#brunswickmaine — Public Fediverse posts

Welcome to Slam Tilt Records + Games in downtown Brunswick, Maine! A new, go-to destination for vinyl collectors, retro gamers, and pinball fans alike. Located at 94 Maine Street (just below our friends at Social Goose Bar).
https://mainstreetmaine.org/listing/slam-tilt-records-games-brunswick-me/
#vinylcommunity #recordstore #pinballlife #ArcadeLife #brunswickmaine #shoplocalmaine

#Maine lawmakers introduce bill to create response program for #PFAS threats

February 6, 2025

AUGUSTA (WGME) – "State lawmakers have introduced a bill to create a response program to clean up and reduce threats created by dangerous chemicals known as PFAS.

"This comes months after toxic and potentially #cancer-causing #FirefightingFoam was accidentally sprayed at a former air base in #BrunswickMaine.

"While this bill would monitor PFAS levels, one Brunswick lawmaker says she and others are working on additional bills related to the fallout from that spill.

"'And we’re continuing to advocate for funding, whether it’s through the state budget or leaning on our federal partners, since that substance was put in by the Navy,' Sen. Mattie Daughtry (D-Cumberland) said. 'Because one thing I stand firm to is my constituents, myself, my neighbors, the taxpayers of Brunswick and Maine should not be on the hook for a disaster they did not cause.'

"This bill would allow the state to buy, sell or transfer property contaminated by PFAS and deposit the proceeds into a fund to deal with contamination."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/maine-lawmakers-introduce-bill-to-create-response-program-for-pfas-threats/ar-AA1yz81L
#WaterIsLife #CascoBay
#PFASContamination #EnvironmentalDamage
#ManMadeDisasters #AFFF
#PicnicPond #Site8Stream
#MereBrook #MerriconeagStream
#HarpswellCove #Wildlife #OceansAreLife #PFASPollution #BrunswickNavalAirStation
#BrunswickStation #Maine #AndroscogginRiver

High levels of #ToxicChemicals found in #BrunswickMaine airport hangar #sewers

#CitizenPFAS monitoring revealed concerning levels of toxic chemicals in the sewer outfall of #Hangar6 in Brunswick, though a company hired to assess risk at the hangar said there is no leak of the toxic firefighting foams on the premises.

by Kristian Moravec, The Times Record
Posted February 4, 2025, Updated February 5

"A citizens group’s testing revealed that sewer water flowing from Hangar 6 at Brunswick’s airport has high levels of harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS.

"#FriendsOfMerrymeetingBay conducted testing on Nov. 26. The tests detected high levels of a particularly toxic #PFAS chemical compound known as #PFOS. The update comes the same day the owner of the hangar, the #MidcoastRegionalRedevelopmentAuthority, sent a letter to the town stating that tanks that stored the chemicals were not leaking.

"PFOS is a compound known to be harmful to human health and is found in high levels in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Brunswick Executive Airport’s Hangar 4, which is owned by the Navy but operated by MRRA, dumped 1,450 gallons of AFFF concentrate mixed with 50,000 gallons of water on Aug. 19, 2024.

"The spill prompted ongoing cleanup and monitoring efforts as well as a push to get rid of the foam at the airport. Concern has grown around Hangar 6, which some have speculated is leaking harmful chemicals based on the testing data around the airport that Friends of Merrymeeting Bay has collected over the years. The sewage that flows out of Hangar 6, which is not treated for PFAS, ultimately flows into the #AndroscogginRiver."

Original article:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/02/04/high-levels-of-toxic-chemicals-found-in-brunswick-airport-hangar-sewers/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/LlHx1

#CitizenScience #WaterIsLife #CascoBay #PFASContamination #BrunswickMaine #EnvironmentalDamage #ManMadeDisasters #WaterIsLife #PFAS #AndroscogginRiver #PFASContamination #AFFF #PFOS #PicnicPond #Site8Stream #MereBrook #MerriconeagStream #CascoBay #HarpswellCove #Wildlife #OceansAreLife #PFASPollution #BrunswickNavalAirStation #BrunswickStation #Maine #FirefightingFoam #OceansAreLife

I'm planning to show up in #PortlandMaine -- probably Monument Square. I'll see who is around! #AugustaMaine has an event planned as well. Hopefully, some of the usual spots will have protests (#BIW, #BrunswickMaine, etc.)

National '50 States' #AntiTrump Protest Planned for Feb 5: What to Know

Published Feb 03, 2025

"The #50501Movement—or 50 states, 50 protests, one day—is garnering support throughout social media over its plan to stage demonstrations across the nation to '#FightFascism" on February 5.

"The movement has a website at 50501movement.carrd.co and is active on Instagram, Reddit, Bluesky, Discord and Signal.

"The group is calling for protests at each state capitol building. The information and start time vary by location.

