Summer has a way of reminding us that some of the best experiences are right here at home. This week, the Penobscot Valley offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore, beginning with the Zillman Art Museum in downtown Bangor. New summer exhibitions are on display through early September, offering an inviting mix of contemporary art, creativity, and culture in one of the region's most welcoming museums. Whether you're escaping the afternoon heat or simply looking for something different to do, it's well worth a visit.

If you'd rather spend time outdoors, Fields Pond Audubon Center has two outstanding programs this week. On Tuesday, discover the beauty of native plants through the Kirie Native Plant Paper Cut Art Workshop. Then on Friday evening, experience the fascinating world of Maine's nighttime wildlife during Night of the Nocturnal Insect. Both programs celebrate the natural beauty that makes the Penobscot Valley such a special place to live.

Whether your perfect summer day includes art, nature, or simply spending time with family and friends, this week's edition is filled with ideas to help you make the most of the season.

What 1759 British military expedition traveled up the Penobscot River to attack the Penobscot settlement at present-day Castine, marking one of the last major colonial assaults on the Penobscot people before American independence?

A. The Penobscot Expedition
B. The Pownall Expedition
C. The Arnold Expedition
D. The Louisbourg Expedition

Answer at the end of the newsletter

One of the things I enjoy most about July is that we don't have to travel very far to have a good day. Bangor has some terrific museums, Fields Pond is a peaceful escape after a busy day, and a walk downtown usually turns into running into someone you know...

July 14–20, 2026

It looks like a typical July week in the Valley. Keep the umbrella handy early in the week, but there should be plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy everything summer has to offer.

Tuesday: Warm and a bit unsettled with a chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms. High: Upper 70s.

Wednesday: Partly sunny with another chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm. High: Mid to upper 70s.

Thursday: A mix of clouds and sunshine with scattered showers possible. High: Mid-70s.

Friday: More comfortable with increasing sunshine as drier air begins to move in. High: Upper 70s.

Saturday: A beautiful summer day with a mix of sun and clouds. Great weather for local events, trails, or a trip downtown. High: Around 80°.

Sunday: Pleasant with warm temperatures and just a slight chance of a late-day shower. High: Mid to upper 70s.

Monday: Summer warmth continues with a mix of sunshine and clouds. High: Upper 70s to around 80°.

Sandy's Weather Note:

If you're heading to the Zillman Art Museum, Fields Pond, or one of this week's outdoor events, keep an eye on the sky during the first half of the week. By the weekend, it looks like Maine will reward us with the kind of weather that reminds us why summer here is worth waiting for.

The Zillman Art Museum

If it's been a while since you've visited the Zillman Art Museum, this is the perfect week to rediscover one of Bangor's cultural treasures. Located in the heart of downtown, the museum's summer exhibitions feature contemporary art in a welcoming setting that's easy to enjoy whether you're an experienced art lover or simply looking for something different to do on a warm afternoon.

What makes the Zillman special is that it's approachable. You don't need to know anything about art to appreciate it. Spend an hour exploring the galleries, then take a walk downtown, grab lunch or a cup of coffee, and enjoy everything the city has to offer. It's a simple reminder that some of the Valley's best experiences are hiding in plain sight.

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Why We Chose It: Great local attractions don't always have to be big or expensive. Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones right in our own backyard.

Featured Event #1

Artist Series: Kirie Native Plant Paper Cut Art
Tuesday, July 14

Discover the art of Japanese paper cutting while celebrating Maine's native plants in this hands-on workshop led by artist Shizuka Snyder. Whether you're an experienced artist or simply looking to try something new, this creative program offers a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature-inspired design.

Featured Event #2

Bangor Region Chamber Business After Hours
Thursday, July 16

Join fellow business professionals at Benchmark Construction's Business After Hours hosted at Penquis Bright Beginnings Child Development Center. It's a great opportunity to make new connections, support local business, and learn more about one of the region's outstanding community organizations.

Featured Event #3

Night of the Nocturnal Insect
Friday, July 17

As the sun goes down, discover the fascinating world of Maine's nighttime insects during this family-friendly program at Fields Pond. Learn about moths, beetles, and other nocturnal creatures while exploring one of the Valley's favorite natural areas.

Zillman Art Museum
If this week's feature story caught your attention, take some time to explore the museum's summer exhibitions. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., it's one of Bangor's cultural gems and a great way to spend a warm afternoon.

