Making a Difference
Our Members. Our Community. Our Region.
Cape Ann Plein Air – Celebrating the Arts and Our Community

Cape Ann Plein Air, New England’s premier plein air painting event, is debuting its Virtual Week on Sunday, October 4 with an online gallery including works for sale by CAPA’s 35 artists, Zoom Artist Conversations and daily demos and studio tours from some of the world class artists participating this year. All art will be offered for sale through December. Additionally, these amazing plein air painters will be convening in Cape Ann in May 2021 for a week-long festival.

For 2020, the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the CAPA team needed to change direction in their planning. This year, Cape Ann Plein Air will have a two-pronged approach, with a virtual online event planned for the week of October 4-11, 2020 and a fully-planned weeklong event during the week of May 23-30, 2021. Both events will feature the 2020 juried slate of thirty-five CAPA artists.
2021 Advertising Now Available

We are pleased to announce that our 2021 advertising opportunities are now available. Take advantage of early bird 10% discounts by signing up now to advertise in our publications. You can also increase your web presence by advertising on CapeAnnVacations.com and/or RockportUSA.com

The current editons of our publications are still being widely distributed and are available for pick up at our new office and visitor center.
Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Welcomes GoNomad Travel Writer to Cape Ann

GoNOMAD Editor, Max Hartshorne recently visited our beautiful Cape. With a carefully planned itenerary compiled by the Chamber, including recommendations from all four communities, we were happy to read that Max experienced many of our region's local businesses and outdoor locations.
CEO and President Update

Wow –what an incredible start to Fall on Cape Ann, with gorgeous weather and a spectacular foliage color show spreading over the region. With the change in seasons comes a whole new set of Chamber initiatives, including fun and important Fall events and a renewed focus on our economic and community priorities.
Government Affairs Council Update

At the Council’s most recent meeting on September 15, Ken gave an update on the Chamber operations, including the move to the Chamber’s new location at 24 Harbor Loop and the grand opening celebration on August 28. Michele French updated the Council on continuing conversations among Essex town officials and the Essex Merchants Group and the Essex Division regarding a new revised application process for businesses to obtain permits for outdoor entertainment, as well as the restriction of the Essex town landing to resident-only use.

Tourism Council Update

September and October are typically a time for change for visitor-based businesses on Cape Ann, and despite this year’s unprecedented circumstances, that is true in 2020 – and this was reflected in our Tourism Council meeting on September 18.
Dashboard for October 5. The most recent daily Dashboard of Public Health Indicators includes some concerning overall trends. While the state’s positive test rate (7-day weighted average) has remained below 2% since early July, it rose to 1.1% on September 28 and has remained at this level since. This rate had stayed at 0.8% - its lowest observed value - for much of September. The 3-day weighted average number of hospitalized patients has increased to 442, 46% above its lowest observed value (302), with 473 patients reported hospitalized on October 5.

 Cape Ann Moves to Phase III, Step II. Effective Monday, October 5, all Cape Ann communities are permitted to move into Step II of Phase III under the state’s Reopening Massachusetts guidelines. The following sectors will be eligible to reopen or expand operations, with restrictions, in Step II of Phase III for lower risk communities only:

  • Indoor performance venues will be permitted to open with 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people. 
  • Outdoor performance venue capacity will increase to 50% with a max of 250 people.
  • For arcades and indoor and outdoor recreation businesses, additional Step II activities like trampolines, obstacle courses, roller rinks and laser tag will also be permitted to open and capacity will increase to 50%.
  • Fitting rooms will be permitted to open in all types of retail stores.  
  • Gyms, museums, libraries and driving and flight schools will also be permitted to increase their capacity to 50%.
  • For comprehensive and updated information on Reopening Massachusetts plans and protocols, please visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts.

Travel Order List of Lower Risk States Updated. As of October 2, the list of COVID-19 lower risk states that are exempt from the Massachusetts Travel Order includes Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. (Colorado, New Jersey and New Mexico were removed from the list of lower-risk states and the District of Columbia was added as an area of lower risk, effective October 3.)

