To kick off Pride Month, the Cape Ann Museum and Historic New England present Pride in the Archives, a participatory discussion on the challenges and rewards of interpreting LGBTQ+ history based on archival materials. This virtual panel discussion will start with the story of Eastern Point residents A. Piatt Andrew, Henry Davis Sleeper, and their circle -- collectively known as "Dabsville" -- and continue with a consideration of Andrew and Sleeper's friendship with neighbors John Hays Hammond, Jr. and Leslie Buswell referencing archival documents from the collections of CAM and Historic New England. Tripp Evans, author of Grant Wood: A Life, will be joined by Martha Van Koevering, Site Manager of Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, and CAM Librarian & Archivist, Trenton Carls to discuss how these specific examples provide a window into both the importance and the difficulties of actively collecting, crafting, and sharing LGBTQ+ history.

CEO and President June Update

May is always a mixed weather month, and this year was no different. Hot and cold, windy and wet…at least over Memorial Day Weekend…we are ready for summer and warm weather!

In the June episode of the Love Cape Ann Podcase Chamber CEO Ken Riehl, Chamber Board President Susan Gould-Coviello speak with the Executive Director of Backyard Growers Lara Lepionka, and discuss the exciting updates June will bring for the Cape Ann Chamber and our community.

The summer promises to be bright on Cape Ann as evidenced by visitors out and about enjoying the warm and sunny weather these past several weeks, and by the recent work of the Tourism Council. In this month’s Tourism Council meeting, the group reviewed the 2021 Spring Mixer held on May 6 and discussed plans and expectations for summer and beyond – and in both instances, there was plenty of optimism

Now meeting the third Wednesday of the month, the committee continues to move forward with their wellness Promotional Programming. Click the link below to see upcoming wellness events happening this month, and for a special wellness news update from Backyard Growers.

At the Council’s most recent meeting, guest speaker Maria DiStefano, Northeast Regional Director for the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, made a presentation to the Council on a range of business assistance programs currently available to Cape Ann businesses. For a link to Ms. DiStefano’s power point presentation, please click here

With the unofficial start of summer upon us and the COVID-19 restrictions now removed, we are so excited to safely gather and connect with our members in-person once again. Beginning with our Annual Dinner Celebration at Maritime Gloucester and the return of our in-person Business After Hours networking events, we view the months ahead with extreme optimism and excitement.

Virtual Networking Event

Thursday, June 3 | 9 AM

 

Virtual Webinar

Tuesday, June 8 | 11 AM

 

Design thinking can transform our present job and our experience of work by utilizing the designer mindsets of curiosity, reframing, radical collaboration, innovation and forward movement. With competition fierce for top talent, being mindful of how the past year has changed the workplace forever can help firms establish that competitive edge. For employees, learning the language of design thinking can help you visualize and then articulate a positive work life with the end goal of being a better and more productive contributor to your workplace.

Annual Dinner Celebration

Friday, June 18 | 6 - 11 PM

 

Have you missed the opportunity to reserve your ticket to the Annual Celebration? We’re opening reservations for folks to join us for dancing during the celebration starting at 8 pm, tickets are only $25!

Last month we held our first in person event since pandemic restrictions were put in place last March. Our Tourism Council and members gathered at the Emerson Inn Seaside Resort for a tourism mixer and ribbon cutting celebrating the kick-off to the 2021 season and the new owners of the Inn. There were nearly 100 attendees from across all four Cape Ann communities, including State Senator Bruce Tarr.

May Coffee & Connections Virtual Networking Event

Our members gathered virtually for an informative and fun networking event once again. We heard updates from all of our members who attended, including Addison Gilbert Hospital, Foster's Grill Store, The Cape Ann YMCA, Local Colors Artists' Cooperative, TD Bank, Gloucester Bio, and many more. We will continue hosting this virtual event, so our members can join us no matter their locale.

May launched the first of our Endicott Series of Entrepreneurial Training Seminars. Lexi Godlewski, an Endicott Alum and Marketing Guru hosted a discussion on The Secret to Memorable and Moving Marketing. If you missed the opportunity to attend, please click here to watch the recording.

Over 120 golfers and volunteers joined us for a beautiful day on the green in support of Cape Ann area youth. Thank you to everyone who joined us and a special thank you to our sponsors for which this event would not be possible.

