#lewistonme — Public Fediverse posts

I found about this rally from the #MaineDSA mailing list! #DSA and #EnvironmentalGroups working together!!!

#PortlandME and #LewistonME - August 27, 2026

No Immunity for #BigOil Rallies!

"While making record profits, Big Oil and their allies in Congress are trying to get off the hook from paying for damages caused by their pollution by passing sweeping immunity legislation to protect their #corporate interests. Let's be clear: if you make a mess, you clean it up. #Maine taxpayers have been stuck paying for climate damages with no support from the corporations that caused the problem, and that isn't right.

"Join NRCM and our coalition partners on Thursday, August 27th in Portland and/or Lewiston to tell Maine's Congressional delegation to oppose Immunity for Big Oil and Make Polluters Pay for the damages they've caused in Maine.

Portland
When: 12 PM
Where: Lobsterman Park, 1 Temple Street
What: Rally followed by a march to deliver letters to the offices of Sen. Collins, Sen. King, and Rep. Pingree. Bring your signs, your voice, and your energy!


Lewiston
When: 4 PM
Where: Dufresne Plaza, 72 Lisbon Street, Lewiston
What: Rally followed by a march to deliver letters to Sen. Collins and Rep. Golden. Bring your signs, your voice, and your energy! "

Coalition: #MaineDSA #NRCM #ThirdActMaine #MainePeoplesAlliance #MaineConservationVoters #UnionOfConcernedScientists #MCAN #ClimateDefenders #MaineYouthForClimateJustice #SierraClubMaine

FMI:
https://act.nrcm.org/a/no-immunity-big-oil-rallies-26?link_id=2&can_id=bcd21153b3334d5bbdf986713bc03c46&source=email-maine-dsa-forecast-for-2026-08-17&email_referrer=email_3362390&email_subject=_-maine-dsa-forecast-819-830-_&&

#MainePol #USPol #ResistanceIsFertile #BigOilKnew #ClimateCrisis #MaineDSA #MaineEvents #Oiligarchy #CorporateColonialism #Oligarchy #Polluters #CorporatePolluters

#SacoME, #PortlandME and #LewistonME - #RideOfSilence

May 20, 2026

"The Ride of Silence, an annual international bicycle ride will be hosted in Portland, Saco and Lewiston, by the BCM on Wednesday May 20th, 2026 at 6:30pm. New this year, we are also hosting a #WalkOfSilence to honor the disproportionate number of pedestrians who were killed by traffic violence in the past year."

Event details:

Portland
https://www.bikemaine.org/event/ride-of-silence-8/

Saco
https://www.bikemaine.org/event/ride-of-silence-saco-2/

Lewiston
https://www.bikemaine.org/event/ride-of-silence-lewiston-2/

#SolarPunkSunday #BikeTooter
#BikeSafety #BicycleCoalitionOfMaine #BCM #BuildingCommunity #BikeAdvocacy #PedestrianSafety #MaineEvents #CriticalMass

No more #Maine #DataCenters for now, lawmakers say

Lawmakers advanced a measure that drew attention last month when one senator said it could kill a previously unannounced project in Sanford.

by Daniel Kool, Posted March 5, Updated March 6, 2026

"Maine lawmakers voted Thursday to advance a bill that would stop the development of new data centers in the state for more than a year.

"The bill, #LD307, would create a temporary limitation on data centers with electric loads of at least 20 megawatts by preventing the state, local governments and quasi-governmental agencies from issuing permits or other approvals until 90 days after the first session of the 133rd Legislature adjourns.

"That will likely be around October 2027, the bill’s sponsor, said Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport.

"That would give a new “Data Center Coordination Council,” also created by the bill, time to study and review the potential impacts of building the centers in Maine. The Department of Energy Resources would be responsible for convening the body.

"Sachs has said the restriction is designed to address future growth without impeding projects that are already well underway, such as one pegged for the former Loring Air Force Base.

"Members of the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee have debated the bill for weeks.

"On Thursday, they voted 8-5 in favor of passing the bill with amendments, sending it to the broader Legislature. The committee vote fell along party lines, with Democrats supporting the measure."

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/03/05/no-more-maine-data-centers-for-now-lawmakers-say/

#SanfordME #JayME #LewistonME #WiscassetME #AWS #NoDatacenters #NoAI #MainePol #UnrestrictedGrowth #WaterIsLife #NoisePollution

How soon people forget...

A century ago, #FrancoAmericans were targeted in #Maine like today’s #Somali #immigrants

Opinion by Tommy Pinette, March 3, 2026

"Two years ago, I learned the infamous #KuKluxKlan exploded in popularity throughout Maine during its resurgence in the 1920s. Across the United States, the terrorist group amassed hundreds of thousands of new followers in a rather clever dissemblance as a community service and fraternal organization. At one point, in fact, approximately 30% of Maine’s native-born population were enrolled members of the KKK. Yet they did not target Somali-Americans, people on work visas, or permanent residents from Africa — they vehemently attacked the people we now call Franco-Americans.

"Prominent Franco communities in #LewistonME, #RumfordME, #OldTownME, #AugustaME, and #WatervilleME, called 'petits Canadas,' became targets of violence for the #KKK.

"One local history of the Franco-American community of Old Town recounts a horrific stand-off at French Island: holding torches and weapons, a mob of angry klansmen attempted to cross the bridge onto the island in order to burn it down. Only the rapid efforts of men in the community to block the bridge physically kept the island from going up in flames.

"And yet, I hear many of my Franco relatives talk poorly about immigrants. They repeat similar slogans to the ones President Donald Trump spreads about immigrants who come from Africa, particularly those from East Africa: “they shouldn’t be here … Somalia is not even a country” Animus defines how many Franco-Americans understand immigrants, the people who stand in the very same place their ancestors once stood a couple generations ago.

