~ Pets ~

learning to be crate trained as well. However, I promise I’m smart as a whip and have already learned new tricks like “touch” and “sit.” I can be a bit mouthy and I need to work on my impulse control sometimes, but I’m hoping my new people will work with me on positive reinforcement training to make sure I can be my best self! Because I’m still learning and have a lot of energy, I would do best with no small children or cats. How-

Safe Haven Humane Society

WELLSThis Sunday, March 5, 1-3 p.m. at 1784 Post Road, Wells, our Cattail Farmhouse will open its adoption room to introduce six very special kitties, during our “Shy Kitty Adoption Event.” ever, I’m also a very sensitive and empathetic dog who attaches to my humans quickly and forms strong bonds with those I trust. I’m always so excited to meet new people, so please give my friends here at AWS a call: 207-985-3244.

Grateful Dog Rescue

KITTERY -

We request that only those who are sincerely interested in adopting a shy kitty, or who wish to become a volunteer cat socializer attend this particular event. Why? Because these six little ones are not yet fully socialized. We need people who have experience with cats, or have the desire and patience to either adopt them or help socialize them.

Shelter: 207-646-1611 • PO Box 91, Wells, ME 04090

THRIFT/VINTAGE/ANTIQUE SHOP: 207-216-9169 • 1784 Post Road, Wells Open 11am-4pm SEVEN DAYS A WEEK!

Help us pay our vet bills and other expenses! Donations Accepted 12-3pm on Saturdays Only ( FMI 207-229-8314)

VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS NEEDED

Hey there, I’m Brisket! I’m a fun-loving guy who’s always up for an adventure. I love to run and play, but I also know how to chill and snuggle when the time is right. I’m a bit of a goofball, and I love to make people laugh. I’m always up for a game of fetch or tug-of-war with my favorite stuffy toys. But don’t worry - I’m gentle with them, and I won’t destroy anything that’s not meant to be destroyed. One of my favorite things to do is to go for runs with my humans. I’ve got a lot of energy, so I need to get my exercise in. When I’m not running or playing, I love to hang out with my humans. I’m a loyal companion, and I’ll always be there to offer you a cuddle or a kiss when you need it. And if you’re looking for a silly, playful partner in crime, I’m your guy.

Grateful Dog Rescue Kittery, ME volunteer@ thegratefuldogrescue.org www.thegratefuldogrescue.org

Those interested in adopting a cat that is already socialized, can stay tuned for future adoption events. This event is to showcase the shy ones. It is important to keep the room quiet

See HAVEN on page 12 . . .

Emmas Angels Rescue

NORTH BERWICK -

Meet our special cat of the week, Agate! Agate is an eightmonth-old Tortie girl from the south looking for a safe home. Agate has come to us from an overcrowded shelter in Louisiana. She is spayed and up to date on her vaccinations. Agate is good with other cats and kids over five. If you would like to set up a meet and greet, call 207676-5599.

Emma’s Angels Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based organizations. Donations can be left in our drop box at 30 Meeting House Road, North Berwick. Thank you in advance!

STATEWIDEGirl Scouts of Maine (GSME) received a $5,000 donation from Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution to support the mental health needs of Girl Scouts across the state. These critical funds will be used to train and certify GSME staff members as Youth Mental Health First Aid Facilitators. In turn, the GSME facilitators will teach 120-240 volunteers, troop leaders, and additional GSME staff to become Youth Mental Health First Aiders within the first year of the program. Certification will be completed through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s Mental Health First Aid program.

See GSME on page 11 . . .

Girl Scouts of Maine serves over 5,000 girls annually, ages 5-18, and over 3,500 adult volunteers. Currently, GSME has one staff member certified to train Youth Mental Health First Aiders. The newly certified trainers will prioritize training staff and volunteers who work directly with girls at GSME programs and camps.

“This initiative to supplement existing resources with specialized training in youth mental health first aid will allow our staff and volunteers to feel confident they can support the increasing needs of today’s girls in a meaningful way”, says Suzanne Hand, Girl Scouts of Maine SVP Mission Delivery. “As more and more staff and volunteers are trained, we hope that along with our robust girl programming designed to bolster girls’ mental wellbeing, Girl Scouts of Maine can play a critical role in supporting and improving girls’ mental health wellbeing throughout Maine.”

“It’s important to recognize the mental health crisis that is ongoing. Supporting the Girl Scouts of Maine initiative to provide trained individuals for their programming is something we feel can make a valuable and lasting impact on the young people in our communities,” says Bob Quentin, president and CEO of Saco & Biddeford Savings.

Youth mental health issues are increasing at an alarming rate in Maine, especially among girls. According to the results of the 2021 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, female high school students reported worse mental health than male students. Nearly 57% of female students said their

YORKYork Hospital will soon receive $2.5 million toward the renovation of their Cardiac Catheterization Lab. Maine legislators secured the funds through the omnibus funding package, Fiscal Year 2023 Health and Human Services appropriations bill.

“Upgrading and renovating York Hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab will provide York County residents with access to the most advanced care, improving health outcomes.” mental health was not good “most of the time” or “always,” compared to nearly 29% of male students.

Maine’s 2023 spending supports important projects across the state that will improve the lives of Maine people and invest in the future of our communities,” King added.

Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing drives policy and social change on behalf of mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the people they serve. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training program primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. Administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that teaches individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.

More than 2.5 million people across the United States have been trained in Mental Health First Aid.

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs across the state and beyond, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges, whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. For more information visit www.girlscoutsofmaine. org, follow on Facebook @ girlscoutsofmaine or Instagram, @girlscoutsofmaine.

“Mainers in every part of our state should be able to receive the vital medical services they need, which is why I have long advocated for funding to support access to quality rural health care,” said Senator Susan Collins, who co-sponsored the bill with Senator Angus King.

York Hospital President and CEO Dr. Patrick Taylor thanked Collins and King for supporting the hospital’s request for funding. “Swift access to medical care is critical for patients who are experiencing life-threatening cardiac events” explained Dr. Taylor. “This funding will allow us to make capital improvements that will literally help our caregivers save lives, and we are incredibly grateful to both Senator Collins and King for supporting our mission to deliver the highest quality medical care to our communities in southern Maine.”

“From food banks and hospitals to job training programs and infrastructure upgrades,

Cardiac catheterization labs are specialized areas in the hospital where physicians perform minimally invasive tests and advanced cardiac procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease.

The funding will support York Hospital’s effort to upgrade its existing cardiac catheterization lab equipment. Newer equipment will allow York Hospital medical staff to diagnose and treat blockages more effectively by delivering clear imaging and managing radiation dosage during procedures.

For more information, visit www.yorkhospital.com.

. . . HAVEN from page 10 and the environment relaxed, so the cats will feel safe. Our Cattail team will introduce those interested to Midnight, Momma Moo, Cali, Sarah, Willow, and Melanie.

Each of these sweeties arrived at Safe Haven as a very fearful feral. Each was humanely trapped, removed from a risky living situation, and brought to