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"The Week's Weather Forecast Revealed + Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday!"
"The Week's Weather Forecast Revealed + Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday!"
"The Week's Weather Forecast Revealed + Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday!"
Don't miss out on Bangor's Festival of Lights Parade, a heartwarming recipe twist, and a powerful hockey cause this week in Penobscot Valley!
Sandy Smith
Dec 2, 2025
Trivia Question❓What major geographic feature, the longest in the state, is the Penobscot Valley named after, and what does its name mean in the Abenaki language? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Early December in the Penobscot Valley has its own kind of magic. Holiday lights are going up, parades are filling the calendar, and local shops are gearing up for their busiest stretch of the year. In this issue, you’ll find a preview of Bangor’s Festival of Lights Parade, community events across the Valley, ways to support neighbors through the holidays, and a new Furry Friend of the Week waiting for a warm home. The weather...I have seen 3 different forecasts for snow today. I went with 2 to 4" but, saw 5-9" so frankly, who knows?
If you know someone who loves local news, Maine living, or community stories, feel free to forward this to them — it's an easy way to support the Valley. Here's a link to subscribe: https://penobscotvalleyvoice.com/signup Warmly, |
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7-Day Weather ForecastTuesday, Dec 2 → Monday, Dec 8 |
Tue 12/2 31° / 21° 🌨️ Snow (2–4") |
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Photo Courtesy of the Rotary Club of Bangor |
The Penobscot Valley’s most anticipated holiday event is making its grand return this weekend.
Bangor’s beloved Festival of Lights Parade is set to illuminate downtown streets this Saturday, December 6, with festivities kicking off at 4:30 PM.
This year’s theme is “Unite for Good,” a celebration of community spirit and togetherness.
Organized by the Rotary Club of Bangor, the parade is a cornerstone of the local holiday season, drawing thousands of spectators.
Expect a dazzling display of festive floats, spirited marching bands, and local dance troupes making their way through the city.
The procession will begin at State and Exchange Streets before continuing down Main Street toward the waterfront.
This cherished tradition turns Downtown Bangor into a true winter wonderland, creating perfect moments for families and friends.
Attendees are encouraged to support local businesses by shopping or grabbing a warm meal before or after the event. Read More... |
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Events Around the Valley This WeekAll events are listed in chronological order for easy planning.
Nashville Noel: A Country Christmas SpectacularThu, Dec 4 — 7:00 PM Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Holiday Musical)Dec 4–28 Another Kick in Your Dickens (Adults-Only Comedy)Dec 4–21 Festival of Lights ParadeSat, Dec 6 — 4:30 PM Miracle on 34th Street — The MusicalSun, Dec 7 — 2:00 PM A Royal Tea Party (Holiday Family Event)Upcoming Dates:
Holidays at Hill House (Historic Holiday Open House)Dec 5–23 (Tue–Sat, 10 AM–6 PM) Event DisclaimerAll events listed are verified at the time of publication. However, schedules may change. Please confirm details with the event organizer before attending. |
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As the cold settles into the Penobscot Valley, nothing beats a simple, comforting meal.
This week’s recipe for a Maine-style Creamy Chicken & Biscuit Bake is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight, delivering a dinner that tastes like it simmered all day.
It’s a true hug in a dish.
The process is incredibly straightforward.
Simply combine a can of cream of chicken soup with milk, cheese, frozen peas and carrots, and about two cups of cooked chicken.
Pour the creamy mixture into a baking dish and top with quartered pieces of refrigerated biscuit dough—a real game-changer.
Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the biscuits are a perfect golden brown.
This one-pan meal is a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or turkey and captures the essence of Maine comfort food. Read More... |
In case you missed this last Saturday |
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A powerful partnership is taking center ice in the greater Bangor area, proving that hockey is for everyone.
The Maine Jr. Black Bears are teaming up with the Maine Highlanders for a special charity game aimed at one vital goal: growing the sport for players of all abilities.
This event is designed to raise crucial funds for the Highlanders, an inspiring organization dedicated to athletes with developmental, intellectual, and physical challenges.
Proceeds will go directly toward purchasing specialized adaptive hockey equipment, covering expensive ice time costs, and funding scholarship opportunities.
The collaboration is a testament to the community spirit that defines youth hockey here in Penobscot County.
It’s an opportunity for residents to support two fantastic local organizations and celebrate the inclusive spirit of Maine hockey. Read More... |
Video Courtesy of WABI-TV, Channel 5 Bangor |
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Say Hello to Freya! |
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A local dog named Freya is hoping her next chapter begins with a family in the Penobscot Valley.
Currently in the care of the Bangor Humane Society, this two-year-old female is described as a wonderfully sweet and energetic companion.
Her personality is the perfect blend of playful and affectionate.
As a medium-sized dog, Freya has enough energy for adventures in local spots like the Bangor City Forest Loop or a walk along the Penobscot River, yet she's just as happy to cuddle on the couch.
This marks a critical opportunity for a local family to gain a loyal friend.
The staff at the humane society on Mt. Hope Avenue are eager to introduce her to potential adopters, believing she'll bring immense joy to the right household.
Freya is ready and waiting to offer unconditional love to a family that will cherish her. Read More... |
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Three Ways to Help our Community Right Now:
• Blood • Warm Clothes • Pantry Items
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There are 3 urgent needs as we head into December |
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As the holiday season approaches in the Penobscot Valley, community organizations are calling for urgent support to meet a profound local need.
Local food pantries, including the Brewer Food Pantry, are working tirelessly to stock their shelves for families in Brewer and Eddington, seeking non-perishable donations.
With winter’s chill setting in, the annual 'Coats and Toys for Kids' drive is collecting warm coats at drop-off spots like Renys in Bangor.
While the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter is focusing on expanding shelter beds instead of a warming center, the City of Bangor is funding groups like The Brick Church to provide warm spaces for those in need.
Additionally, the American Red Cross on Hammond Street faces a critical blood shortage and is urging eligible residents to consider donating, a gift that can save multiple lives. Read More... |
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For Maine’s home-service businesses, from plumbers in Bangor to electricians in Augusta, traditional marketing is losing its edge in a competitive digital landscape.
A powerful alternative is emerging locally, with many turning to artificial intelligence to find new customers.
Smith Digital Solutions LLC, a Bangor-based agency, is leading this high-tech charge for local entrepreneurs.
The firm specializes in helping companies overcome their biggest hurdle: visibility on Google.
If your business doesn't appear in top search results on Google Maps, you're practically invisible to potential clients.
By using AI-powered content and targeted optimization, they help local businesses capture ready-to-buy leads and dominate their service area online.
This modern approach marks a crucial shift from passive advertising to proactive engagement for any Maine business feeling left behind. Read More... |
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As we head deeper into the holiday season, thank you for making space in your week for the Penobscot Valley Voice. If you enjoy these stories, please consider forwarding this issue to a friend or neighbor and inviting them to subscribe. The more voices and viewpoints we bring together, the stronger our Valley becomes. Subscribe: https://penobscotvalleyvoice.com/signup |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The geographic feature is the Penobscot River, the longest river in Maine. Its name comes from the Abenaki word panawahpskek, which means "the place of the white rocks" or "where the rocks widen." This refers to the tidal falls and rocks near the Penobscot Nation's primary village on Indian Island, Old Town, Maine.
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