Cape Ann

Wellspring House Welcomes New and Returning Members to Board of Directors

~ Wellspring House

Wellspring House is pleased to announce two additions to its Board of Directors: Leo Zerilli of Gloucester, MA, who rejoins the board following his return to the North Shore, and Luke McCabe, Vice President, Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager at Bank of America.

Wellspring House’s mission is to inspire families, adults, and young adults across the North Shore to achieve employment and financial security through stable housing, education, job training, and career readiness. This year, Wellspring served more than 2,000 individuals, including families, young adults, and adults, across more than 20 cities and towns on the North Shore.

“Luke and Leo join our board at an important moment for Wellspring House, as housing costs and financial pressure continue to rise for families across the North Shore and beyond,” said Joan Quinlan, Chair of the Wellspring House Board of Directors. “Luke and Leo bring exactly the kind of financial discipline, governance experience, and community commitment we need as we continue our work helping our neighbors build economic stability through stable housing, education, and employment – and a lasting foundation for self-sufficiency. We are thrilled to welcome them to the board.”

Leo Zerilli is an independent board leader with nearly 30 years of leadership experience in global wealth and investment management. He is the former President & CEO of Manulife Investment Management (Canada), where he held full P&L accountability across the firm’s investment, wealth management, and advisory businesses in Canada and the United States. Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Investment Officer of the John Hancock Group of Funds.

Zerilli has extensive board experience across public, private, and nonprofit organizations in North America, Europe, and offshore jurisdictions, including service as Chair of Manulife Group of Funds (Canada) and as a director of John Hancock Investment Advisors. He is a seasoned audit committee chair and holds an NACD Directorship Certification, along with an MBA, magna cum laude, from Boston University and a BA from Colgate University.

Zerilli previously served on the Wellspring House Board from 2019 to 2022, before relocating for his role leading Manulife Investment Management in Canada. Having recently returned to Gloucester, Massachusetts, he is rejoining the board and resuming his commitment to the North Shore community.

“I am thrilled to rejoin the Board of Directors at Wellspring House after a few years away,” said Zerilli. “Wellspring’s mission to foster job training, education, skill development, and economic independence addresses a root cause of hardship and remains vital to the strength of our community. It is a privilege to return at this pivotal moment, and I look forward to working alongside such dedicated leaders to advance our shared goals.”

Wellspring’s board also welcomes Luke McCabe, Vice President, Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager at Bank of America, where he works with business owners across Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire to strengthen cash flow, support growth, and build long-term financial stability — coverage that spans much of the North Shore community Wellspring serves. He began his banking career in 2017 with J.P. Morgan in New York City before joining Bank of America’s Middle Market Regional Credit team as an underwriter in 2021. He holds the CFA designation.

Before entering financial services, McCabe served on active duty as an officer in a U.S. Army paratrooper unit, an experience that continues to shape his approach to leadership, teamwork, and service. He lives in Kensington, NH, with his wife and their two young sons.

“I am honored to join the Board of Wellspring House and look forward to supporting its mission,” said McCabe. “Wellspring House has built an incredible reputation for helping individuals and families achieve housing stability and long-term self-sufficiency, and I am excited to contribute to that important work.”

McCabe and Zerilli join Wellspring House’s Board of Directors as the organization continues its work providing housing, education, and stability to individuals and families throughout the North Shore.

Wellspring House is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, whose members serve staggered three-year terms and contribute their time, expertise, and professional skills to guide the organization’s reach across the region. Board members are drawn from Gloucester, Cape Ann, and the broader North Shore, reflecting Wellspring’s long-standing commitment to community-rooted governance.

Leo Zerilli and Luke McCabe join Wellspring House’s Board of Directors

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About Wellspring House:

For over 45 years, Wellspring House has been inspiring families, adults, and young adults throughout the North Shore to achieve employment and financial security through comprehensive, integrated programs in education, job training, career readiness, and housing stability. This year, Wellspring worked with more than 2,000 individuals across 20+ cities and towns, helping them build living-wage careers and safer, more secure futures.

To learn more about this critical, life-changing work or how to support it, visit wellspringhouse.org.