Maine Discovery Museum
Looking for something to do with the kids? The museum's interactive exhibits encourage hands-on learning and make for a fun indoor adventure on a hot or rainy day.

Cole Land Transportation Museum
Step back in time and discover Maine's transportation history through an impressive collection of restored vehicles, military artifacts, and exhibits that appeal to visitors of all ages.

Kenduskeag Stream Trail
Take an early morning or evening walk along one of Bangor's most scenic urban trails. The shaded pathway offers a peaceful escape without leaving the city.

Orono Bog Boardwalk
Experience one of Maine's unique natural environments on this easy, family-friendly boardwalk. Interpretive signs along the route make it both educational and enjoyable.

Bangor - Brewer Waterfront
Whether you're taking an evening stroll, enjoying the river views, or stopping for dinner downtown, the waterfront remains one of the Valley's favorite places to spend a summer evening.

Benchmark Construction Hosts Business After Hours
Benchmark Construction joins the Bangor Region Chamber this Thursday to host Business After Hours at Penquis Bright Beginnings Child Development Center. It's a great opportunity to connect with local business leaders while showcasing an organization that serves families throughout our region.

Summer Brings New Energy to Downtown Bangor
Restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues continue to benefit from increased foot traffic as residents and visitors enjoy the downtown waterfront, outdoor dining, and seasonal events. If you've been meaning to explore downtown, this is a great week to do it.

Tourism Continues to Support Local Businesses
Summer visitors are helping support hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions across the Penobscot Valley. Every local purchase helps strengthen the businesses that make our communities unique.

Now Hiring Across the Valley
Many local employers continue to hire for seasonal and year-round positions. If you're looking for a career change or extra summer income, this remains a good time to explore opportunities with area businesses.

Bangor Farmers' Market – Saturday
Abbott Square, Downtown Bangor • 7:30 a.m.–Noon
Fresh produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, maple products, and handcrafted items from local vendors.

Orono Farmers' Market – Saturday
300 College Avenue • 8:00 a.m.–Noon
Located near the University of Maine, this market features local produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisan products.

Bucksport Bay Farmers' Market – Thursday
31 Elm Street • Noon–4:00 p.m.
A great mid-week stop for fresh vegetables, baked goods, local crafts, and seasonal products.

Dover-Foxcroft Farmers' Market
Check the week's local listings before heading out, as locations and schedules can vary during the season. Dover-Foxcroft also has several excellent farm stands worth visiting, including Shaw Road Farm and Ripley Farm for locally raised products and produce.

Newport Area Farm Stands
While Newport doesn't currently have a large recurring community farmers' market, several local farm markets—including Bradstreet Farm Fresh Produce and Blackberry Creek—offer fresh seasonal produce, meats, and local products throughout the week.

Mid-Summer Is the Perfect Time for a Home Checkup

Summer is a great time to catch small maintenance issues before they become expensive repairs. Tony LaPrino of North Star Property Solutions recommends taking an hour to walk around your home and look for loose deck boards, cracked caulking around windows and doors, clogged gutters, damaged screens, and overgrown trees rubbing against the roof.

Addressing these simple items now can help prevent water damage, pest problems, and costly repairs when Maine's fall and winter weather arrives.

Expert Tip: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed at least a few feet away from your home. Good airflow helps protect your roof, siding, and foundation while making seasonal maintenance much easier.

Wellness Minute

Enjoy the Outdoors—Safely

One of the best things about a Maine summer is how easy it is to get outside. Whether you're walking the Bangor Waterfront, exploring the Orono Bog Boardwalk, or enjoying one of this week's community events, even 20 to 30 minutes of daily activity can improve your mood, increase your energy, and reduce stress.

Don't forget the basics: drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take breaks if you're spending extended time in the afternoon sun. A little preparation helps ensure you can enjoy everything summer in the Valley has to offer.

Our communities are strongest when neighbors help neighbors. If you've been looking for a way to give back, here are a few opportunities this week.

American Red Cross – Northern & Eastern Maine Blood Drives
Summer is traditionally one of the most challenging times of year to maintain an adequate blood supply. If you're eligible to donate, consider scheduling an appointment at a nearby community blood drive.

Good Shepherd Food Bank
Food insecurity doesn't take a summer vacation. Local food pantries throughout the Penobscot Valley continue to welcome donations of non-perishable food items as well as financial support to help families in need.

