Kennebec Valley Humane Society

BRIEFS

AUGUSTA -- The state recorded a nearly $50 million surplus as of June 30, buoyed by unexpected revenues.

Although $33.8 million of the $49.2 million surplus is already allocated, primarily to replenish depleted reserves, state officials are optimistic.

"It seems the revenue forecasting committee was a little conservative," Finance Commissioner Sawin Millett told Capitol News Service. "To me, it is a very good turnaround in the last three months."

The surplus was attributed to individual income taxes ending the budget year $22.6 million over estimates and corporate income tax coming in $15.8 million above estimates for the year. The final tally could increase by another $5 million once unspent appropriations are counted.

AUGUSTA -- If there's a Maine loon license plate on your vehicle, you get free admission this weekend to all Maine state parks and historic sites.

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, under the Maine Department of Conservation, will open up the state's 48 state parks and historic sites this weekend to free day use for all vehicles bearing the distinctive plates.

"The call of the loon -- and consequently, the Maine loon license plate -- captures so much of what nature means to Maine people, from the coast to our most remote ponds," Conservation Commissioner Bill Beardsley said. "It reminds us of the precious and fragile quality of place we love. We are grateful to all Maine residents who purchase loon plates and support Maine conservation efforts."

Since the program's inception by the Maine Legislature in 1993, more than $17 million in loon plate proceeds has gone to the Maine Department of Conservation and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

New loon plates cost $20; renewal is $15. Of that fee, $8.40 goes to the Bureau of Parks and Lands, $5.60 goes to MDIF&W and $6 goes to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

For more about Maine Loon License Plates, go to: www.maine.gov/doc/parks/volunteer/loonplates.html

AUGUSTA -- This month, black cats and kittens, which are adopted less often than felines of other colors, will be adopted out at discounted rates at Kennebec Valley Humane Society. Hillary Roberts, executive director of the shelter, said black cats are the least adopted cats at the shelter.

"We struggle to understand this statistic," Roberts said in a news release. "We have a shelter full of sweet, curious black cats and kittens in need of loving homes. I hope that through waiving part of the fee, community members will take a second look at our black cats and see what we see -- beautiful animals with a lot of personality and love to give.

Kennebec Valley Humane Society, Visage Salon and Day Spa, and ...

Community members can receive free haircuts with a donation to the Kennebec Valley Humane Society (KVHS) at Visage Salon and Day Spa on Water Street in Augusta. KVHS and Visage Salon are teaming up with Patrick Lomantini, a Kansas salon owner who is setting a goal of giving free haircuts with donations to local animal shelters in 50 states and 50 days. The 50 day long tour begins in Augusta,Maine. Lomantini has also set the goal of cutting 50 heads of hair in each city he visits.

“When Patrick contacted us at KVHS about being part of this project we were thrilled to join such a unique event that will help to raise funds and awareness for local animal shelters across the country,” said Hillary Roberts, KVHS Executive Director. “It’s also wonderful to see local businesses like Visage Salon and Day Spa donate their space and time for this event. We are very grateful to the salon owners, Frank and Anthony Coco”.

Cooking with Friends of the Kennebec Valley Humane Society

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