THIS SEPTEMBER: Rockin’ 4 Vets brings Guitar Monsters to The Cut Live on Thursday Sept 24 in a fundraiser concert for The Open Door

~ todtheopendoor

Net proceeds will help support hunger-relief programs for local people.

GUITAR MONSTERS featuring Johnny A., Jon Butcher, and special guest Dave Amato, former longtime lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon, comes to The Cut LIVE in Gloucester, MA, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, for a special benefit concert supporting The Open Door and its mission of helping advocate on behalf of those in the community facing the impact of hunger.

Presented by Rockin’ 4 Vets, Guitar Monsters brings together three acclaimed guitarists for an unforgettable evening of rock, blues, and high-energy live performance. Grammy-nominated guitarist Jon Butcher, whose career spans Johanna Wild, Jon Butcher Axis, Barefoot Servants, and Experience Hendrix tours. Known for his dynamic stage presence, Butcher has shared stages with major acts including the J. Geils Band, Rush, Def Leppard, and the Scorpions

Joining him is Johnny A. is renowned for his distinctive style, solo recordings, and work with Peter Wolf (J. Geils Band). A Boston Music Hall of Fame inductee, he remains one of New England’s most respected musicians.

Special guest “Monster” Dave Amato spent more than three decades as the lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon. Throughout his career he has performed and recorded with artists including Rick Springfield, Cher, Richie Sambora, and Michael Bolton. Following REO Speedwagon’s retirement, he continues touring and performing nationwide; this summer with former Eagle guitarist, Don Felder.

More than a concert, net proceeds from Guitar Monsters will benefit The Open Door, a nonprofit local resource center whose mission is to alleviate the impact of hunger in the community. The level of services they provide to the local community is too grand in scale to be able to describe here, learn more at FOODPANTRY.org. Produced by Rockin’ 4 Vets/Alive & Kicking Productions, the event combines world-class musicianship with a commitment to helping veterans throughout New England.

Tickets are available now through Rockin’ 4 Vets at https://rockin4vets.com/tickets

OR through The Cut ticketing site at https://thecutlive.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=424

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Early purchase is recommended as seating is limited.

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When the Right Support Meets the Right Moment 

~ Wellspring House

June has been a season of celebration at Wellspring House. In a matter of weeks, we marked three milestones: 31 adults graduating from our Healthcare Office Support Training program at MGB Salem Hospital with a historic 100% graduation rate; 18 local Cape Ann high school graduates awarded scholarships, and the first Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund cohort to cross the college graduation stage; and 56 students completing spring English language and computer literacy courses at a joyful evening in Gloucester.

Each celebration is a testament to what becomes possible when opportunity and support come together, and a reflection of what this community has chosen to invest in.

But behind every ceremony is a harder truth. A thriving community depends on people who can afford to live and work locally. When housing becomes unstable and wages fail to keep pace with the cost of living, that foundation erodes. Parents without childcare, residents without reliable transportation, families in unstable housing – these are compounding barriers that, without the right support, make long-term stability feel out of reach.

Financial security is the most powerful lever we have for improving quality of life, health, and opportunity. That belief is at the core of everything Wellspring does.

Since 1981, Wellspring has worked to turn potential into progress across the North Shore, combining housing stability, education, job training, and career readiness under one roof. This year, we worked with more than 2,000 individuals and families across 20 cities and towns. We don’t ask people to choose between stability and advancement. We provide both, simultaneously, for as long as it takes.

Tuesday, June 30th marks the end of our fiscal year. If these stories move you, we invite you to learn more about Wellspring and consider joining the community of supporters who make this work possible. Visit wellspringhouse.org.

CELESONG 2026: A night of music and song in support of Wellspring House

~ Wellspring House

A Nashville-Style Songwriters’ Round Featuring Darrell Scott, Beth Nielsen Chapman & Marcus Hummon

Wellspring House will present Celesong 2026—its most important annual fundraising event—on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. Doors open at 6:15 pm for an unforgettable evening that brings together music lovers, community champions, and supporters of Wellspring’s mission for a Nashville-style songwriters’ round featuring extraordinary talent and storytelling.

Wellspring creates opportunity for families and young adults across the North Shore through stable housing, education, job training, and career readiness. Each year, more than 2,000 people turn to Wellspring for support to overcome barriers, build skills, and move toward stability and financial independence, one family, one job, and one home at a time.

