Cape Ann Plein Air (CAPA) celebrates the region’s unparalleled arts legacy as the birthplace of plein air, and supports its several hundred working artists and cultural organizations. 35 preeminent artists from around the country will be in Cape Ann from Oct 3-11, painting in all four beautiful communities. From a Meet the Artists reception on Monday evening in Manchester, to daily demos in each town, from a day at the CAM Green to a nocturne painting event on Bearskin Neck and everything in between, you'll have many opportunities to meet the artists and watch them as they work. Everything culminates with two important Columbus Day weekend events: Reserve your tickets AND the night for the Cape Ann Plein Air Gala Awards Ceremony & Premiere Party, Saturday, October 9, from 5 - 10 PM, at Glen T. MacLeod Cape Ann YMCA, 7 Gloucester Crossing Road. And on Monday 125 artists of all abilities will gather to paint at Maritime Gloucester from 9-4. Thanks to our housing hosts as well as our many sponsors for helping make this event an unparalleled success.

We look forward to welcoming our artists and art enthusiasts back to Cape Ann this coming Fall. To view the full schedule of events, please see the link below.

CEO and President September Update

September on Cape Ann was just glorious this year! Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes a whole new set of Chamber initiatives, including fun Fall events and re-focusing on our economic and education priorities.

At the August meeting of the Tourism Council, there was a mix of celebration, caution, and optimism. We celebrated a successful start to the summer season, with reports of an uptick in business among our accommodations, restaurants and attractions.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs Council met on September 14, with Council members attending in person and via Zoom. The Council discussed a wide range of topics, including Gloucester elections, state policy issues, the pending roll-out of the Phase 1 North Shore Blue Economy report, and planning for Cape Ann Small Business Week.

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber’s Health & Wellness Committee has come together as part of Mental Health Awareness week to share resources, programming and information on mental health services on Cape Ann. Mental Health Awareness week takes place during the first week in October.

Ken Riehl (CEO) and Susan Gould-Coviello (President) of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber wrap up the month of September, the merger with the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Person of the year awards, and more...

The Cape Ann Regional Grant continues to provide support to Cape Ann businesses with over 100 businesses participating in workshops and one on one consultations to date. In October, the Grant team will roll-out the Cape Ann Online Business Directory, a central online directory where all Cape Ann businesses can provide detailed information about hours, discounts, gift card promotions and much more. This virtual platform was customized specifically through the grant for Cape Ann businesses. To introduce the platform, we’ll be holding two training sessions on Wednesday, October 20. The 11am-12noon session will be held at the Castle Manor Inn, Gloucester and include a complimentary lunch. Register here for 11am.

The second session will be held from 7-8pm on zoom only. Register here for 7pm. Please contact Grant Manager Anne Williams at anne@capeannchamber.com with questions or to learn more.

For more than 18 months, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has been providing information on federal, state and local programs available to members and businesses generally. In late May, we believed like many that the economy was on a glide path to normalcy. Governor Baker lifted COVID-19 restrictions including requirements for wearing masks for those who have been vaccinated. In June, the state of emergency was lifted. And the governor announced that the Commonwealth was on track to meet the goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week in June.

Unfortunately, as October and the 4th quarter approach, optimism about a return to some form of normalcy has given way to uncertainty.

Did you know that the Greater Cape Ann Chamber, as a non-profit, has its primary fundraiser and the largest auction on Cape Ann - the Love Cape Ann Fundraising Auction – turning 34 this year and that we are hosting it back in person? Already over 100 local Greater Cape Ann businesses have contributed to the auction, which will be held at the Beauport Hotel on November 10 from 5 – 10 PM. This is a great way to find incredible gifts for the special people in your life along with supporting the Greater Cape Ann communities.

We are pleased to announce that our 2022 advertising opportunities are now available. Take advantage of early bird 10% discounts on our display ads by signing up now to advertise in our publications. You can also increase your web presence by advertising on our three websites CapeAnnChamber.com , CapeAnnVacations.com and/or RockportUSA.com

The current editions of our publications are still being widely distributed and are available for pick up at our new office and visitor center.

It is with profound sadness that we share with Chamber members and friends the sad news of the passing of Beverly (Bev) Gardner. At the Chamber we got to know Bev during her very active retirement years, as a long-time volunteer at our former Commercial Street reception desk and visitor center. Always greeting members and visitors with her beautiful, beaming smile, Bev had a wonderful way of making everyone feel welcome and important. Bev’s volunteer service extended far beyond the Chamber, and included Senior Care, Wellspring House and the Rose Baker Senior Center. Bev also volunteered at many Chamber events, but she may best be remembered as our tall “Vanna” drawing the winning numbers at the annual Irish Sweepstakes and $25K Game. Bev Gardner was loved by all who knew her but especially by all in her large extended family. Ever thankful for the life and love of Beverly Gardner, we extend our heartfelt condolences to all her family and friends. For further information please see the September 29 issue of the Gloucester Daily Times.

