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familyvacationsus.com

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What Makes Families Wait In Line For Pancakes At This Sturbridge Spot?

A signature lavender latte waits inside an old farmhouse that once belonged to a family named Wight. That pairing alone made me stop scrolling. The kitchen bakes its goods from scratch. The menu runs from buttermilk pancakes to red flannel hash, a side dish you rarely see anymore. This Massachusetts...

Sturbridge, MA · 9h
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The Gardner News

partner publisher · 4.3K followers
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Gardner athletic director resigns. What we know | Exclusive

(This story has been updated with new information.) Gardner district athletic director Dan Forte has resigned unexpectedly from his position. Gardner High principal Michael Bartkus sent communication of Forte's resignation directly to families of Gardner students, which was then posted in a Gardner community Facebook group by a recipient of the email, but no further information on the situation was provided and the post has since been removed. Gardner superintendent Mark Pellegrino did not have any further statement when contacted via email by The Gardner News. Forte confirmed his resignation but did not provide any additional comments. Forte served as interim athletic director for Gardner for the 2017-18 winter and spring seasons before stepping into the role full-time for the following academic year. He began coaching the Gardner varsity boys soccer team in 2017 and has held that role since, bringing the team to back-to-back Final Four appearances in 2022 and 2023. Forte was also named the 2021 recipient of the Theodore "Ted" Damko Award by the MA Association of Athletic Directors, which is named for the late Leominster High athletic director. The award recognizes an athletic administrator for their contributions to their school and community within their first five

Gardner, MA · 3d

familydestinationsguide.com

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The Oldest Outdoor Flea Market In Massachusetts Feels Like A Real-Life Treasure Hunt Adventure

There’s a small town in Massachusetts where the past shows up in person, sets up a tent, and dares you to walk away empty-handed. That town is Brimfield, and the Brimfield Antique Flea Markets are the kind of experience that turns perfectly reasonable people into obsessive treasure hunters who cancel weekend plans months in advance.

Massachusetts · 6d
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Lovely Garden Roots

partner publisher · 15.6K followers
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‘It Scared Our Son': A Rutland Couple's Two-Year Property Line Feud Shows Why Massachusetts Still Has Official Fence Viewers Under a Rule Dating to 1647

A Rutland couple's two-year property line feud ended with a legal deal and a fence. Massachusetts towns must still appoint fence viewers, a role dating to 1647.

Rutland, MA · 2d

Worcester Telegram & Gazette

partner publisher · 26.4K followers

New management at New England's only Lee's Sandwiches location

The Lee’s Sandwiches location at 68 Stafford St., Worcester, recently transitioned to new management just ahead of the busy holiday rush. Located in the Webster Square Plaza, the business is part of a growing number of casual eateries anchoring the area. The corporate-owned/operated store has introduced a new leadership team, led by acting manager Daniel Fuentes of Southbridge. Tracey Pham of Worcester and siblings were franchise owners who opened the quick-service restaurant at Webster Square Plaza in August 2025. Family members have stepped away to focus on their individual career ventures. Lee’s Sandwiches is a West Coast family-owned Vietnamese-American fast-casual chain famous for its banhi mi Vietnamese-style sandwiches. The Worcester store is currently the company’s only New England location. Fans of the signature sandwiches, house-made baquettes, croissants, all-day breakfast sandwiches, signature Lee’s iced coffees, appetizers, pastries, etc., can rest easy as Fuentes confirms they will remain. Customers also stand to benefit from a few price drops. A new express counter includes pre-packaged treats and to-go items like canned condensed milk. “It’s all about saving our customers time and fitting their needs,” said Fuentes. “Convenience.” The Vietnamese ice-coffee menu here is extremely popular, according to Fuentes. The store also serves brewed

Worcester, MA · 1d

amherstindy.org

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Amherst Black Reparations Committee Elects Shabazz and Cage as Co-Chairs

