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Economic Outlook Breakfast: Critical Role of Downtown Economic Vitality

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
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Please join the Greater Cape Ann Chamber on Thursday, March 6 from 7:30 – 9 AM at the Magnolia Library & Community Center for our 2025 Economic Outlook Breakfast.

This year’s Economic Outlook Breakfast features expert panelists exploring the critical role of Downtown Economic Vitality and how it drives our local economy. The conversation will explore how a thriving business district can fuel economic growth and the importance of strategic planning to balance economic development with the growing need for affordable housing. We will explore strategies for how local businesses and municipalities can collaborate to drive positive change. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with local leaders committed to a prosperous future for Greater Cape Ann.

Panelists Include:
Emmy Hahn – Program Coordinator of the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative
Clark Ziegler –  Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership

Facilitator:
Representative Kristin Kassner – MA House of Representatives, 2nd Essex District

For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/EconomicOutlookBreakfast.

The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members.

Schedule:

  • 7:30 AM: Breakfast
  • 8:00 AM: Panel Discussion
  • 8:40 AM: Q & A

Speaker Bios

Emmy Hahn: As the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Program Coordinator for the Executive Office Economic Development, Emmy Hahn is the state resource for technical assistance relating to all aspects of downtown/town center/commercial area revitalization. In addition to administrating the MDI Emmy is also the point of contact for communities interested in implementing a Business Improvement District and Parking Benefit District. In 2021, Emmy was also the Program Coordinator for the IDA Pinnacle award winning Local Rapid Recovery Program. The program was responsible for implementing $10 million worth of technical assistance of CARES funds in response to COVID-19. Recently Emmy was asked to oversee the MA Vacant Storefront Program and assisted with the redesign of the program.

Prior to working at DHCD, Emmy was the Project Manager for the Main Street Program in Lynn, MA and was the Executive Director of Downtown New Bedford, Inc. in New Bedford, MA.

Clark Ziegler: Clark Ziegler is Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, a public agency that finances affordable rental housing and home ownership, provides community technical assistance, and helps shape state housing policy. Under his leadership since 1990 MHP has delivered more than $7 billion in below-market financing for more than 58,000 housing units.
Mr. Ziegler chairs the nonprofit Housing Partnership Fund, which is a national, federally-certified community development financial institution and an affiliate of the Housing Partnership Network. He also serves on the board of the Massachusetts Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). He previously served on the MBTA’s management team and spent six years in Washington where he was legislative assistant and chief of staff to Massachusetts Congressman Robert Drinan. Mr. Ziegler is a longtime Ipswich resident and served as chair and as a 15-year member of the town’s Finance Committee.

Representative Kristin Kassner: Kristin Kassner is the State Rep for the 2nd Essex District – Ipswich, Hamilton, Rowley, Newbury, Georgetown, and Topsfield precinct 1. She lives in Hamilton with her husband and son. As a planning professional with 20 years of local government experience, she has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for people and their environments in her district and the Commonwealth.

Rep. Kassner has a BA in Urban Planning and Geography from Miami University of Ohio; a Master’s degree in Urban & Environmental Policy from Tufts University, and completed the Supervisory Leadership Development Program from the University of Massachusetts. She was the Planning Director for the Town of Burlington, served as President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association and as Vice-Chair of the Hamilton Master Plan Committee. She is a member of the Associated Institute of Certified Planners, The Trustees, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Essex County Greenbelt, and Essex County Trails Association (ECTA).

SeniorCare presents The SAVVY Caregiver Workshop at Cape Ann YMCA

~ trixy546

SeniorCare will hold “The SAVVY Caregiver,” a free 6-week workshop for caregivers of memory-impaired recipients, which meets weekly and will help caregivers understand the impact of dementia, learn skills to manage daily life and communicate more effectively, and take care of themselves. To register, contact Abby Considine at 978-281-1750, ext. 581.

Taking care of a person living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia is specialized work. To do this work successfully, caregivers need special skills, knowledge, and a positive attitude that helps them care for themselves.

Savvy Caregiver Training will help you:

  • Understand the impact of dementia on both you and the person you are caring for.
  • Learn the skills you need to manage daily life.
  • Take control and set goals.
  • Communicate more effectively.
  • Strengthen family resources.
  • Feel better about your caregiving.
  • Take care of you!

This workshop will take place on Fridays, February 28-April 18, 2025, at the Cape Ann YMCA. Participants should plan to attend all six sessions of the workshop. (The group will not meet on March 7 or April 4.)

