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Hey Meriden, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Quantum computing program for teens, a plan to fix neglected veterans’ graves, and Consumer Rights Day and book launch + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Meriden protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

From theory to circuits: dae has launched Connecticut’s first quantum computing program for high school students. A second cohort will start March 17, offering Meriden teens a chance to explore tech and build skills — see what students learned.

Local oversight plan advances: A Branford advocate’s yearslong push to fix neglected veterans’ graves is gaining traction as a state working group urges towns to take charge, citing issues at Middletown’s State Veterans Cemetery — see what’s being recommended.

Debuting after bridge project: Bridge Street Breakfast and Lunch, a sister to Jack’s Country Restaurant, will open in April in Haddam’s Tylerville, focusing on whole foods at 1610 Old Saybrook Road — read the full story.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Highlights this week:

• Create arts and crafts at ARTSDAY 2026
• Get crafty at KraftyMoms Retreats
• Sip and support Meriden Public Library

🫶 We got your back

Craving a proper grinder: Whether you’re into made-to-order grinders, belly-warming soups, or a legit lobster roll, SpoonShoppe Brooke Deli keeps it fresh with deli classics, seafood standbys, and sides that hit the spot. Perfect for those “nope, not cooking tonight” moments.

Trail time, anyone? Hubbard Park is Meriden’s easy win for fresh air. Loop Mirror Lake, wander the Hanging Hills, or hike up to Castle Craig for that grin-inducing view. With a thermos and a friend, it might even count as cross-training for the rest of your week.

Winter play fix: From LEGO builds and jigsaw marathons to crafty afternoons and RC thrills, Amato’s Toy and Hobby of Middletown stocks Ravensburger puzzles, Woobles crochet kits, paint-by-numbers, wooden 3D models, model trains, and Traxxas. When cabin fever hits, this place keeps hands busy and imaginations humming.

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🍓 Clay Fruit Buttons @ Meriden Public Library | Thursday (3/12) at 3:30 PM – Teen room goes full farmers market with a free, drop-in craft where ages 12 to 18, grades 6 to 12, sculpt clay fruit buttons, no registration. Translation for parents, it is screen-free time that smells like oranges and ends with apples, pears, and bragging rights.

🎶 Music Bingo @ Wood-n-Tap (Hamden, CT) | Thursday (3/12) at 8:00 PM – Whether you still call it the radio or trust Spotify, Music Bingo at Wood-n-Tap Hamden is free, easy, and fun. They play song clips, answers appear on screen, prizes hit every round, winners pick the next category, plus solid food and drinks.

🐰 Easter Bunny @ The Handmade Hub (Middletown) | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – The Easter Bunny is popping into The HandMade Hub, with no cover and free photos, so you can save your cash for goodies. Browse local crafts and foods, snag a basket that buys you ten minutes of Easter morning peace, and call it a win.

🔖 Drop-In Collage Bookmarks @ Meriden Public Library | Saturday (3/14) at 12:00 PM – Got a teen who loves books, scissors, and any excuse to leave the house? Swing by the teen room for a free drop-in where ages 12-18 collage bookmarks from old picture books, a quick, creative pit stop that doubles as art class and screen detox.

🎨 The Soul of Art @ ReRead-Books, 106 Elm St., Cheshire, CT | Saturday (3/14) at 1:30 PM – Clear the afternoon at ReRead Booksellers for art with soul, not just wall filler. Meet NY’s Allison Luci and our own Susan Schapira, sketch with the Urban Sketchers, get tips on reproductions and sales, eye an Italian retreat with a 20% raffle, and yes, it’s free.

💃 Competition Dances Preshowing @ Faith Lutheran Church (Hamden) | Saturday (3/14) at 3:00 PM – Consider this a free, low-stakes dress rehearsal for our competition dancers, full costumes, full eyeliner, full heart. Swing by with a few friends, lend them your applause, and stick around for a tongue-in-cheek awards moment that would make any proud aunt tear up.

🌎 Refill the Future: Consumer Rights Day & Book Launch Celebration @ Reboot Eco (Middletown) | Sunday (3/15) at 11:00 AM – Celebrate World Consumer Rights Day with a free, drop-in book launch that makes spending like you mean it. Meet the author and illustrator, park the kids at eco-crafts, test-drive a refillery, trade tips with neighbors, and, yes, there are snacks for the grown-ups.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Meriden report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 69°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 0%

Patchy fog before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. South wind 2 to 7 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. South wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 65°F – Low: 52°F – Precip: 28%

Patchy fog before 8am, then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy. High near 65, with temperatures falling to around 61 in the afternoon. South wind 2 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: Rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy. Low around 52, with temperatures rising to around 55 overnight. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance? 🚗

Premiums have been climbing across Connecticut but most folks won’t notice until they’re hit with a higher bill when it’s time to renew.

That’s exactly what happened to me. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, it was out of sight and out of mind. Turns out I was blindly paying way more than everyone else I knew.

If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too – here’s the comparison tool I used.

This house is wild

This remodeled 3-bed, 2-bath Colonial blends comfort and function with modern updates throughout. Brand-new windows, durable laminate, and refinished hardwood floors set a warm tone. The kitchen shines with granite countertops and ample cabinetry. Generator-ready peace of mind pairs with a large backyard for play and gardening. Convenient to shopping, dining, and major highways.

Take a peek inside →