Issue 7
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Quote of the week
“They said, there is a wall in front of us, I'm going to keep hammering on it, and I may not be the one to see it fall, but it will fall because of the blows I made. This is our job to keep hammering at the wall of injustice. To adapt, to be smarter, to adjust, to be more persuasive, to invite more people in. We've got to keep going."
Heather McGee, Author of "The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together" during a recent interview
The Dark
Here are a few hard truths this week – but remember, we’re in this together!
Trump’s “big beautiful bill” — a.k.a the “big, bullsh!t bill” — is moving forward. On the chopping block: public lands, abortion care, Medicaid, etc. Please call your reps to let them know how passing this bill would impact your community!
Immigration lawyers are urging their clients to avoid Maine, following an uptick in unprecedented deportation proceedings.
Mental health issues are on the rise for young folks in our state.
The Trump administration continues to harm Mainers, as it terminates EPA funds for PFAS research, effective immediately.
The Light
Yes, good things are happening -- here’s proof!
Yarmouth High School track athlete, Anelise Feldman, wrote a letter condemning the bullying of trans kids by Rep. Laurel Libby, following Feldman’s loss to a trans-identified athlete. These young folks are just exceptional, don’t ya think?
Maine saw a twenty percent drop in overdose deaths last year.
Keeping track of ICE actions in Maine is starting to feel like a full time job. The good news is that a new proposal before the state legislature would prohibit agencies from entering into contracts with federal immigration authorities. Several states already have agreements like this.
Joann Fabrics went bankrupt. Local retailers are filling the void!
Last but absolutely not least: Greenwood unanimously voted down the noise ordinance that would limit Mt. Abram operations, in a stunning display of community solidarity!
Your Maine Action Kit
Get involved: when the state of things feels like too much, look locally for how you — yes, you beautiful, small, human individual — can make a difference. There are so many incredible non-profits in our area that rely on volunteers to get things done. You could
Support accessibility in the outdoors with Maine Adaptive
Help visitors discover and navigate at the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
Deliver meals for people that are homebound with Meals on Wheels
I could go on. The point is, there is a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests if you’re looking to get out there. (Pssst: know of a volunteer opportunity we missed? Hit “reply” and let us know!)
For when it all feels like too much
Plant something. Whether your thumb is green or black, there is something therapeutic about digging in the dirt. For low effort, high reward, try planting herb seedlings you can cook with, like sage, thyme, or rosemary.
On that note, it is plant sale season! Whether you are looking for vegetable or herb seedlings (ahem, see above), house plants, annuals, or perennials, plant sales have you covered. Check out the upcoming sales happening at the Bethel Library, Mahoosuc Land Trust, and Alan Day Community Garden.
Stop and smell the flowers at the McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival, May 23-26.
Dance it out. The Westside Beer Garden at Mt. Abram has its season opener this weekend! Stop by on Friday, May 23 or Saturday, May 24 to enjoy live music, reconnect with the community, and let the kiddos run wild.
Mark your calendar
See an ever-evolving list of community events on The Kindling’s calendar here. Or subscribe to the google calendar directly.
Friday, May 23: Queer Youth Friday in Portland
Saturday, May 24, 9am - 1pm: Bethel Farmer’s Market!
Tuesday, May 27, 10am - 12pm: Bethel Library Knitting Circle
Tuesday, June 10, 8am-8pm: Local elections. [More info to come.]
Til next week,
Michelle and The Kindling Crew
Logistical things
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