"Information on 50501 Movement's Instagram at the time of writing indicates that meetings will take place at the following times (local) and locations:

- Arizona – State Capitol at noon
- California – State Capitol Building at noon
- Colorado – State Capitol Building at noon
- Florida – Tampa City Hall at 3 p.m.
- Georgia – Centennial Park at 2 p.m.
- Idaho – State Capitol steps at 11 a.m.
- Illinois – State Capitol Building at noon
- Indiana – State Capitol Building at noon
- Iowa – State Capitol at noon
- Kansas – State Capitol Building at 4 p.m.
- Kentucky – State Capitol Building at noon
- Maine - Statehouse at noon
- Massachusetts – Statehouse at noon
- Michigan – State Capitol at noon
- Minnesota – St. Paul Technical College at noon
- Mississippi – State Capitol at noon
- Missouri – State Capitol Building at noon
- Montana – State Capitol at noon
- Nebraska – State Capitol at 4 p.m.
- New Hampshire – Statehouse at noon
- New Jersey – Statehouse at noon
- New York – Capitol Building at noon and New York City Hall at 2 p.m.
- North Carolina – State Capitol Building at noon
- Ohio – Statehouse at noon and Willard Park at 4 p.m.
- Oklahoma – State Capitol at noon
- Oregon – State Capitol Building at noon
- Pennsylvania – State Capitol Complex at 11 a.m., Williams S. Moorhead Federal Building in Pittsburgh at 11 a.m. and Philadelphia City Hall at noon
- South Dakota – Downtown Federal Courthouse at 3 p.m.
- Tennessee – State Capitol at 1:30 p.m.
- Texas – State Capitol at 11 a.m. and San Jacinto Plaza at 4 p.m.
- Vermont – State Capitol at noon
- Virginia – Bell Tower at 12:30 p.m.
- Washington – Tivoli Fountain North Lawn at 2:30 p.m.
- Washington, D.C. – Capitol Building at 11 a.m.
- Wisconsin – State Capitol at 11 a.m.
- Wyoming – Capitol at 2 p.m.

https://www.newsweek.com/50-states-anti-trump-protest-nationwide-february-5-details-2025300

And this is why I love #MaineDSA!

#Maine #Socialists #SayNoToTrump

Posted by Todd Chretien | Jan 31, 2025 |

"Maine Democratic Socialists of America co-chair #SophieG welcomed more than one hundred members and friends from across the state who met in Portland over the weekend. Alongside nuts and bolts discussions and elections for the group’s organizing committees and working groups, Maine DSA welcomed solidarity greetings from allies and friends, including the #MaineCoalitionForPalestine and the Maine-based #ImmigrantsRights organization #Presente! as well as reports from #MaineYouthPower and the #MaineGunSafetyCoalition. Members also hosted several workshops including a panel on the opportunities and pitfalls of electoral politics, renters organizing in the mid-coast, and the ABCs of being a good organizer.

"Maine DSA accomplished a lot over the last year. We elected #WesPelletier to serve alongside #KateSykes as #PortlandMaine’s two socialist city councilors. Comrades in #BrunswickMaine launched the #BrunswickRentersOrganization and made their voices heard in city council hearings—even if the city councilors 'value the class position of a landlord over the class position of a tenant' as DSAer #PeachCushing put it at the time.

"Members are also launching a new organizing committee in #SouthPortlandMaine as well as building up working groups to #DefendBodilyAutonomy—for #LGTBQ+ and #ReproductiveRights—and to expand our solidarity work with the #labor movement. In another sign of members’ increasing dedication, a full slate of candidates ran to fill more open leadership positions than last year. Yet, despite that good work, everyone recognized the depth of the danger facing working-class Mainers heading into Trump’s second term—not the least of which is the fact that local Republican county committees are openly celebrating Trump’s pardon for Maine’s very own #January6 #insurrectionists.

"Last week #PineAndRoses published a proposal to guide our organizing over the coming year and it was taken up at the conference. The resolution emphasizes the dangers Trump represents and frankly acknowledges that we are facing 'a period of increased attacks on #MarginalizedCommunities, the labor movement, #PublicEducation, and the working class as a whole.' As such, '#socialists must play a #frontline role in defending the #WorkingClass from attacks by the #FarRight' even as 'the political environment in Maine, as of 2025, presents opportunities to resist the Trump administration and make gains at the state and municipal levels.'

"In order to put this analysis to the test, Maine DSA aims to work side by side a wide array of allies to defend #Immigrants, the #TransCommunity, #IndigenousSovereignty, #Unions, public education, and #democracy in general while simultaneously building up the socialist movement’s reach across the state. During the debate, several members suggested the resolution ought to have a more clearly defined international section. One member proposed an amendment (which passed with a clear majority voting in favor) to specify that Maine DSA aims to 'challenge the #hegemony of the Democratic Party.' Thus amended, the resolution passed (nearly) unanimously. Now comes the hard work of trying to put ideas into action.