"Do not forget that our #WhitePrivilege came at a great historical cost in the forms of systemic French language suppression, decades of shameful stereotypes, and barriers to higher education. For almost 70 years, the state of Maine had a legislative policy of only offering public education in English. We must remember our ancestors, the memères and pepères who endured the same xenophobic insults immigrants in America face today."

Read more:
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/03/03/opinion/opinion-contributor/franco-americans-targeted-like-todays-immigrants-joam40zk0w/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/83Hi6

#USPol #WorldPol #MainePol #NewAmericans #NewMainers #USHistory #MaineHistory #ICESucks #AbolishICE #Hypocrisy

Meanwhile, in #Maine...

As #dataCenters look to rural #NewEngland, Maine considers a moratorium

The bill’s advocates want answers about how data centers will affect energy costs in the region, which already has some of the country’s highest electricity prices.

By: Julia Tilton, The Daily Yonder - February 23, 2026

"Maine legislators are currently considering #LD307, a resolution bill that would establish a data center coordination council to provide input and evaluate policy options for data center development in the state. The bill comes after a series of data center proposals have been met with local pushback.

"Shortly after #WiscassetME voted to pause its data center conversations in November of 2025, residents in #LewistonME, lobbied their city councilors to reject a $300 million #AIDataCenter on December 16, 2025. There, community members organized over a weekend to change city councilors’ minds from supporting the idea when it was first made public on December 11, 2025, to voting unanimously to reject it the following week.

" 'It really speaks to the importance of adequate public participation and notice,
said Dana Colihan, the co-executive director of Slingshot, an environmental health and justice organization in New England. Colihan is based in Maine and helped residents of Wiscasset and Lewiston organize. 'When community members do find out about these projects, they have really serious concerns around the impacts to their local environment and wellbeing.'

"Richard Davis was among the residents in Wiscasset and neighboring #WestportIsland who, in November of 2025, pushed Wiscasset’s town selectboard, which functions like a city council, to pause conversations about developing a $5 billion data center on a town-owned parcel of land along the Back River, which empties into Maine’s #CascoBay.

"Davis, who lives along the Back River about a mile and a half from the proposed development, said little information about the facility’s end user, utility usage, or power source was provided after it was first made public on September 16, 2025.

"This caused him and others to worry about how the site would affect the town’s resources, including the grid. Along with his neighbors, Davis started #ProtectWiscasset, a grassroots campaign opposing the data center."

Read more:
https://mainemorningstar.com/2026/02/23/as-data-centers-look-to-rural-new-england-maine-considers-a-moratorium/

#MainePol #MaineResists #ResistDatacenters #NoEnergyForAI #AISucks #ResistanceIsFertile

I always find it interesting to see how the opposing side spins stuff...

Planned #Datacenter in #Maine under threat from proposed moratorium

Project in #SanfordME could be killed before it gets off the ground

February 20, 2026

By Dan Swinhoe

"Proposals to bring in a data center moratorium in Maine have threatened [notice the language] plans for a new campus [yeah, like it's a school] in the Pine Tree State.

"The proposed bill, sponsored by Representative #MelanieSachs, includes a two-year moratorium on facilities above 20MW in the state while the impacts of data centers are studied and more stringent controls are put in place.

"However, State Sen. #MattHarrington, R-Sanford, said a pause on development would endanger a new data center planned for his district, detailing a previously unreported project. [Which involves a LOT of SECRECY!!!]

"During a works session, he said the moratorium would impact a proposed 100-300MW project being proposed by a developer, later named as the Northern New England Energy Corporation.

"He said at the time that the project was well into the planning process and had met with local officials and Maine's Department of Energy Resources. [Wah, wah...]

" 'You're completely blindsiding this [OUT OF STATE, AND CONNECTED TO A CANADIAN GAS COMPANY] business,' Harrington said, according to a report from Maine Public.

"Harrington revealed more details in a follow-up Facebook post, saying the project was being targeted on land in Sanford, York County, some 35 miles (56.3km) southwest of Portland.

" 'I was recently briefed by representatives of the Northern New England Energy Company about their plans to develop an energy generation project utilizing a mix of American-made fuel cells, solar power, and battery storage to produce all of the electricity needed to serve a colocated data center,' he said in the post.

"While he was asked not to publicly discuss the project, he said the surprise proposal of a moratorium 'might stop this opportunity for our community from coming to fruition before we even had a chance to consider it altogether.'

"According to its website, Northern New England Energy Corporation (#NNEEC) is an energy company based in Vermont.

"A subsidiary of Énergir, #NNEEC is the parent company of Vermont utility and energy distribution provider #GreenMountainPower Corporation, #VermontGasSystems Inc., and #EGVInsurance Inc.

"#Énergir, formerly known as Gaz Métro, is a Canadian energy company and the largest natural gas distribution company in Quebec.

"Maine has a small data center market, with Data Center Map listing just eight facilities in the state, largely centered around Brunswick and Portland.

"A data center is being proposed in the former #LoringAirForceBase, and another is being planned next to a former nuclear power plant in #WiscassetME.

"A project in #LewistonME was rejected by local officials last year." [YES, BY THE PEOPLE!!!]

https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/planned-data-center-in-maine-under-threat-from-proposed-moratorium/

#MainePol #BigGas #NoNewDatacenters

#LewistonME - #UMaineExtension hosts #vegetable and #fruit school on March 17

Lewiston, Maine — "University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Association will co-host the Maine Vegetable and Fruit School on Tuesday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. at the University of Southern Maine – Lewiston Campus, Room 170, 51 Westminster Street.

The day-long program is designed for commercial vegetable and fruit growers, and will focus on pest management and crop production topics. Presentations will include pest management for strawberries, squash, cucumber, garlic, and onions; cherry tomato production, new vegetable varieties, post-harvest handling, and grape potential in New England. Presenters include UMaine Extension faculty and researchers. Pesticide applicator recertification credits and continuing education credits are available.

