Which classic Maine candy, invented in the 1920s and still popular today, combines potato, coconut, and chocolate?

A) Whoopie Pie
B) Needhams
C) Moxie Bar
D) Blueberry Buckle

We Mainers are constantly complaining about the weather, and this past week gave us plenty to complain about. Cold mornings, windy afternoons, and just enough sunshine to trick me into thinking it was finally time for shorts.

I started wearing them last week… but spent most of the week walking around in shorts and a sweater while the wind reminded me it was still May in Maine.

Memorial Day weekend brought plenty of activity around the Valley though, and now we roll into a week filled with local music, community events, markets, and the stuff that makes us love it here — blue sky, green grass, and warmer temperatures for days on the lake and at camp.

This issue comes to you with support from Woof LLC, our trusted local dog daycare, boarding, and grooming partner. We appreciate their support of truly local community news.

Here’s what’s happening around the Valley this week.

Here’s a short piece from WABI on the new Five Below opening in the former Party City spot in Bangor. It’s good to see that location back in use. 

Video courtesy of WABI-TV5 Watch here

Here are a few things happening around the Valley this week if you’re looking to get out of the house, hear some music, meet people, or just enjoy some warmer late spring weather.

Here are a few things happening around the Valley this week if you’re looking to get out of the house, hear some music, meet people, or just enjoy some warmer late spring weather.

Bangor

Songwriters’ Open Mic at 2Feet Brewing
Tuesday, May 26 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Local performers take the stage in 15-minute sets for a relaxed downtown music night.

Bangor

Takoda Dionne Live at Paddy Murphy’s
Tuesday evening, May 26
Live local music downtown at Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub.

Dover-Foxcroft

Maternal Mobile Health Event
Wednesday, May 27
Free screenings, diapers, car seats, giveaways, and family resources available for parents and caregivers throughout the region.

Brewer

Knitting Social — Brewer Public Library
Friday, May 29 | 9:00–11:00 AM
Bring a project, meet other knitters, and enjoy a quieter start to the weekend at the library.

Bangor

Irish Music Session & Open Mic
Tuesday evening
A regular local favorite with live music and a relaxed pub atmosphere.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS THIS WEEK

Warmer weather means spring sports schedules are getting busy across the Valley. Here are a few local matchups happening this week.

 

Tuesday, May 26

• Hampden Academy Girls Tennis vs. Mt. Ararat — 4 PM
• Hermon Baseball at Ellsworth — 4:30 PM
• Old Town Track & Field at UMaine — 3:30 PM

Thursday, May 28

• Foxcroft Academy Baseball vs. Dexter — 4:30 PM
• Nokomis Boys Lacrosse vs. Messalonskee — 6 PM

Friday, May 29

• Bucksport Baseball vs. Sumner — 4 PM

👉 View the Full Weekly High School Sports Schedule

SPORTS HUB LINK

SHARE WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE VALLEY

Know about an upcoming event, local sports game, fundraiser, meeting, business opening, or community activity people should know about?

Send it our way.

We welcome submissions from readers, schools, nonprofits, community groups, and local businesses throughout the region.

Please include:
• event name
• location
• date & time
• short description
• contact information
• photos if available

Send submissions to: sandy@mainethrive.org

The more local, the better.

Here’s what’s on the local government schedule this week:

Bangor — Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion & Human Rights, Tuesday, May 26.

Bangor — City Council Workshop and regular City Council meeting, Wednesday, May 27.

Bangor — City Council Budget Workshop, Thursday, May 28.

Brewer — City Council Special Meeting, Tuesday, May 26, 3:30 PM at the Arthur C. Verow Council Chambers.

Other towns in the Valley have lighter schedules this week as we move past Memorial Day.

Local professionals across the Valley are staying connected and growing their businesses the BNI way. Here are the active chapters you can visit or learn more about this week:

Queen City BNI

Thursdays at 8:30 AM
The Sports Arena — 1640 Hammond Street, Hermon

Bangor Breakfast BNI

Fridays at 7:00 AM
Bangor Elks Lodge — 108 Odlin Road, Bangor

Black Bear BNI

Thursdays at 8:30 AM (Hybrid Meeting)
Eastern Area Agency on Aging — 240 State Street, Brewer

Paul Bunyan BNI

Tuesdays at 7:00 AM
Virtual Chapter via Zoom

These groups are full of serious, referral-minded business owners who believe in helping one another succeed. If you’re a local professional looking to grow through trusted relationships and real community connections, visiting one of these chapters is one of the best moves you can make.

Local business activity continues at a steady pace this week.

The new Five Below is now open in the former Party City space at Bangor Parkade. It’s another retail option in that busy area.

Downtown Bangor also saw seven businesses receive “Glow Up” grants totaling $15,000 for storefront improvements. The recipients include Paloma’s Gifts, Not So Empty Nest, Antique Marketplace, The Downtown Spot, Red Rabbit Bazaar, Oh Grow Up, and Dream Charm Bar. The upgrades should help brighten up the streetscape as summer gets going.

