Cape Ann Conversations

Bean to Bonding: How Coffee Brings Community Together

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 a wine tasting—but for coffee. Participants learn how coffee is grown, processed, roasted, and labeled (think fair trade, organic, and more), then blind-taste three different coffees while using a flavor wheel to describe what they smell and taste. The result is part education, part team-building: people compare notes, laugh, and leave more connected—and caffeinated. Rob now offers cuppings for corporate teams, boards, weddings, showers, and special events, providing a memorable, non-alcoholic experience that’s both affordable and low-risk (“much safer than axes and whiskey,” as he jokes). If you’re coffee-curious or looking for a unique group experience, you can reach Rob through coffeecuppings.com [https://www.coffeecuppings.com/] or by calling 978-317-1640. If you would like to experience a coffee cupping in person, a free session is being held on January 6 from 1:30 – 2:30 PM at the Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester. Registration is required for this free event. [https://sawyerfreelibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/coffee-cupping/]

Seeing the Future: How VRtical Media Is Bringing Cape Ann to Life in 360°

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 range of clients including Hammond Castle Museum, local retailers, and even government agencies seeking innovative training and accessibility tools. Jay also shares his passion for using technology to promote accessibility, education, and archiving—making spaces available to people who might otherwise be unable to visit. From virtual museum exhibits to hospital wayfinding systems and immersive training tools, he believes every business can benefit from interactive digital spaces. He credits networking groups like Creative Collective and the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce for helping him grow, connecting him to clients and collaborators who believe in the power of local innovation. Looking ahead, Jay envisions a future where virtual and augmented reality tools are as common as websites—opening doors, literally and digitally, for everyone. Connect with VRtical Media: Website: https://www.vrticalmedia.io/ [https://www.vrticalmedia.io/] Facebook: https://facebook.com/vrticalmedia [https://facebook.com/vrticalmedia] Instagram: https://instagram.com/vrticalmedia [https://instagram.com/vrticalmedia] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vrticalmedia [https://www.linkedin.com/company/vrticalmedia] X: https://twitter.com/vrticalmedia [https://twitter.com/vrticalmedia] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIDQZUC3P8FyrbrLzdAsW-A [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIDQZUC3P8FyrbrLzdAsW-A] Presented by: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, https://capeannchamber.com [https://capeannchamber.com] Production Partner: Streamography, https://streamography.com [https://streamography.com] Host: Troy Scarbrough, https://noreastcleaners.com [https://noreastcleaners.com], https://bestvendingsolution.com [https://bestvendingsolution.com]

Stirring Up Spirit and Community: Apothecary Suil Crow’s Seasonal Magic

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 energetic exchange that can be emotional, enlightening, and restorative for both the reader and the person receiving the message. Rebecca also highlighted the deeper roots of Samhain (Halloween’s ancient name), including traditions like the silent supper—a meal shared in honor of ancestors—and explained the symbolism of the witch’s broom and hat as tools for grounding and channeling energy. Beyond Halloween, Apothecary Suil Crow stays active year-round, offering spiritual services, handmade goods, and community-centered events like the Yule Gift Giving program, which provides trees, meals, and gifts to local families in need. As Rebecca puts it, their work blends magic, mindfulness, and community spirit—reminding everyone that spiritual connection and generosity aren’t just for one season. Connect with Apothecary Suil Crow: • Website: https://suilcrowapothecary.com [https://suilcrowapothecary.com ] • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ApothecarySuilCrow [https://www.facebook.com/ApothecarySuilCrow] • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apothecarysuilcrow [https://www.instagram.com/apothecarysuilcrow] • TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@suilcrowapothecary [https://tiktok.com/@suilcrowapothecary] Presented by: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, https://capeannchamber.com Production Partner: Streamography, https://streamography.com [https://streamography.com] Host: Troy Scarbrough, https://noreastcleaners.com [https://noreastcleaners.com], https://bestvendingsolution.com

Stage, Screen, and Community: The Cabot’s Expanding Impact

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 describe recent renovations, including a full restoration of the theater’s 1920 façade and a major upgrade to artist facilities, such as new dressing rooms and showers. Despite the challenges of working on a 105-year-old building, the improvements ensure The Cabot’s longevity and enhance its appeal to top performers. The team also highlights Off Cabot, a smaller, more intimate venue for comedy, live music, rentals, and community events, which complements the main stage’s larger productions. Beyond entertainment, The Cabot has deepened its role as a community gathering space through education and outreach. Programs like Kids at the Cabot, youth filmmaking workshops, and upcoming curriculum-based matinee shows engage the next generation in the arts. Its Community Conversations series—covering topics from sustainability to affordable housing—offers a platform for local dialogue and collaboration. Fundraising efforts such as The Cabot’s Big Night gala (returning May 9 with headliner Trombone Shorty) help sustain these initiatives. Brian and Kimberly close by inviting listeners to become members, volunteers, or sponsors, underscoring The Cabot’s mission to unite the North Shore through shared cultural experiences. Connect with The Cabot: * Website: https://thecabot.org/ [https://thecabot.org/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecabot [https://www.facebook.com/thecabot] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_cabot/ [https://www.instagram.com/the_cabot/] * X: https://x.com/the_cabot [https://x.com/the_cabot] Presented by: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, https://capeannchamber.com [https://capeannchamber.com ] Production Partner: Streamography, https://streamography.com [https://streamography.com ] Host: Troy Scarbrough, https://noreastcleaners.com [https://noreastcleaners.com], https://bestvendingsolution.com [https://bestvendingsolution.com]

Clarity is Closer than You Think

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 compassion, authenticity, and shining light even in uncertain times. We’re so excited to have her here today to share her story, her insights, and maybe a little bit of that psychic magic with all of us. Connect with Annette: * Website: https://www.psychicannettedion.com/ [https://www.psychicannettedion.com/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psychicannettedion [https://www.facebook.com/psychicannettedion] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychicannettedion [https://www.instagram.com/psychicannettedion] * YouTube: @psychicannettedion [https://www.youtube.com/@psychicannettedion] Presented by: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, https://capeannchamber.com [https://capeannchamber.com] Production Partner: Streamography, https://streamography.com [https://streamography.com]