The $50 registration fee includes a catered lunch. Register by March 12 on the program webpage. Walk-ins are welcome but lunch will not be guaranteed for those participants. In case of bad weather, check the University of Southern Maine weather hotline at 207.780.4800."

Reasonable accomodations are possible.

FMI and to register:
https://extension.umaine.edu/2026/02/13/vegetable-and-fruit-school-march-17/

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #GardeningWorkshops #MaineGardening

So, knowing the area, my guess is that they want to build this #datacenter in #SanfordME. However, once again, datacenter proponents are like, "Oh hey! We already talked to the Sanford Water District." From the article: "David Parent, superintendent of the Sanford Water District, said he had not heard of any such project." Let me guess. State Senator #MattHarrington got a big fat bonus from the mysterious Datacenter Wizard / Con Artist! Also, both #LewistonME and #WiscassetME have REJECTED datacenters!

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/02/13/is-a-large-data-center-coming-to-southern-maine/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/Wq3U2

#WaterIsLife #NoDatacenters #MainePol #USPol #NoElectricityForDatacenters #NoWaterForDatacenters

#DemocracyNow - #ImmigrantRights Leader in #Maine Says #ICERaids Caused Panic & “Wave of Fear”

February 03, 2026

"Activists in Maine are resisting #ICE immigration raids in #PortlandME and #LewistonME that the #Trump administration dubbed 'Operation Catch of the Day.' The immigrant community in Maine has grown in recent years, with an influx of #AsylumSeekers and #Somali immigrants in particular. 'As a small state, community means a lot,' says #MufaloChitam, executive director of the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, adding that her organization has received thousands of phone calls to their immigrant support hotline in recent weeks."

Read more / watch / listen:
https://www.democracynow.org/2026/2/3/portland_maine_city_council_ice_lawsuits

#MaineResists #ResistICE #DefundICE #DefundBorderPatrol #MIRC #NewMainers #CatchOfTheDay #ICESucks #ICEOut #ICEOutOfMaine #MaineImmigrantRightsCoalition #ViewerSupportedNews

More than 1,000 rally in #PortlandME against #Trump, #ICE

The protest in Monument Square was just one of many demonstrations across the U.S. on Friday.

by Drew Johnson, January 30, 2026

PORTLAND — "Friday’s protest appeared to be one of the city’s largest in months, dwarfing recent protests that occurred during much warmer weather on hot, sunny summer weekends.

"But it was a frigid January afternoon, and more than 1,000 people turned out anyway. They huddled together, chanting, cheering and holding their signs over the clouds rising from their breaths.

"Real estate was scarce in Monument Square as the demonstrators condemned Trump administration policies, most notably the recent surge of federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota and Maine.

"The crowd stretched from One Monument Square to the bus stop across Center Street and lined the opposite side of Congress Street. When they marched, they extended from the square well down Exchange Street. They eventually made it all the way to Commercial Street, with police blocking off roads and forming an escort.

"The protest in Portland was just one of many demonstrations across the U.S. on Friday, which included a general strike where businesses shut down and students walked out of class, from #California, #Arizona and #Colorado, to #Michigan, #Minnesota and Maine.

"More than 200 Maine businesses participated in some capacity, either by closing their doors or donating a portion of profits to groups and organizations helping immigrants. Some businesses lined the square with tables, handing out hot chocolate, coffee and treats to demonstrators. Many area high schoolers — including in Portland and #LewistonME — walked out of or skipped school altogether."

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/30/more-than-1000-rally-in-portland-against-trump-ice/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/E7tnG

#USPol #MainePol #ICEOutOfMaine #AbolishICE #MaineResists #ResistICE #DefundICE

#LewistonME High School students march in protest of #ICE

At the end of classes Friday, the group of about 60 made the march, holding up signs and stopping now and then to chant at passing traffic.

by Mark LaFlamme, January 30, 2026

LEWISTON — "It was bitter cold and windy Friday afternoon, but Lewiston High School student Evelyn Lenhert wouldn’t have dreamed of missing the #AntiICE protest.

"She feels too passionately about it. She’s too concerned about the prospect of ICE taking away her classmates and their families.

" 'I’m out here,' the freshman said, 'because I fear for the safety of my friends. ICE could come at any second and I’m just very scared about it.'

"Lenhert was one of several dozen students who made the march from the high school on East Avenue to Kennedy Park at Pine and Park streets.

"At the end of classes about 2 p.m., the group of about 60 began walking, holding up signs and stopping now and then to chant at passing traffic.

" 'No justice, no peace,' they chanted, 'get ICE off the streets!' "

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/30/lewiston-high-school-students-march-in-protest-of-ice/

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

#USPol #MainePol #ICEOutOfMaine #AbolishICE #MaineResists #ResistICE #DefundICE

#PortlandME and #LewistonMe are bracing for #ICE to come to their cities

By Sawyer Loftus, Bangor Daily News
moc.swenyliadrognab@sutfols
Published on: January 14, 2026

"Carl Sheline urged residents and businesses to know their rights and have a plan if they’re contacted by agents."

https://themainemonitor.org/portland-lewiston-bracing-for-ice/

#KYR #ICEOutMaine #ICEOut #KnowYourRights #Bystanders #Whistles #NoHumanIsIllegal #MainePol #USPol #ICESucks

So, I hung out with one of my DJ friends last night. He's been rather quiet on Meta/FB/IG, but he's been very active on Signal! He and his friends were the ones leaking info about the plans for the #Datacenter in #LewistonME, and their efforts stopped it in its tracks!

#AISucks #AIDatacenters

#LewistonME votes down #AI #DataCenter after public outcry

One councilor said the data center proposal for Bates Mill No. 3 yielded ‘by far’ the most public feedback he’s received on a single issue.

