Our friend Brian Wall, CPA, just fired the starting shot in the Fireworks Fundraising Competition with a generous $100 pledge! He challenges every other CPA Firm in Gloucester to match his pledge. 💰🔥

Now it’s YOUR turn!

We’re calling on all local businesses — Contractors, Bankers, Electricians, Hair Salons, Restaurants, Bars, Landscapers, Liquor Stores, Nail Salons, Spas, Lawyers, and more — to join the challenge. Who will be the first in your category to make the first pledge? Then you will challenge others in your profession to follow suit.

Our goal is to have 500 businesses donate $100 each. Seems like an easy goal to reach to continue on with this year’s old tradition of fireworks on the 3rd of July.

💥 It’s easy – Only comment to PLEDGE and call out another individual in a business profession, and or owner.
(All others will be deleted to avoid confusion)
1️⃣ Pledge $100
2️⃣ Name your next challenger!
3️⃣ Help us keep Cape Ann’s fireworks tradition shining bright!

As an incentive and donating business could forward their business card and will be spotlighted on our group page with nearly 10K members.

🎇 Did you know fireworks represent hope and unity? Let’s come together and make this year’s show the most dazzling yet!

📬 Send checks to:
Better Together for Cape Ann Inc
PO Box 16
Gloucester, MA 01930

💬 Or DM any admin, and we’ll arrange a pickup at your business!

This is a 2-week challenge, so don’t wait — let’s rally together and make it a night to remember!

READY, SET… CHALLENGE! 🎉

Better Together Cape Ann, Inc., is a 501c(3) and any donations are tax-deductible.

📝 Disclaimer:
Regardless of whether we meet the quota this year, funds raised will go directly to the fireworks committee. Let’s raise those funds and get it done! 💪 Just so you are aware, it costs roughly $45,000 to put on each display.

— with Anthony Saputo and 4 others.

🍕Buy any 18” Pizza get an 18” Cheese for $5
🍕Buy any 16” Pizza get a 16” Cheese for $5
🎉Additional Specials for today!
🍕Half Off Large Pizzas
🍔 $4.99 cheeseburgers w/ Chips & Pickles

excludes gluten free

We stopped by Lobsta Land on Causeway St for lunch shortly after they reopened for the 2025 season. As always, we were greeted in a friendly manner, seated in the bar area as requested and served by Shawn with efficiency and expertise. The deck was open but I wanted to be inside that day. I tried the Cajun Black and Bleu burger and Jim had the Cuban sandwich. We enjoyed our meals as we observed the “neighborhood” bar atmosphere where everyone seems to know your name. Welcome back Lobsta Land! We’ll return soon.

978-879-4524

April 28, 2025 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~ 

REMINDER – this Wednesday, April 30th is the last day for all local youth poets to submit entries for this year’s Poetry without Paper contest! Enter today HERE!

Any questions, email Tricia at tbalsan@sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5555 or stop by the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street!

Calling all Youth Poets! Last days to submit entries for Poetry without Paper!

Reading Room…

FHA loan requirements 2025

If you think your financial history might stop you from getting a home loan, think again! FHA loans are designed for people who want a low down payment and flexible financial requirements. They’re a great option for first-time homebuyers, too. 

Read More

What is an HOA?

Certain residential communities have a homeowners association (HOA) to oversee aspects of the community. If you’re considering a property governed by an HOA do your homework and understand the rules, the governance structure and the HOA dues required. HOAs vary widely, so it’s wise to know before you buy.

Read More

The 5 easiest houseplants to own

Bring the outside in with these 5 lovelies. See? It’s easy being green.

Watch here

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

🍕Half off any 18 inch pizza 🍕

🍔 $4.99 cheeseburgers (comes with chips & pic)

TIME’S ALMOST UP! Grant applications are closing Wednesday, April 30th, 2025! Make sure to submit yours now at www.LoveCapeAnn.com/Grant-Application.

APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 GRANTS

The Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF) invites 2025 proposals for grants. Applications will be available on Monday, March 31, 2025 and must be submitted by Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Grants are awarded from the proceeds made from the Cape Ann License Plate and direct donations from the community. Our grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 for projects that support the Foundation’s mission in the following areas:

• Regional promotion: projects that support and enhance the quality of life for the Cape Ann region and the communities of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport; and promote Cape Ann as a desirable place to live, work, recreate, and vacation.
• Economic Development: projects that expand employment opportunities and enhance the economic vitality of Cape Ann, including but not limited to projects that facilitate the start-up of new enterprises or the expansion of existing enterprises on Cape Ann.
• Training and Education: projects that support the training and education of the current and future Cape Ann workforce, including entrepreneurial training, to help Cape Ann residents succeed and thrive in the 21st-century economy.

Eligible applicants include religious, educational, scientific and cultural institutions; poverty relief agencies; and in general any organization that qualifies as a 501(c) (3) charity and is based in or providing services to the Cape Ann community. Local governments and their subdivisions in the communities of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport are also eligible to apply for CACF grants.

“The work the Foundation is able to accomplish with the help of the proceeds from plates on the road and generous bidders during our Low-Number Cape Ann License Plate Online Auction each year is a testament to the heart and soul of the Cape Ann Community and the pride we all hold for our beautiful area.” said Britta Cahoon, Co-Chair “Please don’t forget, if you already have a plate, you can continue to make a difference through a direct donation to the Foundation on our website and by spreading the word to family and friends.” added Tony Sapienza, Co-Chair.

For further information on the grant application process, call Sam Bevins at (978) 283-1601 or email sam@capeannchamber.com.

2025 Application

 

Visit https://beauportfinancial.com/…/Retirement_Planning… to see considerations you should attend to before retiring. We are happy to help you get on track- give us a call at 978-283-0748!

Tip Top Tulips at Felix’s Family Farm on Lowe’s Lane in Ipswich (behind the DQ) is expected to be at peak this week. We stopped by a few days ago and it was nearing full bloom. As always, the tulip field has a theme. This year the theme is Beauty which is supremely appropriate. As always, it’s a well organized, fun activity for all ages with reasonable pricing. i suggest going in the late afternoon as the sun starts its descent. It was a little overcast then day we visited but still delightful. We make a trip every year and it’s always wonderful.

OK Gloucester! Looking for a small commercial space ON MAIN ST for a very well established restaurant looking to open in Gloucester. Maybe a few tables but focus is on take out!
Preferably lease space but will consider a purchase.
You can thank me later! 🙂

KATELYN CIARAMITARO

(978) 473-0922

katelyn.ciaramitaro@engelvolkers.com

120 Main St, Gloucester, Ma

REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

ENGEL&VÖLKERS’