Issue 20
Friday, August 22, 2025
Quote of the Week
“True security…doesn’t come from global supply chains. It comes from knowing your neighbor, your farmer, and your local water source.”
— Helena Norberg-Hodge
Watch her TEDx talk here.
The Light
Are you ready for it?!
Graham Platner (F) - a 40 year old oysterman and ten-year Marine Corps veteran from Downeast - has entered the race to take down Susan Collins and he’s fucking blowing it out of the water. In a statement on Instagram he wrote:
“Nothing pisses me off more than getting a fundraising text from Democrats talking about how they’re fighting fascism…Because it’s such bullshit. We’re not idiots. Everyone knows that most of them aren’t doing jack shit right now to fight back.
People are being kidnapped into unmarked vans by masked police. There is a genocide happening in Palestine. Literal billionaires have taken over our government. And all Democratic leadership can do is send us another fundraising text?”
Since launching his campaign (F) this week, Platner has attracted nationwide media coverage for laying into Collins, criticizing establishment Dems who seem to be riding fascism to a fundraising payday, and displaying the clear capacity to connect with Mainers who want authentic representation and - wait for it - affordable housing.
It’s wicked early to be committing to a candidate we’ve just met. It’s also nice to see someone jump into what has been a rapidly growing and relatively unenergized midterm field, ready to take on a fight.
The Dark
This sh!t sucks.
The drought continues to upset life in Maine.
Wells are running dry around our community.
Have water? Check on folks you know.
Need water? Ask for help.
Perhaps we start some popup communal meal prep parties so that folks can make food for the week with friends who have running water. Let me know what you think. I’d love to share ideas.
The horrors persist, but so do we.
Check on your farmers. Ask how they’re handling the drought and if there is anything you can do to help. Maybe take them some food so they have an easy meal to look forward to? Let’s brainstorm, folks.
Your Maine Action Kit
Pick one. Make a connection.
Plant a seed for local office because local policy is really where the action is. Selectboard? School board? Budget committee? Planning board? Ask a current member: “What’s the weirdest part about this position?” Then decide if it’s your kind of weird. Want to learn more about town government? Let us know and we’ll connect you!
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
Go for a swim. Swim season is slipping away as the nights get cooler. Head to the boat launch at Songo Pond for an easy spot to splash with kids.
Read some optimistic CliFi. “A very cool news outlet called Grist (would highly recommend subscribing to them) puts on a Climate Fiction contest, asking writers to "Imagine 2200" but as a future in which climate solutions flourish and we all thrive. They have an archive available for previous years' submissions, and its really heartwarming to read about what visions of climate futures could look like, in which equity and justice and tenderness and community and hope are at the center!” Thank you, Georgia, for sharing with The Kindling! Send us things we should know about here!
Mark your calendar
See an ever evolving list of community events on The Kindling’s calendar here (F). Subscribe to our google calendar while you’re there!
Saturday, August 23: Bethel Farmer’s Market (9am-12:30pm) (see hours for other area farmer’s markets on our event page)
Saturday, August 23: Live music and summer reading wrap up at the Bethel Library (11am)
Sunday, August 24: Mahoosuc Land Trust’s 5th Annual Monarch Festival
Monday, August 25: Flash Food Event! at United Methodist Church, 75 Main St, Bethel from 4-6:30pm.
“Join us for hot dogs, burgers, and grilled chicken. Non-perishable food item donations accepted. Give what you can. Take what you need. All leftover donations will be donated to the Bethel Food Pantry and Crescent Park School.”
Tuesday, August 26: Beavers of the Androscoggin MLT Benefit Paddle with Bethel Adventure (9am-1pm)
Friday, August 29: Maine Passive House OPEN HOUSE at the MPH Barn: 15 N Main St, Bryant Pond (4-7pm)
“Come see the barn, explore our work, and learn more about how we build high-performance, sustainable homes for the future.”
Sunday, September 7: Mahoosuc Art and Agriculture Tour (10am-4pm)
Lastly…
We have our first correction! Someone responded to last week’s newsletter to share that it was the Bethel area voters - by approving the school budget in June elections - who are supplying all elementary and middle school students in MSAD44 with school supplies.
See something that looks wrong or feels off? Let us know! We want to grow as humans and love some solid constructive criticism.
Til next week,
Michelle and The Kindling Crew
Logistical things
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