Bangor was not the name originally intended for the settlement.

What was the original name?

A) Kenduskeag
B) Sunbury
C) Penobscot
D) Condeskeag

The Penobscot Pioneers were honored for exceptional sportsmanship in Maine high school girls ice hockey.

Coaches statewide selected the Pioneers as the leading team for good sportsmanship, a testament to their conduct on and off the ice.

The team and coaches accepted the award at the state championship in Auburn, celebrating this prestigious recognition.

Since debuting in 2022, the Pioneers have stood out as true pioneers for women and girls in a very competitive and physically challenging sport. In their first season, they posted a 14-3-1 record and advanced to the Class A North final, setting a high standard from the start.

These milestones reflect the Pioneers’ continued pursuit of excellence and sportsmanship.

From Sandy

While the Winter Olympics unfold in Milan Cortina, Italy, showcasing world-class athletes flying down slopes and carving through ice, here in the Penobscot Valley we’re in the middle of something just as important — February vacation week.

Schools are on break. Kids are home. Families are juggling schedules, sledding runs, movie nights, and maybe even a little cabin fever.

And the cold? It’s still with us.

Temperatures are holding below freezing overnight, snow remains in the forecast, and winter hasn’t loosened its grip just yet. But if there’s one thing Mainers know how to do, it’s make the most of it.

This week’s edition includes:

• A snapshot of what’s happening locally
• A winter-ready comfort recipe
• A new Furry Friends Rescue spotlight
• Ways to support neighbors during the cold stretch
• And a sponsor who keeps your technology running smoothly — even when the weather doesn’t

If this newsletter keeps you connected during these colder weeks, consider forwarding it to one friend. Community grows that way.

Let’s get into it.

Business Pulse is Proudly Sponsored by:

North Star Property Solutions, Inc.

Your Local Handyman

Local businesses help our communities grow — and keeping properties in good shape helps those businesses thrive.

North Star Property Solutions, Inc., proudly sponsoring this week’s Business Pulse, provides dependable handyman and property repair services throughout the Greater Bangor area.

From small repairs and routine maintenance to larger property improvement projects, North Star helps homeowners, landlords, and local businesses keep their spaces safe, functional, and looking their best.

Reliable. Professional. Local.

When something needs fixing, updating, or improving — your local handyman is ready to help.

Bangor is welcoming a vibrant new eatery as Dreamer Food opens its doors at 97 Allen Street on Wednesday, February 18.

This inviting restaurant promises authentic Armenian and Lebanese cuisine, infusing the city with a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Co-owners Anik Derphilibossian and Kara Calor, both nurses, are turning their culinary dreams into reality after starting as a beloved local food truck last spring.

Derphilibossian, originally from Armenia and Lebanon, began sharing homemade meals with friends, which quickly blossomed into community-wide support.

The family-friendly Fairmount neighborhood will now experience these specialties year-round, including shawarma and classic Mediterranean dishes.

Dreamer Food’s open kitchen layout and outdoor patio invite both mingling and relaxation, adding a fresh energy to Bangor’s dining scene.

Locals and visitors are encouraged to celebrate opening day and sample the rich, authentic fare.

Bangor’s popular barbecue restaurant has reemerged as Bogeys with new local ownership and a fresh twist on entertainment.

Classic barbecue favorites still fill the menu, but visitors will now find innovative upgrades that heighten both dining and fun.

Among these, state-of-the-art golf simulators stand out, offering immersive play on famous courses worldwide—perfect for golf enthusiasts of any skill level to enjoy all year.

The venue keeps its energetic axe throwing lanes, guaranteeing a dose of adventure alongside every meal.

Adding to the buzz, Bogeys features live music, trivia nights, and weekly events, creating a lively local gathering place.

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Bogeys balances family-friendly vibes with dynamic entertainment, making it Bangor’s new destination to eat, compete, and connect.

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Events

Local business owners and professionals have multiple opportunities this week and next to connect, learn, and expand networks through the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce. These events are designed to bring the business community together, spark collaboration, and help local ventures thrive:

📅 February Business After Hours & Grand Opening — Bangor Audiology
Wednesday, Feb. 17 — A signature Chamber networking event combined with a grand-opening celebration at Bangor Audiology, offering a relaxed environment to meet fellow professionals and build new connections.

