Before he became Abraham Lincoln’s first Vice President, which Hampden-born Mainer served as a U.S. Senator, Maine Governor, and fierce opponent of slavery?

There’s a certain spooky stillness settling over the Valley this week—the kind that follows peak color, when the wind carries more leaves than it does warmth. The pumpkins are out, the cider’s mellowed, and the evenings have turned officially “blanket-worthy.”

I spent part of the weekend tucking the yard in for winter: raking, stacking, and quietly bargaining with the rake handle that this will be the last big cleanup (it won’t be). The geese overhead seem to know better—they’re already heading south, honking their yearly reminder that the season is turning for good.

This week, we’ve gathered a few ways to make the most of these waning October days—local happenings, seasonal prep tips, and even a nod to one of Hampden’s most famous residents (see if you can guess before scrolling down to the trivia section).

Bundle up, Penobscot Valley—it’s time to lean into sweater season.

We’d love to hear from you!
Tell us what’s happening in your corner of the Valley — neighborhood gatherings, new local spots, volunteer projects, or snapshots of fall in full color. Your stories and tips help make this newsletter a true reflection of our community.

Know someone who’d enjoy a dose of local news and neighborly warmth each week? Pass it along — the more voices, the better.

Email: sandy@mainethrive.org
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Videos courtesy of WABI-TV, Bangor

7-Day Forecast (Oct 21–27)
(Penobscot Valley Region)

Day   Date     Hi / Lo     Conditions      Rain
Tu    10/21    61° / 46°   Lgt Rain         50%
We   10/22    59° / 44°   Pt Cldy           20%
Th    10/23    58° / 43°   Mst Cldy        10%
Fr     10/24    56° / 40°   Mst Cldy        10%
Sa    10/25    54° / 38°   Rain               50%
Su    10/26    55° / 41°   Mst Cldy        40%
Mo    10/27    56° / 42°   Lgt Rain        40%

Penobscot Valley — Local Events (October 21–27, 2025)

⭐ Featured

• Black Bear 5K (Sub5 / Maine Savings Series) — Sun, Oct 26 • 11:00 a.m. — University of Maine, Orono

• Bangor Symphony: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas — Sun, Oct 26 • 3:00 p.m. — Collins Center for the Arts, Orono

👻 Family & Trunk-or-Treat

• Mid Mall Free Trunk or Treat — Fri, Oct 24 • 5:00–7:00 p.m. — 31 Bangor Mall Blvd, Bangor

• Beal University Trunk or Treat — Fri, Oct 24 • 5:00–7:00 p.m. — 99 Farm Rd, Bangor

• Downtown Bangor Trick-or-Treat — Sat, Oct 25 • 2:00–4:00 p.m. — Downtown Bangor

• Furniture Gallery Trunk or Treat — Sun, Oct 26 • Noon–3:00 p.m. — Bangor

• Anah Shriners Trunk or Treat — Sun, Oct 26 • 1:00–4:00 p.m. — 1404 Broadway, Bangor

• Hermon Halloween: Trunk-or-Treat — Sun, Oct 26 • 4:00–6:00 p.m. — Hermon High School

🎭 Arts & Culture

• The Turn of the Screw — Oct 23–26 (Evenings) — Penobscot Theatre Company, Bangor Opera House

• Fall Exhibitions — Daily • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — Zillman Art Museum, Bangor

• Halcyon String Quartet — Tipping Points — Thu, Oct 23 • 7:00 p.m. — Collins Center for the Arts, Orono

• Halloween Party at Happy Endings — Sat, Oct 25 • 5:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. — Bangor

• DJ Bill Halloween Bash — Sat, Oct 25 • 9:00 p.m. — Penobscot Pour House, Bangor

• Wicked Good Hauntings (Walking Tour) — Fri–Sun, Oct 24–26 — Downtown Bangor

• Costume Gala 2025 — Sun, Oct 26 • Evening — Downtown Bangor

• Andi & Melissa Duo — Live Music — Fri, Oct 24 • 8:00 p.m. — The Sound Stage Lounge, Bangor

💼 Training & Conferences

• Salesforce Admin Certification Training — Wed, Oct 22 • All day — Bangor

• Data Analytics Certification Workshop — Wed, Oct 22 • All day — Bangor

• Agile & Scrum Training — Fri, Oct 24 • All day — Bangor

• APTA Maine 2025 Annual Conference — Sat, Oct 25 • All day — Husson University, Bangor

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, a statistic that underscores a critical and constant need right here in our community.

