Cape Ann Conversations

Did you know that one of the region’s greatest cultural treasures began in a Gloucester living room more than 75 years ago? In this episode of Cape Ann Conversations, host Jim Unis welcomes Cape Ann Symphony leaders Tom Mannle and Music Director and Conductor Maestro Yoichi Udagawa for a lively conversation about the Symphony’s remarkable history, its evolution into a professional orchestra, and the exciting performances planned for its milestone 75th season. From beloved Holiday Pops concerts to Beethoven’s magnificent Ninth Symphony, the anniversary season promises something special for music lovers of all ages!

Beyond the pe...

In this lively episode of Cape Ann Conversations, host Jim Unis sits down with Pam, Trina, and Kathy from Cape Ann Artisans to celebrate their 43rd year of connecting the public with local creators. As a collectively run group of 12 artists, they host highly anticipated open studio tours twice a year—in early June and over Columbus Day weekend in October. These self-directed, free weekend tours invite visitors directly into the tucked-away, scenic studios of Gloucester and Rockport, offering an intimate behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens. From watching pottery wheels spin to seeing how raw glass transforms in...

Stay Pet Services, a vital initiative run by SeniorCare, is dedicated to ensuring that seniors aged 60 and older across nine North Shore communities can keep their beloved pets at home.

Host Jim Unis sits down with program manager Jai Fields to highlight how this volunteer-led organization addresses a heartbreaking reality: many elders face the devastating possibility of surrendering their companions simply because they can no longer handle daily pet care or afford rising veterinary costs. By offering essential assistance such as dog walking, cat care, vet transportation, and financial aid for medical procedures, the program acts as...

Get ready to hatch some serious business success! In this high-energy episode of Cape Ann Conversations, host Jim Unis sits down with the incredibly empathetic and outgoing Emily McCavanaugh, co-founder of the Creative CHIXX Collective, along with Dana Leavitt. Born out of a desire to smash the isolation and loneliness that so often plague female entrepreneurs, this thriving community has grown from just seven women in a living room in 2013 to a powerful network of over 500 members across the Northshore. Emily breaks down how the collective acts as a vibrant business incubator, helping women conquer everything from verbose mission...

In this high-energy torch-passing episode of Cape Ann Conversations, new host Jim Unis sits down with former host turned absolute business mogul, Troy Scarbrough. Troy hasn’t been relaxing one bit—he's currently running two different companies, Best Vending Solutions and Nor’east Cleaners, expanding into fire and flood restoration work, and single-handedly employing over 30 Cape Ann locals! The guys swap incredible stories about local legends, from wild episodes featuring real snakes in the studio to unforgettable interviews with standout Chamber members. It is a pure celebration of the hustle, the grit, and the vibrant small business legacy that keeps...

In this episode of Cape Ann Conversations, host Troy Scarbrough welcomed Essex resident and coffee enthusiast Rob Fitzgibbons, the founder behind a growing coffee cupping experience business. Drawing on his background as a user experience designer, Rob has transformed a simple at-home tasting with friends into a sought-after program for libraries and community centers, helping people slow down, pay attention, and truly experience their coffee. What started as a fun experiment shared on a local listserv quickly turned into regular invitations from libraries and organizations across the region.

Rob’s cuppings are interactive, 90-minute sessions that feel like...

In this episode of Cape Ann Conversations, Troy sits down with Jay Salois, founder of VRtical Media, to explore how 360° virtual tours are transforming industries from real estate to education, healthcare, and museums. Jay, who left a career at Microsoft to pursue immersive media full time, explains how his company builds interactive virtual experiences that go far beyond simple 3D scans—integrating high-resolution imagery, branded design, and embedded “hotspots” for videos, documents, and educational content. His first major breakthrough came when Willowdale Estate used his virtual tour to streamline wedding bookings, and since then, he’s worked with a wide rang...

As Halloween approaches, Cape Ann Conversations welcomed back Rebeccah from Apothecary Suil Crow in Rockport along with intuitive reader Melissa Porter for a chat about spirituality, seasonal traditions, and the meaning behind modern witchy symbols. Melissa shared how she uses oracle cards—rather than tarot—to channel messages of guidance and healing, reading the imagery and energy around each card to help people reconnect with their intuition. For her, it’s not about predicting the future, but helping people understand the energy of the moment and empowering them to make thoughtful choices. Readings, she explained, are a form of energe...

In this lively Cape Conversations episode, host Troy welcomes Brian Ridolfo, President and CEO of The Cabot Theater, and Kimberley Ballard, VP of Philanthropy and Community Relations, to discuss the theater’s ongoing transformation and community impact. Brian, a newcomer to the North Shore, shares his enthusiasm for the area and the theater’s role as a regional arts hub. Kimberly, who has been with The Cabot since its early, uncertain days, reflects on how far it has come—from a struggling startup to a beloved community institution attracting audiences and performers from across New England.