Returning to the Celesong stage is nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Darrell Scott, joined by Beth Nielsen Chapman and Marcus Hummon. Between them, these legendary artists have earned inductions to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Grammy Awards, and Lifetime Achievement honors. Their music and storytelling have shaped generations, and together they bring uncommon depth, heart, and connection to every stage they share.

The evening will also feature an intimate live auction with a handful of carefully chosen items, including an exclusive Tim McGraw at Fenway Park package and a custom guitar signed by the night’s featured artists. Billy Costa will once again serve as emcee and bring his signature energy to the auction block, making it one of the most exciting moments of the evening.

Tickets are available to purchase at wellspringhouse.org/celesong2026. Early purchase is encouraged as space is limited. Tickets range from $100–$150. 

Wellspring is grateful to the sponsors who have committed their support, including Legacy Sponsor Institution for Savings; Resiliency Sponsors: EBSCO and Quantum Surfer; Determination Sponsors: Albrecht Auto Group, Cape Ann Savings Bank, and New England Biolab; Strength Sponsors: Annisquam Landcare, Beacon Pointe Advisors, Beauport Financial Services, Brian Orr Pediatrics, Coldwell Banker, Corporate Legal Partners, F.L. Putnam Investment Management Co, Gorton’s, Salem Five Charitable Foundation, Sawyer Free Library, The Housewright Co., and W.T. Rich; and Community Sponsors: Elaine Quinn Interiors, Kristin Francoeur & Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, and Community Credit Union, along with a number of individual and family sponsors.

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 | Location: Shalin Liu Performance Center (37 Main St, Rockport, MA) | Time: 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM, Doors open at 6:15PM | Tickets: wellspringhouse.org/celesong2026/

This special night sells out fast, so don’t miss your chance to be a part of it.

Photo from Celesong 2025 at Shalin Liu Performance Center

One magical night for a powerful purpose — bringing our community together through song and storytelling to support Wellspring House’s work of opening doors to opportunity, one family, one job, and one home at a time. 

Harborlight Homes presentation on the “Dirty Deeds Project” at the Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Thursday, October 30 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm the Sawyer Free Library welcomes Andrew DeFranza, Executive Director, and Nancy Sanchez, Advocacy & Education Manager at Harborlight Homes to discuss their role in the Dirty Deeds Project. 

The Dirty Deeds Project is a collaboration between Harborlight Homes, the NAACP North Shore Branch, and the Mapping Prejudice Project at the University of Minnesota Libraries. Together, the partners examined property records in Southern Essex County and identified 407 deeds containing racially restrictive covenants, later confirmed as 390 after duplicates were removed.

Racial covenants were once a widespread practice used to exclude people from homeownership based on race, ethnicity, or religion. These clauses were written directly into property deeds and included language such as:

“The granted premises shall not be sold, mortgaged or leased to or occupied by persons of negro blood.” — Marblehead

“Said premises shall not be conveyed to or occupied by a colored person.” — Beverly

“The premises … shall not be owned or occupied by any person of Negro, Jewish, Italian, Greek, Polish or Armenian blood.” — Nahant

Although no longer enforceable, the presence of these covenants in the historical record continues to send a harmful message to those they targeted.

The project not only documents this discriminatory history but also advances solutions. Harborlight Homes and its partners are supporting Senator Lydia Edwards’ bill (HD.4087/SD.720, An Act Providing for the Removal of Void Restrictive Covenants), which seeks to remove such language from property records across Massachusetts.

By uncovering and addressing this history, The Dirty Deeds Project works toward building more inclusive and equitable communities.

Please register for the event at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Reimagining Gloucester Together: Placemaking at the New Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join us October 23 as global placemaking leader Ethan Kent and 20 Cape Ann Creatives spark new conversations about community, creativity, and connection.

Be part of something inspiring! Join us for the official relaunch of the historic Gloucester Lyceum as we welcome Ethan Kent, Executive Director of PlacemakingX, one of the world’s foremost leaders in creating inclusive, thriving public spaces.