📅 BRLI/FUSION Networking Event
Thursday, Mar. 5 — A dedicated night of networking hosted by FUSION and the Bangor Region Leadership Institute at the Hollywood Casino Hotel — a great place to mingle with young professionals and community leaders.

📅 Early Bird Breakfast — “Lights, Camera, Action”
Wednesday, Mar. 11 — A Chamber breakfast event featuring speakers from the Maine Film Office, ideal for business owners and marketers looking for new insights and partnerships.

These programs — including Business After Hours, FUSION networking socials, and member breakfasts — are part of the Chamber’s ongoing effort to connect and elevate the region’s business climate.

If you’re looking to expand your professional circle, these gatherings offer structured opportunities to meet peers, share ideas, and build momentum in the local economy.

Support Local This Week!

How You Can Support Local Businesses During Vacation Week

February vacation week means families are out and about — and that makes it a perfect time to support our local economy.

Here are three simple ways readers can help:

• Try one new local restaurant
• Leave a positive Google review for a business you love
• Share a local business post on social media

Small actions make a measurable difference — especially during the slower winter months.

When we support local, we strengthen jobs, families, and the Penobscot Valley community as a whole.

Enjoying Penobscot Valley Voice?

If this edition was forwarded to you, we’d love to have you join us each week.

Stay connected to local stories, businesses, events, and community highlights across Greater Bangor.

👉 Subscribe here: penobscotvalleyvoice.com/signup

It’s free. It’s local. And it lands in your inbox every week.

Community Corner is Proudly Sponsored by Madden Home Inspection

Strong communities are built on strong foundations — and that starts at home.

Madden Home Inspection proudly supports Community Corner because informed homeowners help create safer, more resilient neighborhoods across the Greater Bangor region.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply maintaining your property, a thorough home inspection provides clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Locally owned and committed to serving our region with integrity, Madden Home Inspection believes that protecting homes protects families — and protecting families strengthens the entire community.

Learn more about their services and how they help homeowners make informed decisions.

Greater Bangor Community Events

February 17 – February 23 (Vacation Week Edition)

With schools out this week, families across the Valley are looking for ways to stay active and connected — especially with continued cold temperatures.

Here are options across the region:

🎉 Dreamer Food Grand Opening

📍 47 Allen Street, Bangor
Wednesday
Celebrate the opening of their new brick-and-mortar restaurant downtown.

⛳ Bogey’s (Formerly Smoke & Steel)

📍 Bangor
Recently rebranded and open. Features:
• Indoor golf simulators
• Full bar & restaurant
• Casual gathering space

A strong indoor option during the cold stretch.

🤝 Business After Hours – Bangor Region Chamber

📍 Bangor
Midweek networking event supporting local business.

⛸ Public Open Skate – Alfond Arena

📍 Orono
Vacation week skating sessions (check UMaine schedule).

⛸ Municipal Skating Rinks

📍 Bangor & Brewer
Check for available times.

📚 Public Library Vacation Programming

📍 Bangor Public Library
📍 Brewer Public Library
📍 Orono Public Library

Storytimes, youth activities, and family programming throughout vacation week.

🏀 Brewer Parks & Recreation Vacation Week Activities

📍 Brewer
Open gym sessions and youth programming.

🌲 Hirundo Wildlife Refuge – Winter Trails

📍 Old Town
Snowshoeing and winter hiking during daylight hours.

🎿 Hermon Mountain

📍 Hermon
Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing available throughout the week.

🏊 Bangor YMCA – Family Swim

📍 Bangor
Indoor recreation and family swim opportunities.

Brought to you by: Maine Endurance Sports Alliance

This Week’s Recipe is Sponsored by MESA-Maine

Winter training takes energy.

Whether you’re preparing for a spring 5K, half marathon, marathon, triathlon — or just staying active through Maine’s colder months — proper nutrition makes a difference.