“It will house no one, feed no one, provide no beauty, and enrich no one’s lives, only the developer’s pockets. The downtown should be for people, not machines.”
—Jae Zimmermann, Lewiston resident

by Andrew Rice, December 17, 2025

"A plan for placing a $300 million artificial intelligence data center at Lewiston’s Bates Mill complex faced a wave of opposition Tuesday and was unanimously voted down by the City Council.

"Since the proposal to redevelop Bates Mill No. 3 into an 85,000-square-foot data center became public last week, city officials have been flooded with feedback from constituents, with many questioning whether the deal is worth it for Lewiston.

"Before the standing-room-only crowd could even begin public comment Tuesday, councilors said they would vote against the project due to the overwhelming outcry over the weekend and lingering questions about the project.

"The proposal by MillCompute LLC called for developing a 'Tier III' AI data center on two floors of the mill, with the upper two floors becoming 'modern office/innovation space for technology companies' and more.

However, officials have faced questions about the group behind the proposal, a tax deal that’s seen as favorable to the developer, and a storm of concerns over potential utility usage and environmental impacts that mirrors a national debate over the rise of AI data centers."

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/12/16/lewiston-votes-down-ai-data-center-project-after-public-outcry/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/US5AR

#MaineResists #MaineResistsAI #AIDatacenters #ArtistsNotAI #ResistAI #ResistDatacenters

#Maine - Some #LewistonME elected leaders, community members condemn #Trump's attack on #Somali #immigrants

Maine Public | By Ari Snider
Published December 3, 2025

"After President Donald Trump called Somali immigrants quote 'garbage' this week, some in Maine's Somali community fear the rhetoric could spark violence.

"During a cabinet meeting Tuesday, Trump said he doesn't want Somali immigrants to be in the U.S. at all.

"It comes as immigration agents are launching an operation in #Minnesota, reportedly targeting the state's large Somali population.

"In Lewiston, Somali interpreter and nonprofit director Ifraax Saciid-Ciise said the president's attacks are jarring.

" 'I find it very hard to believe that president, who is supposed to represent everybody, all the people in the United States, [would] target a group of very vulnerable population here in America,' Saciid-Ciise said.

"She said many in the community worry Trump's words could incite violence or harassment against Somali residents.

" 'It has created a lot of fear,' she said, because people unfamiliar with the Somali community 'may take his words as real, and as a fact, and they may also target the Somali people.'

"Safiya Khalid, who served as the first Somali-American on the Lewiston city council, said in a social media post that she was quote 'deeply offended and disgusted' by the president's attacks, and called on state and local elected leaders to stand up for their Somali constituents.

"Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline called the president's assertion that Somali immigrants contribute nothing to society 'shameful and inaccurate.'

" 'Here, Somali entrepreneurs are business owners and hard workers, creating jobs and strengthening our local economy,' Sheline said in a written statement on Wednesday. 'Their active role within our City has been instrumental in Lewiston's revitalization, making such rhetoric not only cruel but clearly false. We will continue to celebrate the contributions of all immigrants who help build a better America.'

"In a joint letter on Thursday, Democratic state representatives Mana Abdi, Deqa Dhalac, and Yusuf Yusuf also condemned Trump's statements and efforts to roll back legal protections for some Somali immigrants.

" 'The vast majority of people affected by this administration’s immigration policies are law-abiding individuals who are legitimately working to attain citizenship. Many have called #America their home for decades, raising families, contributing to our economy, and strengthening our communities,' they wrote.

Read more / listen:
https://www.mainepublic.org/immigration/2025-12-03/some-lewiston-elected-leaders-community-members-condemn-trumps-attack-on-somali-immigrants

#USPol #NewMainers #SomaliAmericans #ICERaids #ICESucks #CharacteristicsOfFascism

2025 - 2025 #WarmingShelters

On September 23, Governor Janet Mills and MaineHousing announced $2.3 million in state grants to support the operation of 12 overnight emergency warming centers in seven Maine counties this winter. The following warming centers will operate during the 2025 - 2026 winter season:

Bangor Area Homeless Shelter - #BangorME
City of Portland - #PortlandME
City of Sanford - #SanfordME
Healthy Acadia - #EllsworthME
Homeless Services of Aroostook - #AroostookME
Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter - #WatervilleME
New Beginnings - #LewistonME
Seeds of Hope - #BiddefordME
Augusta Emergency Overnight Warming Center - #AugustaME
State Street Church - #PortlandME
Tedford - #BrunswickME

Source:
https://www.mainehousing.org/news/public-notices/2025---2025-warming-shelters

@newsbot

#Unhoused #Homeless #ArcticBlast #WarmingCenters #Maine #ExtremeCold #Houseless #PolarVortex

Staying warm: Overnight winter #WarmingCenters open in #Maine

There are several shelters that are open all winter long in Maine, in addition to ones that open when conditions get dangerous

by Adam Bartow, December 2, 2025

AUGUSTA, Maine — "Winter has arrived in Maine and that means snow and cold. It also means many people will be looking for places to stay warm.

There are several winter-long overnight warming shelters that are now open.

The new Alter L/A Emergency Warming Shelter opened on Monday on Horton Street in #LewistonME. That shelter, the first of its kind in #AndroscogginCounty, is open 24/7 for the winter.

In #AugustaME, the South Parish Congregational Church at 34 Bridge St. is open from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. every day from Nov. 1 until April 30 for people to get warm.

There are two overnight warming shelters in #BangorME. The Mansion Church at 96 Center St. is open from 6 p.m. until 7 a.m. every day from Nov. 1 until March 31.

The Brick Church at 126 Union St. in Bangor is open from 6 p.m. until 7 a.m. from Nov. 15 until April 15. The door there locks at 9 p.m. and no one is allowed in after that. There is a community supper on weekdays between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Work is underway on a new warming center at the Somesville Union Meeting House at 1134 Main St. in #MountDesertME. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as needed, but does not have overnight accommodations. The goal is for this shelter to be open starting Jan. 12, 2026."

