Who was the Town of Orono named after?

A) A French Jesuit missionary

B) A Penobscot Indian sagamore named Joseph Orono

C) A British army officer from the War of 1812

D) The first European settler in the area

When Maine Shows Up for Its Heroes

On May 15, the morning started like any other at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont. Then a fire started near a sawdust silo, and in an instant, everything changed.

The silo exploded. Firefighters who had rushed from towns across the region — Morrill, Appleton, Searsmont, Montville, Liberty, Union and more — were thrown by the blast. Three fire trucks were destroyed. Andrew Cross, 27, a volunteer with the Morrill Fire Department, was killed at the scene. Twelve others were injured, several critically, including brothers Jim and Alden Robbins — two of the owners of the mill their family has operated since 1881 — and Alden's daughter Lily. All three were flown to the burn center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

On June 14, Maine lost a second firefighter. Wayne L. Woodbury, 76, Assistant Fire Chief of the Searsmont Fire Department, died at Maine Medical Center in Portland from injuries sustained in the explosion. Wayne had served his community for decades. For more than ten years, he sat in the same seat every Wednesday morning at Traci's Diner in Belfast — grilled English muffin with peanut butter, coffee with cream. The kind of man a whole town knows by heart.

Forty-six fire departments sent help. Two hundred and ninety-nine firefighters worked the scene over 48 hours.

That is who volunteer firefighters are. They have jobs. They have kids. They have lives. And when the tones drop, they go — without knowing what they're walking into.

Robbins Lumber is one of the finest family businesses in Maine. I know Jim Robbins Sr. personally, and I can tell you this: the Robbins family represents everything that's right about how a family business can be part of a community. They've stood strong since 1881, and their statement in the days after the fire — expressing gratitude for first responders before anything else — tells you everything you need to know about who they are.

Maine has rallied hard. The Maine Strong Foundation raised more than $650,000 for victims. Communities from Belfast to Bangor held fundraisers, passed collection plates, and showed up.

Now it's our turn.

The City of Brewer is hosting Neighbors Helping Heroes — a fundraiser for the injured firefighters — this Thursday, June 25, at 6:00 PM at the Brewer Auditorium, 318 Wilson Street in Brewer.

 Admission is entirely by donation. One hundred percent of what's collected goes directly to the first responders who were injured at Robbins Lumber on May 15.

Many of Brewer's own firefighters trained alongside the men and women who answered that call in Searsmont. This is a community saying thank you in the most direct way it knows how — by showing up.

Please come. Bring your neighbors. Bring your family. And bring what you can.

Most weeks I open this section talking about what's happening around the valley — and there's a lot good happening this week. But before we get to any of that, I need to ask a favor.

The Robbins family in Searsmont has been part of Maine's lumber story since 1881. I know Jim Robbins Sr., and I can tell you the family that built that business is exactly the kind of people you want as neighbors. The fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber on May 15 was one of the worst days this region has seen in a long time.

Maine has now lost two firefighters because of it. Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, was killed at the scene. Wayne Woodbury, 76 — Searsmont's own Assistant Fire Chief — died on June 14 from injuries he sustained that morning. Dozens more were hurt, including members of the Robbins family themselves. These are names that deserve to be spoken.

The City of Brewer is stepping up this Thursday. Neighbors Helping Heroes at the Brewer Auditorium, 318 Wilson Street, starts at 6:00 PM on June 25. All donations go directly to the injured firefighters. Please come.

Thanks to North Star Property Solutions — Property Maintenance Specialists for sponsoring this edition and making sure this newsletter keeps showing up for you every Tuesday.

— Sandy

Weather Forecast — June 23–29

TUESDAY (Jun 23)
 Mostly cloudy with a couple of showers possible
High: 70° | Low: 55°

WEDNESDAY (Jun 24)
 Warmer with a mix of clouds and sun
High: 76° | Low: 56°

THURSDAY (Jun 25)
 Mild and pleasant. A few scattered showers possible.
High: 79° | Low: 57°

FRIDAY (Jun 26)
 Chance of morning rain, then mostly cloudy
High: 70° | Low: 58°

SATURDAY (Jun 27)
Mostly cloudy and comfortable
High: 76° | Low: 57°

SUNDAY (Jun 28)
 Mostly cloudy with a couple of showers possible
High: 76° | Low: 55°

MONDAY (Jun 29)
 Cloudy with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms
High: 75° | Low: 58°

Forecast Source: AccuWeather forecast for Bangor as of June 22, 2026. Conditions and timing may change.