Maine Endurance Sports Alliance (MESA-Maine) supports endurance athletes across our region through well-organized, community-driven events including marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks, and triathlons.

Recovery meals matter. Fuel matters. Community matters.

As runners build strength through the winter, recipes like this week’s hearty soup help keep training on track.

Learn more about upcoming races and events at:
MESA-MAINE.org

Run strong. Recover well. Stay connected.

When temperatures dip to 35°F in Bangor, Maine, locals turn to creamy chicken wild rice soup for comfort and warmth.

This nourishing staple brings the community together with its rich flavors and heartiness, making it a cherished meal throughout winter.

Preparing the soup starts with gently sautéing onion, carrot, and celery, infusing the kitchen with inviting aromas.

Layers of minced garlic, uncooked wild rice, and savory chicken broth come together and simmer, gradually developing a satisfying depth.

Creamy texture is achieved by blending flour and milk or half-and-half, then combining it with the simmering pot.

Tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper finish the dish, often enjoyed with crusty bread.

Maine-grown sweet potatoes or kale add a regional touch, while a splash of sherry, favored in local kitchens, makes each bowl memorable.

This classic comfort food is a delicious way to stay cozy all winter long.

In Bangor, Maine, pet lovers can welcome a playful, 2-month-old male German Shepherd mix named Lil'M, now available for adoption at the Bangor Humane Society.

Lil'M sports a striking black and white coat and weighs about 24 pounds, offering an energetic spirit perfect for an active family ready to nurture and guide him.

The Bangor Humane Society, located at 693 Mt. Hope Avenue, is known for thoughtfully pairing rescue pets like Lil'M with caring adopters, bringing joy to local households for years.

Potential adopters may also find other German Shepherd mixes, such as Josie, a lovable 5-month-old female, waiting for homes.

For those seeking purebred companions, Lebenshunger German Shepherds on Pushaw Road specializes in AKC-registered puppies bred for temperament and quality, serving the Bangor community for over 27 years.

Welcoming a German Shepherd means adding loyalty, affection, and adventure to your life.

Share the Valley

If you enjoy this newsletter, consider forwarding it to a friend, neighbor, or colleague.

Local news grows stronger when it’s shared.

One forward helps another reader discover what’s happening right here at home.

When school lets out and families spend more time at home, technology is in constant use — and breakdowns often strike at the worst times.

Computer Doctor of Maine serves the Greater Bangor area with a wide range of tech solutions, going far beyond basic computer repair.

From desktop and laptop repair to virus removal, data recovery, and fixing slow computers, their team tackles tech issues on both Windows and Mac devices.

They also handle Wi-Fi troubleshooting, printer issues, and small business IT — plus, they provide expert help setting up new devices or finding the right tech for your needs.

Importantly, mobile phone and tablet repairs for both Apple and Android are available locally, offering fast solutions many don’t realize are right here.

Trust local expertise to keep your technology reliable when it matters most.

Winter doesn’t always go smoothly.

Sometimes we glide.
Sometimes we fall.
Sometimes the skis are in the air and we’re wondering how we got there.

But here in the Penobscot Valley, we keep getting back up.

Businesses are opening their doors.
Families are filling their homes during vacation week.
Neighbors are supporting neighbors.
And somewhere out there, a young puppy named Bolt is waiting for his next chapter.

The weather may stay cold for a while yet — but community has a way of warming things up.

Thank you for reading.
Thank you for supporting local.
And thank you for being part of this growing network.

Until next week…

Sandy, PVV Editor

Correct Answer: B) Sunbury

Before incorporation in 1791, the settlement that would become Bangor was known as Sunbury.

Residents sent Reverend Seth Noble to Boston to file the official incorporation paperwork with the Massachusetts General Court (Maine was still part of Massachusetts at the time).

When the act of incorporation was approved, however, the name recorded was Bangor.

Historical accounts suggest Reverend Noble was fond of a popular hymn tune titled “Bangor,” and when asked for the name during proceedings, that is the name that was entered.

Whether it was a momentary substitution or simply preference, the name “Bangor” became official — and it stayed.

Sometimes history turns on a single conversation.