Report on the meeting of the Amherst Black Reparations Committee, Nov. 12, 2026. This meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded. Committee members: Monica Cage, Sarah Crary, Andrew Grant-Thomas, Kelly Norris, Raphael Rogers, and Amilcar Shabazz. Staff: Paul Bockelman (town manager) and Philip Avila (assistant director of diversity, equity, and inclusion). Also present: Michele Miller (former co-chair, African Heritage Reparation Assembly)

Amherst, MA · 16h

The Gardner News

partner publisher · 4.3K followers

Schedule and predictions for Gardner-area non-playoff football

It's another week of football for Gardner-area teams. All six programs are now playing non-playoff games until they compete in the ultimate game of the season: Thanksgiving. Gardner and Oakmont both took on top-seeded teams of their divisions last week in the Round of 16. Gardner fell to Cohasset in the Division 7 playoffs and Oakmont lost to Shawsheen Tech in Div. 5. Though not the ending they wanted, both teams had the goal of qualifying for playoffs after not making it last season, so accomplishing that is a highlight for each. Check out the local matchups for this week as teams look to finish strong and stay sharp before Thanksgiving games. Thursday, Nov. 12 Quabbin at Mahar, 6 p.m. After struggling with numbers late in the season and having to forfeit the last two regular season games, Quabbin returned last week to defeat Southbridge 18-6. Senior quarterback Zakk Mielnicki had a strong game, rushing for a touchdown and connecting with Gabe Houle on a 25-yard TD pass. This week they match up against Mahar, which is 4-5. The teams' one common opponent has been Quaboag, which they both defeated earlier this season. Cait's Call: Quabbin over Mahar Friday, Nov.

Gardner, MA · 3d

Daily Collegian

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Guindon: Watson’s injury could spell trouble for UMass’ bowl-game hopes

After an unprecedented 4-0 start to the 2026 season, the Massachusetts football team has seen its early momentum fade, managing just one win over its last five matchups. Part of that decline stemmed from a laundry list of injuries on both sides of the ball, sidelining several key starters who helped fuel the Minutemen’s (5-5, 2-4 Mid-American Conference) historic start. Among them, William “Pop” Watson III’s ankle sprain was the most notable, holding the Springfield, Mass., native out of two games following the opening stretch.

Amherst, MA · 2d

takemetotn.com

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This Massachusetts Town Shows Why Affordable Retirement Isn’t Completely Out Of Reach

There is something I like about a Massachusetts town that has been making precision tools since 1880 and still proudly answers to the nickname Tool Town. It feels wonderfully stubborn in the best way. That same practical streak seems to carry into everyday life here. While much of Massachusetts can...

Massachusetts · 5d

hoodline.com

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Worcester Eyes Crackdown on 25-30 Illegal Bodywork Spas Amid Trafficking Fears

Worcester officials say somewhere between 25 and 30 illegal bodywork businesses are operating in the city at any given time, a figure that is now driving a push for new local rules governing the industry. The estimate came from Nicholas Antanavica, the city's inspectional services commissioner, who shared the number at a Board of Health meeting on November 9.

Worcester, MA · 2d

The Independent

partner publisher · 2.6M followers

Sheriffs across Massachusetts have requested $241 million to repair and renovate their jails

Jail Funding Massachusetts ASSOCIATED PRESS Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux is seeking $27 million in state funding to renovate the Dartmouth House of Correction, so he can close the 148-year-old Ash Street Jail. But Heroux is facing competition from sheriffs across Massachusetts . They’re all seeking a share of limited state funding for major repairs and renovations at their facilities. Among the contenders is a jail even older than Ash Street: the Dukes County jail on Martha’s Vineyard, built in 1873, which needs structural and fire-safety repairs and more space. Essex County seeks to overhaul Middleton jail’s kitchen and dining area, while Worcester County wants to renovate deteriorating jail housing units and demolish a former hospital nurses’ home. Heroux shared his funding proposal with The Light for the first time, providing new details about the work needed to close Ash Street and its estimated cost. Five of the state’s 13 other sheriffs who run jails — Franklin, Berkshire , Dukes, Essex and Worcester — also shared their applications with The Light. Together, the sheriffs have requested about $241 million, far more than the $125 million to $150 million the state expects to allocate through the program. Franklin, Dukes and Essex