This seminar introduces a holistic approach to support hearing wellness and treat hearing loss. We call it WHOLEHearing. Hearing wellness is a lifelong concern that begins with birth. If you enjoy exceptional hearing, WHOLEHearing will help you protect and conserve your hearing. If you are experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus, WHOLEHearing incorporates a broad spectrum of treatment options and lifestyle interventions that support and improve your ability to hear and interpret sound. This will be a virtual seminar over Zoom.

Coffee & Connections

Thursday, October 7| 9 - 10 AM

Occurring on the first Thursday of the month at 9am, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber hosts Coffee & Connections, a virtual networking event! We will continue holding these via zoom so that anyone may join us from anywhere. Meet new people, expand your business connections and stay in touch with friends and colleagues.

The highly anticipated $25K Game is back for 2021. There are 12 chances to win with prizes ranging from $10,000 to $500. Swing by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber to purchase your tickets today. 50/50 Raffle tickets are also available for purchase. This will be an in-person event at the Gloucester Elks, registration is required to attend.

This year’s Businesswomen’s Luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 14, at the Beauport Hotel. Karen Hanson, License Partner, Engel & Völkers by the Sea will be our featured Speaker. Karen will talk about Resiliency- in good times and in tough times. Tickets are $35, tables of 10 are available for $350.

Join us for two dates in October for the City of Gloucester Candidate Forums. The events will feature the School Committee, Mayoral, Councilor-at-Large and Ward 2 candidates. Save the dates and look for updates on the venue. The forums are presented by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce's Government Affairs Council.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities available for this event or to submit proposed questions, please contact olivia@capeannchamber.com

Save the date - The Chamber’s biggest fundraiser! With over 200 attendees, the auction is one of the largest on the North Shore. This is a wonderful way to support the organization and help build a stronger Cape Ann region. With 100 Live and Silent items and many door prizes, you will not want to miss this terrific opportunity to celebrate our region and find those special gifts for you and your loved ones!

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the Love Cape Ann Auction. This is a great way to advertise and support the community. See the contracts below.

This September the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce held numerous ribbon cuttings for local businesses. We celebrated new businesses with Seaglass Law & Mediation and grand reopenings with the folks at Winning Solutions. Does your business have something to celebrate? Email Sam at sam@capeannchamber.com to schedule your ribbon cutting today.

To celebrate the Cape Ann and Ipswich Chambers merger, we held a Welcome Reception at True North Ales. This event marked the Greater Cape Ann Chamber's first-ever Ipswich event. The Greater Cape Ann Region came out for a night of celebration, camaraderie and craft beer. Thank you to all who attended and welcomed the Ipswich community to our Chamber.

The Chamber’s Young Professionals Group, Next Gen, got together to celebrate the end of Summer with a beach bonfire on beautiful Long Beach. Joined by old and new friends, the group spent the night catching up, networking and enjoying locally catered food. Special thank you to our gracious host, Cape Ann Motor Inn, who pulled together an amazing event.

Our September Business After Hours was a hit as it was held at the Cape Ann Museum Green at the Janet & William Ellery James Center. The Cape Ann Museum graciously welcomed the greater Cape Ann Chamber, Senator Bruce Tarr, Mayor Romeo Theken and GCACC members to showcase its new campus to the business community. It was a beautiful evening capped off with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. Please join us in celebrating the remainder of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage), a non-profit that manages and provides numerous programs preserving and enhancing Essex County’s historic, natural and cultural places, is excited to announce that they have been awarded a $50,000 grant from the African American Civil Rights grant program, through the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. This grant will be used to research and promote the African American experience in the Essex National Heritage Area.

After a months-long application process, Communications, Ink received word that they are now certified as a women-owned business both locally and nationally for the Center for Women & Enterprise, the regional certifier for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

Communications, Ink is proud and excited to be amongst the women-led businesses that make a difference each and every day. They are grateful to all those who have helped us build our business and contribute to our ongoing success. Let them show you how we can help you create new opportunities and cost efficiencies, while strengthening your brand through innovation and creativity

Beverly Hospital and Addison Gilbert have begun conducting their triennial Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The primary goal of the CHNA is to identify the priority health needs in the community, including various social, economic, and environmental factors that impact the ability to achieve optimal health and healthy equity, i.e. economic insecurity, transportation, access to care, housing insecurity, employment, economic development, education, etc. We greatly appreciate you taking the survey below.