"As we do, the more #activists and organizers we can muster the better. So if you’re looking for a way to join the fight against Trump, please consider getting in touch with us and joining Maine DSA."

https://pineandroses.org/news/maine-socialists-say-no-to-trump/
#Organize #Resist #Unite!
#USPol

Still reeling from #PFAS spill, #BrunswickMaine residents push back on plans for #sludge treatment plant

by AnnMarie Hilton, Tue, January 28, 2025

"Brunswick resident Sandra Carslick said she and her neighbors have been living in a 'bad dream' for the five months since 1,600 gallons of toxic foam spilled so-called forever chemicals at the already contaminated former Naval Air Station nearby.

"At a Brunswick Town Council meeting on Monday night, Carslick said that bad dream could soon become residents’ 'worst nightmare,' if the town reopens a processing site for chemical-laden [#Biosolids] sludge from sewer treatment plants across Maine, and potentially beyond.

"The residents were responding to plans from Delaware-based #ViridiEnergy to update and expand #BrunswickLanding’s anaerobic digester, which converts sewage sludge — also referred to as #biosolids — into renewable natural gas and byproducts that get sent to landfills.

"During Monday’s presentation to the town council, company representatives explained how the facility would work and what local residents could expect. Several councilors said they would like to see additional data before deciding, but some already expressed concerns that the project isn’t right for Brunswick, particularly at this time. Members of the public also spoke for more than an hour, overwhelmingly concerned about the project and its potential to bring more #HarmfulChemicals into the area.
"The town is still dealing with the accidental discharge last summer of #firefighting foam containing #perfluoroalkyl and #polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as #PFAS, at a hangar at #BrunswickExecutiveAirport, which is also situated at Brunswick Landing.

"The spill has prompted environmental and public health concerns over the PFAS, which have been linked to serious long-term health problems including #cancer, weakened #immune systems, developmental issues, and more. Since it started surveying and reviewing the material in the late 1980s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [#EPA] has found more than 700 chemicals in sewage sludge, including PFAS.

"Chet Benham, a senior advisor and one of the founders of Viridi, tried to address those concerns during the meeting, telling residents the facility will operate according to all state and local requirements. He said there are protocols to prevent spills of the sludge that will move through the closed-loop facility.

"'We feel really, really good about it,' Benham said. 'We wouldn’t be standing here before you if we didn’t.' [Typical #Greenwashing #Bullshit]

"According to Viridi’s plan, the facility would take in about 85,000 tons of biosolids per year, which would be processed into renewable natural gas that would feed into Maine Natural Gas. About 10,000 tons of solid material byproduct would be sent from the plant to the #JuniperRidgeLandfill in Old Town. Over the course of the discussion, it came to light that Viridi would also likely bring in sludge from outside of Maine in order to run their facility at full capacity."

Read more:
https://news.yahoo.com/news/still-reeling-pfas-spill-brunswick-145952948.html
#WaterIsLife #PenobscotRiver #PenobscotNation #AndroscogginRiver #CascoBay

[Thread] What to do with all those #Biosolids? (And why are they full of #PFAS in the first place, I wonder.) Talk of building a Biosolid to Energy plant in #BrunswickMaine but the leftover ick will be dumped at #JuniperRidge -- where it can leech into the #PenobscotRiver where the #PenobscotNation live and fish! (And talk about treating #SacredPlaces the way they should be -- the Penobscot River is one of those places that should be granted #Personhood)!

#Maine Winter Farmers’ Markets 2024 – 2025

Augusta Farmers’ Market*
Tue, 3-5pm; weekly
Mid-Nov through Apr,
22 Armory St, #AugustaMaine

Bangor Farmers’ Market*
1st & 3rd Sun, 11am-1pm
Dec to Apr
26 Front St, Sea Dog Brewing Co. Banquet Room, #BangorMaine

Bar Harbor Winter Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market
Sun, 9:30am-12:30pm; every other week starting Nov 10
Nov through Apr
36 Mount Desert St, #BarHarborMaine

Bath Farmers’ Market*
Sat, 9am-12pm; weekly
Nov through Apr 15
27 Commercial St, #BathMaine

Belfast Farmers’ Market
Fri, 9am-12pm; weekly
Nov through Apr
21 Schoodic Dr, #BelfastMaine

Belfast – United Farmers Market of Maine*
Sat, 9am-2pm; weekly
Year-round
18 Spring St, #BelfastMaine

Berwick Winter Farmers’ Market
Sun, 10am-1pm; starts Nov 24, then 2nd Sun monthly until Apr
Nov through Apr, 11 Sullivan St, #BerwickMaine

Blue Hill Winter Farmers’ Market*
Sat, 10am-12pm; weekly
Dec to late May
7 Rope Ferry Rd, #SedgwickMaine

