity to take one (or more!) home as they paint live. 

Hope to see you all!
Please check out my updated website at: lorendoucetteart.com
and my ART MENTORING offerings!

Sending love,
Loren 

The Cape Ann Community

Foundation (CACF) will launch its annual Cape Ann License Plate Auction on April 11, and this year, the weeklong program will include new opportunities to bid for custom plates.

In addition to remaining low-number

Cape Ann license plates – those between 1-100 – this year’s auction will for the first time include 3- and

4-digit plates expected to be particularly popular, including local area codes and exchanges, zip codes, and dates when the Cape Ann communities were founded.

The six remaining low-number plates are 66, 78, 79, 88, 91 and

92. Some examples of the special

3- and 4-digit plates include 525, 9130 and 2025. Bidding on low-number plates will begin at $1000 and special custom plates at $500.

Any Massachusetts resident who wants to display their love and support for Cape Ann will have a chance to secure these special

Cape Ann license plates. The low-number plates and the special 3- and

4-digit plates will be made available to the highest bidders through the weeklong auction, which will end on April 21. All proceeds from the auction will go to the Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF), which uses the funds raised to enable grants to local non-profit initiatives and organizations.

For more information on the auction and to register to bid,

visit http://www.lovecapeann.com. The site also has information on how to request other specific plates through the Foundation as well as the easy steps to order a random Cape Ann license plate through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

There are still thousands of random plates still available, for a payment of just $40 every other year. These plates are typically delivered within 10 days, with no need to go to a Registry of Motor Vehicles office.

“The revenue generated through our annual auction is essential to the work of the Foundation, providing funds we use to enable grants to Cape Ann non-profit organizations,” said Britta Cahoon, co-chair of the Cape Ann Community Foundation board of directors.

“The Cape Ann License Plate has become much sought-after, and the auction is the best way to secure the most popular numbers, all while helping to support important local initiatives,

” said Foundation Co-Chair Tony Sapienza.

Those who already have a Cape Ann license plate may still support the Foundation by donating on www.lovecapeann.com.

For more information about the Cape Ann License Plate Auction and for assistance in obtaining a Cape Ann license plate, call the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce at 978-283-1601 or visit the Chamber office at 24 Harbor Loop in Gloucester.

To preview and pre-register for the auction visit the Cape Ann

Community Foundation website at www.lovecapeann.com.

Homebuying Hub From Brandon Pratt

2-minute read

Buy a home

Buying a home doesn’t have to be daunting. We’re here to make it as easy as possible. First-time homebuyer, property investor or seasoned homeowner, follow our guide, use our tools, and you’ll be home in no time.

Read More

4½-minute read

What is an energy-efficient mortgage?

If you want a more energy-efficient home, consider an energy-efficient mortgage (EEM). You can finance improvements from upgraded windows to solar panels right into your loan. Here’s how to improve your home – and the planet!

Read More

2-minute read

Spring cleaning checklist

Spring is here, which means it’s time to … clean? When you’re facing a tough job, there’s nothing like a good listto get you through. We’ll show you how to break up the chores and tackle each space, inside and out.

Read More 

Follow CCM on Social! 

Have questions or need more information?

CONTACT ME

Brandon Pratt

Brandon Pratt

VP of Mortgage Lending / Loan Originator

M 617.688.6891

D 617-688-6891

www.theprattteam.com

brandon.pratt@ccm.com

“Murder in Rockport Mass” by Rob Fitzgibbon and Wayne Soini

Local authors Rob Fitzgibbon and Wayne Soini present a program about their recently released “Murder in Rockport, Massachusetts: Terror in a Small Town.” It’s the first comprehensive book about the Depression-era, unsolved homicides in Rockport of a tailor and a homemaker. Share your whispered family stories about the “whodunit” mystery. A book signing follows. Cape Ann Finns sponsors.


Two presentations Sat., April 12, 3:00 p.m. Rockport Public Library, 17 School St.Sun., May 18, 2:30 p.m. Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan St., Gloucester.

Signs of Spring

I noticed the Vietnam Memorial flags flying briskly in the brief periods of sun a few days ago and paused for a commemoration. I also noticed small signs of spring in the vicinity which I really needed to see after those heavy wet snowflakes reigned down upon us. I hope you find hope in these as I did.