Pepe and Poncho are two affectionate Chihuahua brothers searching for a forever home together in Bangor, Maine.

Both just over a year old, these energetic pups are full of personality, weighing in at a petite 4 and 5 pounds.

Their close bond means they must be adopted as a pair, guaranteeing comfort and joy for both.

Pepe and Poncho adore human interaction, eagerly joining in on playtime, daily routines, and lovingly sticking by your side.

They'd thrive as the only dogs in the household, especially during their early days as they settle in.

Ready for double the love? Visit the Bangor Humane Society at 693 Mt. Hope Avenue or call (207) 942-8902, Monday through Saturday, between 1 pm and 6 pm.

These devoted brothers promise a heartwarming start to every day.

Say hello to Duck 🐾, an energetic puppy with a huge heart searching for his forever family.

This playful pup adores romping with other dogs and showing off his goofy, lovable personality.

Duck is still learning the ropes and would thrive with a family committed to training and guiding him as he grows.

If you’re ready for the lively adventures of puppyhood—complete with playtime, socialization, and lots of love—Duck is eager to join your life.

He’ll reward you with loyalty, joy, and endless puppy kisses.

Meet Duck at the Animal Orphanage, 71 Airport Road, Old Town, ME 04468, during adoption hours: Monday–Wednesday and Friday, 1:00–4:30 PM, or Saturday, 9:30 AM–1:30 PM.

For details, call (207) 827-8777.

Give Duck the loving home he deserves!

Around the Valley this week, local organizations, volunteers, and neighbors continue stepping up to support community programs, food drives, families, and people who could use an extra hand.

Local organizations continue their regular work across the Valley.

Dover-Foxcroft — Maternal Mobile Health event on Wednesday, May 27 at 186 E Main St, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Free screenings, giveaways, diapers, and car seats available.

Bangor area — Bangor Area Homeless Shelter food pantry operates Sundays and Tuesdays, 1:00–4:00 PM at 263 Main Street. Soup kitchen daily at 11:45 AM.

Penobscot Nation — Food pantry open Fridays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 noon at the Sockalexis Building on Indian Island. Open on an emergency basis as well.

Regional — Good Shepherd Food Bank and local partners continue accepting volunteers for sorting, packing, and distribution work.

The early season markets are starting up across the Valley:

Bangor — Bangor Farmers’ Market, Sunday, May 31, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM at Abbott Square, 140 Harlow Street.

Brewer — Brewer Farmers’ Market, Saturday, May 30, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM at 318 Wilson Street (Brewer Auditorium parking lot).

Hampden — Hampden Farmers’ Market, Friday, May 29, 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM at St. Matthew’s Church, 70 Western Avenue.

Orono — Orono Farmers’ Market, Saturday, May 30, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the University Steam Plant, 299 College Avenue.

Dover-Foxcroft — Dover Cove Farmers’ Market, Saturday, May 30, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Piscataquis County Ice Arena.

Late spring brings warmth and the perfect chance to gather outdoors in the Penobscot Valley.

Grilled steak tips, homemade potato salad, and hearty baked beans create an inviting backyard dinner for families and friends.

Marinate steak with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, then grill to taste for a bold, fresh flavor.

For a creamy potato salad, combine tender potatoes, eggs, mayo, mustard, and crisp veggies.

Stovetop baked beans, sweetened with brown sugar and bacon, round out the meal.

Sharing this meal outside lets everyone enjoy the season and connect under the evening sky.

Looking ahead, families can unite at the Penobscot County Conservation Association’s free Family Fun Day on June 6, featuring archery, canoe rides, and community lunch by the river.

These moments celebrate local flavor and the vibrant spirit of the Penobscot Valley.

Woof LLC

Trusted local dog daycare, boarding, and grooming services for the Penobscot Valley.

MESA-Maine

Supporting running, endurance sports, and community race events across Maine.

Gavin’s Lawn Care

Helping local homeowners with lawn care, seasonal cleanup, and property maintenance throughout the Greater Bangor region.

North Star Property Solutions

Providing dependable handyman services, repairs, and property maintenance for homeowners and small businesses around the Valley.

Penobscot Valley Thrive

Connecting residents and visitors with local businesses, events, dining, services, and community resources throughout the region.

Smith Digital Solutions

Helping local businesses improve visibility, websites, reviews, and AI search presence.

Can you beleive it? May comes to a close and June starts next Monday. We are now right in the swing of imprving weather and the Valley calendar is definitely starting to wake back up.

Ball fields are busy again, outdoor events are picking up, grills are firing back up, and more people are finding excuses to stay outside a little longer after work.

Thanks again for spending part of your week with us here at Penobscot Valley Voice. We appreciate everyone who reads, shares, supports local businesses, submits community information, and helps keep this publication growing across the region.

Enjoy the warmer days ahead, support local when you can, and we’ll see you againFriday with another edition of PVV.

— Sandy

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