Bridgton Winter Farmers’ Market*
Sat, 9am-12pm; weekly
Nov through Apr
166 Harrison Rd, #BridgtonMaine

Brunswick Winter Market
Sat, 9am-12:30pm; weekly
Nov through Apr
14 Maine St, #BrunswickMaine

Dover Cove Farmers’ Market
Every other Sat, 9am-1pm; starts Sat before Thanksgiving
Nov to May
1049 W Main St, #DoverFoxcroftMaine

Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market
Thu, 2-5pm; weekly
Dec through Apr
150 Main St, #WatervilleMaine

Farmington Farmers’ Market*
Sat, 10am-1pm; weekly
Nov through Apr
130 Quebec St, #FarmingtonMaine

Freeport #HarraseeketGrange Farmers’ Market
Wed, 3-6pm; weekly
Nov to Apr
13 Elm St, #FreeportMaine

Greater Gorham Winter Market
1st and 3rd Sat, 9am-1pm
Nov through Mar
75 South St, #GorhamMaine

Greenwood Farmers’ Market
Every other Friday, 4pm-6pm
late Sept – early June
270 Main St. (Rt. 26), #GreenwoodMaine

Hampden Farmers’ Market*
Fri, 2-5:30pm; every other Fri starting Jan
Dec through Apr
177 Cold Brook Rd, #HampdenMaine

Orono Winter Farmers’ Market*
Sat, 9am-12pm (Dec: weekly; Jan-Apr: 2nd & 4th Sat)
Dec to Apr
6 Goodridge Dr, #OronoMaine

Portland Winter Farmers’ Market
Sat, 9am-1pm; weekly
Dec 7, 2024 – Apr 12, 2025
631 Stevens Ave, Portland

Rockland Farmers’ Market Season Extension
Thu, 9am-12pm; closed Thanksgiving
Nov and Dec (through Christmas)
61 Limerock St, #RocklandMaine

Rockport Farmers’ Market
Sat, 9am-12pm; weekly
Year-round
310 Commercial St, #RockportMaine

Skowhegan Farmers’ Market
1st and 3rd Sat, 10am-1pm
Dec through Apr
42 Court St, #SkowheganMaine

Somerville – Farmers’ Market at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm
One Sun per month (see online), 11am-2pm
Nov to Feb
217 Hewett Rd, #SomervilleMaine

South Berwick – Tri-Town Winter Farmers’ Market*
Select Sundays (see online): 10am-1pm
Nov to Apr
49 Academy St, Marshwood Great Works School, #SouthBerwickMaine

South Portland Farmers’ Market
Sun, 10am-2pm; weekly
Nov through Apr
829 Sawyer St, #SouthPortlandMaine

Wilton Farmers’ Market
1st and 3rd Sat, 10am-1pm
Nov to Apr
386 Main St, Congregational Church, #WiltonMaine

Source:
https://mainefarmersmarkets.org/winter-farmers-markets-2024-2025/

#SolarPunkSunday #ClimateChange #Resiliency #FoodSecurity #FoodJustice #FarmersMarkets #MaineFarms #MaineFarmersMarkets

So, when I see catastrophic events like the #BESSFires or widespread #PFASContamination in #BrunswickMaine, the first thing I think of is, "Where are the wildlife going to hide? How is this event going to affect them and the nearby #ecosystems?"

"The #ElkhornSlough Reserve is closed until further notice due to potential health risks from a fire at the #MossLanding Battery Storage Plant that started on January 16.

"The area has been evacuated and will remain closed until emergency services determines that air quality is no longer hazardous.

"Elkhorn Slough is a cherished #ecosystem of tremendous importance to #MontereyBay and beyond. We appreciate all the efforts of local, county, and state authorities and emergency response teams, as well as the outpouring of concern from the community regarding health impacts for people and #wildlife in the area.

"We have not yet seen reports of any documented negative environmental impacts from this incident, but it is too early to know. The Elkhorn Slough Reserve conducts robust monitoring programs for water quality, habitats, and wildlife. We will be looking closely at impacts from this incident in the future, and will collaborate with partner agencies in their monitoring efforts."

https://elkhornslough.org/moss-landing-fire-incident-january-2025/
#EnvironmentalDamage #ManMadeDisasters

TODAY! In #BrunswickMaine!

Panel: #Israel’s War Against the #UN and #Palestinian #Refugees

Tuesday, December 10, 2024
4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Kresge Auditorium
239 Maine Street
Brunswick, ME, 04011
United States

"In October, the Israeli Knesset voted to ban any activity by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees – a lifeline for Palestinians in Gaza. This move is part of a larger war against not only Palestinians, but also the United Nations itself. Israel has refused to comply with UN General Assembly or Security Council resolutions, derided decisions and advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice, and rejected UN human rights envoys and commissions of inquiry.

