Cape Ann Conversations

Today’s Cape Ann Conversations podcast guest is Nancy Gardella, Executive Director of the North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (NBCVB). Since its founding in 1955, the NBCVB has been a private, nonprofit, membership-based organization dedicated to promoting Essex County, Massachusetts, as a premier, year-round travel destination. As one of the state's official Regional Tourism Councils, the NBCVB serves as the bridg...

In this episode of Cape Ann Conversations, Troy visits with Apothecary Suil Crow, an Olde World–style metaphysical shop tucked into Rockport’s Whistlestop Mall. Owner Rebeccah Pearson, a fifth-generation folk practitioner, has been sharing her craft and curating mystical treasures for over 15 years, with the shop now celebrating its fourth year at this location. Listeners will hear about the shop’s eclectic offerings—crystals, cand...

This episode is sponsored by the Cape Ann YMCA, Gloucester MA

The YMCA of the North Shore's ONEDOOR initiative—“A Path to Mental Wellness”—is a growing, inclusive program designed to strengthen mental health across the North Shore. It encompasses free weekly group walks called Walk Talk Collective, in partnership with The HelpHUB, offering a safe space to move, connect, and share mental health experiences approachable to any...

Chorus North Shore is a vibrant, non-auditioned community choir based on Massachusetts’ North Shore, with roots tracing back to a Depression-era gathering in Rockport in 1931. Now drawing around 125 voices, the ensemble specializes in challenging classical and modern choral masterworks—performing landmark pieces such as Bach’s Magnificat, Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s masses, Verdi’s Requiem, and Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms. Their...

Colleen Murdock, Director of Community Relations, chats with host Troy Scarbrough about the current happenings at the Chamber, upcoming events, and other points of interest.

Facebook: https://⁠facebook.com/capeannchamberInstagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/capeannchamber⁠Website: ⁠https://capeannchamber.com⁠

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

Production Partner: Streamography, ⁠https://strea...

Campbell Funeral Home has been a trusted part of the North Shore community for over a century, serving families from Beverly, Gloucester, and Ipswich with compassion, dignity, and professionalism. The Campbell family has upheld a proud tradition of care, now managed by fifth-generation funeral director Lauren Campbell Mulligan. With deep roots in the region, the funeral home has expanded to include three locations, each reflecting ...

The Schooner Adventure is a stunning 122-foot wooden ship and a proud symbol of Gloucester’s fishing legacy. Designed by Thomas McManus and launched in 1926, she was once one of the fastest and most successful fishing schooners to sail the Grand Banks. After retiring from the sea as a working vessel, she became a beloved windjammer before being beautifully restored to her former glory.

Today, Adventure is more than just a historic s...

Just months after Courtney and Marshall Tulley opened the doors to their new boutique hotel, Addison Choate, the pandemic brought travel — and the hospitality industry — to an unexpected halt. But instead of standing still, the couple chose to pivot, channeling their entrepreneurial spirit into what they like to call a 'hospitality-adjacent' venture. The result is Denim Blanket Co., a collection of beautifully crafted, high...

Located in Whistlestop Mall in Rockport, Moving and Shaking on the North Shore is your friendly neighborhood expert in senior move management and home organizing. Founded by Ellen Fusco, whose dedication to assisting families blossomed from a deeply personal experience for her parents, this service thrives on empathy, expertise, and a creative touch. Whether it’s helping a loved one downsize, packing up treasured belongings, or unp...

Annie De Castro Design Group (ADDG) is a Boston-based boutique interior design firm renowned for creating bespoke living spaces that seamlessly blend comfort, functionality, and style. Led by founder and design principal Annie de Castro, the firm specializes in tailored design solutions that enhance the quality of life for its clients.

Annie's diverse background in furniture retail, product development, and visual merchandising,...

Atlantic Vacation Homes (AVH) is a premier vacation rental and real estate company based in Gloucester, Massachusetts, serving the Cape Ann region and Boston’s North Shore. With over 40 years of experience, AVH offers a diverse portfolio of properties, including beachfront homes, pet-friendly rentals, and accommodations suitable for large groups. The company also provides year-round and winter rentals, as well as residential sales ...

Need a second set of eyes on your writing? SML Proofreading, founded by the eagle-eyed Sue Lovett in Gloucester, is your secret weapon forspotless copy. Since 2019, Sue has been fixing everything from tangled sentences to pesky punctuation. With a passion for precision and a knack for storytelling, Sue tackles everything from young adult fantasy and memoirs tolocal history books, newsletters, brochures, menus, and more. Her clients...

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...

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 chang...

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 e...

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 i...

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, wor...

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 ...

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...