Source:
https://www.wmtw.com/article/winter-warming-centers-open-maine/69602338

@newsbot

#WarmingCenter #WarmingShelters #WarmingCenters
#Maine #PortlandME #Unhoused #ExtremeCold #Homeless

#Maine - Local businesses poised to help residents during #SNAP funding pause

Maine Public | By Michael Livingston
Published October 28, 2025 at 3:09 PM EDT

"Local businesses are stepping up across Maine to provide food and supplies for people who will go without SNAP benefits in November due to the government shutdown.

"Nearly 170,000 Mainers are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program which provides an average of $572 per family every month.

"#SamsItalianFoods, which has multiple locations in the #LewistonAuburn area, plans to give away 10' cheese #pizzas to SNAP families with children in November.

"Store manager Trisha Cottrill said she's watched the generosity spread to other businesses ever since state officials announced the federal government warned them that it will not be distributing benefits last week.

" 'I opened my Facebook this morning and saw that #JustInTime is doing something. #NuttyNettiesCafe is also doing something,' Cotrill said. 'It's really great that the community, as a whole, is pitching in to help ease the burden on families.'

"Receiving a pizza at any Sam's location will require proof of I.D. with a SNAP or #EBTCard with the child present. If a parent wants to eat with their child, Sam's will offer a 10% discount.

"Over a third of all SNAP households have children, according to state data.

"Grocery stores like #MegunticookMarket in #CamdenME are also giving away free food and supplies.

"Owner Nishant Patel said he gave away dozens of bags of fresh produce over the weekend which included tomatoes, onions, bananas and bread."

[...]

"According to Maine DHHS, SNAP benefits already loaded onto EBT cards in October remain available for use to purchase food. Those who need additional resources are encouraged to call their local #FoodPantry or #Call211.

See below for additional businesses that have announced food assistance initiatives via social media:

- Taj Indian & Indo-Chinese Cuisine (#SouthPortlandME)
- Nutty Nellies Cafe (#AuburnME)
- Fresh off the Farm (#RockportME)
- Just-In-Time Recreation (#LewistonME)
- Family Time Dine and Play (#AuburnME)
- J&H Pizza (Auburn)
- Marvelous Macarons (Auburn)
- Bucksport Nutrition (#BucksportME)
- Provender Kitchen & Bar (#EllsworthME)

Read more:
https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2025-10-28/local-businesses-poised-to-help-residents-during-snap-funding-pause

#SNAPCuts #MutualAid #FoodInsecurity #FoodAssistance #FreeMeals #Mainers #MainersHelpingMainers

#Mainers! Here's your chance to help fight #EmeraldAshBorer!

#MaineForestryService - Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) Update

September 22, 2025

"Since 2019, MFS has been releasing parasitoid wasps for the long-term management of emerald ash borer (#EAB) in the forests of Maine. These are tiny, non-stinging members of the order Hymenoptera, and they specialize in EAB. In most cases, they will not keep the mature trees already in the forest alive, but there is evidence from other states that have had EAB longer than we have that these #wasps provide protection to the seedlings and saplings as they grow. We are attempting to release them in as many areas with EAB as possible so that they can eventually spread throughout the state, allowing ash to remain in #Maine’s forests.

"As of 2025, we have released these #parasitoids in 20 sites throughout the range of EAB. Of the ten sites that are at the stage where we can start monitoring for their establishment, we have recovered one or both of Spathius or Tetrastichus at five of them: four in #YorkCounty and one in northern #Aroostook. We are still years away from actual control of EAB, but it is encouraging to start recovering parasitoids.

"With the many new detections of EAB in Maine in recent years, we would like to establish new biological control release sites. The ash-dominated forests that serve as release sites can be public or privately owned. Many of our cooperators are private woodlot owners. Ideally, we would like to ship biological control directly to a local landowner or manager and have them conduct releases after training by MFS. The releases take 5-15 minutes, 4-6 times a summer for two summers. We are looking for new release sites in areas where EAB has recently become established. Specifically, we would like to find sites in or near #BarHarborME, #SolonME, #BelfastME, the #BathME / #BrunswickME area, #CoastalMaine south of #PortlandME, and #WesternMaine west of #LewistonME. If you have forested land in one of these areas and are potentially interested in having it become a biological release site, please review the guidelines and information about EAB biocontrol available on-line, and email foresthealth @ maine . gov (no spaces) with the town in which your ash stand is, the approximate acreage of ash, and the coordinates (approximate is fine) of the stand. If it looks like your land would be suitable for a biological control site, we will reach out to you."

Source:
Emailed newsletter

Link to guidelines (PDF):
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/invasive_threats/eab/documents/meeting-082020/Emerald%20Ash%20Borer%20Biocontrol%20Info%20For%20Potential%20Cooperators.pdf

#InvasiveSpecies #AshTrees #SaveTheForests #ProtectTheSacred #Wabanaki #Basketry #SolarPunkSunday #Biocontrol

#GreatFalls #PrideMarch unites #AuburnME and #LewistonME in community celebration :better_pride: 🏳️‍🌈

by Allyson Lapierre, WGME
Sun, June 1st 2025

LEWISTON, Maine (WGME) -- "A march for Pride.

"#GreatFallsPride kicked off #PrideMonth, marching from Auburn to Lewiston.

"Advocates marched, chanted, and waved flags from Auburn's Festival Plaza across the bridge into Lewiston's Simard Payne Park.

" 'Together, we are strong together, we are here together. We can make it through all of this, and it's only together that we will continue [to] succeed. Continue to thrive and continue to survive,' Beatrice Roseland, a Pride advocate, said.

"Chair of Great Falls Pride Alex Pine says the group has celebrated Pride Month every year for over a decade, and this year, they are keeping the tradition going.