- What is UNRWA, and why is Israel so obsessed with destroying it?
- Why is Israel waging war on the United Nations?
- What does this mean for Palestinians?

"Please join Bowdoin Students for Justice in Palestine (#SJP) & Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine (#FSJP) for a free public panel featuring:

- Nasser Abourahme - Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern and North African Studies at Bowdoin College

- Fateh Azzam - Former Middle East Representative for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

- Lee O'Brien - Former Head of Research for the UNRWA West Bank and Gaza; Former Head of the Middle East Team, Department of Political Affairs for the UN Secretariat.

https://www.mvprights.org/events/unrwa-teach-in

#UNRWA #WestBank #Gaza #FreePalestine #IsraelHumanRightsViolations #IsraeliWarCrimes #WorldWarBibi #BibiIsAWarCriminal #GazaSoupKitchen #HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #MaineVoicesForPeace #MaineVoicesForPalestinianRights #StudentsForJusticeInPalestine #FacultyForJusticeInPalestine #BowdoinCollege

Midcoast [#Maine] Regional Redevelopment Authority executive director steps down after [toxic firefighting] foam spill

Story by WGME Staff
October 10, 2024

BRUNSWICK (WGME) -- "The executive director of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority is stepping down.

"The #MRRA Board of Trustees says #KristineLogan has resigned.

"Last month, a group of Brunswick leaders and legislators called for Logan's resignation after hundreds of gallons of toxic #firefighting foam spilled in August, more than a year after a report warned that the system was 'deficient.'

"The #BrunswickMaine leaders say they want the group to have increased oversight and accountability."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/midcoast-regional-redevelopment-authority-executive-director-steps-down-after-foam-spill/ar-AA1s3vAj

#WaterIsLife #PFAS #AndroscogginRiver #PFASContamination #AFFF #PFOS #PicnicPond #Site8Stream #MereBrook #MerriconeagStream
#CascoBay #HarpswellCove
#Wildlife #OceansAreLife
#PFASPollution #BrunswickNavalAirStation #BrunswickStation #Maine

TONIGHT! (Thursday, August 29th)

Fighting the foam in #BrunswickMaine: Public forum being held to discuss the spill

Story by Aysia Reed, WGME

"It's been 10 days since toxic firefighting foam spilled in Brunswick. The public will now get to have their say on the release and the cleanup efforts so far.

"The town of Brunswick is holding a public forum at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Council Chamber at Brunswick Town Hall to discuss the spill of more than 1,000 gallons of firefighting foam.

"The Brunswick Executive Airport had the foam stored away in hangar 4 in case they needed it to fight a fire. Last week, a faulty signal to the system caused a malfunction to release the foam, causing it to spill.

"The foam contains PFAS, which is a forever chemical. It leaked into a nearby pond, and the drainage system around the hangar.

"Crews are collecting samples around an outflow pipe that goes from the Brunswick Sewer District into the #AndroscogginRiver.

"Last week, officials said they collected about 6,000 gallons of foam and foam mixed with water."

Read more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fighting-the-foam-in-brunswick-public-forum-being-held-to-discuss-the-spill/ar-AA1pDH5C

#PFASContamination #AFFF #PFAS #PFOS #PicnicPond #Site8Stream #MereBrook #MerriconeagStream #AndroscogginRiver #CascoBay #HarpswellCove #Wildlife #WaterIsLife #OceansAreLife #PFASPollution #BrunswickNavalAirStation #BrunswickStation #FirefightingFoam

#MaineCDC Issues Advisories on Eating #FreshwaterFish Due to #PFASContamination at the Former #NavalAirStation in #BrunswickMaine

Aug 23, 2024

AUGUSTA -- "The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) today issued new freshwater fish consumption advisories recommending either no consumption or limited consumption of fish from four waterbodies located on and around the former naval air station in Brunswick, Maine.

"The testing of fish is part of the United States Navy's ongoing remedial investigation at the former base in response to #environmental contamination from the historic use of PFAS-containing aqueous film forming foam (#AFFF) in fire-fighting operations. Data were collected in October 2023 by the Navy, in coordination with Maine's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and shared with the Maine CDC in spring of 2024.

"The Maine CDC reviewed the data and determined they showed elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, above the agency's recommended levels for regular consumption.

"While testing occurred before the August 19, 2024 accidental release of AFFF at the former naval air station, that incident is not expected to impact the guidance issued today. The waters likely impacted by the AFFF spill are on the east side of the runway at the air station. Today's advisory recommends a no consumption advisory for those waters based on prior testing data.

"Elevated levels of the specific PFAS called perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were detected in fish tissue samples collected from #MereBrook (also known as Mare Brook), #MerriconeagStream, #PicnicPond, and #Site8Stream. The new fish consumption advisories listed below apply to all fish caught in these waterbodies.

