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.*

CDBG spending priorities outlined: With public comments now open, Pittsfield’s draft plan would direct $2.1 million in federal housing funds, with a City Hall hearing set for May 5 -- get the hearing and budget details.

Inclusive career connections event: BCC will host the Fair Chance Hiring Job and Resource Fair on April 29 at the Berkshire Innovation Center, welcoming jobseekers, including those with criminal records, to connect with opportunities -- get all the details.

Federal funds boost safety push: Pittsfield seeks input on street safety to develop a Safety Action Plan after nearly 100 fatal and serious crashes in five years, targeting zero deaths and serious injuries by 2035 -- get all the details.

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.*

Craving-worthy cupcakes ahead: Better Batter Bakery bakes classic vanilla, chocolate, marble, and carrot cupcakes with farm-to-table ingredients, plus gluten-free options. Expect generous swirls of frosting and tender crumb that turn everyday moments, even laundry night, into tiny celebrations.

Gift emergency solved: When you suddenly need something charming for a birthday, housewarming, or just-because moment, Dory & Ginger is the kind of downtown spot that makes you look like you planned ahead. Quick browse, instant inspiration, zero stress... then you get all the credit.

Make game night happen: Feeling the itch to shuffle real cards and talk smack without a headset? Mana Crypt Gaming Center is Berkshire County’s friendly go-to for tabletop fun, from new games and paints to sleeves and advice. Pop in, find your next obsession, maybe a new crew too.

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 →

🎨 Pick Your Mini Sign @ Artsy Avenue (North Adams) | Tuesday (4/28) at 6:30 PM – If your walls have been giving you the silent treatment, fix it with this $10 Tuesday mini sign session. Pick your design, make a 6x6 little number, and feel smug about it costing less than takeout. Shoot them a message to register.

🚶 Family Hikes @ Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (Lenox) | Wednesday (4/29) at 10:00 AM – Think your kid only hikes to the snack bar? Join a parent-child hike at Pleasant Valley in Lenox, led by a Mass Audubon naturalist, for sensory exploring, woods time, and tips for hiking with littles. Spring dates, limited spots, email Jessica at southberkshirekids@gmail.com to register.

🇺 Dine to Donate: 4th of July Parade @ Hudpucker's Pub & Grill (Pittsfield) | Thursday (4/30) at 4:00 PM – Skip the sad leftovers and eat for a cause. Dine in, or phone in takeout, and your meal helps fund the Pittsfield 4th of July parade, the one your neighbors, and your inner child, still adore. Good food, good deed, easy win.

🎨 May 1 First Fridays Artswalk @ Upstreet Cultural District (Pittsfield) | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – Nothing beats a First Friday stroll when downtown turns into a gallery. The season opener runs from South Church to North Street with Clock Tower open studios, openings, Art in the Park, and City Hall showing off. Grab the app, find your favorites, then linger.

🖼 Mass MoCA Art Futures Benefit 2026 @ MASS MoCA (North Adams) | Friday (5/1) at 7:00 PM – MASS MoCA’s Art Futures Benefit is bringing us together to support the museum’s next chapter with bold art, big ideas, and fundraising that feels fun. Think after-hours museum sparkle, conversation, and that North Adams glow that pairs with your good shoes, and a generous mood.

🏺 W.o.W. Workshop: Clay Pet Jar @ North Adams Clay | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Whether your dog runs the house or your goldfish judges you from the bowl, this beginner clay workshop turns pet pics into charming, functional jars. All materials are included, your piece gets fired for pickup, and spots are limited, so register. Third-floor studio, stairs only.

✨ Cyril the Sorcerer Once Upon a River @ St. Germain Theatre at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center (Pittsfield) | Saturday (5/2) at 2:00 PM – Cyril the Sorcerer is conjuring a fairytale enviromagic caper about a boy, a tricksy magician, and a plot to steal an entire river. Expect theatrical magic with characters, costumes, conjuring, and plenty of fun. Bring the grandkids, or your inner nine-year-old.

This 1.25-acre island on Onota Lake offers rare private bridge access, generous shoreline, and wide-open water views. The residence centers a vaulted living room with loft, two fireplaces, and walls of glass that pull in light and views. A covered porch points to the shore, pairing deep seclusion with quick reach to the Berkshires’ cultural and outdoor scene.