Join the Life Sciences Consortium of the North Shore (LSCNS) to network with leading life science companies and learn about career opportunities.

LSCNS has convened a variety of life science companies ranging in size and technical discipline, all with offices north of Boston. Students will have the chance to learn about the attending companies from brief presentations, and then select virtual networking breakout rooms to speak with employers that interest them. In these breakout rooms, employers can connect with students regarding internship and job opportunities, and answer questions about their company. This is a free event for both employers and students.

Cazeault Solar & Home is thankful to have won the Best of North Shore (BONS) People Choice award for the 3rd consecutive year. And this year they were awarded the Editors Choice Award.

“Winning this award for 3 consecutive years just blows me away. The team worked extremely hard despite so many obstacles pertaining to the pandemic. And to win the Editor’s Choice award as well, shows that BONS recognizes the superior work that the team provides”- Tim Sanborn, Managing Partner of Cazeault Solar & Home

Congratulations to Cazeault Solar for their outstanding work and dedicated team.

Volunteers work about two hours in the late morning, picking up and delivering meals to older residents. This provides several benefits—the elder receives a nutritious meal (sometimes the main meal of their day), they get a quick visit from a friendly volunteer (sometimes the only person they see that day), and as the volunteer gets to know the elders on their route, the volunteer sometimes notices when the elder’s circumstances and/or status changes and can have SeniorCare check in with the elder to make sure everything is all right.

For more information contact the SeniorCare Nutrition Dept at 978-281-1750, M-F, 9 AM - 4 PM.

Young Legends Street Hockey is offering two programs starting in October. Their "Learn to Play" is aimed at 4 to 6-year-olds and will teach the basics of street hockey. This will focus on core elements such as stick handling, passing, and shooting. The other offering is Young Legends' Skill Development Program that builds skills for both street and ice hockey. Each program is 5 weeks and occurs Sunday mornings through October.

Each year BONS celebrates (and honors) the North Shore experts who create perfection for clients on their big day—from the best gowns and engagement rings to cakes and venues!

2022 BONS Wedding Readers' Choice voting runs until October 15, with the winners announced in our January/February 2022 issue. Cast you8r votes for your favorite wedding industry businesses!

The goal of the Gloucester Racial Justice team in issuing this survey is to gather the perspective of our BIPOC Gloucester community members and/or all that love and/or support them. We hope the results will help us to focus our attention on the areas where we can make the most impact. Thank you for your time.

Essex River Cruises are savoring the last couple of months of our season. Although summer has come to a close, they still have a lot of cruising to do before we are done for the year. Join them for Sunday Morning Coffee & Muffin Cruises and Fall Foliage & Cider Donut Cruises. Come see the Essex River during peak foliage for a whole different experience and atmosphere than during the summer months.

Cape Ann Mass in Motion is launching the Walk the Loop, Circle the Cape 2021 Walking Challenge, and encourages community members age 65 and up to participate. The challenge is sponsored by Cape Ann Mass in Motion along with Cape Ann Seniors on the GO and SeniorCare, Inc., as well as the Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester and Essex Councils on Aging (COA). The challenge begins Sept. 1 and ends Oct. 31. To sign up, residents must call or make an in-person visit to their local COA. Participants will be provided with a free walking journal to track their progress. The journal includes helpful information about milestone badges, local walking options, safety tips, and walking health benefits. Residents can pick up a walking journal at their local COA, at the Chamber of Commerce, or request to have one sent to them by mail. Residents can access the walking journal online here.

The Manchester Historical Museum has a busy fall lined up. Check out some of their upcoming events:

Schooner Adventure 95th Anniversary Raffle Drawing on October 16 

Schooner Adventure's Events Committee has assembled two amazing packages put together with generous donations from our partner non-profits and local businesses. Buy your chance to win either the Arts and Culture Package or the Great Outdoors Package. The Raffle drawing for the two packages will be held on October 16, the 95th anniversary of Adventure's maiden voyage to the fishing grounds exactly one month after her launch date. Everyone can participate! Please consider supporting Adventure with this FUNdraiser. It is because of you that Adventure continues to sail and share her legacy for the future. Here’s to another 95 years of Adventure!

Journey's In Silk at The Cove Gallery

Six artists from Gloucester-based Ten Pound Studio honor Rocky Neck batik artist Judith Goetemann at The Cove Gallery in a new show called Journeys in Silk. The show runs from September 30 to October 31, Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 5 PM. The Artists Reception is on Saturday, October 2, 4 - 6 PM.

