Cape Ann Conversations

Landi Van Alen, Director of Development

The Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) is all about bringing people together to strengthen the communities of Essex County, Massachusetts. They connect donors, nonprofits, and local leaders to support everything from education and the arts to economic opportunity and social equity. Whether it's through grantmaking, special initiatives, or helping nonprofits build capacity, ECCF plays a key role in making sure local resources are used in meaningful, impactful ways. Their focus is on collaboration, innovation, and building a stronger, more inclusive region for everyone.https://www.eccf.org/https://www.facebook.com/ECCFBulletinhttps://www.instagram.com/essexcountycommunityfoundation https://www.linkedin.com/company/essex-county-community-foundation https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCazR-5XIxUdqkvbhaDcjzDg Presented by: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, https://capeannchamber.com Production Partner: Streamography, https://streamography.com

Susan Zwart, Director of Thrift Operations, The Open Door & Second Glance

2024 by the Numbers

• 2.35 million Pounds of Food
• 11,893 People Served (5,320 Households)
• 164,859 Meals Prepared In-house
• 316,969 Items Sold
• 140+ Tons of Recycled Materials
• 26,260 Volunteer Hours
• Click to see more!

The Open Door was started during the blizzard of 1978 to make sure people had food during the blizzard and has been feeding people and changing lives for four decades. Second Glance began as a little closet and now encompasses most of the plaza at Pond Road.

The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. They use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. If you’d like to help feed the hungry on Cape Ann, there are many ways you can help.

• Donate money, food, clothing or household items (money made from sales of items goes back into helping feed people)
• Volunteer your time
• Organize a food drive or collection site
• Sponsor Community Meals
• Donate in-kind goods & services
• Donate holiday baskets or specialty baskets

Connect

• https://foodpantry.org/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheOpenDoorMA/
• https://www.instagram.com/theopendoorma/
• https://twitter.com/TheOpenDoorMA
• https://www.facebook.com/SecondGlanceThriftStore

Credits

• Host: Troy Scarbrough, Best Vending Solutions
• Powered by Streamography Productions
• Produced by Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Finding a house is easy. Finding a home is the real challenge. Each person’s needs and desires must be uniquely matched to the right space to create that feeling of home. Wendy has a unique ability to make those connections quickly. She has a strong knowledge of market trends and neighborhood vibes. She is passionate about leveraging the latest tools and resources to provide her clients with a seamless and stress-free real estate experience.

Wendy brings a vast wealth of professionalism, resourcefulness, and humor to make home buying and selling as easy as possible. As a former attorney, Wendy's reputation as a trusted advisor, skilled negotiator, and highly collaborative communicator is at the core of who she is at the heart of everything she does for her clients.

DalBon & Co.’s philosophy is simple: clients come first. They pledge to be in constant communication with our clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire buying or selling process. They believe that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, they haven’t done their job. They don’t measure success through achievements or awards, but through the satisfaction of their clients.

• https://wendysilver.kw.com
• https://www.facebook.com/wendysilverrealestate/
• https://www.instagram.com/wendysilver_realtor
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendybsilver
• https://www.dalbon.com
• https://www.facebook.com/DalBonandcompany
• https://www.instagram.com/dalbonandco

In this episode of Cape Ann Conversation, Lynda Roscoe Hartigan, Executive Director and CEO of the Peabody Essex Museum, provides an overview of how the museum came into being and what is currently going on at the museum. Through its dynamic exhibitions, educational programs, and community events, the Peabody Essex Museum invites visitors to explore the interconnectedness of art, culture, and history from around the world.

Nestled in the historic seaport of Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) stands as one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States. Its origins trace back to 1799 with the founding of the East India Marine Society by Salem-based sea captains who collected and shared artifacts from their global voyages. Over the centuries, PEM has evolved through mergers and expansions, notably the 1992 unification of the Peabody Museum of Salem and the Essex Institute. Today, PEM houses a vast and diverse collection of over 1.3 million works, encompassing American, Asian, African, Native American, and Oceanic art, as well as maritime artifacts and historic architecture.