As always in Maine, look out the window. If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes.

Dan Cashman has been a fixture of Bangor's media and arts scene for years — the longtime host of The Nite Show with Danny Cashman and Director of Public Relations at Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications.

This month, he was honored with two Boston/New England Regional Emmy Awards, including recognition for The Nite Show's final episode, which featured legendary late-night television talent.

It's a proud moment for Bangor and for everyone who watched The Nite Show put this city on the map, one guest at a time. The full announcement is on the Bangor Region Chamber's news feed at bangorregion.com.

Source: WABI TV5

Four Things You Won't Want to Miss This Week

Neighbors Helping Heroes Fundraiser

What: Community fundraiser benefiting firefighters injured in the May 15 Robbins Lumber explosion in Searsmont

Where: Brewer Auditorium, 318 Wilson Street, Brewer

When: Thursday, June 25, 6:00 PM Cost: Admission by donation — 100% of proceeds go to injured firefighters

Family Friendly: Yes

Walk-In: Yes

Why: Forty-six fire departments answered the call in Searsmont on May 15. Brewer is saying thank you on behalf of the whole region. This is your chance to do the same.

Food Truck Extravaganza 2.0

What: 10 food trucks in 1 place

Where: The Furniture Gallery, 614 Broadway, Bangor

When: Sunday, June 28 11am to 3pm

Why: Great Food, great location

Bangor Pride Parade & Festival

What: Central Maine's largest annual Pride celebration, now in its new home on the Bangor Waterfront. This year's theme: "Color Our World With Pride." Parade starts at 11 AM, festival runs 10 AM–4 PM with live entertainment on the main stage noon to 4 PM, vendors from across the region, community organizations, a children and family area, and a community art project.

 Where: Bangor Waterfront, Bangor

When: Saturday, June 27, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (Parade at 11:00 AM) Cost: Free and open to all ages

Family Friendly: Yes

Walk-In: Yes 

Why: Thirty-plus years in the making, and this year's move to the waterfront gives it a new stage worthy of the celebration. A great day to be in downtown Bangor.

Lord Huron at Maine Savings Amphitheater

What: The Los Angeles-based indie folk band known for atmospheric Americana and sold-out runs at Red Rocks and the Hollywood Bowl brings their tour to Bangor. Supporting act: Thao & The Get Down Stay Down.

Where: Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad Street, Bangor

When: Tuesday, June 23, 7:30 PM (gates open earlier) Cost: Tickets available at waterfrontconcerts.com

Family Friendly: Yes

Walk-In: No — tickets required

Why: If you haven't heard Lord Huron, think campfire music with real production behind it. An excellent summer night on the Bangor waterfront.

More to Do Across the Valley This Week

Summer is finally here, and the valley has a lot going on. Here's a look at what else is happening June 23–29.

In Bangor:

Songwriter's Open Mic at 2Feet Brewing — Tuesday, June 24, 5:00–8:00 PM. Free, open to all. A great low-key Tuesday night spot.

Harness Racing at Bass Park — Friday, June 26, post time 12:10 PM, Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park, Bangor. Live racing, wagering, and a chance at the Crown of the Queen City promotion.

Bangor Pride Charlie Howard Memorial Vigil — Sunday, June 28, 11:30 AM at the Kenduskeag Stream Bridge on State Street. A gathering to honor the memory and legacy of Charlie Howard. Coordinated walking routes from downtown; concludes with a vigil and white rose ceremony.

In Brewer:

Neighbors Helping Heroes — Thursday, June 25, 6:00 PM, Brewer Auditorium (also listed in Featured Events — worth noting twice this week).

In Hampden:

Hampden Rec Yard Sale - Saturday, June 27 from 8am to 1 pm.

