Pauline Bresnahan of Pauline’s Gifts | Women of Influence

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.

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Orpheum Theatre

I love a great concert in the city! It has been a while since I’ve been to the Orpheum Theatre, but I was lucky enough to be treated to Sarah McLachlan last night and it was amazing. Her voice is truly breathtaking.

Keith The Wreath Is BACK!

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.

Fourth Annual Gloucester Fishtown Horribles Parade of Trees

Gloucester Fishtown Horribles Parade of Trees

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

Staircase on Shore Road

There is a little staircase on Shore Road.  At one time there was a private pool behind the archway on Shore Road.  You can see this little entry way from Shore Road.

Opioid Abatement funds Info

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.