This engaging evening invites attendees to explore the newly reimagined Sawyer Free Library and take part in lively small-group dialogues alongside 20 Cape Ann Community Creatives and members of the Gloucester Lyceum Committee. Together, we’ll consider how great public places—like our Library—can connect, strengthen, and inspire the community we share.

“Placemaking is about strengthening the connection between people and the places they share,” says Ethan Kent. “It’s about making the spaces we live—the places we love.”

Come experience the rebirth of the Gloucester Lyceum—where the city comes to think.

Featuring Cape Ann Community Creatives:

Anne Rolland • Nina Fletcher • Jennifer K. Brown • Leslie Dale Bartlett • Rick Blue • Lindsay Ann Crouse • Heidi McGrath • Brett Dunton • Chele Lizotte • Sarah Smith • Penny Neal • Charlee Bianchini • Ann Ledy • Sash Ludwig • Craig Walker • Julie Wyman • Eroica Schenck • Lucy Pear • Catherine Pear • Tom Balf

Free and open to all! Space is limited—register today at sawyerfreelibrary.org

 Sawyer Free Library | 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA
Thursday, October 23 | 7:00–8:30 p.m.
 Free and open to the public | Space is limited | Registration required

Help The Open Door Raise Hunger Awareness this September

~ todtheopendoor

September is Hunger Action Month™, an annual, nationwide campaign by the Feeding America network to raise awareness and encourage action to reduce food insecurity.  

The Open Door has partnered with several groups to raise awareness about hunger, and share information on how to help support its mission.

The Open Door distributed 2.35 million pounds of food to 11,893 people through its Food Pantries in 2024, meeting a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in 2024 (on top of a 30% increase in 2023), through 100,774 visits. 

Since August 2024, in addition to clients already receiving services, The Open Door has registered 820 new households for services at its Gloucester and Ipswich food pantry locations: An average of 68 new families per month.

HUNGER ACTION MONTH EVENTS:

The Open Door has partnered with several local organizations to raise hunger-awareness this September: 

  • Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga will issue a proclamation naming September Hunger Action Month in the city on Friday, September 12 
  • Thrift the Runway, a fashion show organized by The Open Door Thrift Store, Second Glance, will raise funds for local food assistance programs of the nonprofit on Sunday, September 14 at The Cut in Gloucester. Tickets are available at FOODPANTRY.org 
  • View Gloucester City Hall and the Beauport Hotel lit up orange all month long (orange is the color used to promote hunger awareness) 
  • Watch out for Hunger Action Month themed coasters at 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar and the Seaport Grille 
  • Several local businesses are offering special promotions and products this month to raise awareness, including: 
  • Brothers Brew in Rockport will offer an orange themed donut  
  • Cake Ann will offer chocolate orange and creamsicle flavored cupcakes  
  • Turtle Alley will offer chocolate bars embossed with the word “LOVE”  
  • A portion of proceeds will support local hunger-relief programs of The Open Door! 
  • The Gloucester City Council will also wear orange to help raise awareness at their Tuesday, Sept. 9 meeting. 
  • SHOP and DONATE at Second Glance year-round. Revenue at the store raises funds for hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. Free referrals are also given to the community for those who need a little extra help. 

MORE WAYS TO HELP:

  • Donations are the most needed form of support as The Open Door doubles down on core programs and strategizes how to best meet increased need with fewer federal resources available. Donations big and small help move the needle, and can be made as one-time gifts, monthly donations, or annual contributions. Make a donation at FOODPANTRY.org. There are a variety of ways to make a donation, including: 
  • Company matches: many companies will also match donations made by their employees—doubling the impact of your gift. Ask your employer today if such a program exists at your workplace. 
  • Donate through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), Individual Retirement Rollover Gifts, and stocks and securities. 
  • Legacy giving 
  • Sponsor a meal 
  • Donations to Second Glance Thrift Store (make an appointment at FOODPANTRY.org/booknow). Items sold at the store create revenue for The Open Door 
  • In kind goods and services also support The Open Door mission 
  • Volunteers are another critical pillar of help at The Open Door, and provided 26,260 hours of support in 2024. There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from packing groceries, to sorting food, to supporting the kitchen, and tagging products for sale at Second Glance. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org/volunteer 

Members of the community are also invited to wear orange to raise awareness about local food insecurity this September. 