Our last virtual Business After Hours was hosted by the lovely owners of Seafarer Inn, Beth and Chris Roenker. The virtual format of these gatherings has allowed for folks to connect in unique ways that otherwise may not take place in an in-person setting. That said, we are all eager to return to a bit of normalcy later this month!

(978) 735-5026

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(781) 572-1172

Services Cape Ann

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NBC Boston and Boston Restaurant Talk have published articles on the reopening of the beloved Essex restaurant, Essex Seafood, which burned down on Mother's Day of 2020. Essex Seafood has confirmed on Facebook that they are officially open and are excited to welcome back their customers.

Gifts and Decorative Accessories Magazine recently announced that Pauline's Gift is a finalist in the 70th annual retailer excellence award, in the Socially Responsible Category.

Pauline's Gifts collects personal items for women serving in active duty overseas. Owner Pauline Bresnahan works with Operation Troop Support out of Danvers. Pauline's is one of only 21 retailers chosen for top honors. The award ceremony will be held virtually on August 3rd. 2021

MyLocalMA Business of the Week - Local Colors Artists' Cooperative

Local Colors is a thriving community of artists in the heart of historic Gloucester. The Co-op's light-filled gallery offers a dynamic selection of original art, including hand-painted oils, and watercolors; evocative photography; luxurious and eclectic jewelry; sumptuous knitwear; beautiful ceramics; solid hardwood furniture, and more--- all inspired by the beauty of Cape Ann. If you are an artist living nearby, this is a wonderful place to display your work! Contact them on social media, through their website, or in person at the gallery.

Agri-Culture is a project that will use storytelling, multimedia arts, and a participatory design process to create dynamic spaces in and around the community garden managed by Backyard Growers at Willowood Park, a Gloucester Housing Authority development on Maplewood Avenue in Gloucester.

This exciting new program will cover classroom training hours, as well as hands-on road training & testing for a Class B CDL. Graduates of the program will be able to drive several types of large box trucks, garbage & recycling trucks and other commercial vehicles

Anyone interested can contact Jill Bonaiuto: jbonaiuto@actioninc.org for more information.

The Savvy Caregiver 6-Week Free Workshop With SeniorCare Inc.

Thursdays, June 3 - June 24 | 10 AM-Noon

June 5 - 6 | 10 AM - 5 PM Daily

The Cape Ann Artisans invite the curious and adventuresome art lovers to visit them for a deep dive into the creative life on Cape Ann. The tour is free and self-guided. You can download and print the brochure and map PDFs to plan your trip. The brochure contains information about each artist. Print it out, mark it up, or just keep it on your device. As you approach each artisan studio on the road a bright, magenta Studio Tour banner will mark the studio location.

2021 Misselwood Touring Series Part 1

Sunday, June 6 | 9 AM - Noon

Sawyer Free Library Workshop:

A Guide to Interviewing for Graduating Students and Their Families

Tuesday, June 8 | 7 - 8:30 PM

Thursday, June 10 | 4 PM

The Cabot is pleased to announce the first session of their new Community Conversations series: How You Can Be An Ally for Social Change.

This event is for anyone who wants to learn more about what changes they can make to promote more equity and justice in their workplace and community

Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum Present Frame Up to Fit Out - Sylvina W. Beal Restoration

Thursday, June 10 | 7 - 8 PM

Join Katherine Dench, Mass Cultural Council’s granted apprentice to master shipwright Harold Burnham, as she chronicles her experience in taking part in the restoration process of the historic Sylvina W. Beal and wooden boat building - from sketch to launch.

Friday, June 11 | 7:30 - 9 PM

A celebration of the simple beauty of being human, this funny and deeply touching exploration of resilience is based on Cheryl Strayed’s (Wild) journey as the beloved anonymous advice columnist for “Dear Sugar.” The performance is located outdoors at Windhover Center for the Performing Arts, 257R Granite Street, Rockport.

June 15 |Noon - 3 PM

Saturday, June 19 |Noon - 3 PM

This event is open to any high school-aged youth from Ipswich, Beverly, Danvers, Rockport, Gloucester, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea. There will be free swag, raffle prizes, plate smashing, photo booths, free food and more!

Sunday, June 20 | Noon - 4 PM

Celebrate their business anniversary by joining Cape Ann Botanicals and Cannabis at the Riverside Romp event in Ipswich. Enjoy Live Music with Deep Blue and Labor In Vain. Food by Riverview Pizza and Beer from True North Ales. Ipswich River Watershed Association will be there to teach about rain barrels and give everyone a chance to build fish puppets.

