Tobey McGuire

Due to the recent significant increase in cases nationally and locally, we are providing you with a weekly snapshot of current metrics - please click on the button below for national, state, county and city/town data.

For additional information related to the COVID-19 pandemic, please see the "COVID-19 Updates" section below.

Please join us on Wednesday, January 26 at 10:30 AM for an online information session about planning to bring J1 Visa international student workers to Cape Ann for the summer of 2022. Several businesses responding to a recent survey expressed interest in hiring international students to help meet staffing needs. All Cape Ann area businesses are welcome to join this meeting to learn more about current planning efforts and how this program could help.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Mechelle Brown at mbrown@rockportma.gov, Peter Webber at peter@capeannchamber.com, or Elizabeth Carey at ecarey@discovergloucester.com with any comments or questions.

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. 

Get a closer look at Rocky Neck Now 2022, mingle with artists and enjoy treats from The Last Stop while networking with fellow Chamber members. This event is free and masks are required.

Interested in hosting Business After Hours in March? Contact Sara at sara@capeannchamber.com

Celebrate our 100th year with us! We’re safely gathering with Greater Cape Ann’s business leaders and local, city, and state officials at the beautiful Beauport Hotel to enjoy delicious food, great company, and dance the night away on Thursday, March 10. Tickets are now available and going fast. See the registration page for COVID protocols.

Winter Birding Boat Trip 

Saturday, March 12 | 8 AM - 1 PM

The Chamber’s coveted Winter Birding Boat Trip to Stellwagen Bank is sold out, but you may join the waitlist! Set to depart on Saturday, March 12 with 7 Seas Whale Watch, attendees will have the opportunity to see many species of marine wildlife in addition to the concentration of winter seabirds. Don’t hesitate to reserve your spot today on the waitlist.

On Thursday, March 17, the community of greater Cape Ann will come together once more to try their luck in our Irish Sweepstakes. 12 lucky leprechauns will win a "pot of gold", ranging from $500 - $10,000! Contact the Chamber today to purchase your lucky ticket!

Thank you to our sponsor: SeniorCare Inc.

The video of the Gloucester Meeting House Foundation's Martin Luther King Day Event is now available on the Foundation’s YouTube channel. Please share the link with family, friends and colleagues. The Foundation would like to promote the shared aspirations, partnerships and ongoing work of the participating individuals and organizations.

The Cape Ann Artisans are pleased to announce the 39th Annual Spring and Fall Open Studios, plus two NEW events that were introduced as trials in recent years. The Spring Tour is June 4-5, the Fall Tour is October 8-9.  The summer Mini-Tour event will be held on Saturday, August 13th and the new Winter Holiday ”Pop-In” on Saturday, December 3rd. Now visitors and residents can see the studios in all four seasons!

Call for ideas and actions! The City of Gloucester is looking for your input for the Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP). Please take a few minutes to fill out this anonymous survey. Please share this survey link and invite others to participate.

Make a donation to SeniorCare's Meals on Wheels program before February 9, 2022, and a Valentine will be delivered to a North Shore elder in your name. Join Us Online on Feb 14, 2022, at 10 AM for a special photo montage of past breakfasts.

The Gloucester Rotary has produced a beautiful 2022 calendar, featuring scenic photography from local artists. In addition to the calendar, each purchase enters the buyer into a weekly raffle. $50 prizes will be drawn each week with two bonus prizes-- a $250 prize in June and a $500 prize in December. Calendars are $25 each, and proceeds from the sale of calendars will be used to support the many projects of the Gloucester Rotary.

The calendars are available for purchase online or in person at the Weathervane Gift Shop, located at 153 Main Street in downtown Gloucester (978-281-1227), at BankGloucester, located at 160 Main Street in downtown Gloucester (978-283-8200), and from any Gloucester Rotary member.

Join Greenbelt and meet local trail runner Kyle Robidoux, and hear about his journey overcoming the continuing challenges of running while visually impaired. Kyle has now completed over 25 marathons and ultramarathons, including five Boston Marathons and three 100-mile races.

At first glance, Cape Ann, Massachusetts and Monhegan Island, Maine seem to have little in common. One is a mainland peninsula with close ties to Boston and the other is among the most remote inhabited islands in the United States. However, what unites the two places is a rich history of artist visitors and long-term residents that has caused both to be called "art colonies."