PEM's campus is a harmonious blend of the old and the new, featuring 22 historic buildings—including the East India Marine Hall, a National Historic Landmark—and modern galleries designed by renowned architects. Among its unique offerings is the Yin Yu Tang House, a 200-year-old Chinese home transplanted from Anhui Province and reassembled on-site, providing visitors with an immersive cultural experience.

        https://www.pem.org/  https://www.facebook.com/PeabodyEssexMuseum/https://www.instagram.com/peabodyessex/https://www.linkedin.com/company/peabody-essex-museumhttps://www.youtube.com/user/peabodyessexmuseumhttps://www.tiktok.com/@peabodyessex

Say cheese! Meet Kendra Dott, the heart behind Sharon’s Studio of Gloucester. Kendra is a one-woman powerhouse capturing life’s best moments — from portraits and weddings to even passport photos for those tricky Australian and Canadian requirements! Originally started by her parents as Double Exposure in the late '70s, Kendra keeps the tradition alive with a fresh, creative twist. She’s all about saying "yes" to new challenges, working seven days a week, and delivering fast, beautiful results. Whether you want beach vibes, city streets, or rocky shores for your shoot, Kendra knows all the best Greater Cape Ann spots. A true local who loves her community, she thrives on word-of-mouth, quick wit, and a serious passion for making people feel great about themselves in photos. Need a photographer who says "yes" and makes magic happen? You just found her!

• https://www.capeannweddings.com
• https://www.facebook.com/CapeAnnWedding
• https://www.instagram.com/capeannwedding
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-dott-6b141096
• https://www.pinterest.com/SharonsStudio

Happy Tails Shoppe LLC in Gloucester, MA is a cheerful little haven for pet lovers and their furry sidekicks! Nestled right on Main Street, this vibrant boutique is packed with tail-wagging treasures—from stylish collars and fun toys to healthy treats and lots more. Owner Lauren Ashly Suchecki brings her passion for pets to life with a bright, welcoming space that celebrates all things dog and cat. Whether you're spoiling your pup or finding the purr-fect gift for your kitty, Happy Tails is your go-to spot for pawsitive vibes and top-notch goodies!

Lauren, the former owner of Last Stop Variety Store in East Gloucester, missed the strong sense of community that came with running a local business. When her favorite pet supply store, Animal Krackers, closed its doors, she saw an opportunity to step in and make a difference. That’s when Happy Tails Shoppe was born. Alongside offering quality pet food and supplies, Lauren plans to introduce a convenient self-wash dog station, giving pet owners a hassle-free way to keep their pups clean for a small fee. A passionate advocate for supporting local, Lauren also proudly stocks her boutique with products from fellow local vendors.

Because every pet deserves a happy tale, visit Happy Tails Shoppe at 186 Main Street, Gloucester or visit online at the links below to learn more.

• https://www.happytailsshoppe.com/
• http://instagram.com/happytailsshoppe

Presented by: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, capeannchamber.com

Production Partner: Streamography, streamography.com

Elizabeth Green, Executive Director, Three Sisters Garden ProjectCynthia August, President & Artist, Ipswich Art Association

Founded 10 years ago, Three Sisters Garden Project is a non-profit community farm with a food access mission in Ipswich, Massachusetts: they are growing produce using sustainable farming methods and working to make local food accessible to all.

The Ipswich Art Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the arts in Ipswich. They aim to support, empower, and advocate for all creative and performing arts and artists in Ipswich. In its third year of operation, the Ipswich Art Association invites anyone with a creative vision to learn more and join its growing membership.

This weekend (April 5th and 6th), the Three Sisters Garden Project and Ipswich Art Association are coming together for a unique event and exhibit at EBSCO Hall in Ipswich to explore and celebrate the ways we nourish ourselves, our family, and our community. When we gather Around the Table, we nourish each other. Donations and a portion of proceeds from art sales will benefit Three Sisters in their work of bringing healthy, nutritious food to our most vulnerable neighbors, and the IAA in our community-building events and activities.