Hampden Recreation Center Community Yard Sale.

Municipal & Civic Calendar: June 23–29

Your local government is meeting this week. Here's what's on the calendar across the valley, verified from official municipal sources.

BANGOR

Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion & Human Rights — Tuesday, June 23, 6:00 PM · Council Chambers, 73 Harlow Street, Bangor · Open to the public.

Bangor School Committee — Wednesday, June 24, 7:00 PM · Council Chambers, 73 Harlow Street, Bangor · Public welcome. Remote participation available via Zoom — link posted on bangormaine.gov.

Bangor Historic Preservation Commission — Thursday, June 25, 7:00 PM · Council Chambers, 73 Harlow Street, Bangor

Dover-Foxcroft Select Board — Monday, June 23, 6:30 PM · Municipal Building, 48 Morton Avenue, Dover-Foxcroft · The Select Board meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. Zoom attendance available — link posts on the day of the meeting at dover-foxcroft.org.

BREWER No regular City Council meeting this week. Brewer City Council meets the second Tuesday of each month — next regular meeting in July.

HAMPDEN No Town Council meeting this week. Hampden Town Council meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays — next meeting Monday, July 6.

Agendas for all Bangor meetings are finalized the Friday before and are subject to change. 

Business in the Valley This Week

BNI chapters meet weekly across the region — a reliable anchor for the Valley's business networking calendar.

• Queen City BNI — Thursday, June 25, 8:30 AM, Hermon (Sandy's chapter)
• Black Bear BNI — Thursday, June 25, 8:30 AM, Brewer (hybrid)
• Bangor Breakfast BNI — Friday, June 26, 7:00 AM, Bangor
• Paul Bunyan BNI — Tuesday, June 23, 7:00 AM, Zoom
•  

Ribbon Cutting — Saving Grace Counseling Center Thursday, June 25, in partnership with the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce. Saving Grace is a nonprofit Christian counseling center offering affordable mental health services starting at $100, with a sponsorship program for those who can't pay.

New location: 15 Columbia Street, Suite 303, Bangor. Phone: (207) 944-0005. This is the kind of organization that fills a real gap in our community — accessible mental health care, no insurance required.

What's Moving in the Penobscot Valley

A big week for new faces in Bangor's business community, with two openings that reflect where the valley is headed.

Recharge Health & Wellness opened its doors at 676 Broadway in Bangor on June 20 with a grand opening weekend featuring unlimited wellness passes. The studio's mission is straightforward: make advanced wellness — recovery, self-care, and preventive health — accessible and affordable to anyone who walks through the door. Unlike traditional wellness spaces that charge per session, Recharge is built around a customizable, accessible model. It's a welcome addition to the Broadway corridor and a sign that the health-and-wellness sector continues to grow in Bangor.

Saving Grace Counseling Center is celebrating a ribbon cutting at its new location at 15 Columbia Street, Suite 303, in Bangor on Thursday, June 25. The nonprofit offers Christian counseling and mental health coaching on a sliding scale, with no insurance needed. Services start at $100, and the organization's sponsorship program covers clients who can't pay. Founder Scott Hosier built Saving Grace around a 12-week model focused on real results — not indefinite dependency. (207) 944-0005.

Maine MultiCultural Center (Brewer) has a new Executive Director. Adrián Arias-Palomo has been promoted to the role following the retirement of founding ED Pamela Proulx-Curry, who served since 2023 and guided the organization through its early growth. A leadership milestone for one of the region's most important cultural organizations.

Dan Cashman of Sutherland Weston (Bangor) won two Boston/New England Regional Emmy Awards this month, including recognition for The Nite Show with Danny Cashman. A point of pride for Bangor's creative community.

Valley Farmers Markets — Summer 2026

Peak season is here and the valley has markets running almost every day of the week. Local strawberries, rhubarb, fresh greens, baked goods, meats, cheeses, and flowers — all from your neighbors. Here's where to find them this week.

BANGOR

Bangor Farmers Market Sundays, 11:00 AM–1:30 PM · 140 Harlow Street (across from Bangor Public Library) Running May through end of November. Fresh produce, bread, meat, goat cheese, berries, and apples. One of the oldest market sites in Maine — farmers have been bringing their wares to this spot for more than a century.