" 'In modern life, I think it's so easy to be separate. We have social media. We're all online, we're busy, we're doing our thing, so we don’t often get a chance to all come together in this way, so physical coming together is so important for connection, friendships, community for love,' Pine said.

"The event continued in the park where around 50 local venders set up shop, offering a range of options from handmade jewelry, food, art, and more.

" 'It's really important for us to have this space to come together, to celebrate, but it also feels wonderful to see allies here and see the community show up for us,' Pine went on.

"Support groups also gathered to bring #LGBTQ+ community members together.

" '#Queer, #TransPeople, come from all walks of life, we come from all creeds and colors, and it's good for us to come together and see that for each other,' Roseland said.

"The volunteer-led group is hosting a number of events all week to celebrate the start of Pride Month.

" 'We have made it that week-long of things where we get to really introduce people to different ways to be in this community and be part of it, whether you like biking, or I feel like telling stories, it's all important things that people get to be a part of,' Tyler Pulk, the future chair of Great Falls Pride, said.

"Here are a list of events hosted by Great Falls Pride:

June 1:
- Pride March & Festival (10 AM)
- Afterparty at Olive Pit Brewing (6 PM)

June 2:
- Board Game Night at Forage Market (5 PM)

June 3:
- Pride Bike Ride with Rainbow Bikes (5:30 PM meet, 6 PM ride)

June 4:
- Printmaking & Art at Ellard Studios (5 PM)

June 5:
- Stories at the Corner with L/A Arts (7 PM)

June 6:
- LGBTQ Wine Tasting at The Vault (5 PM)
- Painting Positivity at Maine Family Planning (6 PM)

June 7:
- Pride Prom at #LewistonPublicLibrary (All Ages 5–7 PM, Adults 8–10 PM)"

Source:
https://wgme.com/news/local/great-falls-pride-march-unites-auburn-and-lewiston-in-community-celebration#

#MainePride #MainePrideEvents #GBLTQRights #TransRightsAreHumanRights

[1/8] #PineTreeActivism Calendar

MAINE RESISTANCE EVENTS
MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2025
=====================
EVERY EFFORT COUNTS!

#Resist the #BudgetBill & #SAVEMEDICAID
FLOOD the Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121

REPOST & SHARE!
Updated Mon, May 26, 6:45AM

#ShopLocal – All Day, Every Day – Nationwide
Support local small business; it builds community and helps local families. When shopping large, patronize those corporations that actively support diversity, equity and inclusion. Hannaford and Costco are great examples.

TUE MAY 27

MAY 27, Tues 8-10:00AM (& every Tue) – #FreeportME
Main & School Streets
Fighting for Freedom – Freeport Dems weekly stand-out.

MAY 27, Tues 11-1:00PM (& every Tue) – #BangorME
Federal Building, 202 Harlow St
Peaceful Protest against the madness

MAY 27, Tues 12noon (& every Tue) – #CherryfieldMe
Rt 1 Bridge: Meet on the lower bridge
Peaceful Rally in Support of Constitution & American Way of Life
For Concerned Citizens and Patriots of all Parties

MAY 27, Tue 12-1:00PM (& every Tue) – #LewistonME
Across #SusanCollins' office: Dufresne Plaza, 72 Lisbon St
RESIST Central Maine, Call To Action – Bring signs! Street parking & parking garages nearby. https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/757948/

MAY 27, Tues 12-1:00PM (& every Tues) – #WatervilleME
Tesla Charging Station, Elm Plaza, 334 Main St
STAND AT TESLA – bring signs opposing #Musk and the damage he and trump are doing: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/762157/

MAY 27, 5:15-6:30PM – #SouthParisME
Fair & Main St
One Big Beautiful Disaster - A Rally Against #OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) – Protest against the disastrous budget bill that has passed the House and is on to the senate. We want Senator Collins and Senator #AngusKing to know how detrimental this budget would be to Maine.

WED MAY 28

MAY 28, Wed 10-11AM (& every Wed) – #BridgtonME
U.S. 302 & Maine 117
Peaceful, Solidarity Rally, Lake Region Indivisible
Join us every Wednesday morning for this peaceful rally of solidarity in opposition to the current administration
https://www.mobilize.us/event/778849/

@AIF_Massachusetts @teslatakedown

#Maine #MEPolitics #MaineResists #MaineEvents #BadDOGE #ResistAuthoritarianism
#ResistFascism #USPol #TeslaTakedowns

So much for "family values" and "businesses" -- I guess only white families and businesses count!

'Left the kids with no father': Family devastated after #LewistonME restaurant owner arrested

Allyson LaPierre, WGME
Thu, May 22nd 2025 at 6:11 PM
Updated Thu, May 22nd 2025

LEWISTON (WGME) - "The #CantonWok restaurant in Lewiston has closed its doors after its owner, #XingFengDong, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 6.

"Dong, a 46-year-old Chinese national, is currently held without bail at the Cumberland County Jail. The records do not indicate why he was arrested.

"Dong's brother, Xing Bi Dong, expressed confusion and concern over the arrest. Speaking through a translator, he said, 'He just hopes the government can give his brother a chance.' He described his brother as 'a hard worker, a nice person, he has two kids, and he is a good boss for this restaurant.'

"Xing Bi Dong added that his brother was working with immigration authorities to obtain his green card and does not understand why he was taken into custody.

" 'He doesn't understand why the government took his brother to jail and left them feeling very sad, left the kids with no father,' Xing Bi Dong said.

"The closure of Canton Wok, which has been open on Lisbon Street for two decades, has left around eight employees, including Xing Bi Dong, out of work. The arrest has also raised concerns within Lewiston's immigrant community."

https://wgme.com/news/local/chinese-restaurant-owner-in-federal-custody-family-speaks-out-maine-ice-immigration-lewiston-customs-enforcement

#ResistICE #Gestapo #Authoritarianism #AuthoritarianRule #WhiteSupremacy #ICERaids #ICESucks #USPol #MainePol #MaineNews

So, now ICE is going after business owners?!! WTF!!!

