Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Inside a beloved breakfast spot: A recent feature spotlights Leominster’s North End Diner, where more than 15 pancake varieties steal the show, from classic buttermilk to banana, with batter flipping right before you -- see what makes them special.

Prepare to save lives: Fitchburg will host a free public Narcan and overdose response training on April 29 at the Legislative Building, teaching how to spot an opioid overdose and act, open to everyone -- see when and where.

Suburban retail demand surges: Summit Realty Partners secured three leases at Twin City Plaza on Merriam Ave, bringing Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Crumbl, and Hungry Bowl Mongolian Grill, Sushi & Korean BBQ to Leominster shoppers -- see which brands are coming.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Warm, slurp-worthy bowls: When the chill hits, A Taste of Vietnam is the move for rich, soothing phở and crisp spring rolls from a family-run crew. They also pour a solid wine and beer lineup, perfect with a steaming bowl for instant self-care.

Serious sammies ahead: Leominster friends, when the lunch rut hits, SaMoreRay's and Son's is the father-and-sons sandwich crew building stacked handhelds with legit flavor profiles. Find the truck or the shop, let them make it their way, then wonder why you ever settled for boring deli meat again.

Level up your week: Whether you’re chasing back-issue comics, a new board game night favorite, vinyl to spin, or retro game gear, That's Entertainment is basically the local cheat code for pop-culture joy. Quick hop to Fitchburg, browse a bit, and watch your errands mysteriously turn into “me time.”

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🎾 Adult Intro to Pickleball - Beginner @ Sky View Middle School | Monday (4/27) at 6:00 PM – Curious about the fastest growing sport in the country? This adult beginner clinic makes pickleball painless, covering rules, scoring, and the basics, so your knees stay happy, your backhand looks legit, and you finally understand why your neighbors keep bragging about dinks.

🧘 Resonate & Restore @ Tre Sorelle Studio | Tuesday (4/28) at 7:00 PM – Swap the endless to-do list for a blanket, and let someone else do the heavy lifting. Restorative yoga meets sound bath as long, supported postures and Tibetan singing bowls quiet the chatter, soothe the nerves, and deliver actual rest. All levels. Sign up on MindBody.

🎨 Arts R' Us @ Leominster Recreation | Wednesday (4/29) at 4:00 PM – Whether your fridge needs masterpieces or you need a midweek slice of sanity, this kids art class for ages 6-9 delivers air dry foam clay, painting, and messy joy at the Barrett Park Program Building. Anna leads, you sip coffee, everyone wins. Register online: https://leominsterma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30373

🏺 Red Clay Organic Bowl Workshop @ Art on the Rocks | Friday (5/1) at 6:00 PM – Swap screen time for some mud therapy at a hands-on red clay workshop, where you craft your own organic bowl from scratch. Step-by-step guidance, all materials, glazes, and firings included. Because your cabinet deserves something you did not buy in a 12-pack.

🏃 Rox Race Ready @ CrossFit EXP | Saturday (5/2) at 10:45 AM – Feel like earning your brunch the classy way? This free HYROX-inspired clinic teaches smarter running, rowing, and SkiErg form, then rolls into a HYROX-style workout, plus a TOMTEN shoe demo so your feet stop filing HR complaints. All levels welcome, register here: https://crossfitexp.pushpress.com/landing/events/cal-aa38c710185a4851a177574b2591

🎨 Wild Canvas: Spring Awakening Gathering @ Barrett Park | Saturday (5/2) at 2:00 PM – Trade your screen for trees and join a crew for a one mile wander, foraged art supplies, and a canvas that’s therapy with pine cones. No art experience, just curiosity. Spring Awakening vibes, only 8 to 10 spots, so grab a ticket and exhale.

🚀 Lego 'Star Wars' Build Event @ Barnes & Noble | Saturday (5/2) – Channel your inner kid at this in-store Star Wars LEGO build, where adults can pretend it’s for the children, and the ten-and-up crowd shows us how it’s done. All are welcome, but you need to reserve a spot, lightsabers optional.

In The Meadowlands at Willard Street, this brand-new colonial delivers an open concept layout anchored by an eat-in kitchen with granite and stainless. A family room, living room, and study enhance flexibility. The primary suite includes a full bath and walk-in closet. Perks include second-floor laundry, a two-car garage, a yard, and quick access to shops and major routes.