The deep sea represents more than 80% of our planet’s living space, and harbors some of the Earth’s most extreme environments. Dr. Girguis and his colleagues study the microbes and animals that live in these environments using “omics-informed” physiological experiments. During Peter’s Science Hour presentation, he will share some recent findings and future directions for his work. Moreover, he hopes to make these technologies broadly available to the scientific community with the hope they can help inform policymakers and other stakeholders who govern the fate of our ocean, and ultimately, our biosphere.

The Met rings in the new year with the gala premiere of a new take on Verdi’s timeless tragedy, from Bartlett Sher. The Tony Award-winning director resets the opera’s action in the 1920s, with Art Deco sets by Michael Yeargan and elegant costumes by Catherine Zuber, themselves boasting a combined 11 Tony Awards. Baritone Quinn Kelsey brings his portrayal of the title role to the Met for the first time, starring alongside soprano Rosa Feola as Gilda and tenor Piotr Beczala as the Duke of Mantua.

Break free of your cabin fever by visiting Appleton Farms this weekend for amazing cocktails, fantastic food, and fire pits. Appleton Farms is also teaming up with Privateer Rum to offer a special seasonal cocktail crafted by their Culinary Team. In addition, pizza is back with a special pizza pop up menu for the weekend, to remind everyone of the fun and warmth of summer.

Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) are pleased to invite you, and the communities you work in, to the second CARP virtual community event. This event will focus on goal setting. CARP welcomes you to circulate this opportunity within your network and organization.

Learn how to use the free MyLinks app to gather, manage and share your health records from one secure location. Register for this free webinar now as space is limited.

Beth Israel Lahey Health and its member hospitals are conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment to better understand the most pressing health-related issues impacting the people living and working in the communities they serve. Please join them to hear key themes from our assessment, share your perspective, and discuss potential solutions.

Get outdoors for a magical night for grownups. Savor a hot cocktail from the 1634 Meadery while you warm up at a fire pit. Grab a tasty bite from Empanada Dada or a cup of hearty chili. Enjoy live music and a light show. Admission includes onsite parking, entertainment, food, and one drink ticket. Additional drinks may be purchased onsite.

Enjoy 20% off! ON SELECT STYLES. Going on now at Betsy Frost Design this week on their site and in the shop. The sale runs until January 31st.

ON SALE: The Vintage Ornament Collection, Castle Hill Collection and Snowflake Collection!

Misselwood is ready to ring in the new year with an amazing limited-time special! Take your team out of the office and join us on campus.

Book your corporate meeting during our semester intersession dates and receive 50% off the facility rental. Call 978-232-2128 or email misselwoodevents@endicott.edu to start planning your meeting today.

Local Sales, Discounts & Promotions

Dan Martiniello, Lender Relations Specialist with the U. S. Small Business Administration, will provide an update on SBA Resources via Zoom.

At this workshop webinar you will learn about:

•Current guidance on SBA Coronavirus Small Business Relief Options

•SBA flagship loan program enhancements (7a, 504, and Microloan programs)

•Current technical assistance resources available to the small business community

Join leading authorities and learn how the state’s economic development programs can be applied to your business. In this time of recovery, it’s critical that our business community take advantage of all the resources the Commonwealth has to offer – from job recruitment to hiring incentives, tax credits to workforce training, grants and money-saving initiatives, and everything in between. Join us and see how both MassHire BizWorks can assist your business.

January 18, 2022 – The Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage), in keeping with its long tradition of supporting the region’s unique cultural heritage, announced the start of the 2022 Partnership Grant program cycle, now through February 25. Over the next year, the 12 grant recipients will be working to implement a diverse range of educational, interpretive, accessibility and preservation projects throughout Boston’s North Shore and the Merrimack Valley. Any eligible organization is encouraged to apply, the application process has been designed with simplicity in mind and most applications take less than an hour to complete.

The new Creative County Initiative website is user-friendly and beautiful. Over the next two months, website developers would like to collect at least 200 Artist and Organization Profiles, and populate the events page with as many live and virtual events, workshops, and opportunities as possible. Organizers plan to launch a major promotional campaign in March as they build public awareness of this amazing resource.

Work has begun on constructing a temporary bridge. Please see below for a general timeline of the Essex bridge replacement project over the next three weeks. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.

Mass Growth Capital Corporation has matching grant funds to help eligible small businesses develop digitally. With Empower Digital, qualifying businesses will receive advisory support and funding for hiring, equipment, software, and more.

For more information about Empower Digital and Biz-M-Power grant opportunities, please visit the website below.

