DEAR PET TALK: Why do cats hiss? -Logan Thornton, Mr. Wironen’s 4th grade, Reingold Elementary School, Fitchburg DEAR LOGAN: Great question – and it’s definitely not because they’re happy. Hissing is a way for felines to express fear, especially when they are startled. Other signs of showing fear are flattened ears, curled tongue, fangs displayed, […]
Opinion
Pet of the Week: Oreo at Manchester Animal Shelter
Spots and dots are what you’ll see on Oreo’s coat – and what’s inside is love, sweet love. This cuddly seven-year-old Dalmation mix would love a buddy or family looking for a bright dog who’s up for outdoor walks, or trips to the lake. He’s a really bright fellow and would be best as the […]
Editorial: Fragmented Mass. grocery market fills basket of local chain
It’s painfully obvious to anyone responsible for a family’s supermarket shopping that grocery bills in Massachusetts, especially the Boston area, have been rising at a faster clip than in most of the country, even as overall inflation has abated somewhat. Consumers who live in cities with higher costs of living tend to pay more for […]
Editorial: Leominster, time to apply for FEMA flood disaster aid
The federal government gave Leominster and other communities a reprieve in their efforts to receive funding to help them recover from last September’s devastating rains, and now it’s time for individuals and businesses to take advantage of that opportunity. In February, federal officials rejected Gov. Maura Healey’s request for disaster relief for Bristol, Hampden, and […]
Editorial: In praise of nursing grads embarking on a challenging career
Yes, the path you have chosen is a difficult one. Those words, spoken by Kim Shea, dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, went out to the 94 graduates of Mount Wachusett Community College’s Associate Degree in Nursing program earlier this month. They occurred during the traditional pinning ceremony at the Mount Fitness facility in front […]
Editorial: Leominster’s flood aid a testament to its dogged efforts
It pays to not take no for an answer. Just ask Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella. Back in February, after months of filling out damage forms and applications, collecting data, and consulting with outside experts as a result of the damages incurred during September’s devastating rains, Leominster expected better news from the federal government than what […]