The American Red Cross relies entirely on volunteer donors to supply roughly 40% of the nation's blood, but the supply often runs dangerously low.

Seasonal challenges like winter storms and holiday travel can cause donation numbers to drop, leading to urgent shortages that put patients at risk.

Hospitals cannot manufacture blood; it must come from generous individuals in the community.

Your single donation can be a lifeline for trauma victims, cancer patients, and those undergoing major surgery.

Donating is a profound act of local support, and it includes a mini-physical that checks your pulse and blood pressure.

Please consider finding a local blood drive to help stabilize our community’s supply and save lives.

Penobscot Valley Blood Drives

Warming Center News

As winter approaches, Bangor’s City Council is acting — allocating funds for warming centers and restoring community transit routes. Read how these moves could shape life for residents in the cold months ahead. Read more: https://blog.penobscotvalleyvoice.com/post/bangor-braces-for-winter

Update: 5K for Heating Oil Supporting Maine Veterans

The Brewer community is gearing up to provide critical warmth for local heroes at the 4th Annual 5K for Veterans Heating Oil.

Set for Saturday, October 25, the race kicks off at 10:00 a.m. from 100 Washington Street. Ther There is still time to sign up or donate. https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Brewer/5kforheatingoilforMaineVeterans

Every dollar raised from the event goes directly to the Maine Veterans Project.

This vital organization purchases heating oil for veterans facing financial hardship, ensuring no one is left in the cold during Maine’s harsh winters.

It’s a powerful and direct way for residents to give back to those who have served.

While online registration for runners has now closed, the mission is far from over.

Organizers encourage the community to line the race route to cheer on participants or make a direct donation to the Maine Veterans Project to support this essential cause.

Downtown Bangor’s Event Energy: What’s Coming Next

Recent Business Moves / Openings Worth Watching

Apotheosis Health – Downtown Bangor
The Downtown Bangor Partnership posted that they are welcoming Apotheosis Health to downtown — they’re holding an open house following a ribbon-cutting.

Sunbury’s – Specialty Shop, 86 Hammond St.
A new wine / fine food / cookware shop in Bangor, Sunbury’s, had its grand opening earlier this year.

Ice Cream + Grab-and-Go Shop – “Downtown Spot”
A new ice cream + grab-and-go food shop is being planned in downtown Bangor by local entrepreneur Roscoe Witham.

Boutique Hotel / Restaurant in Brewer Waterfront
Not exactly within Bangor, but nearby: a former box factory in Brewer (75 South Main St.) is slated to become a boutique hotel with attached restaurant and café.

Do you have or know about a business opening, closing or relocation? Help us spread the word by emailing us at: sandy@mainethrive.org

Business Connections & Networking

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming mixers, workshops, and member events:

• Chamber AI Business Summit — October 21, 2025 Dueling Pianos! — October 25, 2025
•  

BNI – Penobscot Valley Chapters

• BNI Bangor Breakfast
  Fridays, 7:00 AM
  Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Rd, Bangor
•  
• BNI Queen City
  Thursdays, 8:30 AM
  The Sports Arena, 1640 Hammond St, Hermon
•  
• BNI Black Bear (Hybrid)
  Thursdays, 8:30 AM
  Week 1: In person — Eastern Area Agency on Aging, 240 State St, Brewer
  Weeks 2–5: Online
•  
• BNI Paul Bunyan (Virtual)
  Tuesdays, 7:00 AM
  Online via Zoom – “Paul Bunyan BNI” chapter

Adoptable Pet Spotlight: Meet Bruno!

Meet Zatter

This big ol' lovable guy is ready for a forever home-and a cozy couch to call his own. Zatter has never met a person he didn't like! He's incredibly people-friendly and has a great history with children. Whether he's meeting someone new or reuniting with an old friend, his tail is always wagging. Zatter's ideal match would mean he was the sole pet in the household. The more snuggles he gets to himself, the better!

