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Hey Meriden, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: A year-round farmers market, UConn’s full residence hall, and adopt a rescue dog + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
New uses take root: Middletown planners approved a year-round farmers market at The Gardens at Stone Post Key, with agritourism, and staff-recommended limits of four markets a month and 10 events May through Oct -- check the market plans.
Roadwork ahead in Connecticut: Lane closures will start Sunday, Aug. 16 on Whitney Avenue in Hamden and North Haven for milling and resurfacing through Friday, Oct. 9, with traffic guided by crews -- get the project details.
A milestone for campus life: UConn’s first downtown Hartford residence hall at 64 Pratt St. is fully booked, with 50-plus students wait-listed. It will open to wait-listed students August 29, two days before classes begin -- read the full story.
The bill all retirees 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.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Wake up polished: If your morning routine needs a tiny miracle, Be U Beauty & Wellness does natural-looking microblading, lip blush, and smudge-proof permanent eyeliner with careful mapping, numbing, and follow-up so results last. Local pros in Meriden focused on comfort, hygiene, and you... book it this week and thank yourself tomorrow.
Laser tag this week: Whether the kids need to sprint or you do, Laser Planet packs New England's largest multi-level laser tag arena, UFO bumper cars, VR rides, and a ticket-spitting arcade. Rally your crew, claim bragging rights, maybe lock in that birthday you keep postponing, all while keeping the fun close to home.
Closet glow-up time: Prepping for cooler nights? Uptown Consignment is already loaded with fall vibes, think funnel-neck sweaters, dark-wash denim, suede boots, slouchy bags and striped everything in deep eggplant, rich burgundy and cobalt for you or the kids. They post new arrivals every day, so snag a standout before everyone else spots it.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
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 →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🏫 GTC: Homeschooling Hub @ Cheshire Public Library | Thursday (8/6) at 11:30 AM – First Thursdays call for a library field trip, only this time the homework is optional. At Cheshire Public Library, a free Homeschooling Hub gathers families to meet, trade curriculum war stories, keep an eye on kids in the Children’s Section, and compare what works.
🎵 Music Bingo @ Wood-n-Tap (Hamden) | Thursday (8/6) at 8:00 PM – Trade your dabber for your playlist at Music Bingo with Matty F at Wood-n-Tap Hamden. It’s free, the songs do the calling, no music-snob pop quizzes because answers are on the screen, and every round brings prizes, winner-picked categories, and solid food and drinks.
👧 Girl Scouts @ Union Park (Middletown) | Friday (8/7) at 10:00 AM – At the farmers market, expect fresh produce, familiar faces, and Girl Scouts holding court. Chat with current Scouts and volunteers, learn what they do besides sling cookies, and get details on joining a Middletown or Portland troop, starting your own, or helping as an adult.
🧺 Middletown Farmers Market @ South Green at Union Park | Friday (8/7) at 10:00 AM – Market day in Middletown means fresh, affordable produce you can actually pronounce, plus food and craft vendors who remember your name. Kids get Russell Library storytime, you get live music and neighbor gossip, and yes, they take SNAP, FMNP, and SFMNP. Bring bags.
🐝 Busy Bees Playtime @ Meriden Public Library | Friday (8/7) at 11:00 AM – Got a tiny human with wiggles? After storytime, they can buzz between hands-on stations, make new friends, and wear themselves out while you sip coffee and pretend this counts as cardio. This is free, drop in, and meant for ages 0 to 5.
🧼 Family Fresh Up Day @ Empire Barber Studio | Sunday (8/16) at 10:00 AM – Back-to-school gets a trim, a tune-up, and a little dignity at Empire Barber Studio’s Family Fresh-Up Day, with free haircuts, school supplies, family activities, and giveaways in Meriden. Big heart, zero fuss, and a chance for local businesses to flex their goodwill.
🐶 Adopt a Rescue Dog @ Blue Back Farmers' Market (Middletown) | Sunday (8/23) at 10:00 AM – Farmers market mornings pair well with puppy eyes, tomatoes, and a West Hartford stroll at Blue Back Square. Dog Star Rescue brings adoptable pups, plus the lowdown on fostering, volunteering, and donating. Fresh produce, fresh starts, and new walking routes, all in one stop.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Meriden report Weather forecastToday — High: 83°F — Low: 63°F — Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny. High near 83, with temperatures falling to around 81 in the afternoon. West wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind 0 to 3 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 82°F — Low: 69°F — Precip: 34%
A chance of rain showers between 8am and 2pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. This house is wildThis contemporary home offers generous privacy, set well back from the street with room for the whole family. Inside, high ceilings create an airy feel, while two fireplaces add warmth and character. A sunken whirlpool tub brings a spa-like touch, and the partially finished basement adds bonus potential. A new roof and fresh exterior paint complete the package.
Take a peek inside → |
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