Issue 15
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Some of the articles linked below require subscriptions to local Maine newspapers. Read my take on these paywalls here.
Quote of the week
“I said to the sun — ‘tell me about the big bang.’ The sun said, ‘it hurts to become.’”
— Andrea Gibson (1976–2025), Maine-born poet and activist
The Dark
Here are a few hard truths this week — but remember we’re in this together!
Maine has no system for tracking rape kits. Bills to spend taxpayer dollars to rectify the situation have failed both in the legislature and on the desk of Janet Mills. State lawmakers note that Maine is the only state in the country that has taken zero steps to address the backlog. Survivors, and our communities, deserve better.
Public media lost big this week when the senate approved cuts to CPB, and ultimately NPR and PBS. But this isn’t just about free news. It’s also about taxpayer funded emergency alert systems. Now the bill goes on to the House.
Trump has officially terminated the suicide and crisis prevention hotline for the LGBTQ+ community. This article shares resources approved by Equality Maine that can help fill the gap in services.
The Light
Yes, good things are happening — here’s proof!
Romero’s Mexican Food Truck is moving to Bethel! Their first day will be Saturday, August 2 and they’ll be posting up between The Gem Theater and the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Bethel Library Association and West Bethel Maker Space are collaborating on a free community tool library. Take this survey so they can stock the tools people actually need!
Groups from across Maine are pooling resources to provide monetary relief to our neighbors who are under attack. Contribute to the Maine Solidarity Fund here.
Your Maine Action Kit
Pick one and then dive into a book.
Adopt a trail. Inland Woods and Trails wants your help to keep their extensive trail network in prime shape. Put in 10 hours and rumor has it that you get a special tee featuring Piney McPinecone.
Check for ticks. And if you find one attached to a loved one? Consult your doctor while you wait on test results from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Tick Lab.
Have energy and anxiety to burn? Check out the Action Kit Archive here, for more ideas! Another option? Reply to this email and let us know what issues you want to mobilize around. We are connected with organizations who are looking for people power!
For when it all feels like too much
Walk it off. Grab a book at Bethel Library, then hike up Paradise (3 miles round trip, stunning views).
Read. A friend of a friend compiled an anthology of life-affirming poetry to reference during dark times. Learn more about artist Dio Cramer here.
Donate. The Bethel Rotary’s annual yard sale is coming up (August 5-11) and they want your stuff.
Mark your calendar
See an ever evolving list of community events on The Kindling’s calendar here. Subscribe to our google calendar while you’re there!
Thursday, July 17: “Good Trouble Lives On” Rally at Shorey Park in Bridgton (5pm)
Thursday, July 17: BAAM at The Gem with MMGM (5:30pm)
Saturday, July 19: Bethel Farmer’s Market (9am-1pm)
Saturday, July 19: Celebrate Five Years of MMGM (10am-5pm)
Sunday, July 20: “Making Herbal Teas” at Valentine Farm (1pm)
Tuesday July 22: Volunteer Trail Day with Inland Woods and Trails (5pm-7pm)
Sunday, August 3: OUT In the Park at Valentine Farm with OUT Maine, Mahoosuc Land Trust, Village Blues, and the Gemini (11am-1pm) Register here!
Til next week,
Michelle and The Kindling Crew
Logistical things
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