#LewistonME #ChineseRestaurant closed, owner taken into custody by #ICE

by Aysia Reed,WGME
Thu, May 22nd 2025

LEWISTON, Maine (WGME) -- "A Chinese food restaurant in Lewiston has shut down, and the owner has been taken to jail in the custody of ICE.

"According to federal records, 46-year-old #XingFengDong is being held at the Cumberland County Jail in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"Dong is listed as a native of China and was taken into custody May 6.

"According to city records, Dong operates the Canton Wok restaurant on Lisbon Street.

"The restaurant has been open for almost 20 years, but now there is a simple 'closed' sign hanging at the entrance and no sign of any employees.

"The last Facebook post from the restaurant was on May 1, announcing Mother’s Day specials.

"Lewiston police said they were not notified about the arrest of Dong.

" 'Canton Wok is a long-standing Lewiston business and this news is surprising. I’m in the process of trying to find out more information,' Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said.

"It is unclear if or when the restaurant will reopen but on the restaurant’s website it says Canton Wok is permanently closed."

Source:
https://wgme.com/news/local/lewiston-chinese-restaurant-closed-owner-taken-into-custody-by-ice-maine-crime-us-immigration-and-customs-enforcement-xing-feng-dong-china-canton-wok

#ResistICE #Gestapo #Authoritarianism #AuthoritarianRule #WhiteSupremacy #ICERaids #ICESucks #USPol #MainePol #MaineNews

Film: The #Encampments

Directed by directed by Michael T. Workman & Kei Pritsker, 2025

"When a group of students at Columbia University in New York launch a movement protesting the war in #Gaza, they spark a nationwide uprising in solidarity. Encampments spring up at hundreds of campuses as students object to their own university’s investment in the US and Israeli arms industry. Featuring detained student activist Mahmoud Khalil, The Encampments takes viewers inside America’s student uprising with incredible intimacy and urgency. Professors, whistleblowers, and student activists shed light on a moment that captivated the nation’s attention and continues to make headlines today."

Duration: 85 minutes, with a community discussion to follow
Language: English

Showings:

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
8:00 - 10:00 PM
Bowdoin College, #BrunswickME

Friday, May 16, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Olin Arts Center (Olin #104 Lecture Hall), #LewistonME

Thursday, May 22, 2025
7:30 - 8:30 PM
Alamo Theatre, #BucksportME [Sold out]

https://www.mvprights.org/events/the-encampments-brunswick

https://www.mainepalestinefilm.org/screenings

#HumanRights #FreeGaza #MaineVoicesForPeace #HumanRightsAreNeverWrong #MaineVoicesForPalestinianRights

[1/3] #PineTreeActivism Calendar
Events for May 12th - 17th, 2025

Details confirmed as of May 12th

Share/Repost so Mainers know where to #RESIST!
Submit events to: [email protected]

MAY 6-12, LAST DAY (many continue all year) – AMAZON BLACKOUT: Boycott includes Whole Foods, Audible, Prime, Zappos, Ring, & Twitch: https://thepeoplesunionusa.com/boycott-list/f/amazon-boycott-2

MAY 12, Mon 6:15-7:45PM – #BelfastME
Belfast Free Library, 106 High St
Community Conversations ME: Free Monthly Discussion/Support Group for anyone concerned about the threat to democracy/republic in the US based upon results of 2024 election. Led by Elliot Benjamin, Ph.D.
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/758873/

MAY 13, Tues 12noon (& every Tue) – #CherryfieldMe
Rt 1 Bridge: Meet on the lower bridge
Peaceful Rally in Support of Constitution & American Way of Life For Concerned Citizens and Patriots of all Parties

MAY 13, Tue 12-1:00PM (& every Tue) – #LewistonME
Across Susan Collins' office: Dufresne Plaza, 72 Lisbon St
#RESIST Central Maine, Call To Action – Bring signs! Street parking & parking garages nearby. https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/757948/

MAY 13, Tues 12-1:00PM (& every Tues) – #WatervilleME
#Tesla Charging Station, Elm Plaza, 334 Main St
STAND AT TESLA – bring signs opposing #Musk and the damage he and trump are doing: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/762157/

MAY 13, Tues 5:30-7:00PM – #PortsmouthNH
Join us for Pub night at a local brewery.
Pub Night with the Portsmouth Dems – NH Democratic Party – for casual gathering to meet like-minded friends and talk about current events. Non-alcoholic drinks avail.
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/774306/

MAY 14, Wed 10-11AM (& every Wed) – #BridgtonME
U.S. 302 & Maine 117
Lake Region #Indivisible Peaceful, Solidarity Protest
Join us every Wednesday in solidarity for this peaceful protest.
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/778849/

May 14, Wed 11-12noon (& every Wed) - #DamariscottaME
Damariscotta-Newcastle Bridge, US Bus Rt 1, Main St. By the Community, For the Community Rally – started by four women with the courage to stand up, this inspiring rally grows in size every week.

cc: @AIF_Massachusetts @teslatakedown

#MaineResists #MaineEvents
#FreePalestine #BadDOGE #ResistAuthoritarianism
#ResistFascism #USPol #TeslaTakedowns

#PineTreeActivism Calendar
Scheduled Events

Details confirmed as of Fri, April 25th.

