COVID-19 Restrictions May 29

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 The state’s current face-covering order will also be rescinded on May 29, to be replaced by a new face-covering advisory consistent with the latest Centers for Disease Control guidance.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

The June 1 deadline for local non-profit organizations and schools to apply for grants from the Cape Ann Community Foundation is now just three weeks away. Grant guidelines and application forms are now available online at lovecapeann.com. For further information call the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce at (978) 283-1601 or email Peter Webber at peter@capeannchamber.com.  

Golf Tournament

Monday, May 24, 2021

We’re counting down the days until we see our golfers on the green. Interested in playing? We’ve had two foursomes become available! There is also still an opportunity to promote your business while supporting the initiative. We’re still selling sponsorship opportunities for tee and green signs for $275. Contact Sara at the Chamber today: sara@capeannchamber.com

This month’s host is the Seafarer Inn

Friday, June 18 | 6 - 11 PM

We’ll be safely gathering at the beautiful seaside location of Maritime Gloucester for great food, lively music, and even better company. Join us as we celebrate our 2021 Board President, Susan Gould Coviello of the North Shore Health Project and honor outgoing President, Tony Sapienza of Blue Shutters Beachside Inn. Place your name on our waitlist to reserve a ticket today! 

The cruise ship returned to Cape Ann on Monday, May 17 and will depart on May 19. We are happy to welcome more visitors to our shores and are looking forward to a busy, safe, and terrific 2021 season.

Action Inc.'s new Trades Gateway Program is designed to connect people to FREE trainings in the trades like plumbing, construction, welding and more! The program also offers career services to help obtain a job once trained. These exciting new training opportunities are free for eligible residents of Cape Ann.

NSAA is opening to the public on May 15th and cannot wait to welcome everyone back to their galleries! On view will be an exciting collection of works by the amazingly talented artists of the North Shore Arts Association.

Chairish, an online vintage furniture, art and home accessories store is offering an award to support small business owners from diverse backgrounds whose businesses are in a design-related field. Chairish will grant one $2,500 award to one deserving business.

Wednesday, May 19 | 5 - 6:30 PM

Saturday, May 22 | 4 - 6 PM

Join The Open Door to mark the 20th Anniversary of this beloved community event. Empty Bowl TO GO is by appointment only with a drive-thru experience at The Open Door in Gloucester.

Wednesday, May 26 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM

Common Crow will be hosting a virtual cooking class with friend and collaborator Becca Gutstadt of Good Stuff Nutrition! Learn how to make light & crispy, baked falafel with a creamy tahini sauce and cucumber, tomato salad - a tasty make-ahead meal that is perfect for beach days or on-the-go!

Thursday, May 27 | 7 - 8 PM

Celebrate Black artistry through music and learn about important stories and figures in Black history in a special collaboration between Castle of Our Skins, Winsor Music, and Project STEP. The program also features the underrepresented British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and his clarinet quintet.

The May seedling sale features fruiting crops and herbs that should be planted outdoors in warmer weather, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant, organically grown at Cedar Rock Gardens in West Gloucester. The Online Shop opened to the general public for the purchase of seedlings and other growing supplies on Friday, May 14, with curbside pick-up on Friday, May 21 only.

Images As Objects of the Imaginary presents a series of photographs by the artist Antony Ohman. The works observe, abstract and inquire into environments seemingly familiar to us and ask if there might be another further uninhabited world within them. Gallery hours are Friday 6-8 PM, Saturday & Sunday 11 AM-5 PM.

Thursdays, May 20-June 24|10 AM-Noon

The Savvy Caregiver Training is a free six-week program for family and friends who are active caregivers, caring for those living with Alzheimer's or related dementias. Become an expert in caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s or related dementias.

This Week's Takeout Today Featured Members: Brothers Brew & Floating Lotus

Get your daily pick me up this week from Brothers Brew in downtown Rockport! This local favorite offers an array of caffeinated drinks, donuts and pastries, sandwiches, soups and more! All freshly made and mouthwatering. Follow them on social media and you might see a “miscalculation day” announcement for free donuts! Stroll down the street onto Bearskin Neck and visit Floating Lotus. This eclectic location has new handmade, fair trade jewelry arrivals and will be open every day this season starting this weekend!

Updating and formalizing your job descriptions will allow your employees to know what is expected of them and ensure they are properly classified and compensated. Signature HR Solutions will handle this process entirely and keep you compliant! Contact Denise today for more information.

This week’s #MyLocalMA business spotlight is Craft Sportswear. With a genuine heritage in the Swedish elements and endurance-specific sports, Craft Sportswear develops high-quality performance sportswear for world champions and everyday heroes. Their sportswear can be purchased online or you can stop by Riverside Cycle at 23 Elm Street in Manchester to shop select apparel.

Are you a current participant in our Cape Ann Gift Check Program? If you are, we encourage you to promote that your business accepts our gift checks by sharing the promotional image featured on the left. Simply save the file and add the image to your website or share it on social media. Our program encourages our community to shop locally and spend their dollars on Cape Ann. If you are interested in participating in this program, please email olivia@capeannchamber.com.

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

According to the May 17 report from the Department of Public Health 3,217,296 people have been fully vaccinated in Massachusetts against COVID-19. 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 latest Massachusetts vaccine data and updates here. View the May 13 weekly vaccination report here

The state’s 7-day weighted average positivity rate continued to fall over the past week, reaching 1% on May 15. 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 13 weekly public health report please click here

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 13) 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 www.mass.gov. To view the latest nationwide case information published daily by the CDC please click here

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

Leading North Shore insurance agency seeking full time experienced Personal Lines Account Manager. P&C licensed preferred with minimum of at least 1 year experience.

Yella is a globally inspired, locally created modern eatery offering elevated Mediterranean cuisine that remains true to the hearty traditions of regional cooking. Apply to work on the water today!

High end residential contractor seeking skilled carpenter for work in Boston and surrounding suburbs. Ability to lead and motivate others. Interact professionally with project manager, colleagues and clients.

Top Dog is paying top dollar for full/part time positions. Experienced or will train, help is needed immediately. Contact (302) 943 8984.

Gloucester Housing Authority is Seeking a Homeownership Coordinator and a Better Life Caseworker

To learn more about these job opportunities, please click the links below.

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

The position will be 2-4 days a week at a seasonal 40 room property located on the beautiful Back Shore.

Beauport Hospitality Group is Hiring Multiple Positions

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