Issue 5

Written By MIchelle Zagardo

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Quote of the week

“These bullying tactics, we will not tolerate them. Nobody in this country should tolerate them. You don’t appease bullies. They never stop.”

Governor Janet Mills, following the end of an illegal USDA funding freeze

The Dark

Here are a few hard truths this week – but remember, we’re in this together!

The Light

Yes, good things are happening -- here’s proof!

  • Wells residents are taking action by asking their select board to halt the community’s partnership with ICE.

  • The Maine State Library reinstated three employees as partial federal funding is restored. All previously laid off employees, along with related programming, could be reinstated if the library receives congressionally allocated funding.

  • Illegally withheld Maine Sea Grant funding is being restored.

  • The USDA is releasing money that was unlawfully withheld from Maine public schools.

  • UMaine is sending its wind turbine into the wild, despite funding being illegally withheld.

The broader “good news” here is that we are moving the needle by engaging with our representatives, which is leading to the restoration of a lot of this funding. Did you know: Senator Susan Collins is the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee — the committee that has jurisdiction over all discretionary spending for the federal government. Read her recent, short statement about the budget process here and then let her know what you think about the chaos here.

Your Maine Action Kit

Pick one. Then go spin around in the rain.

  • Get some wet, fresh air and get inspired by a community action success story at Buck’s Ledge in Woodstock!

  • Spend time in your favorite third space to recharge. What the heck is a third space? Read about it here. What public/community spaces do you wish existed in your area? (Seriously, hit “reply” and please please please let us know!)

  • Public media (think: PBS and NPR) is under attack and Maine Public wants your help.

  • Keep calling your representatives. I know, it’s a lot. But it truly matters. If you have call stress, dial first thing in the morning or after 5pm to reduce the odds of speaking to a live human. If you do get another person, remember they are exactly that and you can talk to them. (I promise, you can do it — and please tell Jenna at Jared Golden’s office, I said “hello!”) Check out The Kindling’s blog about contacting reps here. And don’t shy away from 5calls.org which is a go-to resource for talking points and scripts on a large number of issues.

For when it all feels like too much

  • Read this absolutely heart warming article about a story sharing supper in Norway that organizers started to combat loneliness in rural Maine.

  • Text a friend and ask if they want to join you for a rainy, puddle-stomping walk around town after y’all grab your favorite beverage from The Gemini because it opens back up tomorrow! After your walk, change into dry socks, light a candle, and repeat to yourself “I am not the dampness. I am the flame.” Sounds ridiculous, right? I dare you to try it.

  • Sit by a window, stare out at the rain, and sketch the moose of Maine taking on the administration. Or anything else. Preferably with your non-dominant hand.

Mark your calendar

See a more extensive, and ever-evolving, list of events on The Kindling’s calendar here. Or subscribe to the google calendar directly. Our new contributors are adding events daily.

Things that gave you hope last week

  • A new medical diagnosis after years without answers.

  • The courts continuing to rule against clown man.

  • A book – North Woods – which reminded you of connections across generations, and about the continuity of life. (Check this out through The Bethel Library – lots of copies available through MILS!)

As for me? Our numbers are growing and this newsletter went out to 65 of you today which blew me away. We also welcomed our first two collaborators into the fold and their contributions added a fresh spin!

What is giving you hope throughout this rainy season? Hit “reply” and let us know!

Til next week,

Michelle

Logistical things

  • Have news you want highlighted?

  • Have an event you want included on our calendar?

  • Have a resource you want to share with the community?

  • Have ideas I should hear?

  • Want to become a regular contributor to The Kindling?

  • Want to manage The Spark Map?

MIchelle Zagardo
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