Bangor European Market Saturdays, 9:00 AM–12:30 PM · 117 Buck Street, Bangor · Year-round Hosted by Ingrid's German Gift Shop. Local and worldwide meats, seafood, produce, artisan baked goods, and gifts. Rain or shine, every Saturday.

BREWER

Brewer Farmers Market Saturdays, 8:30 AM–1:00 PM · 318 Wilson Street, Brewer Auditorium parking lot May through October. Full line of fresh fruits, berries, herbs, and vegetables in season. Sweet corn, seedlings, perennials, flowers, baked goods, goat cheese, jams, jellies, and winter storage crops. In August and September the market expands to Tuesdays and Thursdays as well.

ORONO

Orono Farmers Market Saturdays, 8:00 AM–Noon · UMaine Steam Plant Parking Lot, College Avenue, Orono May through November, rain or shine. One of Maine's larger markets with more than 25 vendors offering a wide range of locally produced foods. Starting the fourth Tuesday of June, the market also runs Tuesdays 2:00–5:30 PM through the end of October. Everything for sale is produced by the vendor — no buy-and-resell.

HAMPDEN

Hampden Farmers Market Fridays, 2:00–5:30 PM · 70 Western Avenue (St. Matthew's Church), Hampden Running through the season. Fresh and cured meats, cheeses, fruit, vegetables, baked goods, specialty oils and vinegars, prepared foods, flowers, and plants. Plenty of parking adjacent to the market.

BUCKSPORT

Bucksport Bay Farmers Market Thursdays, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM · 31 Elm Street (Brown Hall parking lot), Bucksport Mid-May through mid-October.

DOVER-FOXCROFT

Dover Cove Farmers Market Saturdays, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM · 1049 West Main Street (Piscataquis County Ice Arena), Dover-Foxcroft May through October. In July and August the market also runs Tuesdays 2:00–6:00 PM. Operating since 2012, offering local foods and flowers from the Maine Highlands region.

NEWPORT

Blackberry Creek Farm — The Creek Market Self-serve market open for its second season. Local jams, jellies, coffee, jewelry, honey, salsas, meats, pasta, and more — all produced by Mainers for Mainers. Located at Blackberry Creek Farm, Newport.

This Week's Expert Tip — Property

Sponsored by North Star Property Solutions — Property Maintenance Specialists

Summer is the time most homeowners get outside and start noticing what winter left behind. Before you reach for a pressure washer or a can of deck stain, take 20 minutes to walk your property with fresh eyes. Check your roofline for missing or lifted shingles — the freeze-thaw cycle in Maine is hard on roofs, and small problems caught now are far cheaper than leaks caught in October. Look at your foundation grading while the ground is still visible — water should run away from your home, not toward it. And if you have wood decking, check for soft spots and loose fasteners before anyone puts weight on it this summer. A little early attention now saves a lot of expensive attention later.

North Star Property Solutions — Property Maintenance Specialists. Serving the Penobscot Valley.

Summer sun and screen time are a tough combination for your eyes. If you're spending more time outdoors this season — which you should be — make sure your sunglasses actually block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Price doesn't always predict protection; look for the label. And if you've been putting off your annual eye exam, summer is a great time to schedule it. Many vision changes happen gradually and go unnoticed until they're caught in an exam. Your eyes work hard all year. Give them a little attention this season.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Across the Valley

The biggest ask this week is simple: show up for the heroes. The Neighbors Helping Heroes fundraiser at the Brewer Auditorium on Thursday, June 25 at 6:00 PM is benefiting the firefighters injured in the May 15 Robbins Lumber explosion in Searsmont. Maine has now lost two firefighters to this tragedy — Andrew Cross, 27, of Morrill, killed at the scene on May 15, and Wayne L. Woodbury, 76, Searsmont's Assistant Fire Chief, who died June 14 from his injuries. Others are still recovering. Admission is by donation. Every dollar goes directly to the first responders who were hurt. Brewer Mayor Jenn Morin and city firefighters who trained alongside the Searsmont crews have put this together as a direct act of community. Don't let them do it alone.