APR 26, Sat 10-12PM – Municipal Building, 571 Main Street, #EastMachiasME - Town Hall With Troy Jackson, steadfast advocate for labor and hardworking Mainers. Registration: [email protected]

APR 26, Sat 10-2:00PM – #AugustaME United Community Living Center, 12 Spruce St. OPEN HOUSE – STUFF the TENT, Support the #Unhoused Supported by @maineresists.bsky.social

APR 26, Sat 10-11:00AM – 2454 Lafayette Rd, #PortsmouthNH Take Down TeSSla! – Hosted by #OccupySeacoast NOTE: Please don't park in the lot; park on the side street next to the mall and do not block bus stop, fire hydrants or driveways. Thank you!

APR 26, Sat 11-12noon (& every Sat) – Portland City Hall this week, 389 Congress St 4/26 & 5/24 only All others at Monument Square, #PortlandME EVERY SATURDAY-11AM-MONUMENT-SQUARE PROTEST against this admin's assaults on the representative democracy. Speakers welcomed. Bring a friend. Creative signs applauded.

APR 26, Sat 11-1:00PM – Jared Golden's Office, 179 Lisbon St, #LewistonME MAINE Speak-Out! - organized by Sunrise Movement Franklin County https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/777286/

APR 26, Sat 12-1:00PM (& every Sat) – Rockland Chapman Park, 294 Main St (Park & Main), #RocklandME. Sing Songs of Resistance with The Audacity in Rockland www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/755899/

APR 26, Sat 12-1:00PM (& every Sat) – #MachiasME 16 O'Brien Ave, Veterans Memorial Triangle (bottom of College Hill) Machias Every Saturday Rally – Bring signs telling Susan Collins, Jared Golden, and Angus King what you need from them to protect Washington County. https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/778577/

@teslatakedown @AIF_Massachusetts

#Events #NHResists #MaineEvents
#MaineResists #BadDOGE #ResistAuthoritarianism #TeslaTakedowns #Resistance

[Thread] Pine Tree Activism Calendar
Scheduled Events

April 7-14 - All Week - #WalmartBoycott. Please support locally owned business instead of big box stores.

April 8th - #FreeportME, Tuesday, 8am-10am (& every Tuesday) - Corner of Main & School Streets. #AmericansUnitedInCommonCause

April 8th- #BangorME, Tue 11AM-1PM (& every Tue) - Federal Building, 202 Harlow Street - Weekly peaceful protest

April 8th - #LewistonME - Tues 12noon-1PM (& every Tuesday) - Across from Susan Collin's office: Dufresne Plaza, 72 Lisbon Street

April 8th - #WatervilleME - Tues 12-1PM (& every Tue) - Stand at #Tesla - 334 Main Street (Elm Plaza Tesla charging station) https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/762157/

April 8th - #RocklandME - Tues 6pm-7:30PM - Rockland Public Library - Midcoast : Success in Creating Housing - https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/767554/

(cont'd)

Source:
https://bsky.app/profile/pinetreeactivism.bsky.social/post/3lm7y5l7fk22q
#PineTreeActivism #Events #MaineEvents #MaineResists #BadDOGE #ResistAuthoritarianism #TeslaTakedowns #Resistance #Resist

Images from #AuburnME #HandsOff rally! (Not my images, from the Portland Press Herald.)
#LewistonME #MaineResists #HandsOff2025 #April5th #BadDOGE

[cont'd] #Maine and #NewHampshire #HandsOff Mass Mobilization Events

handsoff2025.com - #NationalDayofAction events as of 4/4/2025

April 5th, #LewistonME, 5:00-7:00pm, 120 Mill Street, The Pub at Baxter

April 6th, #EllsworthME, 12noon-1:00pm (& every Sunday), Main Street, River Bridge, For #Peace & #Palestine

April 6th, 6:30-7:30pm - Virtual Event - Join from anywhere. Stand united to protect our rights, freedoms, rule of law, & democracy. MAINE: Rapid Response for Our Freedoms https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/747363/

April 6th, #WatervilleME, 1:00-2:00pm (& every Sun), 1 Kennedy Memorial Drive (on the bridge next to CVS), Stand Up to Preserve & Restore Our Country

April 6th, #PortsmouthNH, 4:00-5:00pm (& every Sun), in front of North Church off Market Square, Portsmouth, NH - Civil Rights Sundays! Take a stand to defend our democracy. Hosted by #OccupySeacoast

April 7-14 - All Week - #WalmartBoycott. Please support locally owned business instead of big box stores.

April 8th - #FreeportME, Tuesday, 8am-10am (& every Tuesday) - Corner of Main & School Streets. #AmericansUnitedInCommonCause

Source:
https://bsky.app/profile/pinetreeactivism.bsky.social/post/3llyufxcau22x
#April5Events #April5th #HandsOff2025 #HandsOff #Antifascism #Events #MaineResists #BadDOGE #ResistAuthoritarianism #NHResists

#Maine and #NewHampshire #HandsOff Mass Mobilization Events

handsoff2025.com - #NationalDayofAction as of 4/3/2025

Maine and New Hampshire Hands Off Rallies

April 5, #SkowheganME, 2:30-4:00pm, Margaret Chase Smith Bridge, US 201 & Water Street Bridge
April 5, #LewistonME, 5:00-7:00pm, 120 Mill Street, The Pub at Baxter

April 6, #EllsworthME, 12noon-1:00pm (& every Sunday), Main Street, River Bridge, For Peace & Palestine
April 6, #WatervilleME, 1:00-2:00pm (& every Sun), 1 Kennedy Memorial Drive (on the bridge next to CVS), Stand Up to Preserve & Restore Our Country
April 6, #PortsmouthNH, 4:00-5:00pm (& every Sun), in front of North Church off Market Square, Portsmouth, NH - Civil Rights Sundays! Take a stand to defend our democracy. Hosted by #OccupySeacoast

Source:
https://bsky.app/profile/pinetreeactivism.bsky.social/post/3llwcc6zibk25
#April5Events #April5th #HandsOff2025 #HandsOff #Antifascism #Events #MaineResists #BadDOGE #ResistAuthoritarianism #NHResists