"In response to the recent release of AFFF and the reported presence of visible #foam on some of these #waterbodies on the eastern side of the runway, the Maine CDC additionally recommends the public avoid any contact with foam on these water bodies. Out of an abundance of caution, the Maine CDC also recommends the public refrain from any recreational activities (e.g., #swimming, #boating, #wading) that could result in contact with the foam or waters until the potential impact of the AFFF release on these waterbodies is fully assessed.

"PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals found in a variety of consumer products throughout the world. Based on a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, exposure to certain PFAS chemicals has been associated with increases in cholesterol levels, decreases in birth weight, lower antibody response to some vaccines, and kidney cancer."

From the CDC website: Map of waterbodies included in the fish consumption advisory on and around the former Naval Air Station in Brunswick.

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/news/maine-cdc-issues-advisories-eating-freshwater-fish-due-pfas-contamination-former-naval-air-station-fri-08232024-1200
#AndroscogginRiver #CascoBay #HarpswellCove #Wildlife #WaterIsLife #OceansAreLife #PFASPollution #PFOS #FirefightingFoam

This is #PicnicPond in #BrunswickMaine. It is closed to the public because of #PFAS contamination, but there is plenty of #Wildlife in the area, and the pond empties into #HarpswellCove / #CascoBay.

Image source and more info about Picnic Pond:
https://maineanencyclopedia.com/brunswick-landing/

#Stormwater #Environment #PFASPollution #BrunswickLanding #BrunswickNavalAirStation #CascoBay #PollutionRunoff #OceansAreLife #WaterIsLife #WebOfLife #Superfund #PFOS

'Foam is being blown by the wind here, there, and everywhere': #BrunswickMaine #PFAS clean-up continues

Within a mile of the #BrunswickLanding are three bodies of water that make up the local storm water systems, which the DEP said have likely been contaminated.

Author: Pearl Small
Published: 9:44 PM EDT August 21, 2024

BRUNSWICK, Maine — "Three days after an accidental spill of more than 1,000 gallons of foam containing PFAS at the Brunswick Executive Airport, foam was still seen flying through the air on Wednesday as crews including #CleanHarbors and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection attempted to clean it up.

"'Foam on these ponds is being blown by the wind here, there, and everywhere,' Suzanne Johnson, who sits on Brunswick's #restoration advisory board, said. Johnson said this situation was one of her worst fears for the town. Although the DEP has said they have reason to believe the spill will not affect the town's drinking water, there are other #environmental concerns at stake.

"'This stuff is a forever chemical. It doesn't go away. So, the foam dissolves, but the chemical is still there,' Johnson said. Within a mile of the Brunswick Landing are three bodies of water that make up the local storm water systems, which the DEP said have likely been contaminated with the foam. Those three sources are natural ponds filled with #fish and plant life.

"'Open water body sources was the #StormWater system for this property. This chemical spewed directly into those open bodies of water,' Johnson said. The path takes the foam directly into two ponds that lead to a source called #PicnicPond, which eventually connects to #HarpswellCove.

"'I believe the areas connected to the discharge are already closed,' [but still teeming with #wildlife] Melanie Loyzim, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, said at a press conference on Wednesday. The ponds are mostly unreachable by people because they've already been listed as #superfund sites and blocked off by the town due to past PFAS contamination. Loyzim said those levels will likely increase now. 'What we focus on is reducing exposure and preventing people from being exposed,' Loyzim said. [But who cares about wildlife or #CascoBay?!]

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/public-safety/brunswick-pfas-clean-up-continues-firefighting-foam-maine-airport/97-f55d5e3d-7bf1-4761-9ea4-3594c0a5ada9

#PFASPollution #WaterIsLife
#OceansAreLife #PollutionRunoff #WebOfLife #PFOA

[Video] #Protesters gather outside Maine air show, voicing ethical concerns over headlining act

News Center Maine
August 3, 2024

At the Great State of Maine Air Show in Brunswick, protesters gathered outside the gates raising ethical concerns over warplanes being used as entertainment.

[includes Transcript]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQWxFlx-oGk

#MaineVoicesForPalestinianRights #NoWar #GazaSolidarity #BrunswickMaine #CoalitionForPalestineMaine
#MaineVoicesForPeace #PeaceActionMaine #FreePalestine

#Protesters gather outside #Brunswick air show, voicing ethical concerns over headlining act

Advocates with #MaineVoicesForPalestinianRights said the air show glamorizes #war and misleads youth.

Author: Pearl Small
August 3, 2024

BRUNSWICK, #Maine — "The Great State of #MaineAirShow is marketed as a weekend-long event of planes swooping through the sky with incredible aerial performances to leave the community in awe.

"However, groups standing outside the show on Saturday had a different message to send about its intentions.