Maine Strong Foundation is still accepting donations for all communities impacted by the Robbins Lumber fire — victims, families, and fire departments. The foundation has been vetted by the Town of Searsmont. Donate at mainestrongfoundation.org.

Bangor Humane Society always needs fosters, volunteers, and donations, especially as summer adoption season picks up. Visit bangorhumane.org or call (207) 942-8902 to learn how you can help.

Animal Orphanage in Old Town serves Penobscot County and is always looking for volunteers and fosters. animalorphanageoldtown.com | (207) 827-8777.

This Week's Adoptable Dogs

Every dog in this section is real, currently available, and waiting for the right family. If you've been thinking about it — this might be the week.

Meet Karen, a 4½-year-old, 60-pound mixed breed bursting with loyalty and playful energy.

Karen is seeking a forever home where she can be the center of attention.

Though she was initially wary of strangers upon arrival, this smart and brave girl has blossomed with daily care and support.

Karen thrives as the only pet, perfect for someone looking for a devoted companion in a peaceful setting.

She prefers quiet environments and is best suited to homes with older children who can share in her strong, playful energy.

If you rent, landlord approval for a pet is required, and everyone in your household must meet Karen to ensure the ideal match.

Apply today to bring Karen home and welcome a forever friend from Bangor Humane Society.

Meet Stella, a four-year-old pup whose heart is as big as her personality.

Once Stella forms a bond, her loyalty and affection shine—she’ll adore you with everything she has.

She’s currently working with trainer Christine, making impressive strides in confidence, leash manners, and learning to trust others.

While Stella prefers women and feels safest in a female-led home, her loving, silly spirit comes alive with patience and gentle encouragement.

Multiple meet-and-greets help her build trust, ensuring a smooth transition to her forever family.

With consistency and love, Stella will become a fiercely devoted companion—she just needs the right person to help her blossom.

Ready to meet her?

Contact the Animal Orphanage at (207) 827-8777 or visit 71 Airport Road, Old Town, ME 04468.

Stella can’t wait to find her place in your heart.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp celebrates the peak of Maine’s early summer, where farm-fresh strawberries and tart rhubarb come together in a classic dessert.

This easy, equipment-free recipe brings a burst of seasonal flavor—juicy fruit baked beneath a golden oat topping—into your home.

Find the freshest ingredients at the Bangor Farmers Market, open Sundays from 11 AM to 1:30 PM at 140 Harlow Street.

The market has expanded, welcoming new vendors like Hart Farm, L’Atelier, and Star Fire Pizza, adding diverse choices for shoppers.

Downtown’s new night market series on the waterfront also offers over 200 artisans, food vendors, and performers, energizing Bangor’s local food scene.

Year-round, the market ensures a steady supply of Maine-grown produce, making every season an opportunity to support community farmers and enjoy local flavors.

Valley Regulars — Week After Week

A few community anchors you can count on every week:

• Harness Racing at Bass Park — Wednesdays at 3:00 PM and select Fridays/Sundays, Hollywood Casino Raceway, Bangor. Check schedule at hollywoodcasinobangor.com.
• Songwriter's Open Mic at 2Feet Brewing — Tuesdays, 5:00–8:00 PM, Downtown Bangor. Free and open to all songwriters.
• BNI Queen City Chapter — Thursdays, 8:30 AM, Hermon. Visitors welcome — contact Sandy at smithdigitalsolutions.com.
• Teen D&D Club at Bangor Public Library — Wednesdays, 4:00–5:30 PM, Teen Lounge, 145 Harlow Street. Grades 6–12. Free.
• Paws for Tales: Read to a Therapy Dog at BPL — Saturdays, 12:00–2:00 PM, Story Room, Bangor Public Library. Register in advance at bangorpubliclibrary.org.

Got Something Worth Sharing?

If you know about an event, a business milestone, a community need, or a local story that belongs in the Penobscot Valley Voice, hit reply and tell me about it. This newsletter is built on verified local knowledge — and some of the best tips come straight from readers who know something I don't yet.

