Springville Action - 9/6/25 #32

And we're back, for now.

Author

Springville Action
September 06, 2025

Free newsletters mean you get what you pay for. No apologies for the month+ hiatus, but here is a weak promise to continue a more regular cadence this fall.

🦄 Inspiration

JB Pritzker. Can you follow his lead and be loud for America? Are billionaires generally bad for the planet? Yep. Does this particular billionaire use his platform to defend democratic principles? Double yep. Listen to this guy.

🧟‍♂️ Nightmare Fuel

Our last issue in July included a piece on how ICE agents raided a popular supermarket in WNY. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Raids this week in Cato and Fulton in NYS and at a Hyundai factory, continuing ICE actions in LA and god knows where else, they’re all designed to terrorize, dehumanize and marginalize. And guess what folks? It’s working.

To do ✅ 

🛍️ It’s Go Time. We’re past Labor Day, people. Kids are in school. And it’s political campaign season. There are town races in Hamburg, Orchard Park, Aurora, Lancaster and Amherst that are absolutely winnable. Let’s break it down. The common conceit is that a lot of the suburbs and rural areas are controlled by MAGA Republicans. That doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. Your time and money for these smaller, local campaigns can push them to a win. Then think of it. Towns that have Democratic leaders are inherently more difficult spaces for pedophile enablers like Nick Langworthy to stage photo ops and main street walkabouts. We have this political season to regain and stake our turf in the name of civics, good government, integrity, democracy. And even then, next year’s elections aren’t guaranteed. Midterms next year are going to be wild with Republicans not playing by any rules. Let’s go.

A big 👏 to: NYS for using executive powers to do an end run around the catastrophic federal actions to limit access to COVID vaccine this fall. So much is still in chaos. What will the CDC/ACIP committee pronounce if they have their meeting of vaccine-skeptic-influencer-culture-quacks in September? What will insurance companies agree to pay? Will pharmacies bother to offer it, given the confusion and financial risks? in the midst of all those questions, NYs is a beacon doing what it can to authorize access and ensure availability. [Ed. note: I have heard of physicians who are not willing to provide a COVID vaccine prescription, even for someone over 65 years old. That’s such bullshit. Advocate for yourself and if that is truly your doctor’s mindset, maybe you need a new doctor.]

A big 🖕 to: Sigh. The last issue also included “RFK Jr. Pick your reason.” The worst people are in charge.

Events

WNY Bridge Brigade events:
Tues - 9/9 - 7:30-9:00am (Cleveland Dr. only)
Thurs - 9/11 - 3:30-5:30pm
Fri - 9/26 - 3:30-5:30pm

Cleveland Dr Overpass
Google Lunetta's Restaurant for approximate location (Senior friendly location)

Genesee St Overpass
Google CrabApples restaurant for approximate location (best location for traffic slow down, longer walk from parking)

AND

Saturday, September 13, 2025, 11am - 1pm; Road to Democracy: Takin' It to the Streets - Tranist Road Edition, with 9 mini-protests or "Hubs," 8 along Transit Road from Lockport to Elma, and a 9th Hub on Niagara Falls Blvd and Brighton. Bring signs, flags and a hearty, thick-skinned attitude as we advocate for what's right.

Springville Action currently meets in person every 4 to 6 weeks at a local venue. We typically share ideas, local events, and have a facilitated discussion around a chosen theme. If you do not currently receive these email invitations, but would like to be included, please respond to  [email protected].

🧶 Crafters/Fiber Artists - lots of opportunities to come together! Concord Library, first Sat. of the month, 1-3; Concord Mercantile, second Sat. of the month, 10-1; Art’s Cafe, Wednesdays, 5:30pm. You’ll see your people.

[remainder of content repeats (mostly) from last email]

To Do ✅

😷 Medical checkups. Get a printout of your vaccination record and check with your doctor about recommended vaccines, including MMR, based on your age and other risk factors.

🐝 Citizen Scientists, Unite! Download the Inaturalist app on your phone; upload pictures of nature (animals, plants, trees) for identification and help out the environmental community.

📰 Letter to the Editor. Pick a topic, drill down to 1 key message and write your heart out. There are local people who will help zazz up your letter and get it ready for publication. Email [email protected].

📱 5 Calls - Download the app to your phone; enter your ZIP code; follow the prompts to call U.S. Senators and your local Congressional rep. EXTRA CREDIT - ask your local elected officials what the impact of general federal nonsense will have on local projects, and what they are doing to protect your community.

📮 Postcards - Explore the Postcards for Democrats web site and support Democratic candidates in swing states. Organize for Action is local, find them on Facebook.

😊 Meet a Neighbor: How well do you know your neighbors? Start small but make a point to find one new acquaintance in your area this week!

🗳️ Go to a government meeting. These are open to the public and people rarely attend. See your government at work and pay attention to the decisions they’re making.

At a loss for what to do?

Are you sick of hearing “there’s nothing I can do about everything that’s happening”? There’s plenty you can do - big or small, just try to do SOMETHING each day.

  • Public Displays of Connection

    • Guerilla Gardening and Yarn Bombs! There is a slightly subversive and very fun tactic of guerilla gardening and placing handmade knit pieces in public places. Be creative.

    • Plant a garden or support a local CSA

    • Plant a homemade lawn sign - it doesn’t have to be political - paint a one word message like “Hope", ”Love,” “Peace.”

    • Maintain little free libraries or start your own

  • Basic Needs

    • Donate blood

    • Learn first aid and basic medical skills

    • Participate in local Buy Nothing groups

    • Donate to Little Free Pantries or your local food pantry

    • Participate in a seed exchange, like the one at Hulbert Library in the Town of Concord

  • Organized Volunteering

  • Neighbor Support

    • Help people with phone calls and forms - like Social Security, health appointments and insurance paperwork

    • Give neighbors rides, assist with basic needs

    • Provide a meal to a struggling family or neighbor - see lasagnalove

    • Offer babysitting or respite care - especially during meetings

    • Teach a skill or coordinate a training - sewing, gardening, cooking, car repair, how to fix a toilet or bike.

Misc.

Content welcome: Initially this newsletter was going to be sent weekly. Now it's sending as soon as it feels like there is enough content to let it fly - probably 2x/week. Your contributions are welcome. Email [email protected].

This newsletter will always be free, but if you like what you're reading and can find it in your budget, kick a few bucks to support your local food pantry, an abortion fund, or an elected official who has demonstrated common sense and decency.

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