Moderna COVID-19 vaccines will be available for ages 18+ and seasonal flu vaccines for ages 6 months+. Registration is preferred. Use the link below to register. Please contact Carol Mondello at 978-238-9877 or

cmondello@gloucester-ma.gov for assistance

Those without Health Insurance will NOT be turned away. Vaccines are Free for ALL

With COVID-19 rules and regulations constantly changing within our greater Cape Ann communities, we encourage you to visit our COVID-19 page to get caught up on all the information related to the pandemic.

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here’s what you need to know about your order:

Click the link below, and complete the form to place your order. No credit card information is required.

PCR testing site has opened in the Stage Fort Park parking lot. Testing will be by appointment only, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM Monday – Saturday. Testing is by appointment only, make your appointment below.

The Massachusetts COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave law requires employers to provide up to one week of paid sick leave to employees who need leave for a covered COVID-19 related reason. Read the full update below.

Conley's Drug Store is no longer offering in-store vaccinations. Please go to their new clinic located at 79 Turnpike Road in Ipswich. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 10 AM - 5 PM.

Conley's also sells at home antigen tests, KN95 masks, and other protective equipment.

Identification and health insurance are not required. Walk-ins will be accepted while supplies last at each clinic.

Ipswich | Mondays from 2 - 6 PM

Our Lady of Hope Rectory

Essex | Thursdays from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Town Hall Annex

Rockport | Saturdays from 10 AM-Noon

Community House

Located at 40 Beach Street in Manchester, Allen's Pharmacy has RT-PCR test appointments available this week. Their RT-PCR test device offers a runtime of 30 minutes which allows them to provide you with same day results. RT-PCR tests are considered the "gold-standard" of COVID-19 testing. This molecular test is administered using an anterior nasal swab to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material or RNA.

Cape Ann Savings Bank is a $850 million mutual savings bank, serving the Cape Ann Community for 175 years! In 2022, the Bank will be opening the new “Gloucester Crossing Branch” at 4 School House Road in Gloucester. “We are growing and hiring at ALL locations”. Cape Ann Savings Bank prides itself in offering its employees an excellent benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, 401(k), defined benefit plan, life insurance and more! Click below to view their current job openings.

Works by Jesse DeBenedictis, LLC is the North Shore’s premier residential contractor, with a staff of 30. Based in downtown Beverly, the company is known for superior quality, high-end residential construction, both new and remodel. You can learn more about us by visiting worksbyjd.com

If you’re driven and seeking training in your professional career, we are looking for you! Connected Home Care offers free training and career development for its employees. To learn more about an exciting career opportunity apply today!

Schooner Adventure is seeking a new Executive Director in partnership with Pillar Search & HR Consulting. Please visit their opportunities page below to learn more about this exciting leadership position.

This is a dynamic, flexible, 20-30 hour/week job for someone with strong communication, project management, and administrative skills who is passionate about supporting public schools. GHS alumni and anyone that reflects our diverse school community are encouraged to apply.

Senior Care offers ongoing training, supportive supervision, great team relations and a sense of challenging, worthwhile work within the local communities they serve. This position is an important part of an Agency that has been in operation for over 45 years and is devoted to multiple programs supporting people’s ability to live in the setting of their choice as they age.

Growing Gloucester CPA firm, is looking for part-time tax preparation and bookkeeping help from January through April. Potential for full time.

Seeking a tax preparer to prepare and/ or review tax returns. Flexible hours. Basic knowledge of Tax returns and forms including W2, 1099s required. Knowledge of Lacerte helpful but not required.  Knowledge of QuickBooks online helpful but not required. Please send your resume to: janselmo@hmpccpa.com

The Executive Director has primary accountability for the accomplishments and fiscal integrity of the entire organization and works with the Board of Directors to determine the focus and direction of the organization. The Executive Director is responsible for the operations of the NBCVB, by acting as its spokesperson and representing it before others.

Anthony & Dodge is a full-service, progressive public accounting firm located north of Boston.

Our firm has been providing consulting, tax, and accounting services to individuals and businesses for over thirty years. We believe in a hands-on approach which translates into an intimate knowledge of our client’s personal and business financial and tax needs. We are currently seeking a self-motivated, highly organized, team player with experience in public accounting to lead tax and accounting engagements.

Iron Tree Service is looking for a ground crew member to join their team. Their ground crew team members receive competitive rates commensurate with your experience. Working with Iron Tree Service is not a job; it’s a way of life. Their team is the heart of their success. They’ve become the fastest growing and highest rated professional tree service company in Massachusetts

Action Inc. has more than 70 current employees. For over 50 years, our staff has been committed to promoting social change and improving our community. Now, we are looking for dedicated individuals – who want to make a difference – to fill the positions listed below. Apply now to join our team!

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