Bangor Humane Society
Whether you're ready to adopt, foster, volunteer, or simply donate supplies, every act of kindness helps provide care for animals waiting for their forever homes.

Volunteer Your Time
Many local nonprofit organizations are looking for volunteers throughout the summer. Whether it's helping at a community event, assisting a local food pantry, or supporting a neighborhood organization, your time can make a meaningful difference.

Recipe of the Week

Grilled Maple Dijon Chicken

Sweet, tangy, and packed with classic Maine flavor, this grilled chicken is perfect for a summer evening on the deck. Pure Maine maple syrup balances the sharpness of Dijon mustard, creating a simple glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Serve it with grilled summer vegetables, fresh corn on the cob, or a garden salad for an easy weeknight meal.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup pure Maine maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Grill for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with grilled zucchini, peppers, summer squash, or fresh corn.
8.  

Sandy's Tip

Before adding the raw chicken, set aside two tablespoons of the marinade. Brush it over the chicken during the final minute of grilling for an extra layer of maple flavor and a beautiful glossy finish.

Enjoy!

This Week on Maine Thrive Voices

Episode 7: The Day Tony LaPrino Said Yes

Every successful business has a story, and this week I had the opportunity to sit down with Tony LaPrino, owner of North Star Property Solutions in Bangor.

Tony shares how one decision to say "yes" changed the direction of his life and led him to build a business focused on helping homeowners prepare, protect, and improve their properties. It's an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, earning trust, serving customers well, and the value of doing quality work every single day.

If you own a home, operate a business, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind local entrepreneurs, I think you'll enjoy this episode.

Listen on Spotify:

Episode 7 – The Day Tony LaPrino Said Yes

You can also find Maine Thrive Voices on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.

The Penobscot Valley Voice is made possible through the support of local businesses and organizations that believe in strengthening our communities. We encourage you to support the people who help make this publication possible.

North Star Property Solutions

Helping homeowners prepare, protect, and improve their properties with dependable, professional service throughout the Penobscot Valley.

Woof, LLC

Penobscot County's top-rated dog daycare, boarding, and grooming facility, where every dog is treated like family.

MESA-Maine

Building healthier communities through running, walking, and endurance events that bring people together across Maine.

Maine Thrive Voices

Real conversations with the business owners, community leaders, and entrepreneurs who are helping Maine communities thrive. New episodes every week.

Penobscot Valley Thrive

Discover local businesses, community organizations, events, dining, home services, and more—all in one place. Your guide to living, working, and thriving in the Penobscot Valley.

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Every Tuesday, our goal is simple: connect neighbors, support local businesses, and celebrate the people and places that make the Penobscot Valley such a special place to call home.

Thank you for being part of our growing community.

I have lived here my entire life. One of the things I've come to appreciate about living in Maine is that some of our best summer days don't require much planning. You don't have to book a flight or spend a fortune to make a memory. Sometimes it's as simple as wandering through an art museum, taking a walk along the waterfront, or finding a quiet trail where the only sound is the wind in the trees.

Putting this week's edition together reminded me just how many of those opportunities we have right here in the Penobscot Valley. Places like the Zillman Art Museum, Fields Pond, and the Kenduskeag Stream Trail have been here for years, yet it's easy to drive past them while we're busy with everyday life. Every now and then it's worth slowing down and rediscovering what's been in our own backyard all along.

Scout doesn't care whether we're visiting an art museum or walking a wooded trail—she's just happy we're spending time together. There's probably a lesson in that. Summer doesn't have to be expensive or complicated to be memorable. Sometimes the best afternoons are the ones close to home, with the people (and dogs) who make life better.

I hope this week's edition gives you an excuse to do exactly that. Visit someplace new, support a local business, or simply spend time with the people who matter most. Summer is a good time to remember that life's best moments are often the simplest ones.

Have a wonderful week, and thanks for letting me be part of it.

Answer: B — The Pownall Expedition

In 1759, Governor Thomas Pownall led a British military expedition up the Penobscot River to attack the Penobscot settlement near present-day Castine. The campaign was part of the French and Indian War and marked one of the last major British military actions against the Penobscot people before the American Revolution. The Penobscot Nation remains an important part of Maine's history and continues to play a vital role in the state's cultural heritage.