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.*

Beloved landmark's next chapter: Saco’s historic Way Way Store has closed after nearly 100 years, and the owners will host an epic yard sale on May 9 and 10 at the former shop -- get all the details.

Trash pickup enters new era: Earlier this month, Portland unveiled Optimus Grime, its first electric trash truck, funded by EPA and Maine DEP and named by residents, promising quieter pickups, fast charging, and lower maintenance -- get all the details.

Help arrives for local shops: Portland’s City Council unanimously approved a loan program to help businesses hurt by last winter’s losses, offering $10,000 interest-free loans over five years to eligible businesses, with applications available online -- see how to apply online.

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.*

Cocktails with sea legs: When your week needs a proper cocktail and a spot that feels both special and low key, Blyth & Burrows brings meticulous house drinks, a vintage maritime mood, and upscale small plates that play nice with the glass, perfect for date nights, friend catchups, or flying solo with classy main-character energy.

Swing into spring: Whether you’re shaking off winter rust or chasing a new personal best, Nonesuch River Golf Club serves up a spirited par-70 through woods and wetlands, plus a full practice range and two putting greens to hone your touch. Playable, scenic, and satisfying for all skill levels.

Whole-hog cravings, solved: When the week calls for smoky comfort, Wilson County Barbecue serves pit-smoked Eastern North Carolina–style pulled pork with hushpuppies or a biscuit, plus scratch-made sides and an easygoing vibe that feels like a backyard cookout... minus the dishes.

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 →

🎬 Maine Jewish Film Festival @ The Hill Arts | Monday (4/27) at 7:00 PM – Consider this your yearly excuse to binge smart at the Maine Jewish Film Festival, where global Jewish stories spark real conversation, and Mainers from all corners actually listen. Lineup drops soon, so sharpen your opinions and clear a few evenings. Popcorn meets big ideas.

🍯 Oxymel Workshop @ Root Wild Kombucha | Thursday (4/30) at 5:30 PM – Swap small talk for small-batch and head to Root Wild on Washington Ave for a hands-on oxymel workshop, beginner friendly, nerdy, and useful. Mix vinegar and honey into a therapeutic tonic, sip kombucha, and start your own batch. Spots are limited, naturally.

🧵 Kumihimo Mysteries Unlocked @ Museum of Beadwork | Friday (5/1) at 8:00 AM – A three-day kumihimo design retreat is pulling back the curtain on color theory, pattern sizing, and turning ideas into finished necklaces. Expect real one-on-one time with Rebecca Ann Combs, beads that finally play nice together, and the smug joy of wearing something you actually designed.

🎨 First Friday Art Walk @ Maine Art Collective | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to stretch your legs in the Old Port without dinner reservations, First Friday Art Walk at Maine Art Collective on Moulton St. delivers. Pop in for art, actual artists, and refreshments, then keep strolling like you planned it.

📚 Spring Book Sale @ Shaw Gym (Gorham) | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Ready to restock the nightstand without wrecking the budget? The Friends of Baxter Memorial Library take over Shaw Gym for a Spring Book Sale, packed with bargains, familiar faces, and big blue blocks to occupy the kids while you browse, with supervision, of course.

🐶 Old Port Adoption Event @ The Black Dog General Store | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – This Old Port adoption pop-up at The Black Dog brings rescue pups to Commercial Street, and your browsing habit suddenly supports local rescue. Swing by for wagging tails, neighborly vibes, and the moment a scruffy first mate picks you, your heart, and your sofa.

🎤 Seven Things I've Learned @ State Theatre | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 PM – Whether you’ve been riding shotgun with This American Life, or you just appreciate a story, Ira Glass is taking over the State Theatre. He’ll live-mix tales with audio, music, and video, pulling back the curtain on the creative mess. Reserved seats, no tote bag required.

This move-in ready West End townhouse, the last unit, blends historic charm with energy efficiency. Large windows on three sides and front and rear porches maximize light. Features include garage parking for two with EV chargers, a versatile first floor suite configured as office, guest space or ADU, 4 beds, 4.5 baths, gas fireplace, and optional elevator and roof deck.