Cape Ann Libraries Celebrate Earth Day with Inspiring Author Talk

~ Sawyer Free Library

Cape Ann’s public libraries—Rockport Public Library, Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, and the TOHP Burnham Library in Essex—extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined them for a very special Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 19, at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport.

This unique collaborative event brought together four libraries and hundreds of community members to honor the wonders of the natural world. The highlight of the afternoon was a captivating conversation with acclaimed author and naturalist Sy Montgomery and award-winning wildlife illustrator Matt Patterson, who shared insights from their latest book, Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell.

“It was a joy to witness our communities come together to celebrate nature, storytelling, and the enduring power of libraries,” said event organizers. “This Earth Day event reminded us of the vital role libraries play in inspiring imagination, fostering empathy, and encouraging stewardship of our planet.”

Sy Montgomery, author of more than 30 books including The Soul of an Octopus, a National Book Award finalist, is renowned for her ability to bring readers into the heart of the animal world. Her latest work explores the resilience, beauty, and mystery of turtles—and of time itself.

Matt Patterson’s intricate wildlife illustrations, featured in The Book of Turtles—a Robert F. Sibert Honor Award recipient—showcase the rich biodiversity of turtle species and emphasize their importance within global ecosystems.

Sy beautifully captured the spirit of the day when she said, “A library is a portal not just to our own world, but to worlds unknown… a refuge, a space rocket. Libraries show us we can dream anything, do anything, be anything.”

The four Cape Ann libraries are deeply grateful to the nearly 300 attendees who made this Earth Day gathering so memorable. We hope the event sparked a renewed sense of connection—to nature, to community, and to the incredible institutions that are our public libraries.

For those inspired to take further action in support of turtle conservation, Sy and Matt recommend two local organizations doing vital work: Turtle Survival Alliance, dedicated to saving turtles from extinction and Turtle Rescue League, a Massachusetts-based group rescuing and rehabilitating injured turtles, relocating eggs from hazardous areas, and rehoming unwanted pet turtles.

Together, let’s keep celebrating, learning from, and protecting this extraordinary planet we call home.

Left to Right:
Essex’s T.O.H.P. Burnhan Public Library Director Carla Christensen, Rockport Public Library Director Cindy Grove, Author Sy Montgomery, Illustrator Matt Patterson, Rockport Library Adult Program Coordinator Osha Rose and Gloucester’s Sawyer Free Community Librarian Meg O’Neill 

Hawks, Owls & Eagles of MA with David Williams

~ Sawyer Free Library

How many different kinds of Hawks, Owls, and Eagles do you think frequent Cape Ann during the year? Join the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, January 30 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm to find out!

Using interactive maps, photos, and more, David Williams‘ presentation will take a season by season approach to examine the more than 20 hawks, owls, and eagles that frequent our area. Some of these Raptors are common nesters in our area, some are Winter visitors, and some are rarities that cause excitement. Tips on identifying these birds of prey will be shared as well as how to respectfully find and view these special birds.

The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. All are welcome. Registration is requested at SawyerFreeLibrary.org For questions email jwilkins@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

SILENT MOVE EVENT FEATURING ‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’ and ‘TOLL OF THE SEA’ on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024 WITH PIPE-ORGAN MAESTRO PETER KRASINSKI

~ chasnaz

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation presents sonic artist and maestro of the pipe-organ Peter Krasinski accompanying two silent film classics, ALICE IN WONDERLAND (filmed on Cape Ann in 1915!) and the TOLL OF THE SEA (1922) on Saturday, November 2 at 7:30pm at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church on Middle Street. Accessible side entrance at 10 Church Street.

This annual classic silent movie event is great fun for the whole family, presented in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema.  Maestro Krasinski is world-famous for his brilliant, improvised accompaniment of silent films and will perform on the mighty 1893 Hutchings/Fisk pipe organ in our historic Meetinghouse.

Admission:  $15 General, $5 Students, Under 12 free.  Tickets at the door or online with more info at:  www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Bring your family, friends and neighbors!

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSORS OF OUR AUTUMN-WINTER-SPRING SERIES!