The Annual Art Auction sponsored by the Friends of the Sawyer Free Library is now on display in the Matz Gallery located in the main lobby of the Sawyer Free Library at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. Come in, enjoy and then bid on the exceptional quality works including paintings, drawings, and mixed media all generously donated by talented artists from throughout the Cape Ann community. The Bidding Book is available through September 30 in the Gallery for silent bids before the online auction which will take place October 1-5 at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Proceeds from this event benefit the Sawyer Free Library.

This free event is the third annual classic car show on Meetinghouse Green displaying vintage or significant cars owned by North Shore collectors. Trophies will be awarded to the best cars and proceeds from car registrations ($15) and free-will donations will benefit the $300K tower restoration now underway at the historic 1806 Meetinghouse.

Approximately thirty cars will be arrayed on the Green. Tours of the Meetinghouse interior will be offered. Food and beverages are available. The audience will judge the cars and trophies

awarded to the winners at the conclusion of the show. Note: the rain date is the following Saturday, October 9, 9 AM to 2 PM

Rockport Farmers Market

Saturdays | 10 AM - 1 PM

This fun and educational program is open to players of all levels, ages, and abilities. Weather permitting, those interested are welcome to gather in the Library’s Amphitheater anytime between 11 am and 1 pm to learn and play chess with the last games beginning at 12:45 pm. No reservations or advanced signup is needed.

Stroll by St. Mary’s anytime between

12 - 4 PM with your pet (or with a photo of your pet). Each animal will be individually blessed and will receive a St. Francis medallion and a Blessing certificate. Donations benefit Cape Ann Animal Aid

North Shore Arts presents the 3rd Annual Synergy Show. View mini solo shows by 40 individual artists. Hundreds of works all available for purchase. Exhibition hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM and Sunday 12 - 4 PM.

Taste Gloucester Foodie Tour

Tuesdays | 11:30 AM - 2 PM

Take a tour this fall and see if you can solve the real murder the game Clue is based on! A murder that involved the highest levels of government and those who pulled their strings. A murder that inspired Poe's Tell-Tale Heart. A murder that Nathaniel Hawthorne reported on in 1830 of the death of Captain Joseph White! Also, learn about the secret tunnels in town that were involved. Public and Private tours from Oct. 5th-Nov. 5th at 3 pm and 8 pm. Tour lasts 2hrs. Meets at the Custom House on Derby Street. Each ticket comes with suspect and weapon cards.

The Creature Feature is a two-part program that opens with a reading of “The Pet,” and spotlights a live adaptation of Hammond’s never-before-seen, three-act play, “The Termite Monster,” both of which are a part of Hammond’s collection of creative stories.

Cape Ann Farmers Market

At Harbor Loop

Thursdays | 3 - 6:30 PM

The Cape Ann Farmers Market will take place on Thursdays until October 14. The Cape Ann Farmers Market provides consumers with fresh, nutrient-rich food produced with environmentally benign methods and delivered with a smaller carbon footprint. Buying from local producers keeps food dollars in the local economy.  

Beauport Cruiselines is cruising! Enjoy their upcoming North Shore A Cappella Cruise, featuring full bar service, prime rib dinner and of course, the fabulous North Shore A Cappella. Enjoy the tunes and delicious fare while taking in the ocean breeze and views of Gloucester Harbor & Cape Ann. This is a cruise you do not want to miss.

The Cape Ann Artisans will host the 38th Annual Fall Tour for two days, Saturday and Sunday, October 9 & 10th.  This will be the third time that the Artisans have hosted the community and visitors in 2021 and each time the artisans have experienced a strong return to experiencing the arts in person.  The tour is self-guided and includes 14 unique studios and 15 Artisans covering a wide range of media including ceramic arts, painting, jewelry, mixed media, quilting, mosaics, weaving, and more!  For those new to the tour, the two-day period allows plenty of time to visit all or a selection of the studios, but an early start is always recommended to fully enjoy the day and take a break mid-day for lunch.

This year we are very excited to be back live and in person at the Annisquam Village Hall, 36 Leonard Street, Annisquam, MA, with the 37th Annual Annisquam Arts & Craft Show.

With over 25 vendors- seven of them new to the show, and another eight Fine Artists juried in, we expect this to be the best show yet! Artists and Crafters from across Cape Ann and beyond will be showing their wares in Annisquam on Saturday and Sunday, October 9 & 10, 2021, 10am to 5pm both days.

Saturday’s Guest Host wine events are both a learning & tasting experience, as wine

specialist share their expertise - the sensory expectations for each wine - to max enjoyment.