Three Sisters Garden Project

https://threesistersgarden.org/

https://www.facebook.com/threesistersIpswich https://www.instagram.com/threesistersgardenproject/

Ipswich Art Association

https://www.ipswichartassociation.org/ https://www.facebook.com/ipswichartassociation https://www.instagram.com/ipswich.artassociation

Presented by: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, https://capeannchamber.com Production Partner: Streamography, https://streamography.com

Host, Troy Scarbrough, Best Vending Solutions, https://www.bestvendingsolution.com

Whether you own a boat or hitch a ride on a friend’s boat, everyone loves a “Boat Day!” Kyle Jamerson, founder of Boat Day Apparel, doesn’t own a boat, but his love of a good “boat day” got him to where he is today.

Boat Day started small—selling 100 blue t-shirts right off a friend's boat to see if the idea would stick. What began as a fun way to share the good vibes on the water quickly grew into a brand built on good vibes, quality, and functional style. Whether you're enjoying a few cold ones to relax or working to make a living on a boat, they have something for you.

Kyle aims to bring people together and capture that amazing feeling of a perfect boat day. “Because let’s face it—everybody loves a Boat Day, and it is always a boat day somewhere!”

• https://www.boatdayapparel.com/

• https://www.facebook.com/people/Boat-Day/61567201090488/

• https://www.instagram.com/boatdayapparel/

• https://www.tiktok.com/@boatdayapparel

Presented by: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, https://capeannchamber.com Production Partner: Streamography, https://streamography.com

Founded in 2005, the Gloucester Education Foundation (GEF) was created by concerned community members and parents in response to budget cuts in Gloucester Public Schools, particularly affecting arts, music, theater, and STEM programs. Over the past two decades, GEF has grown from a grassroots effort into a fully staffed organization, raising $10.5 million, with most funds directly benefiting Gloucester schools.

On this episode of Cape Ann Conversations, Emily Siegel, Executive Director, talks about how the GEF supports education. The GEF primarily funds teacher-driven grants, supporting innovative programs in classrooms, after-school programs, and summer initiatives. The foundation awards approximately 25 grants per year, covering various subjects and students' needs.

Joining Emily on the podcast is Jessica Magiotta, Power of Play Chairperson for 2025. Jessica, a GEF volunteer, is passionate about the Power of Play event, which is on Sunday, March 23, at the Gloucester High School Field House from 11 AM to 2 PM. Jessica provides a detailed overview of activities that will be offered on Sunday.

Also participating in the podcast is Arts Festival Coordinator Toni Waldron, who is equally passionate about this important community event. Toni discusses the importance of the Arts Festival and how the experience will be elevated through the inclusion of food trucks, musical performances, and hands-on activities. The Art Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, from 11 AM to 3 PM at O'Maley Middle School.

• Website: https://thinkthebest.org/
• Facebook: gloucestereducationfoundation
• Instagram: gloucestereducationfound

Presented by: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, https://capeannchamber.com

Production Partner: Streamography, https://streamography.com

It has been just 3 years since Clay Kern and his wife Jen took the leap into business ownership when they purchased the long-standing Bearskin Neck kayak business, North Shore Kayak. Since then, they have been busy expanding and growing the business.

Holding a Masters degree in Marine & Environmental Science, Clay has a passion for teaching and helping people connect to the natural world. In addition to renting kayaks, North Shore Adventures offers guided tours out of Rockport Harbor to Straightmouth and Thacher Islands, as well as mobile tours out of Gloucester, Ipswich, and Essex. All tour guides are trained in the biology and history of the area.

For those not inclined to be on the water, they also offer beach cruiser bike rentals and ebike rentals. They have even developed a self-guided bike tour that takes people to places of interest while they listen to tour info on their phone.

Taking technology one step further in 2025, North Shore Adventures is introducing Escape Cape Ann, an augmented reality experience through an iPad. Several adventure options will be available that take players around Rockport, solving puzzles and riddles through use of a toolkit. Clay plans on involving other local businesses as part of the challenge.

Learn more about North Shore Adventures at https://www.northshoreadventure.com/.

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/NSAOC/

https://www.instagram.com/north.shore.adventures/

Presented by: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, https://capeannchamber.com

Production Partner: Streamography, https://streamography.com