Bristol County, MA · 13h

The Gardner News

partner publisher · 4.3K followers

Familiar face to serve as interim town administrator in Templeton

Six years after leaving Templeton Town Hall, Carter Terenzini is back, bringing with him extensive experience helping communities navigate leadership transitions and financial challenges . The Select Board has appointed the 76-year-old Moultonborough, New Hampshire, resident as interim town administrator. His contract was signed Oct. 29, and he began work this week. He will serve through June 30, 2027. Select Board Chairman Jeff Bennett said Terenzini’s previous experience in Templeton should allow him to get up to speed quickly. “Mr. Terenzini has an intimate familiarity with many of the Templeton staff, boards and commissions and issues from his prior service to the town,” Bennett said. “The board agreed this could help ensure a relatively smooth transition into the organization for him and the many challenges we now face as a community.” A familiar face in several communities Terenzini initially came to Templeton as interim town administrator in August 2016. What was expected to be a short-term assignment ultimately lasted more than four years as the town dealt with serious financial problems, including several years without completed audits and state oversight. He remained until November 2020, when Assistant Town Administrator Adam Lamontagne succeeded him. Since retiring from full-time municipal government, Terenzini

Templeton, MA · 1d

The Gardner News

partner publisher · 4.3K followers

Trade Thanksgiving cooking for dining out at Gardner area restaurants

Want the turkey and pie without spending Thanksgiving morning peeling potatoes and watching the oven? Restaurants around the Gardner area are offering another option this year, with Thanksgiving dinners ranging from expansive buffets to traditional sit-down meals. Turkey and stuffing are on the menu, of course, but diners can also find prime rib, seafood, lamb and plenty of desserts. Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, and reservations are required at most restaurants. With families competing for popular lunch and dinner times, waiting until the last minute could mean fewer choices. If dining out sounds better than cooking and cleaning this Thanksgiving, here’s where to start making your plans now. The 1761 Old Mill The Old Mill will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26. The roast stuffed turkey dinner costs $47.99 for adults, $28.99 for children ages 6 to 11, and $18.99 for children ages 3 to 5. Additional entrée choices are New York sirloin or roast duck for $53.99, baked salmon for $52.99, and fried chickettes for $38.99. All entrées include cream of broccoli soup, tossed salad, pecan rolls and corn fritters, butternut squash, mashed potatoes, coffee, tea or decaf, and dessert. Cranberry sauce is

Gardner, MA · 2d

CBS Boston

partner publisher · 178.6K followers

Rutland high school students save middle school theater program

Two Massachusetts high school juniors took over the middle school theater program when the director retired and no adult volunteered.

Holden, MA · 1d

takingthekids.com

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10 Western Massachusetts Hobby Shops Where You’ll Want To Spend The Whole Afternoon

A yarn store in western Massachusetts has its own attached warehouse full of discounted yarn. I read that once and immediately wanted a bigger tote bag. The surprises keep stacking up out here. One game shop stays open until 10 PM on weekends, with tons of table space for playing.

Massachusetts · 1d

newstalknewengland.com

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Massachusetts Expands Emergency Shelter Capacity Ahead of Winter With $13 Million Investment

Massachusetts is committing nearly $13 million to expand winter shelters and overnight warming centers, with 101 full-season beds planned for Worcester County through a partnership with the South Middlesex Opportunity Council. The Healey-Driscoll administration announced the supplemental grants as communities prepare to provide shelter during the coldest months of the...

Worcester County, MA · 1d

WWLP

partner publisher · 84.9K followers

Western Massachusetts farmers honored with more than $275K in grants

More than 100 farmers from across western Massachusetts were recognized Thursday afternoon during an annual appreciation event at Smith College in Northampton, where more than $275,000 in grants was awarded to support local agriculture.

Northampton, MA · 1d