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July 18, 2023

Chamber News & Updates

Thank you to all non-profits, merchants, restaurants, and food vendors who participated in the first 2023 Main Street Gloucester Block Party on Saturday! There were thousands of people in attendance, with young and old alike having a great time! The next Block Party is scheduled for Saturday, August 12,

so make sure to save the date!

JOIN US TONIGHT FOR MUSIC ON THE IPSWICH RIVERWALK

FEATURING THE "ORVILLE GIDDINGS BAND" FROM 6 - 8 PM.

SAVE THE DATE!

Festival by the Sea returns to Manchester on Saturday, August 5 from 10 AM to 4 PM


Festival by the Sea is a celebration of the things that are synonymous with greater Cape Ann in the summertime: Art, Music & Food! Artist & artisan booths will be spread throughout downtown Manchester. Your senses will be inspired by the beautiful art, extraordinary live music and the aromas of delicious, local foods. 

Artisan Online Application | Download Artisan Vendor Application

Download Map Brochure

Business & Job Resources

Learn About State Contracts: Are you interested in conducting business with the state? Click here for a crucial monthly update that lists the contracts and their expiration and renewal dates. This information is published and maintained in the OSD (Operational Services Division) eProcurement platform. For questions, please contact William J. Funk at 857-919-1039 or wjfunk18@gmail.com.

North Shore Career Center Online Workshops (MassHire)


Turbo-Charge Your Resume: Tuesday, July 18 @ 11:30 AM

Phone & Online Interviewing: Wednesday, July 19 @ 11:30 AM

Optimism & Your Job Search: Thursday, July 20 @ 11:30 AM

Interviewing Skills: Tuesday, July 25 @ 11:30 AM

Salary Negotiation: Wednesday, July 26 @ 11:30 AM

Member & Community News

Rockport Legion Band celebrates 90th year


(From Gloucester Times) For decades, the Rockport American Legion Band has produced the music that has defined the Sunday evening concerts at the American Legion Post 98 Bandstand, at 32 Beach St. adjacent to Back Beach.


This year marks the 90th anniversary of the nonprofit organization, which has seen hundreds of volunteer musicians and many different band directors since its inception. Read Article

Local Artists Join forces to energize Madfish Wharf’s Madfish Gallery

Announce Mid Month Reception

Thursday, July 20 | 5 - 7 PM


Madfish Wharf artists have once again collaborated to highlight this incredible gem at the end of Rocky Neck.  One of the cornerstones of this effort is the Madfish Gallery which is being run by artist Sallie Strand for the 3rd year.  For the months of June-September, Sallie has curated a group of artists each month to exhibit and sell their work. July’s artists include Anne Gilson, Martin Songer, Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco, and gallery director Sallie Strand. 


Read Full Press Release

Cape Ann Museum honors founder of its docent program


(From Gloucester Times) Dawn Dexter was surprised to learn that an outdoor lunch meant for a new class of docents, museum volunteers and existing docents at the James Center at Cape Ann Museum Green on Friday was really meant as a way to honor her for founding the docent program in 2008. Docents act as volunteer guides in the museum. Since Dexter helped inaugurate the first class of docents 15 years ago, they have provided more than 3,500 tours and engaged more than 21,000 people on what makes Cape Ann unique and inspiring, said the museum’s director, Oliver Barker. Read Article

Manchester seniors envision new facility


(From Gloucester Times) Town officials and the Select Board are looking to expand beyond the tight quarters of the Council on Aging offices at Town Hall. They’re planning to establish permanent accommodations for town elders in the form of the town’s first-ever Senior Center downtown.


The three options being considered for a senior center, according to Select Board Chair Ann Harrison, are:

  • The Valentine’s Movers site at the intersection of Tappan and Sea streets.
  • The Community Center at 40 Beach St., which would be rebuilt and expanded.
  • The Masonic Lodge building between Town Hall and the town’s wastewater treatment plant.


Read Article

Manchester Music to be performed in Ipswich


(From Ipswich Local News) After several years hiatus due to Covid, Manchester Summer Chamber Music returns for 2023. This year’s festival will feature five concerts under four themes. Three of the concerts will be in Ipswich and two are scheduled for Manchester. The festival opens August 5 in Ipswich with Homecoming, where organizers said they will “get the barn rafters ringing once more with Vivaldi’s Summer as well as music by Bach, Beethoven, and the folk-infused, rollicking Strum of Jessie Montgomery.” Read Article

GreenbeltGo-Getter Challenge runs from June 3, 2023 through May 1, 2024


Adventure awaits! Hike, bike, walk, run, snowshoe, ski, stroll or meander. The GreenbeltGo-Getter Challenge is a fun, free way for everyone to get outside and explore our trails at their own pace. Up to 50 listed trails! Visit as many Greenbelt properties as possible within the challenge window, and be recognized as a Go-Getter at their Annual Meeting in May, 2024. Learn More and Download GreenbeltGo Trails App

Magnolia Library and Cape Ann Plein Air Announce Midsummer Art Festival

Local Plein Air Artists Display Works to Benefit the Magnolia Library


The Magnolia Library and Community Center and Cape Ann Plein Air, Inc. are joining forces to present a free Midsummer Art Festival featuring the work of over a dozen Cape Ann area artists August 6 -12, 2023 in the Magnolia Community Center, 1 Lexington Ave. in Magnolia.


Over 100 pieces of art will be displayed for sale, a portion of which will benefit the Magnolia Library and Community Center. The event will kick off with an advance viewing on August 6 at 3:00PM followed by a “Meet the Artist” reception at 6PM featuring live music, hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. The show will be open throughout the week from 2PM to 7PM daily and feature live demonstrations by artists.


Read Full Press Release

Cape Ann Animal Aid Pet of the Week



Meet Hig, a 4-month-old spayed female who is house-trained and still looking for a home. Hig was very shy with people when she arrived at the shelter. Although she may give a hesitant hiss when you approach, it’s important to know that she has learned that humans can provide love, care, and gentle companionship. Now, Hig readily accepts petting. She has an insatiable appetite for observing her surroundings and an unmistakable fondness for feline friends. While Hig may always retain a touch of shyness, she will continue to blossom and become a cherished member of a compassionate family. To learn more about Hig, other animals waiting for homes at the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter, 4 Paws Lane in Gloucester, or to set up a meeting, submit an application at CapeAnnAnimalAid.org/Adopt.

2023 BONS Home Readers’ Choice Awards Voting is Now Open.

Vote for you favorite home related business today. Voting closes August 1.

Shop Our Members

Continuing Hot Deals


Cape Ann YMCA: Reduced rate for Chamber members

Local Sales, Discounts & Promotions 

Posting a Shop Our Member deal is a great way to gain exposure for your business by highlighting your special promotions. Take advantage of this FREE member benefit and list yours today by logging into your account! 


*Contact Sam if you need assistance 

Job Listings

GMGI is hiring an Executive Administrative Assistant

A Housing First Case Manager is needed at Gloucester Housing Authority

Spaulding Gloucester is seeking a Physical Therapy Tech (32 hours )

Cape Ann's Marina is seeking a Marine Retail Store & Parts Manager, a Marine Retail Store Clerk, and a Marine Outboard Technician/Mechanic/

Pathways for Children is seeking an Early Childhood Education Infant Toddler Paid Apprenticeship and a Transportation and Logistics Assistant

Soundings Sponsors

We extend a big thank you to our supporting sponsors.


If you are interested in promoting with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and sponsoring this newsletter, please contact Steve Buckley at steve@capeannchamber.com

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