They descri...

Today on Cape Ann Conversations, Troy is joined by Psychic Annette Dion, who’s been helping people find clarity and confidence for more than thirty years. Annette has a warm, down-to-earth style that blends intuitive insight with real-world wisdom, guiding people through life’s big questions—about love, purpose, career, and everything in between.

She’s not just about predictions; she’s about empowerment—helping people trust themselves and move forward with intention. Beyond her private readings, Annette’s also a teacher, speaker, and podcast host who loves helping others connect with their own intuition. Her work is all about c...

Al Temkin Productions, led by Alan (“Al”) Temkin, is an event services business that focuses on auctioneering and emcee (master of ceremonies) support for nonprofits, schools, businesses, and celebratory gatherings. He is passionate about helping organizations achieve their goals through impactful and engaging events. Al brings energy, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to every event, ensuring it’s a memorable experience for all involved.

After spending his career in the financial industry, Al’s journey into auctioneering and emceeing was inspired by his late friend, Don Kelly, who often encouraged him to pursue this path. While Al never ha...

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

Today’s Cape Ann Conversations podcast guest is Scott Trenti, CEO of SeniorCare Inc. Scott discusses the background, mission, and services of SeniorCare with Troy, and emphasizes the need to spread the word about how SeniorCare can help the elderly population “age in place.”

SeniorCare Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting older adults and people with disabilities so they can live independently with dignity and respect. Since its founding in 1972, SeniorCare has provided a wide range of services, including home care, meals on wheels, caregiver support, protective services, and care coordination. Their programs are tailored to mee...

In today’s episode of Cape Ann Conversations, Samantha Morrison and Rosanna Niosi of Build Health International (BHI) sit down with Troy to discuss the history, mission and goals of BHI.

BHI is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve access to—and build capacity for—dignified, affordable, and high-quality healthcare infrastructure in resource-constrained settings around the world. Their goal is to increase equitable healthcare coverage for the most marginalized populations, and to equip local partners with the resources, facilities, and technical capacity needed to deliver reliable, high-quality services.

To achieve this, BHI works in clo...

This week on the Cape Ann Conversations podcast, the table gets turned on host Troy Scarbrough, who is now in the “hotseat” as the new owner of Nor’East Cleaners. Steamography’s founder and owner, Andrew Nicastro, takes on the task of interviewing Troy about his newest entrepreneurial endeavor.

For nearly six decades, Nor’East Cleaners has been a trusted, locally owned institution providing exceptional garment care to the communities of Manchester-by-the-Sea and Gloucester. Known for its meticulous hand finishing, thorough inspections (including checking for missing buttons, broken zippers, and torn seams), and thoughtful customer service, the business c...

Wolf Hollow, officially the North American Wolf Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit wolf sanctuary located at 114 Essex Road in Ipswich, MA, just north of Boston. Under the stewardship of facility director Zee Soffron—whose father, Paul Soffron, founded the sanctuary—Wolf Hollow emphasizes education, advocacy, and immersive exposure to wolves as a means to reshape public perception. The current residents include seven pure wolves and one wolf‑dog hybrid, with ages ranging from roughly two to twelve years old; each animal has a unique story within the sanctuary’s pack system. Visitors are encouraged to witness the wolves’ natural behaviors—...

This episode of Cape Ann Conversations features Oliver Barker, Director of The Cape Ann Museum, located in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The Cape Ann Museum celebrates the rich cultural, artistic, and maritime heritage of Cape Ann. Founded in 1875, the museum houses an extensive collection that highlights the area’s significance as one of America’s oldest seaports and a long-standing hub for the arts. Its holdings include fine and decorative art, historical artifacts, photographs, and maritime materials that document the industries, communities, and natural beauty that have shaped the region for centuries.

The museum is especially renowned for its coll...

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 bridge between the region and the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. Operating the Maria Miles Visitor Center on I-95 southbound in Salisbury, the bureau welcomes over 300,000 travelers annually, helping them discover local accommodations, dining, attractions, and events from their fi...

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, candles, ritual tools, handcrafted jewelry, home décor, homemade preserves, and more—most of which are made in the U.S., with select pieces sourced from across the British Isles and Scandinavia.

Apothecary...

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 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 streamli...

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.

A...

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://streamography.com

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.

...

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...

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...

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 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 im...

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.

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 em...

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 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 Conseq...

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...

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

2024 by the Numbers

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...

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 fo...

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...

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...

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 La...

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...

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 r...

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...

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...

Instead of a written President's Update this month, we have recorded an episode of Cape Ann Conversations in which Jim Brown, 2025 Board President, Karen Ristuben, 2024 Board President, and Sam Bevins, Interim Director, chat with host Troy Scarborough about the current status of the Chamber, upcoming events, and other points of interest.

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

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