May 26, 2025 newsletter

 

Good morning! It seems so early in the month for Memorial Day, and maybe especially since it's been cool. When I was a child in school, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, at least in Pennsylvania, classes ended the first week of June. Often, it was hot for that last week, and it was hard to pay attention to what we were supposed to be learning. We all wanted to go swimming!

Well, it's a lovely day today, no matter what the temperature, and I hope we can all take some time to remember and appreciate the service of those service members who gave their lives for us. I have several friends from elementary and junior high who lost older siblings in the Vietnam War. It was hard for me to fully understand the impact on their families back then, especially before I had children of my own. Today and every day, I am sad but grateful that there have always been people who were willing to sacrifice themselves if necessary, for their brothers and sisters in combat and for those of us back home.

Most of you probably already know this, but for those who don't, the Governor has declared that the migrant shelters in Massachusetts will close on June 30. That obviously affects the shelter in Ayer, which many local friends have been supporting since the very beginning. There is a push to help the current residents find work, alternative shelter, and all they will need to get settled outside of the State-supported shelter. If you want to help with this, let me know and I'll give you the contact information for the local volunteer group.

You are probably also aware that the House version of the Tax Bill passed last week and is now in the Senate, where some lawmakers are much more adamant about pulling out some of the provisions. I told you last week about the provision that allows nonprofits to be summarily shut down without due process, but also please be aware of the deep cuts to SNAP, food banks, and farms. I have included links below the signature line for those who want to know more. Please consider making some more phone calls and sending some more emails to our Senators. Yes, I know that they are already opposed to these cuts, but there are so many different issues this bill raises, that we DO need to remind them of the specific provisions we care about so they keep them in view during the hearings.

If you can shop for us this week, we will gratefully take any food off of our full pantry list, and we could especially use cans of baked beans, jars of peanut butter, and 18oz containers of oatmeal. We can take drop-offs at the pantry (through the gray door next to the parking lot on Cambridge Street) on Wednesdays from 10 to noon, Fridays from 4 to 5, and Saturdays only from 9 to 10. Please note that these are shorter hours than before, because of parking logistics. Please do not leave food at the door outside of these hours. The bin is always available at Shop n' Save if those times don't suit. Please leave a note in the bag with your name so we know whom to thank! We are located at 21 Washington Street, Suite C, Ayer MA 01432

Have a wonderful week! I love you all

What Cuts To USDA Funding Mean For America's Food Banks And Farms (listen)

A message from Project Bread. The link takes you to a page to contact our two Senators:
The House just advanced a federal spending proposal that would slash over $290 billion from SNAP—the nation’s most effective anti-hunger program. This would rip away critically needed food assistance from children, seniors, immigrants, and working families across the country. Over 1 million people right here in Massachusetts.