"The Maine Voices for #Palestinian Rights organized a protest to encourage people not to attend the show over questions regarding the #ethics of its headlining act: the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

"'We object this use of our tax dollars and we object to warplanes as entertainment,' #LisaSavage with Maine Voices for Palestinian Rights said.

"The group compared the planes on display to those being flown over #Gaza, for very different purposes.

"'If you were a child in Gaza, you would be hearing that noise constantly and it wouldn't be for entertainment, you would be waiting to see if a bomb was going to drop on your family's home,' Savage said.

"The group objects to the U.S. government's involvement in the war in #Israel and says the air show glamorizes the U.S. military and its power.

[...]

"[Marketing Director] Mary Breen said she's amazed by the positive effect the show has, specifically on younger crowds.

"'It's amazing to see the kids' reactions, whether they're checking out the planes on the ground or watching the planes flying,' Breen said.

"Yet, that inspiration is another point advocates said makes the show deceptive.

"'It's actively designed to be fun, almost video game-esque for these kids and make them think this is something that would be an exciting career for them instead of something that's potentially very dangerous for them and is guaranteed to be very dangerous for people across the world,' #RosemaryCorkins with Maine Voices for Palestinian Rights said.

Source:
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/entertainment/events/protesters-gather-outside-brunswick-maine-air-show-voicing-ethical-concerns-over-headlining-act/97-4272ef71-aa90-40d5-b139-7bf737451ce4

#NoWar #GazaSolidarity
#BrunswickMaine
#CoalitionForPalestineMaine
#MaineVoicesForPeace #PeaceActionMaine
#FreePalestine

#PortlandMaine event

Rebels & Poets: #Irish and #Palestinian Music and Poetry of #Resistance

DATE AND TIME
Monday, August 5 2024
7:00pm
doors at 6:30

FREE WITH RSVP, donation suggested

Maine-based musicians and poets present an evening of Irish and Palestinian resistance songs and poems.

REBELS AND POETS

"Join us for an evening of Irish and Palestinian Music and Poetry of Resistance, with Maine-based musicians playing iconic Irish rebel music and Palestinian revolutionary music, plus readings from Maine poets Gary Lawless and Sharif Elmusa and Zeina Azzam, Poet Laureate of Alexandria, Virginia."

https://space538.org/event/rebels-and-poets-2024/

#NoWar #GazaSolidarity #Gaza #BrunswickMaine #CoalitionForPalestineMaine #MaineVoicesForPeace #Maine #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow #Palestine #MaineVoicesForPalestinianRights

Rebels and Poets - #BrunswickMaine

Sunday, August 4, 2024
2:30 PM 4:00 PM

Unitarian Universalist Church
1 Middle Street
Brunswick, ME, 04011 United States

An afternoon of #Irish and #Palestinian Music and Poetry of #Resistance

With Maine-based Musicians Playing

Iconic #IrishRebel Music:
Come out ye black and tans, the fields of Athenry and more...

Palestinian Revolutionary Music:
Unadeekum (I Call Upon You),
Ana Ismi Sha'bu Falastin (My Name is the People of Palestine), and more...

Irish Poetry:
Readings by Maine Poet Gary Lawless

Palestinian Poetry:
Readings by Maine Poet Sherif ElMusa
Readings by Zeina Azzam, Poet-Laurete of Alexandria, Virginia

Free admission. Donations for #Gaza suggested.

https://www.mvprights.org/events/rebels-and-poets-brunswick

#NoWar #GazaSolidarity #Gaza #BrunswickMaine #CoalitionForPalestineMaine #MaineVoicesForPeace #PeaceActionMaine #Maine #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow
#Palestine #MaineVoicesForPalestinianRights

On Great Fields by Robert C White is one of the best biographies I have ever read. The book goes beyond the heroism at Gettysburg and digs deep into motivations, personal and family life, friendships, and his idealism to paint a very full and clear (as well as can be over hundred years later) picture of a legit American Hero. #civilwar #gettysburg #littleroundtop #bowdoincollege #brunswickmaine #maine

#Protest the #BrunswickAirShow

Saturday, August 3, 2024
9:00 AM 12:00 PM

#Brunswick Station
170 Bath Road
Brunswick, ME, 04011
United States

https://www.mvprights.org/events/protest-the-brunswick-air-show

#NoWar #GazaSolidarity #Gaza #BrunswickMaine #CoalitionForPalestineMaine #MaineVoicesForPeace #PeaceActionMaine #Maine #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow
#Palestine #MaineVoicesForPalestinianRights #StopRecruitingOurChildrenForWar

My small Maine town of 20,000 people is buying a $380,000 assault vehicle for the police department. The only reason they need it is because of the Supreme Court allowing unfettered access to guns of war. Meanwhile, every time I drive through town it feels like my vehicle is being shaken apart due to the awful condition of the roads. I think our priorities are all screwed up, and it’s time to do something about it. #brunswickmaine

#BrunswickMaine #StandOut

Join #PeaceWorks of Greater Brunswick, #Maine on Friday at their weekly Vigil for Peace as they call for permanent #ceasefire in #Gaza.