For information and to register, call Abby Considine at 978-281-1750 x-581.

~ Hammond Castle Museum

2:00 – 2:30 Refreshments
2:30 – 3:30 Presentation
3:30 – 3:45 Q&A /Program Conclusion

Join us for a captivating afternoon as we celebrate the artistry and innovation of John Hays Hammond Jr.’s extraordinary pipe organ. As the third-largest pipe organ in a private residence in the U.S., this 8,000+ pipe marvel is a masterpiece of engineering and music. This special presentation will be led by Peter Kennett, Vice President, Board of Directors at Hammond Castle Museum and Organ Restoration Team Lead, and John Roper, Deputy Team Lead and the Plenum Organ Company. Together, they will guide you through the rich history of this iconic instrument.

Discover the fascinating origins and history of the pipe organ, tracing its journey through John Hays Hammond Jr.’s two Gloucester residences. Learn about the innovative contributions of Hammond and other renowned organ designers and tonal experts, each bringing their unique vision to the instrument’s evolution. Peter Kennett and John Roper will explore the intricate details of the organ’s older components, sourced by Hammond from various locations, and share the story of the significant additions and changes made over the years.

Admission: $15. Hammond Castle Museum Member savings apply.
Proceeds from this program will support the ongoing restoration efforts at the Museum.

RESERVE YOUR SEATS HERE!

Saturday, February 15th: The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation Presents Kory Curcuru’s film series, “Timeline: Cape Ann.”

~ chasnaz

”Curcuru’s docuseries, “Timeline: Cape Ann”, produced for 1623 Studios, focuses on the history,culture and heritage of Cape Ann.  This event will present eight of Curcuru’s shorter videos,telling the story of Cape Ann’s unique history in jewel-like form, from the “first boss-lady,”Abigail Trask of Manchester-by-the-sea to Rockport’s long celebrated but little understood“Paper House,” actually a much more complicated tale than just a house of newspaper. Curcuru will be guiding the audience with his exciting style of storytelling.  The films will be shown on a big screen, in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema, in the Meetinghouse.  This will be a highly entertaining celebration of Cape Ann’s quirky, singular history.  

The film showing will be held on Saturday, February 15th at 7:30pm in the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, located at the corner of Church and Middle Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). Parking is available on the green. The admission for the event is $20 General, $5 Students (all ages), under 12 free.  An elevator is available from the side door at 10 Church Street. For more information please visit:  www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

~ Hammond Castle Museum

Event Highlights: Fire Spinner, Contortionist, Juggler, Stiltwalker, Roving Harpist, String Quartet, DJ & Dancing
Catering by: Gloucester’s Missy Sallah of Sugar Magnolias
Open Bar: Serving Beer, Wine, Prosecco & Signature Cocktail.

Masked in mystery and draped in decadence, this unforgettable masquerade ball promises an evening of magic, intrigue, and timeless elegance. Step back in time to 15th-century Venice, where the Renaissance ignited a flourishing of art, beauty, and imagination. Originally an exclusive affair for the elite, masquerade balls grew in popularity across Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, defying societal norms by uniting rich and poor in shared celebration.

Join us at Hammond Castle Museum for an extraordinary evening of colorful costumes, captivating music, exquisite cuisine, and dazzling live entertainment. From 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, immerse yourself in the grandeur and enchantment of The Masquerade Ball of Dreams. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the thrilling spectacle of a fire spinner, lighting your way across the drawbridge and into the Castle. Inside the Great Hall, a string quartet by the Firebird Pops Orchestra will fill the air with the timeless sounds of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Mozart, and Beethoven, setting the perfect ambiance.

Throughout the evening, a roving harpist will serenade you with Italian classics as you explore the Castle’s galleries and secret passageways. Indulge in elegant hors d’oeuvres and decadent desserts, featuring both passed and stationary selections designed by Missy Sallah of Gloucester’s Sugar Magnolias. An open bar will offer beer, wine, Prosecco, and a signature cocktail crafted especially for the night. As you mingle and dance to the DJ, captivating performers, including a juggler, contortionist, and stiltwalker, will enchant and dazzle, ensuring every moment is filled with wonder and excitement.

What to Wear? The centerpiece of your outfit will undoubtedly be a stunning mask! Masks have long been a vital part of the Venetian Carnival. Whether you wish to embody the spirit of a jester, a wizard, or a sophisticated noble, your mask offers endless possibilities for self-expression. For nearly a thousand years, the Venetian Carnival has granted individuals the rare chance to conceal their identity, gender, and social class. The mask becomes a powerful tool for liberation, allowing freedom to be yourself and engage as you please. Immerse yourself in a lavish world where masks grant you the ultimate freedom to express creativity and even challenge the status quo without fear. Beyond disguise, the mask and costume embody personal artistry and unique expression.

