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!

Tight Squeeze…

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 

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.

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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.

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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!

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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

VP of Mortgage Lending / Loan Originator

M 617.688.6891

D 617-688-6891

W www.theprattteam.com

E brandon.pratt@ccm.com

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.

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Watercolor…

A juried exhibition of local artists

Location: The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA
Exhibition Dates: April 11–June 1
Opening Reception: Sunday, April 13, 4–6 PM
Gallery Hours: Friday–Sunday, Noon – 5 PM

Gloucester, MA – The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) is thrilled to present Intelligence of Touch, curated by interdisciplinary artist and Rocky Neck native Kyle Browne, showcases six young women artists working in Boston and Cape Ann who challenge artistic conventions in two and three dimensional forms.  Dominique Nelson, Alex Troup, Hayley Wolfe, Loretta Park, Kate Wildman, and Browne investigate concepts of mapping, imagined worlds, corporeal landscapes, and transformation, creating unexpected and emotive visual narratives that highlight the energetic exchange between body, material, and concept.

 Celebrate with Us!\

We invite the public to immerse themselves in art and community at our lively Opening Reception on Sunday, April 13, from 4 to 6 PM. Meet the artists, engage in conversation, and enjoy refreshments, drinks, and a welcoming creative atmosphere.

For details on additional public programs and special events accompanying this exhibition, visit www.rockyneckartcolony.org for updates.

About the Rocky Neck Art Colony

The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to nurturing excellence in the arts through exhibitions, workshops, artist residencies, and vibrant cultural events for both members and the public. Located in the historic Rocky Neck Cultural District of Gloucester, Massachusetts, RNAC operates three unique exhibition spaces, free and open to the public:

The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (6 Wonson Street) – A hub for exhibitions and events.  The Salted Cod Arthouse (53 Rocky Neck Ave.) – A collaborative gallery and Wine Bar, fostering artistic connections.  Cove Gallery (37 Rocky Neck Ave.) – A seasonal space in the former studio of Gordon and Judith Goetemann, celebrating local artistic heritage.

A special thanks goes out to our Sponsors:  Cape Ann Savings Bank, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Institution for Savings and Neptune Fertilizer.

For gallery hours, exhibition details, and upcoming programs, visit www.rockyneckartcolony.org or call 978-515-7004.

A longtime Gloucester attorney and civic leader, Schlichte brings decades of legal expertise and deep community engagement to her new role as Interim Chief Administrative Officer

GLOUCESTER – Mayor Greg Verga is pleased to announce the appointment of Gloucester resident Catherine Schlichte as Interim Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Gloucester, following the upcoming departure of Jill Cahill.

Schlichte brings nearly 30 years of legal experience to the Mayor’s Office, having served as a partner at the Gloucester-based firm Schlichte & Johnstone, P .C. since 1996. In addition to her impressive professional career, she has been an active member of our community for decades.

“Catherine not only brings the knowledge and experience needed to succeed as CAO, but also a deep commitment to improving her community every day — an ideal combination for this position,” said Mayor Greg Verga.

“I’m thrilled to have her on board and confident that we’ll continue to accomplish great things together in the months ahead. I am grateful for Jill’s support and hard work over the past 3 years and look forward to working together as neighboring community leaders.

”

After serving two terms on the Gloucester School Committee in the early 1990s, she went on to volunteer for nearly 20 years on critical City boards, committees, and commissions. Most notably, Schlichte has served for over 10 years on the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals, leveraging her vast knowledge of land use and real estate law.

“I was honored when the Mayor asked me to take this interim position and I’m excited to be working with his management team. I think the Mayor has accomplished great things during his time in office and to work with him and his team for the residents of Gloucester, that is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Schlichte previously served on the Board of Directors for the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, including terms as Board President and Chair of the Board. She has also been actively involved in numerous community organizations including Cape Ann Art Haven, Gloucester Stage Company and Awesome Gloucester.

Schilchte holds a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University and a Juris Doctorate from

Massachusetts School of Law.

Schlichte will officially start as Interim Chief Administrative Officer on May 12, 2025.

“Working with Mayor Verga to advance his vision for Gloucester has been an honor. His dedication to thiscommunity and his commitment to collaboration and civility have made working with him not only

inspiring, but also rewarding and a lot of fun. I am thrilled to be handing the reins over to someone as

committed to this community as Catherine. Together they will continue to lead the incredible team of dedicated managers and employees that make up this great city. I will miss being CAO of the city I know and love, but I am very excited about the opportunity that Danvers brings and look forward to getting started.

”

Cahill leaves the City of Gloucester after serving five years as Community Development Director and three years as Chief Administrative Officer. Cahill’s official last day with the City of Gloucester is May 9, 2025. She goes on to serve as Town Manager for the Town of Danvers.

Apply for a Marijuana Pardon Certificate 

Apply for a Pardon Certificate if you are an adult who has a misdemeanor conviction for marijuana possession before March 13, 2024.

On March 13, 2024, Governor Maura T. Healey announced a one-time, large-scale pardon effort for people with certain misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions.

Here’s the link-

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/apply-for-a-marijuana-pardon-certificate

My friend Susan and I recently decided to have lunch at Seaport Grille on Rowe Square. It was the perfect choice on that dreary afternoon. It was comfortable and friendly and reliably yummy. Susan ordered the fish and chips and I got fish tacos. I twisted Susan’s arm and we also got the famous key lime pie for dessert. We left with full stomachs and smiles on our faces. Thanks Seaport Grille for another fine meal!