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Hey Leominster, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Birds of prey programs, a night of Zeppelin, and a raised ranch with a pool + 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.
Birds of prey programs: Wingmasters brings five live raptors to Stevens Memorial Library in Ashburnham today from 10 to 11 a.m., show may feature endangered birds, with an owl program later this week -- see when the owl program is.
Puzzle lovers can refresh shelves: Lunenburg Public Library’s Summer Puzzle Swap will run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 15, with vouchers for new-to-you puzzles and leftovers benefiting the Friends of the Lunenburg Public Library -- learn how the swap works.
Passion behind the lens: Fitchburg photographer Jeff Nicholson turned a two-year passion into JN Photography six months ago, capturing authentic moments, including shots of a great blue heron and Canada geese at Coggshall Park -- 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.
Style that loves you: The Thicket curates vintage and secondhand finds in plus sizes, run by Leigh with a mission to empower fat folks and build community. Make a quick Worcester detour this week to hunt for pieces that actually fit your vibe, then keep an eye on their local events.
Fresh cut, zero fuss: Hair feeling meh this week? The Hair Company of Nashua does sharp cuts, glossy color, balayage, highlights, Brazilian blowouts and Hotheads extensions. Same trusted stylists under new ownership, plus pro lines like Redken, Goldwell, Kevin Murphy and Color Wow, so you leave with great hair and the know-how to keep it that way.
Swing into the week: With roots back to 1908, Monoosnock Country Club is your close-to-home spot to book a tee time, sharpen the short game with lessons, then refuel at Grille 19. Bonus, the pro shop has you covered and the function space keeps celebrations on the fairway vibe.
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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.
🩺 Leominster CHC - Substance Use & Addiction Support Group @ Leominster Community Health & Urgent Care Center | Tuesday (8/4) at 5:00 PM – Skip the small talk and join a weekly recovery support group in Fitchburg, Leominster, or Gardner, free for adults. CHC recovery coaches lead real, judgment-free conversations for anyone navigating sobriety or recovery from alcohol or other substances, with peer support, perspective, and steady progress.
🎸 A Night of Zeppelin @ Upper Common (Fitchburg) | Wednesday (8/5) at 5:30 PM – No need to buy a stairway, the Upper Common is free and A Night of Zeppelin is bringing thunder. Expect a faithful tribute, riffs, and the kind of wail that makes you 17 again, plus pairing with a chair, a blanket, and Main Street takeout.
🎵 Music Bingo @ The Paddock Lounge/ La Chacra (Fitchburg) | Wednesday (8/5) at 7:00 PM – Trade small talk for bragging rights at Music Bingo, where four fun, free rounds turn your dusty playlist knowledge into prizes. It’s low-stakes, high-laughs, and yes, you can hum the chorus, clap off-beat, and still walk away a legend.
🍿 Family Movie Night @ Levi Heywood Memorial Library (Gardner) | Thursday (8/6) at 4:00 PM – Family Movie Night is on, with free popcorn, free admission, and zero need for a sitter because everyone’s welcome. The movie is TBD, which is code for no spoilers and no arguments. Low effort, high reward, and a guaranteed bedtime excuse.
🚓 13th Annual Greater Gardner National Night Out @ Gardner High School | Thursday (8/6) at 5:30 PM – If you’ve been looking to let the kids bounce themselves tired while you catch up with neighbors, this is it. National Night Out at Gardner High brings free hot dogs, K-9 demos, and that loop where you see everyone, say hi, and go home lighter.
🚗 Bruno Starzynski Memorial Cruise Nights @ Polish American Citizens Club (Gardner) | Friday (8/7) at 5:00 PM – Friday nights by the pond are back, cruising in Bruno’s honor. Roll up for classic cars, weather permitting, a food truck, a 50/50 that might finally pay for your lawn chairs, and live bands in the Pavilion Hall rain or shine, no cover, everyone welcome.
🐶 Pet Food Distribution Day @ Highland Baptist Church of Fitchburg | Saturday (8/8) at 8:00 AM – Highland Baptist Church teams up with Pibble's Kibbles to stock the pantry for four-legged freeloaders, right alongside the human essentials. If your cat has thoughts about dinner, or your pup keeps auditing the kibble jar, this is your kind of errand.
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 — Leominster report Weather forecastToday — High: 82°F — Low: 62°F — Precip: 5%
Sunny, with a high near 82. West wind around 7 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. West wind around 5 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 82°F — Low: 66°F — Precip: 28%
A chance of rain showers after 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildThis lovingly maintained raised ranch in North Leominster spans 2,124 sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and hardwood floors flowing through the fireplaced living room, dining room, and bedrooms. The sunroom opens to a private backyard oasis with an in-ground tile pool, while the bright lower level adds two bonus rooms, including a wet bar and fireplace.
Take a peek inside → |
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