Restaurant Guidelines. Effective Monday, September 28 the maximum number of patrons that may be seated together at restaurant tables has increased from 6 to 10. Also, limited seating at restaurant bars is now permitted, as are laminated, reusable menus that are sanitized between each use. For details on these guidelines, please click here.

Information Resources:

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

To view the most recent (October 1) weekly COVID-19 Command Center Situation Report from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), please click here
Only 10 Tickets Left for Our $25,000 Game on Thursday, October 15.
Get Yours Today!

Every October the Cape Ann Chamber hosts the premiere giveaway night on Cape Ann: The $25,000 Game. This year, the event will be hosted on Facebook Live but there will still be plenty of opportunities to win big - these are the best odds on Cape Ann!

12 Chances to Win
Grand Prize $10,000
Second Prize $5,000
Third Prize $2,500
(6) Fourth Prizes $1,000
(3) Fifth Prizes $500

All tickets, including our 50/50 raffle are available for sale at the Chamber- stop by to pick yours up! Tickets to enter the $25k game are $100 each, and include the opportunity to win a door prize.

Facebook Live Door Prizes:
Two Bottles of Wine
Cape Ann Glass Tumblers
Monopoly Deluxe Classic Edition



Gold Sponsor:
Save the Date for the 33rd Annual Love Cape Ann Fundraising Auction
Monday, November 16 - Saturday, November 28, 2020
 
This year’s holiday shopping has gotten a lot more fun, and a lot more meaningful! Join us online this November and support the Cape Ann community in the Chamber’s largest fundraiser. Our Annual Love Cape Ann Fundraising Auction will include overnight stays at your favorite inns, date nights at tasteful restaurants, high-end selections of art, and once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities to Italy, South Africa and Antigua! Community members across Cape Ann are coming together to show their solidarity for the prosperity of our region. Consider being a part of this year’s event where you can support your neighboring businesses. A portion of this year’s fundraising proceeds will be given back to businesses who have been most impacted by the pandemic. Whether you choose to donate an item, purchase a gift card from your favorite restaurant or take a leadership role and become a sponsor, know you are helping support your friends on Cape Ann. We hope to see you online next month, starting your Christmas shopping early!

 
Thank You to our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Save the Date - Coffee & Connections Virtual Networking Event
Thursday, November 5, 8:30 am
 
We recently hosted our second monthly Coffee & Connections event, formerly known as our Zoom Informational Sessions the we hosted weekly April - June. Many members participated, sharing their stories and connecting to other members. As Cape Ann continues to adapt to this Phase 3 normal, we look forward to getting together monthly, hearing how you are doing, helping to connect you to other members, and working together to weather this pandemic and emerge even stronger.
 
Coffee & Connections Virtual Networking Event

On the first Thursday of the month we get together with our members to hear their stories, make connections and learn about their businesses. In our most recent event, we heard a wonderful announcement from the Cape Ann YMCA. We also welcomed one of our newer members, Anchor Seal as they talked about their business, and welcomed the Cape Ann Museum as they officially opened to the public. Watch the video to take a closer look at our new virtual networking event.
Sneak Peak of the New Cape Ann YMCA Facility

The Chamber was recently given a sneak preview of the new Cape Ann YMCA facility.
Thank you Tim Flaherty (Executive Director, Cape Ann YMCA) for the wonderful tour. We can’t wait to see this amazing new facility completed and part of our community. Check out the images of our tour here.

Photo of Carole Seroff
Vrbo's 25th Anniversary: Q&A with Carole Sharoff, Atlantic Vacation Homes

Vrbo is turning 25 this year. Though their business has grown and evolved significantly since the early days, they know they wouldn’t be where they are today without their hardworking, dedicated partners – the vacation home owners and property managers who exemplify hospitality and make amazing vacation memories possible.

To commemorate their anniversary, they connected with a true veteran of the vacation rental industry. Carole Sharoff is the President of Atlantic Vacation Homes, which manages more than 100 vacation homes north of Boston. 
Gloucester Has Won the National American in Bloom Award in the "FLOWERS" Category.

