Cape Ann Conversations

Cape Ann Conversations Cape Ann Conversations is a conversational podcast focused on working, living, and playing within the coastal communities of greater Cape Ann, Massachusetts.
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07/31/2025

This episode is sponsored by the Cape Ann YMCA

S2 E29 - July 31, 2025: The YMCA’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 anyone in the community.

Led by Ranjeev Benjamin, Executive Director of Mental Wellness, the Y collaborates with clinician partners like McLean Hospital and Cartwheel to streamline connections to mental health professionals and integrate mental wellness into all Y programming. Beyond organized wellness groups, the Y fosters a strong community atmosphere where physical activity, regular programming, and flexible membership are designed to promote emotional resilience and belonging.

The City of Gloucester Health Department, through its Substance Use Prevention & Mental Health Promotion team, offers multi-community support aimed at preventing mental health and substance use challenges among youth and families. Headed by Chelsea Goldstein-Walsh, Regional Prevention Director, the local Prevention Team leads coalitions and programs designed to create substance-free, supportive environments for teens and young adults.

Together, these resources create a strong foundation for mental wellness in on the North Shore and Cape Ann. Whether you're looking for peer connection and group activities at the Y, or crisis support and referrals through city health services, both systems work hand in hand to provide accessible mental health care across Cape Ann.

Cape Ann YMCA Streamography Gloucester, MA Health Department

07/17/2025

S2 E 28 - July 17, 2025: 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 robust offerings include two major concerts annually, featuring paid soloists and live orchestral accompaniment, and they sustain a strong educational mission through initiatives like the now-retired Chorus North Shore Honors Youth Choir and scholarships for aspiring young singers.

Abby Frost has served as Artistic Director for the past three years (since taking up the mantle from Sonja Dahlgren Pryor), bringing fresh energy and depth to the group’s programming. A seasoned choral conductor, vocal coach, and director, Frost leads with academic and professional pedigree—she is the Director of Choirs at Ipswich High School and holds a Master’s in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona. Board & Chorus Member Eli Eberhardt, is both a singer and an instrumentalist.

Chorus North Shore Streamography

07/10/2025

S2 E27 - July 10, 2025: 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.
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07/03/2025

S2 E26 - July 3, 2025: 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 family's enduring commitment to honoring life with dignity and respect. Their Beverly location remains one of the oldest continuously operated funeral homes in Massachusetts, a testament to their legacy of service.

In addition to traditional funeral and memorial services, Campbell Funeral Home is a leader in pre-planning. They offer personalized, confidential consultations that help individuals and families make thoughtful decisions in advance, relieving loved ones of future burdens and ensuring every detail is handled according to one's wishes. Their experienced team provides guidance on all aspects of pre-arrangement, from selecting service options to financial planning, allowing for peace of mind and a more meaningful celebration of life. With a blend of historical depth and forward-thinking care, Campbell Funeral Home continues to serve the North Shore with compassion and integrity.

Streamography Campbell Funeral Home

06/26/2025

S2 E25 - June 26, 2025: 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 ship—she’s a floating classroom and community icon. Operated by Gloucester Adventure, Inc., she offers hands-on education, public sails, and unforgettable experiences that connect people to Cape Ann’s vibrant maritime past. Whether you’re on deck for a sunset sail or learning the ropes with students, the Adventure continues to inspire new generations.

Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1994, Schooner Adventure was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and recognized as an official project of Save America’s Treasures. 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Schooner Adventure, so stay tuned for lots of special events next year!

Schooner Adventure Streamography

06/20/2025

S2 E24 - June 20, 2025: 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-end blankets made right here in the USA, using materials sourced from American companies. A creative leap that turned a challenging moment into a cozy new success story.

Tucked into the heart of Rockport, MA, Denim Blanket Company is where coastal charm meets sustainable style! This vibrant shop boasts a delightful lineup of handcrafted blankets, with denim on one side and fleece on the other, in a variety of colors and styles. What makes Denim Blanket Company truly sparkle is its dedication to supporting local and regional artisans. Beyond blankets, their shelves brim with treasures from American-made partners—from nautical-inspired jewelry to hand-sewn dog collars to whimsical throw pillows, and more.

S2 E24 - June 20, 2025: Denim Blanket Company is where coastal charm meets sustainable style! Whether you're cruising their colorful blanket racks, choosing a custom patch, or accessorizing with eco-conscious flair, the energy is infectious. Visit Denim Blanket Co. and you’ll leave not only with hand-crafted comfort but also a little piece of Rockport’s soul—made with care, creativity, and pride.

Streamography Denim Blanket Company Addison Choate

06/12/2025

S2 E23 - June 12, 2025: 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 move 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 unpacking and organizing in a cozy new nest, Ellen and her team can help. With a goal to avoid anything being thrown away, Ellen finds new homes for items through donation, sale, or imaginative repurposing.

Moving and Shaking is less about hauling boxes and more about curating transitions. Their offerings span senior downsizing, relocation, donating/repurposing support, and moving consulting to ensure everything unfolds with ease and organization. In short, when life’s about to shake things up, this team gently guides the North Shore’s seniors through the move—and makes sure everyone involved can actually enjoy the ride.

Moving and Shaking on the North Shore Streamography

06/05/2025

S2 E22 - June 5, 2025: 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, combined with her global experience, informs her unique design perspective. Annie's journey of starting an interior design business began during the pandemic, which allowed her the time to renovate her new home in Gloucester.

Whether you're looking to renovate a historic brownstone or refresh a modern condo, Annie De Castro Design Group brings a personalized and culturally inspired approach to every project, transforming spaces into reflections of the people who inhabit them.



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05/29/2025

S2 E21 - May 29, 2025: 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 services.

Jonathan Fonvielle serves as the Business Development Director at Atlantic Vacation Homes. Jonathan focuses on curating the right properties and fostering strong relationships with homeowners to enhance the company's vacation rental offerings. He emphasizes the importance of aligning with homeowners who share AVH's commitment to quality and guest satisfaction. He also emphasizes their relationship with the renters, knowing what they want in a vacation rental, and making the best match in a property.

As a family-run business started by Jonathan’s mother, Carole Sharoff, Atlantic Vacation Homes benefits from Fonvielle's dedication to maintaining high standards in property selection and guest experiences, contributing to the company's reputation as a trusted provider of vacation rentals in the region.

Streamography Atlantic Vacation Homes | AVH Realty, Inc

05/22/2025

S2 E 20 - May 22, 2025: Need a second set of eyes on your writing? SML Proofreading, founded by the eagle-eyed Sue Lovett in Gloucester, is your secret weapon for spotless 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 to local history books, newsletters, brochures, menus, and more. Her clients range from indie authors to small publishers, and she’s known for preserving each writer’s unique voice while smoothing out the bumps. She even wrote the book on proofreading—literally! Proof or Consequences! is her clever guide to common writing blunders, packed with practical tips and a healthy dose of humor, proving that editing doesn’t have to be boring. If you're looking to make your writing shine, Sue's your go-to editor on Cape Ann.

Streamography SML Proofreading

05/15/2025

S2 E19 - May 15, 2025: Landi Van Alen, Director of Development, Essex County Community Foundation

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.

Essex County Community Foundation Streamography

05/08/2025

S2 E18 - May 8, 2025: Meet 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
• Donate money, food, clothing, or household items (money made from sales of items goes back into helping feed people)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 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

Address

24 Harbor Loop
Gloucester, MA
01930

Telephone

+19782831601

Website

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvpRLHOJ66_z

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