Issue 6

May 14

“What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it happening again.”

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

The Trump administration continues to terminate funding for Maine, this time pulling a $35 million grant for digital safety and access.
Maine families are struggling to pay for basic expenses but you probably already know this from personal experience.
Maine is seeing fewer international visitors since Trump took office. If current trends continue, Maine could be in for a rough summer.
A traffic stop in Maine led to the immigration arrest of a teenager and is calling into question the relationship between local police and ICE.

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

The Bethel Farmer’s Market starts up this Saturday and is officially accepting SNAP/ EBT so spread the word! Woot woot!
Western Maine has three, new, little free libraries that are being run by the Bethel Library, thanks to the incredible generosity of the Congo Craftsman! Check them and grab a new-to-you spring read.
A sobriety housing project gained approval in Woodstock and will be moving forward with 16-20 beds.

Pick one. Then go walk in some grass.

Greenwood residents: Mt. Abram needs you! Show up at 9am this Saturday, May 17 at Greenwood Legion Hall to ensure Mt. Abram is excluded from proposed noise restrictions that would severely limit summer concert series, winter snow making, and prevent it from being the vital community space that it is.
Interested in a Maine-focused ICEwatch program training through the Maine People’s Alliance? Email Jodi directly at jodi@mainepeoplesalliance.org and she will get you on the email list for more information.
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.

Crack every window in your house. Blast "Here Comes the Sun" while:

Air-drying your laundry (saving energy, defying despair).
Writing a haiku about the weather’s fickleness ("Sun, rain, same old fight— / Maine knows how to outlast both. / So do we. The end.").

This week/end is packed! See an extensive, and ever-evolving, list of community events on The Kindling’s calendar here. Or subscribe to the google calendar directly.

Tuesday, June 10, 8am-8pm: Bethel Select Board Election at the American Legion on Vernon Street [More info to come.]

We made it! How are you doing?

Til next week,

Michelle and The Kindling Crew

MIchelle Zagardo

Issue 7