Events must have a confirmed date, time, and location. I verify everything before it runs.

Send your submissions to: Penobscot Valley Voice

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This Edition's Sponsors

The Penobscot Valley Voice is community-supported. Our sponsors make it possible.

Newsletter Sponsor: North Star Property Solutions — Property Maintenance Specialists Serving the Penobscot Valley.

Call Tony: 207 745-5304 You will not be disappointed.

Woof LLC — Glenburn, Maine Voted Penobscot Valley's Best Dog Daycare in 2026. Call: (207) 331-9663

Smith Digital Solutions, LLC — Bangor, Maine

Maine's AI Visibility Consultant. Helping local businesses get found on Google, Maps, and AI search. smithdigitalsolutions.com

Penobscot Valley Thrive — Your local community network connecting the people, businesses, and organizations that make the Penobscot Valley home. penobscotvalleythrive.com

MESA-Maine — Maine's endurance sports community. Training resources, race news, and the stories behind the runners. mesa-maine.org

Maine Thrive Voices — The podcast telling the stories of the people building something real in the Penobscot Valley. New episodes every week. podcast.mainethrivevoices.com

Thank you to all of our sponsors for making the Penobscot Valley Voice possible week after week.

Three Ways to Help the Valley This Week

Show up Thursday. Neighbors Helping Heroes, Brewer Auditorium, 318 Wilson Street. June 25, 6:00 PM. Bring what you can. Every dollar goes to the injured firefighters from the Robbins Lumber explosion.

2. Share this edition. If someone you know would want to know about what's happening in the Penobscot Valley this week — forward this email. It takes 10 seconds and it matters.

3. Subscribe free. Not on the list yet? Sign up subscribe link and get the Penobscot Valley Voice in your inbox every Tuesday morning.

This Week's Best of Region: Bangor Humane Society

My pick this week isn't a business — it's a community institution that runs like one.

The Bangor Humane Society at 693 Mt. Hope Avenue has been doing the work of matching animals with families for decades. They do it with trained staff, careful evaluation of each animal in their care, and a genuine commitment to finding the right fit rather than the fastest placement.The BHS dog in Section 10 of this newsletter comes from their shelter — and every one of those dogs has been assessed, cared for, and prepared by people who take this seriously.

Summer is a busy time at the shelter. Animals come in. Fosters go on vacation. Staff are stretched. If you've ever thought about volunteering, fostering, or donating — this is the moment to act on it.

Visit bangorhumane.org, call (207) 942-8902, or stop by at 693 Mt. Hope Avenue in Bangor.

Tell them Sandy sent you.

I've been thinking about the Robbins family a lot this week.

When a family that has run a business for 145 years — through wars and recessions and the end of the logging era and everything Maine has thrown at it since 1881 — when that family gets knocked down, you notice. And when the people who showed up to help them got hurt doing it, you feel it even if you weren't there.

Maine has now lost two firefighters to this tragedy. Andrew Cross was 27 years old. He died at the scene on May 15, doing what volunteer firefighters do — running toward something most people run from. Wayne Woodbury was 76. He was Searsmont's Assistant Fire Chief and had given more years to his community than most of us can count. He died on June 14 from injuries he sustained that same morning. Both of them deserve to be remembered by name.

If you can make it to the Brewer Auditorium Thursday night — go. Neighbors Helping Heroes. June 25. 6:00 PM. Every dollar raised goes to the first responders still recovering.

On a lighter note: the valley is buzzing this week.

Lord Huron is at the Amphitheater Tuesday night. The strawberries are in. The rhubarb is in. And if you haven't been to the farmers market on Sunday morning, you're missing the best part of summer.

If you want more valley stories — find us on the Maine Thrive Voices podcast at podcast.mainethrivevoices.com. And pass this newsletter along to a neighbor who isn't on the list yet.

We'll be back this Friday and next Tuesday.

— Sandy

B. When Stillwater incorporated as a town in 1806, residents named it Orono in honor of Joseph Orono, the recently deceased Penobscot sagamore who had lived to the remarkable age of 113. He was celebrated for his role in keeping the Penobscot Nation allied with American forces during the Revolutionary War.