Friday, May 31, 2024
5:00 PM 6:00 PM

Maine Street opposite Walgreens Pharmacy
156 Maine Street
Brunswick, ME, 04011
United States

https://www.mvprights.org/events/brunswick-stand-out-2-eket7-g9efx-xlds9-rm86k

#GazaSolidarity #Gaza #Rafah #CoalitionForPalestineMaine #MaineVoicesForPeace #PaxChristiMaine #PeaceActionMaine #Maine #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow
#Palestine #MaineVoicesForPalestinianRights #JewishVoicesForPeaceMaine #MaineStudentsForPalestine

#BrunswickMaine Stand-Out

Thursday, May 30, 2024
12:00 PM 1:00 PM

Maine Street in Front of the Tontine Mall
143 Maine Street
Brunswick, ME, 04011
United States

Join #PeaceWorks of Greater Brunswick, Maine at their weekly #VigilForPeace as they call for #PermanentCeasefire in Gaza.

FMI - https://www.mvprights.org/events/brunswick-stand-out-1-28t33-8ptjw-ghy42-89c9b

#GazaSolidarity #Gaza #Rafah #CoalitionForPalestineMaine #MaineVoicesForPeace #PaxChristiMaine #PeaceActionMaine #Maine #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow
#Palestine #MaineVoicesForPalestinianRights #JewishVoiceForPeaceMaine #MaineStudentsForPalestine

#BrunswickMaine Stand-Out

Friday, May 3, 2024
5:00 PM 6:00 PM
Maine Street in Front of the Tontine Mall 143 Maine Street Brunswick, ME, 04011 United States

Join #PeaceWorks of Greater Brunswick, Maine at their weekly #VigilForPeace as they call for permanent #ceasefire in #Gaza.

https://www.mvprights.org/events/brunswick-stand-out-1-sl487-djpgb-at6d2-z92jf-8ab42-97a2r-edpzf

#CoalitionForPalestineMaine #MaineVoicesForPeace #PaxChristiMaine #PeaceActionMaine #Maine #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow
#Palestine

#BrunswickMaine Stand-Out

Thursday, May 2, 2024
12:00 PM 1:00 PM
Maine Street in Front of the Tontine Mall 143 Maine Street Brunswick, ME, 04011 United States

Join #PeaceWorks of Greater Brunswick, Maine at their weekly #VigilForPeace as they call for permanent #ceasefire in #Gaza.

https://www.mvprights.org/events/brunswick-stand-out-an6wj-x7634-cp3zt-hz5rx-w4kdb-385cd

#CoalitionForPalestineMaine #MaineVoicesForPeace #PaxChristiMaine #PeaceActionMaine #Maine #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow
#Palestine

Now, if we could just get some light rail for the greater #PortlandMaine area (instead of building more highways through woods and farmland)!

Federal funding will allow #Downeaster to explore expansion to Rockland, add Falmouth station

The money comes as ridership from Boston to Brunswick has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.

By Eric Russell, December 8, 2023

"The #Amtrak Downeaster will receive a half million dollars under a new initiative from the Biden Administration to improve and expand #PassengerRail service across the country.

"The $500,000 in funding for the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which operates the Downeaster, will explore building a new station in Falmouth and extending train service from Brunswick to Rockland, something that has long been considered.

"The award to the Downeaster, which runs daily from #Boston to #BrunswickMaine with several stops along the way, was part of $8.2 billion in funds announced Friday under the Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program. It’s the largest federal investment in passenger rail transportation since Amtrak was created in 1971.

"The largest portion of those funds – $3 billion – will help pay for a new rail line from Las Vegas to Los Angeles that is supposed to be finished before the 2028 summer Olympics in LA. The trip will take about two hours, or half the time it takes to drive.

Also receiving funds are a #LosAngeles - to - #SanFrancisco train; a rail expansion between #WashingtonDC, and #RichmondVirginia; and other upgrades in #Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and other states.

“'Passengers from across America will be thrilled to read about the funding agreements announced today,' said Jim Mathews, president and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association. 'These grants will support the introduction of daily Amtrak service in regions that currently have to make do with trains that only come through their town three times per week; they will help expand popular Amtrak services in rapidly growing parts of the Southeast; and they’ll plant the seeds for scores of new routes across the nation.'"

https://www.pressherald.com/2023/12/08/federal-funding-will-allow-downeaster-to-explore-expansion-to-rockland-add-falmouth-station/

#Maine #Massachusetts #NewHampshire #Trains #CommuterRail #MoreTrainsLessCars