It was the self-nominated award that Generous Gardeners were most hoping for, and they would like to thank the community and DPW for all of the support of their work in public spaces with beautiful flowers for everyone’s enjoyment.
Cape Ann Museum Now Open to the Public

After months of being closed to the public, the Cape Ann Museum officially opened their doors to the public on October 1. Currently on view at the Cape Ann Museum Green is the Porch-Rait Project — free and open to the public. Advance registration is required at this time. Reservations and additional information can be found here.
Watch the Latest Episode of Cape Ann ARTWaves on 1623 Studios

Cape Ann ARTWaves is a series that follows Jackie Ganim-DeFalco of Cape Ann Designs and her cohost Christine Fisher, as they interview artists around Cape Ann. This episode features Sinikka Nogelo. Sinikka is well known for her many community roles and for her contemporary works that model Abstract Expressionism.

Re-Discover Magnolia and Visit the Businesses on Lexington Avenue
 
This Fall season don't forget to stop by Lexington Avenue in Magnolia. Participating businesses are offering special Fall savings including everything from health & wellness to home decor and arts & culture. Magnolia is a must see this Fall season!
 
Participating Businesses:
 
Don't forget to order your fresh food and local wares at the Magnolia Community Virtual Farmers Market.
 
Please take Action Inc.'s Greater Cape Ann COVID-19 Community Needs Survey

Action Inc. wants to learn more about what our community needs to get through the COVID-19 crisis together. By completing this survey, you are helping inform local nonprofit service providers, government officials, community groups, and your neighbors about the true needs of Cape Ann’s residents as we all face COVID-19 together.
Cazeault Solar & Home Celebrates its 350th Solar Installation on Cape Ann

 "We celebrated our 350th solar installation on Cape Ann at the beautiful home of Catherine Bayliss & Michael Lipton on Rocky Pasture Road in Gloucester! Cape Ann residents and businesses continue to place great focus on helping the environment" states Tim Sanborn, President of Cazeault Solar & Home based on Cape Ann.
Voting Ends on October 15 for the Best of North Shore Wedding Awards
 
Many of our members are nominated so please show your support and vote for Cape Ann's wedding venues, attire, beauty services, catering, and more.
 
SeniorCare Needs Volunteers
 
SeniorCare needs volunteers for their Meals on Wheels Program and their Medical Transportation Program. Help our community by delivering noon-time meals to elders who live in your community and by driving elders to and from their out-of-town essential medical appointments. COVID Safety Protocols are in place and training is provided. Please contact SeniorCare to learn about how you can sign up and get started. Email: [email protected], or call Theresa at 978-281-1750 x568.
 
Cape Ann Foodie Tours Receives Outstanding Five Star Review

"This tour was fantastic even during Covid. Cindy was always one step ahead with calling restaurants and making sure they knew we were coming and that our order would be ready when we got there. My husband and I were constantly surprised by the serving size it was always way bigger than we anticipated. Everything was super delicious and Cindy was so full of knowledge and friendly. She made the tour fun. We saw a whole new side to Gloucester then we are used to seeing. We would highly recommend this tour"
Flu Shots Available at Lahey Health Urgent Care Locations
 
A flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Please call and make an appointment at one of the three Urgent Care Locations.
 
Lahey Health Urgent Care, Gloucester
305 Gloucester Crossing Road
 
Please Call for an Appointment (978) 381-7700
2020 Seasonal Flu Season Information From the Gloucester Health Deptartment
 
Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease that can be serious. We urge you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from flu.
 
Hammond Castle Presents: The Horror of Abbadia Mare, First Performance Begins October 9
 
This October, Hammond Castle Museum will offer a room-to-room theater performance of The Horror of Abbadia Mare, an adaptation of five H.P. Lovecraft stories set within the Castle and adapted around Hammond Castle's founder, John Hays Hammond Junior.
 
Cape Ann Artisans 2020 Fall Open Studios, October 10 - 11

Appointments with each artisan are strongly encouraged, and will be given priority access.

Featured Artists:
Recurring Events:

Daily Museum Tours - Hammond Castle Museum
Monthly Community Reiki Share - Manchester Community Center
Monday Morning Yoga Sessions - Missy Anzivino Yoga
Wake Up Spirit - Floating Lotus
We would like to extend a big thank you to our supporting sponsors.

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