Posting an event on our community calendar is a great way to gain exposure and promote your business's upcoming events. Take advantage of this FREE member benefit and post yours today by logging into your account!

*Contact Olivia at olivia@capeannchamber.com if you need assistance

Our Final COVID-19 Update 

Now Lifted

On Saturday, May 29, all remaining COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, and the state of emergency will end on June 15. The state’s face covering order was also rescinded on May 29, replaced by a new face covering advisory consistent with the latest Centers for Disease Control guidance. Read the Governor’s May 28 press release and related information here. Read the state’s current face covering advisory here

According to the May 30 report from the Department of Public Health 3,672,088 people have been fully vaccinated in Massachusetts against COVID-19. Nearly 4.2 million have received at least one dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, and another 250,000 people have received the single done Janssen (J&J) vaccine. Everyone age 12 and above who lives, works or studies in Massachusetts is now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. To learn more and to make an appointment please click here. View the June 1 Massachusetts daily vaccine report here. View the May 27 weekly vaccination report here

The Baker-Polito Administration has closed the Commonwealth’s vaccine preregistration system. The COVID-19 Vaccine Finder at vaxfinder.mass.gov will remain available, with over 900 locations listed across the state. The Administration has also expanded the state’s Homebound Vaccination Program to support in-home vaccinations for all eligible residents who are unable to get to a vaccine site. Click here to learn more.

The state’s 7-day weighted average positivity rate continued to fall over the past week, reaching 0.66% on May 29, its lowest observed value to date. Other key indicators, including hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID are also continuing to show encouraging downward trends. To view the most recent Massachusetts COVID-19 daily dashboard please click here. For the May 27 weekly public health report please click here

Rockport's Town Offices Are Now Open for Full Service Walk-Ins

The Board of Health has voted to lift local COVID restrictions and fully align with the Commonwealth’s restriction and advisory timeline. Starting today, Town Offices will transition from by appointment to regular full service walk-in during normal business hours. The Public Library will also transition from its back porch pickup service to normal walk in service the same day. Learn more here

Read the City of Gloucester Memo Regarding Summer Events and Reopening Information

The City of Gloucester recently issued a memo on topics including beach parking, the Stage Fort Park trolley, summer events, reopening information, face covering guidance, and more. To read the memo please click here

The program consists of an evaluation by a physiatrist with subsequent referrals to physical, occupational, and speech therapy as needed to provide a collaborative and comprehensive approach to treating the after-effects from a positive Covid-19 diagnosis. The program is typically covered by insurance and may also be exempt from co pays, deductibles, and coinsurance. Please click here to learn more about the program and click this link for general information about Spaulding's local center in Gloucester that offers Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy services.

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business. Applications are now being accepted. For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, please click here

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal is now open. For additional information and to review applicant resources, visit click here

For comprehensive COVID-19 information please visit the Chamber’s special Coronavirus page

To view the most recent (May 27) weekly COVID-19 Command Center Situation Report from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), please click here

For the latest COVID-19 news and information for Massachusetts, please visit here. To view the latest nationwide case information published daily by the CDC please click here

Carroll K. Steele Insurance Agency, Inc. is Hiring an I nsurance Account Manager (Personal Lines)

Payne|Bouchier Fine Builders is Seeking Skilled Carpenter

SeniorCare is Looking for a Full-Time Protective Service Caseworker and a Full-Time Care Manager

The Patio Company is Looking for a Summer Accounting Intern

Action Inc. is Looking to Hire a Building Performance Specialist and a Heating Specialist

Cape Ann's Marina Resort, Mile Marker One & Cape Ann Marine Sales & Service are Looking to Hire Multiple Positions

Local Colors Artists' Cooperative is Looking For Artists

 

Atlantis Oceanfront Inn Is Looking to Hire a Hotel Maintenance Person

Beauport Hospitality Group is Hiring   Multiple Positions

 

Posting a Shop Our Member deal is a great way to gain exposure for your business by highlighting your special promotions. Take advantage of this FREE member benefit and list yours today by logging into your account!

*Contact Olivia at olivia@capeannchamber.com if you need assistance

If you are interested in promoting with the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and sponsoring this newsletter, please contact Ken Riehl at ken@capeannchamber.com