Zatter has also been a star at off-site events, where he shines in the spotlight and charms everyone he meets. He travels well in the car, too-he just needs a little boost getting in, and then he's a chill co-pilot.

During his time at BHS, Zatter has made excellent progress on his weight-loss journey and we hope this continues in his new home. While he's definitely a big fan of lounging, he'll need daily walks and outdoor time to keep his joints healthy.

We would love to introduce you to Zatter- come on by the shelter so we can! We are sure you will fall in love as fast as we all did!

Adopt Zatter at:
👉 Bangor Humane Society – Dogs for Adoption
📍 693 Mount Hope Avenue, Bangor, ME  (207) 942-8902

Community Sponsor: Maine Thrive — Greater Bangor Business Directory

Helping Penobscot Valley Businesses Thrive

This week’s newsletter is proudly sponsored by Maine Thrive, home of the Greater Bangor Business Directory — a free local resource helping businesses across the Penobscot Valley get discovered by customers who want to shop local.

Whether you run a café in Brewer, a repair shop in Old Town, or a service business in Bangor, Maine Thrive helps your neighbors find you — at no cost. Listings include business info, website and social links, and searchable categories for easy browsing.

Joining is simple and free. Add your business today and connect with thousands of locals who want to support small business right here in the Valley. View us: https://mainethrive.org

➡️ Get listed free: sandy@mainethrive.org

Business Spotlight: Downtown Charcuterie

Elevating Local Flavor in the Heart of Bangor

In downtown Bangor, community connection often starts at the table — and no one embodies that spirit quite like Downtown Charcuterie, this month’s featured local business.

Founded by a small team of food lovers with a knack for artistry and local sourcing, Downtown Charcuterie has turned grazing boards into both a culinary craft and a way to bring people together. From hand-selected Maine cheeses and cured meats to fresh seasonal fruit, jams, and pickles, their boards are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Recently recognized as one of KeyBank’s Small Biz Spotlight award winners, the business has become a go-to for special events, weddings, and community gatherings around the Penobscot Valley. The recognition highlights their dedication not only to quality food but to keeping money and creativity local.

“We love seeing Bangor’s food scene come alive — we get to collaborate with so many other small businesses, from farms to breweries. That’s what makes this city special,” says co-founder [Name Placeholder – check owner’s name before publishing].

The shop offers customizable boards, picnic boxes, and catering options — with pickup available downtown and delivery throughout the Bangor-Brewer area. They’re also active on social media, often sharing pairing ideas, behind-the-scenes prep, and upcoming collaborations.

🧭 Where to Find Them

📍 Downtown Brewer 231 No. Main Street, (207) 922-2025
🌐Visit them on the web: https://downtowncharcuterie.square.site/

As we wind down another week across the Penobscot Valley, it’s clear our community’s heartbeat is strong — from the laughter echoing at downtown events to the quiet acts of kindness that keep our neighbors warm.

The Bangor area’s fall calendar is bursting with music, art, and family fun, and Brewer’s 5K for Veterans& American Red Cross Blood Drives remind us how much good can happen when people come together for a cause. Businesses like Downtown Charcuterie and Maine Thrive’s Greater Bangor Business Directory show that supporting local doesn’t just strengthen the economy — it strengthens connection.

And of course, there’s always room for a little comfort food and a wagging tail — whether it’s baking up our Pumpkin Patch Cookies or stopping by the Bangor Humane Society to meet Zatter, our adoptable friend of the week.

Wherever the week takes you, keep celebrating what makes our towns special: generosity, creativity, and good neighbors.
Until next week — stay warm, stay kind, and stay connected.

— Sandy Smith, Editor

Hannibal Hamlin — born in Hampden in 1809, Hamlin was a steadfast anti-slavery voice in Congress and helped form the early Republican Party. He returned to Maine after leaving the vice presidency, living out his days in Bangor, where he’s buried at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Fun fact: Hamlin once briefly served as Maine’s governor for just three weeks before resigning to take a U.S. Senate seat — making him one of the shortest-serving governors in state history.