Cape Ann Conversations

Meet Kristin Czarnecki, Executive Director of the Rockport Art Association & Museum (RAA&M), and learn about the rich history of the RAA&M. As one of the oldest art associations in the country, the RAA&M has been a gathering place of New England artists since 1921.

The RAA&M welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world with the promotion of year-round programs and exhibitions. The RAA&M remains dedicated to making fine art appreciation accessible to all.

The RAA&M continues to be one of Cape Ann’s most prominent cultural beacons. Since its founding, the Association has steadily increased in size and currently includes approximately 250 artist & photography members, and hundreds of contributing members. Each year, the RAA&M hangs over 40 diverse exhibitions and offers a variety of educational programs including workshops, children's classes, sketch groups, artist demonstrations, gallery talks and artist lectures.

In this episode of Cape Ann Conversations, host Troy Scarborough (Best Vending Solutions) chats with Marcy Plante, a Certified Life & Health Coach/CBD Wellness Advocate, who founded her business Cape Ann Compass about four years ago. Marcy Plante started Cape Ann Compass because she is passionate about helping others find their true potential. She says, "There’s nothing more rewarding to me than seeing someone discover their true North, their passion, and their unique voice. What makes my business unique is the personalized one-on-one coaching I provide. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, find direction in life, or enhance your overall wellness, you’ll receive my undivided attention and support as we navigate the waters of your life."

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The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the next phase of our Cape Ann Conversations podcast, which will feature discussion panels on topics of concern for our communities.

Today's introductory panel discussion is a conversation with local veterans Larry Jordan, Ed Marsh, Rich Barbato, and Nic Pszenny, who discuss their backgrounds, insights as veterans, and issues faced by veterans in our communities.

Hosted by: Stephen Buckley, CEO, Greater Cape Ann Chamber

A decorative artist, Pauline Bresnahan opened the shop of her dreams, Pauline’s Gifts, when her children were starting kindergarten and she didn’t want a “real job.” She always had her eye on the storefront, and with the wholehearted support of her husband, was able to acquire the shop, and Pauline’s Gifts was born. This year, Pauline’s Gifts is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Located on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway (Route 133) in Gloucester, Pauline’s Gifts is a small gift shop specializing in local goods, flags, and Gloucester-themed gifts dedicated to supporting women serving overseas. Pauline paints mailboxes, glassware, ornaments, and much more. You can also find nautical gifts, jewelry, greeting cards, wind chimes, and other unique items.

A dedicated woman business owner, Pauline was instrumental (along with The Essex Exchange and Olde Ipswich Shop & Gallery) in organizing the women-owned businesses along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway into a map. This effort earned them a Pioneer in Partnership award from the Essex National Heritage Area and was featured on WCVB’s Chronicle Program.

A veteran-friendly business, Pauline’s Gifts offers discounts to all veterans. Pauline’s Gifts is also the largest American flag retailer on the North Shore.

Pauline’s Gifts, The Essex Exchange, and Olde Ipswich Shop & Gallery will be co-hosting their Award Winning Customer Celebration Day on December 7 from 10 AM to 5 PM at each of their locations, featuring surprise discounts, free refreshments, free raffle and possible random caroling! All are invited to stop by to join in the fun!

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

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If “business and real estate lawyer” conjures the image of a boring, stuffy person, then you need to meet Amy Connors! She is a top-notch attorney who is anything but cookie-cutter. She brings energy, passion, and her whole self (including a love of rock ‘n roll and hot pink) to her work. She is down-to-earth, approachable, and excellent at translating legal processes regarding business and real estate for lay people. Amy has almost 20 years of experience and represents buyers, sellers, and lenders in various commercial and residential real estate transactions throughout Massachusetts. Amy loves helping people navigate the legal process, which can be fraught with emotions and stress. In addition to practicing real estate law, Amy also teaches business law at Salem State University. Fun fact! Amy is a reiki master, certified yoga teacher, and astrology enthusiast! (Does your real estate attorney lead vision board workshops to help you manifest your dream home?) Read more about Amy in her Member Spotlight.

