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.*

Local brand broadens reach: Malacari’s will open an ice cream shop on Route 309 in Wilkes-Barre at the former Taco Bell, with outdoor seating and a drive-thru, expected in early to mid May -- see what's planned and when.

Neighborhood blooms with purpose: Wilkes-Barre’s zoning board approved a community garden for local students, as Jamie Smith won a special exception and 24-space parking waiver to turn a vacant lot into a flower garden -- get all the approval details.

Local growth plans in flux: Luzerne County Council confirmed Ted Ritsick as Community Planning and Economic Development head, while delaying a Wilkes-Barre Township warehouse tax break vote amid continuing talks with Bluecup Ventures -- read the full story.

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.*

A mini island escape: Casa Blanca Restaurant & Grill is your local cheat code for weekday mood lifts, marrying Caribbean flavors with grill-night cravings. Think juicy churrasco, red snapper, and sip-worthy cocktails, plus those cozy outdoor igloos when it’s chilly, so dinner feels like a mini getaway without leaving Wilkes-Barre.

Local nature reset: Seven Tubs Recreation Area is the go-to when you need a low-effort, high-reward escape. Think short shady trails, cascading streams, and those photogenic bedrock tubs, plus seasonal wildflowers if you time it right... a quick loop that resets your brain without leaving town.

Steam, sip, repeat: When the week needs a warm reset, Shinjiru Ramen nails the cozy-bowl vibe with springy noodles, rich broth, and toppings that make indecision feel classy. A no-fuss haven in Wilkes-Barre for weeknight ramen cravings that appear out of nowhere.

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 →

🧶 Knit & Crochet Night @ Abide Coffeehouse | Monday (4/27) at 6:00 PM – If you’ve been looking for an excuse to finally tame the yarn avalanche, Abide Coffeehouse hosts an all-levels knit and crochet night. Bring your needles, hooks, and that half-finished scarf, then trade tips over good coffee, better company, and stitch therapy that works.

🍷 Devil Wears Prada 2: Wine & Movie Night @ R/C Wilkes-Barre Movies 14 | Thursday (4/30) at 5:30 PM – Grab your sensible heels and join me for Wine & Movie night with The Devil Wears Prada 2, featuring Pisano Family Wines. Ticket includes your seat, a keepsake glass, and a first pour, plus extra wine by the glass, bites, and a themed photo booth.

🧺 Books, Baskets & Bake Sale @ Osterhout Free Library - North Branch | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats scoring used-book treasures, a homemade brownie, and a shot at a basket raffle, all while putting through mini golf, for a good cause. It benefits the North Branch library, and yes, there’s free parking at the end of Oliver.

💐 Mother's Day Buds @ Osterhout Free Library | Saturday (5/2) at 10:30 AM – Skip the supermarket carnations and head to the Osterhout Free Library with North Branch Land Trust for a crash course in native flora, then decorate a flowerpot and plant a local bloom for Mom. Tickets are $10, all supplies included, and all ages are welcome.

🏺 Open Glaze @ Peaceful Potter | Saturday (5/2) at 12:00 PM – Think you can still color inside the lines? At Peaceful Potter you pick a ready-made piece, glaze it with a little coaching, then they fire it and you grab it later. Walk in or message ahead, prices include it all, bring snacks, skip the booze.

🏇 Kentucky Derby Gala @ Westmoreland Club | Saturday (5/2) at 5:30 PM – Break out the big hat, the seersucker, and your 'I follow horse racing once a year' face for the YMCA Kentucky Derby Gala at Westmoreland Club. Sip mint juleps, cheer like you picked the trifecta, and fund programs that keep kids active and knees flexible.

🎤 The Duprees @ F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 PM – Treat yourself to a nostalgia tune-up at the Kirby as Joe Nardone brings The Duprees for Oh! What A Night of Music and Memories. Expect velvet harmonies, sharp suits, and that moment you realize you still know every word, because Wilkes-Barre never forgets a chorus.

Set on over 2 acres in Laurelbrook Estates, this modern 3,000+ square foot stunner frames tranquil water views with walls of glass and 10-foot ceilings. An Italian designer kitchen anchors the plan with quartz and custom cabinetry. Spa comforts include steam room and sauna, plus a theater, inground pool, radiant heated floors and driveway, and a 6-car carport.