Join us and embrace the mesmerizing costumes & opulent atmosphere that will transport you back in time.

Reserve Your Tickets to the Masquerade Here!

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Event 2025

~ chasnaz

GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE, MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. BIRTHDAY EVENT 2025
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation proudly presents its ninth annual
Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday event. It will be held on Monday, January 20th
at 2:00pm in the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, located at the corner
of Church and Middle Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). An elevator is available
from the side door at 10 Church Street. No charge for admission but freewill
donations are gratefully received. For more information please visit:
www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org


This year’s program will honor Dr. King by featuring the work being done by two
local groups to reckon with history. Afterward, there will be a discussion about
how vernacular history gets written, “how the word is passed.” The program
will open with a recording of Martin Luther King, Jr. reading segments of
“Letters from Birmingham Jail.”


Joe Rukeyser from the Cape Ann Slavery and Abolition Project will present
recent research on abolition. Melissa Dimond of Wellspring House will follow
with that organization’s work on the Freeman Family, the prominent Black
family who called the Wellspring House home for over 100 years. Then Michea
McCaffrey, co-chair of the Gloucester Racial Justice Team, and Dick Prouty,
founder of TownGreen and board member of the Gloucester Meetinghouse
Foundation, will lead a discussion on critical points made by author Clint Smith
in his book How the Word is Passed. (It is not necessary to have read the book.)
The Paul Revere Bell in the Meetinghouse tower will be rung at the end as
people disperse onto the newly restored green.

ABOUT THE GMF: The mission of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is to preserve the historic
1806 Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, as a civic hub,
entertainment venue and community gathering center. The GMF is a 501(c)(3) corporation modeled on
a similar nonprofit that preserves Boston’s famous Old North Church.

How Does One Restore a Medieval Castle?

~ Hammond Castle Museum

Thursday, January 16th
10:00 – 11:45 am
10:00 – 10:30 am: Coffee & light refreshments
10:30 – 11:30 am: Presentation
11:30 – 11:45 am: Q&A/Conclusion.

Join us for a detailed discussion of recent and ongoing restoration efforts at the Museum with contractor and mason Roger Tremblay and Director of Education & Visitor Services Caleb McMurphy.  In the past few years, Tremblay, and his firm A+R Construction, have headed some of the most significant restoration projects in the Museum’s history, including the renovation of the Museum’s iconic 13th-century French monastery arches, originally situated in the Franciscan monastery of Couvent des Cordeliers, in Gers, France. In 2024, Tremblay’s team intervened to save a portion of the “towers” section of the building, modeled off of an 11th-century Norman keep, which had been badly damaged by winter weather.

Over the course of an hour, Roger and Caleb will discuss these and other ongoing and upcoming restoration projects, using photos taken during the work itself to give a look behind the curtain at just what it takes to maintain such a unique and historic building. After this, audience members will have a chance to ask questions of their own and get an opportunity to become involved with Hammond Castle Museum’s continuing mission to preserve John Hays Hammond Jr.’s legacy.  

Member savings apply.

General Admission: $15

Proceeds from this program will support the restoration and preservation of the Hammond Castle Museum.

Reserve Your Seats Here!

Celebrating a great 2024 at the Gloucester Education Foundation!

~ gloucestereducationfoundation

As 2024 winds down, the Gloucester Education Foundation is celebrating a banner year of community support and dynamic programming benefitting the 2,862 students of the Gloucester Public Schools. We distributed over $500,000 in grants to support 24 different programs in GPS this year! Thank you to everyone – students, educators, administrators, volunteers, board members, families, and especially our generous donors – for your work to strengthen teaching and learning in our local schools. Here’s to a great 2025!

Ring in the New Year with a Laugh!

~ coliecatherine

Join us for a Bad Xmas Gift Yankee Swap at the American Legion Post 3 on December 31st @ 6PM!

Unleash those unwanted Xmas gifts! Bring a wrapped, unwanted, funny, or slightly embarrassing gift to participate in the Yankee Swap.

Details:

  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Food: Delicious Chinese Food Buffet (included!)
  • Swap: Bring a wrapped gift to join the fun!
  • Lounge: Open until 10:00 PM

Let’s swap those bad gifts for something (hopefully) better and celebrate New Year’s Eve together!