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

Production Partner: Streamography, streamography.com

What do you get if you combine a little bit of pandemic boredom, a desire to create a healthy dog treat, and the only cookie cutter in the house being one shaped like the state of Massachusetts? You get the birth of Masshole Biscuit Co. Founded in October 2023 by CaSandra Parkhurst and Noel Coleman, two passionate dog lovers who turned their corporate lay-offs into an opportunity to pursue their dream of creating wholesome, all-natural dog treats. They are committed to providing dogs with delicious, nutritious treats made from the finest ingredients hey believe every dog deserves a tasty snack that delights their taste buds and contributes to their overall health and well-being. Join them for a ribbon cutting celebrating their new store, Masshole & Co, Pet Provisions at 137 Main Street in Gloucester on November 15 at 2 PM.

Website: https://massholedogbiscuitco.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MassholeBiscuitCo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/massholebiscuitco

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

Production Partner: Streamography, streamography.com

There is a lot more to Seaside Sustainability than the sea, according to Founder Eric Magers, who admits the company name may be a bit misleading. While their local Cape Ann efforts are highly focused on the sea and marine health, their reach across the world encompasses so much more. Focusing on Sustainability, Education, and Action (SEA), they are committed to inspiring people to make a positive impact on the planet. They believe in the power of education to create change and offer a range of programs aimed at promoting sustainable living practices. From their education programs and community outreach efforts to their sustainability initiatives and policy work, their team is dedicated to creating lasting change.

Rick Roth, Executive Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, has liked the “creepy crawlies” since he caught his first snake (Northern brown) on the way home from kindergarten. In 1990, Rick and a few friends founded the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team (CAVPT). They began by leading nighttime field trips to see the spring breeding activity of spotted salamanders, wood frogs, and spring peepers. Most people had never seen this and had no idea it was happening. Cape Ann Vernal Pond team is a nonprofit organization dedicated to vernal pond conservation and education. They bring people together for education and the preservation of nature in a fun and exciting way. They instill passion and stewardship for the natural world in people of all ages thereby helping to save our corner of the world. Today Rick brought several “friends” with him, including a wood frog, a spring peeper, a toad, spotted turtles, and, of course, some snakes!

Website: https://www.capeannvernalpondteam.org

Facebook: @capeannvernalpondteam

Instagram: @capeannvernalpondteam

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

Production Partner: Streamography, streamography.com

There was a bit of serendipity surrounding the beginnings of Tanya and Greg Marshall’s entrepreneurial venture Twins Chic Furniture & Upholstery. After being laid off from an accountant position, Tanya took some time off to work on furnishing their house. On a budget, she began refurbishing old furniture in a shabby chic style. When she decided to sell one piece to make room for a different one, she was amazed at how fast it sold. That was the start of the business, and it has just grown from there. Joined by her husband Greg, a master woodworker with a BFA, they offer a service unique to them... both fixing broken furniture and bringing it to new life through finishing and reupholstering. While others may throw some glue on it and call it “fixed,” they take the time to make it sturdier than the original. As they like to say, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” Greg is also passionate about making reclaimed wood furniture and accessories and will gladly take historical wood off your hands! And where did the business name come from? “Twin’s Chic” is so named not only because of the inspiration given to her by her twin sister but also because of the support from Greg, who also happens to be a twin. Learn more about Twin’s Chic from their Member Spotlight at https://bit.ly/Spotlight-TwinsChic.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.twinschic.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twinschic

Once upon a time, there was a theater major (just a worker) and a software engineer (just a guy) who met, got married, and bought an orchard. That is the simple version. Founded in 1920 as Goodale Orchards, Russell Orchards has both a rich history and a deep family legacy. Owner Miranda Russell tells a personal story of how she and her husband came to own the farm, what they have added over the years, and the traditions the farm has rooted in the hearts of the local community. Combining two challenging aspects of retail and farming in one business, Russell Orchards is forever grateful to their family of employees, many of whom have been there for more than a decade –“we couldn’t do it without them.” Bonus! Get the inside scoop for the best picking times of the year and why weekdays are best for scoring their made-from-scratch cider donuts!