In addition to joining Savour for Saturday Guest Host Wine Tastings, experience your personal

wine tech-tasting during each visit with our Digital Wine Machine. The occasion to sample up

to 20 wines, Tues. thru Sat., using the “The Machine” couldn’t be easier.

The Grammy-winning mandolin virtuoso is most known for his time as part of the folk pop trio Nickel Creek and leading the progressive bluegrass juggernaut Punch Brothers, as well as for being the host of NPR’s Live from Here. He will make his Rockport debut with a solo show touring behind his newest record, Laysongs.

To view more performances coming up at Rockport Music's Shalin Liu Performance Center, visit their calendar of events 

Bring the whole family to this wonderful Halloween event! Decorate your trunk/car in a scary, silly, funny manner or pick a theme and bring lots of candy or prizes to hand out to our Trunk or Treaters. Dress in costume and be creative. Please keep it family-friendly. There will be a prize for the best trunk.

Dr. Widder is the CEO and Senior Scientist at the Ocean Research & Conservation Association, a not-for-profit she helped found in 2005 to help save the ocean she has spent most of her career exploring.  Dr. Widder’s talk, “Here be Monsters: Exploring the Edge of the Map,” brought to you by Engel & Völkers By The Sea, will take us deep into the ocean – places so deep sunlight can’t reach -- and reveal creatures rarely seen by humans. Join us on Thursday, October 21st at 7:30pm via Zoom.

Renowned Spiritual Medium and Psychic of 21years Maria Halvorsen presents her insights on the Spirit world, offering healing and understanding to audiences. Discover how loved ones continue to live and evolve in the afterlife, and learn how to find peace, knowledge, and a sense of comfort.

Join The Chambered Nautilus as they invoke and honor the Ocean Gods and Goddesses of the waters of Cape Ann on the Eve of Samhain! This time-honored Olde World magical tradition began among the ancient Celts and continues to this day. Happening when the Veil Between Worlds is at its thinnest, this is sure to be a powerful and enchanting evening you won’t forget!

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 Sam at sam@capeannchamber.com if you need assistance

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center provides small business owners and entrepreneurs in Massachusetts with the highest quality, no-cost, confidential business counseling, training and business research. We work with real people and real businesses. Our assistance helps people like you achieve real success, as it has for more than 30 years.

If you wish to schedule an appointment with a business advisor, please complete our online Request for Counseling form with the link below.

This ‘Destination Creation’ (normally $899 for a business to attend) course will take place over six (6) Mondays from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, beginning Oct. 4th. Deanne Healey of Peabody Main Streets and Salem Five Bank is a licensed facilitator of Destination Creation and will instruct the class. There is a little homework for accountability each week, and once the course is successfully completed, the grant funds can be put towards improvement of technical aspects of the business – whether that be starting or enhancing a website, improving/beginning social media ads or strategies to increase your Search Engine Optimization, business card design – and more!

Greater Boston SCORE mentors from the local business community conduct a variety of free & low-cost, educational workshops that provide valuable information necessary for establishing and managing a successful business. A few upcoming webinars for small businesses are:

Onsite COVID Vaccinations for Businesses and Employees Available for FREE at Conley's Drug Store - Ipswich

The GCACC serves the 4 Cape Ann communities, including Boxford, Ipswich, Hamilton, Middleton, Topsfield and Wenham. Vaccines are free to all Massachusetts residents age 12 and above. Identification and health insurance is not required. Walk-ins will be accepted while supplies last at each clinic.

Join the team at Todd Oil as they search for motivated individuals for positions such as Oil Burner Technician and CDL Driver. They are willing to train the right candidate. Todd Oil offers a full benefits package, profit sharing, and a 401K plan. Send your resumes to info@toddoil.com or mail to Todd Oil P.O. Box 238, Rockport MA 01966

Backyard Growers (BYG) is a grassroots community-based organization in Gloucester, MA. We are a small but mighty group of committed people who love what we do, and have fun while we work hard. As our Development Director, you are responsible for our vital revenue streams, which allow us to achieve our mission and maximize our impact in the community. You plan and organize fundraising activities, manage the development budget, and assemble team members to raise funds

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) was launched in 2013 with the belief that the ocean represents a new source of opportunity. The Teaching Assistant & Laboratory Technician will assist the Lead Teacher and Education Director in the day-to-day educational operations of the Academy ensuring that the classroom and teaching laboratory are prepared for students to achieve an effective learning experience on a daily basis. The Teaching Assistant & Laboratory Technician requires strong initiative, high energy, a commitment to and passion for teaching, attention to detail, drive for success, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Local Colors Artists' Cooperative is Looking For Artists

 

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 Sam at sam@capeannchamber.com if you need assistance

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