NOVEMBER 21, 2025 BY PRATTBRANDON

Down payment: How much do you need for a house?

Saving up for a down payment — that upfront sum you pay toward the purchase price of your house — is one of the first steps on your homebuying journey. Knowing how much you need informs your savings plan and sets you up for success throughout the rest of your search.

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Types of homes: Find your home style

From sleek modern townhomes to charming colonial cottages, the types of homes found across the United States are as diverse as the people who live in them. Understanding the different types of homes can empower you to find one that fits your lifestyle, location and budget. Then we’ll make sure your mortgage does the same.

Read MoreHow does a cash-out refinance work?Your home is one of your greatest investments. As you pay your mortgage, you build home equity. A cash-out refinance allows you to access the equity in your home and turn it into cash. Interested? Get the full scoop on how it works in our article.Read More
Follow CCM on Social!Have questions or need more information?CONTACT ME  Brandon PrattVP of Mortgage Lending / Loan OriginatorD 617-688-6891Wwww.theprattteam.comEbrandon.pratt@ccm.comApply NowCrossCountry Mortgage, LLC
99 Rosewood Drive Suite 225
Danvers, MA 01923
Personal NMLS46922 Branch NMLS1401242
Company NMLS3029 

Bands…

Owner and artist Pauline Bresnahan has spent more than two decades at the helm of her store, Pauline’s Gifts in Massachusetts.

Lenise Willis //Editor in Chief//November 3, 2025

Owner and artist Pauline Bresnahan has spent more than two decades at the helm of her store, Pauline’s Gifts, a cherished fixture of the Cape Ann community in Massachusetts. Her work embodies dedication not just to business but to service. “Pauline has served the communities of Cape Ann for over 26 years,” said Glen Bresnahan of Pauline’s Gifts.

Beyond her role as a retailer, Bresnahan sits on the Gloucester tourism board and Discover Gloucester, using her platform to advocate for local artisans and small businesses. She is also known for spearheading Operation Troop Support, delivering supplies to women serving overseas — a mission that highlights her compassion and civic spirit.

Through art, entrepreneurship and activism, Bresnahan has created a model of what it means to blend business with community impact, proving that local retail can drive lasting change. Her dedication to retail and her community has earned her the title of finalist in the 2021 and 2024 Retailer Excellence Awards.

Plan Ahead!  

Let us help you avoid 

post-holiday clutter and chaos!

And take advantage of your FIRST MONTH FREE!

**must reserve by 12/31/25

Our units are perfect for all your storing needs!

Call or visit

978-879-4524

61 Grove Street

Gloucester, MA

www.grovestreetselfstorage.com

Everybody’s favorite wreath, Keith, is out and about town. He’s ready for any selfie you might want during store hours at 44 Main St. Welcome back Keith! I know some of you out there were missing him……PS he has his own Instagram account KeithIsAWreath in case you want to check it out. He’s seen here saying “so long for now” to the boulevard garden beds and at 44 Main St.

Gloucester Fishtown Horribles Parade of Trees

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGiRWT49OVe_UWPNr5ex6TvyyUnDyWoeHF5NTN-_wCoc7wlg/viewform

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGiRWT49OVe_UWPNr5ex6TvyyUnDyWoeHF5NTN-_wCoc7wlg/viewform

Winter Mode…

December 19, 2025

9am-3pm

168 Main Street, 168 Main Street, Rockport

I am reaching out on behalf of the City of Gloucester, in collaboration with the towns of Rockport and Ipswich, who are investing $300,000 to address the opioid crisis through expanded treatment access, recovery support, and stigma reduction. More information about the funding is included below.

Are there any upcoming opportunities for collaboration where the Health Department could host a table at an event or have 5–10 minutes to speak about the Opioid Abatement funds during a meeting? We want to ensure these funds are used effectively, and your support would be a big help. Please let me know if you have any suggestions on where we could share this information.  

Opioid Abatement Funding Framework

The initiative is funded in part by a grant from The Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership, funded by the MA Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services and is strengthened by a shared financial commitment from all three municipalities, using funds from the national opioid settlements. Gloucester contributed $100,000, Rockport $30,000, and Ipswich $20,000, and Mosaic Opioid Recovery matched their investment with another $150,000 for a total of $300,000.

The collaboration, was shaped by data and feedback provided by those with lived and living experience, and will fund the following:

• Transportation to and from treatment
• Post-treatment supportive housing
• Substance-free community classes
• Expanded access to recovery coaches
• Anti-Stigma education for community-wide understanding of opioid use disorder (OUD) so more residents will seek help

Residents of the three communities can learn more about these services by visiting community organizations such as Core Peer Recovery, Action, Inc, Open Door, One Stop Harm Reduction, Learn to Cope, Gloucester Health Center, Fishing Partnership Support Services, Younity Access Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, the Grace Center, and the health departments in each community.  They can also go online at https://www.gloucester-ma.gov/1481/Opioid-Abatement-Funds to learn more.

The Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership is a public-private collaboration created to support initiatives in historically underserved communities that have experienced disproportionately high rates of opioid-related overdose deaths. Powered by RIZE Massachusetts Foundation (RIZE) and supported by the Massachusetts Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund, Mosaic represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to implement lifesaving, community-centered approaches to recovery.