On October 12, 1937, one of the most famous public shootouts in FBI history took place on Central Street in downtown Bangor. What was the name of the notorious "Public Enemy No. 1" whose gang was finally stopped by federal agents in front of Dakin’s Sporting Goods?

What a week we just had here in the Valley.

It kicked off with a great April Fools’ joke from H.O. Bouchard, who had a lot of people talking with a Facebook post about buying the Bangor Mall—only for the real purchaser and their plans to be revealed shortly after.

Then came the news that the Airport Mall had been sold, adding even more momentum to the conversation around local development.

Of course, this is Maine… so we also got a little bit of everything weather-wise—sunshine, snow, and everything in between.

On the national stage, we saw the launch of Artemis II, and the week wrapped up with Easter celebrations across the region… along with, yes, a little more of that unpredictable spring weather.

Spring is finally starting to show itself here in the Valley—and with it comes a fresh wave of community events, local stories, and ways to get out and enjoy the region.

In this week’s issue, we’ve got a great mix:

• Local happenings you won’t want to miss
• A new furry friend looking for a home
• A helpful local spotlight
• And a few ways to give back right here in our community
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If this newsletter was shared with you, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s edition.

Video Coutesy of WABI-TV, Channel 5

Your local weather update is brought to you by Gavin’s Lawn Care—helping you prepare your yard for every season, rain or shine

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WEATHER (April 7–13 | Bangor Region)

Tue: 48° / 34° – Partly cloudy
Wed: 52° / 36° – Mostly sunny
Thu: 55° / 40° – Chance of rain
Fri: 58° / 42° – Cloudy, mild
Sat: 60° / 45° – Showers possible
Sun: 62° / 46° – Partly sunny
Mon: 59° / 44° – Cooler, breezy

👉 Spring is settling in—layer up and keep an umbrella nearby this weekend.

Looking for things to do? North Star Property Solutions has you covered. Just like they care for properties, they care about keeping our community thriving and active!

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Get Moving with the Orono Contradance

• When: Saturday, April 11 (Lessons at 7:30 PM, Dancing at 8:00 PM)

• Where: Keith Anderson Community House, 19 Bennoch Road, Orono

• Beginners are welcome, and no partner is necessary. Live traditional music makes this a perfect community night out.

Stock Up at the Bangor Public Library Book Sale

• When: April 10 (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM) & April 11 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

• Where: Bangor Public Library (Auditorium & Lecture Hall)

• Browse thousands of paperbacks, hardcovers, CDs, and DVDs. All proceeds directly support library programming.

UMaine Chamber Jazz Presents: 'Solar Solstice'

• When: Sunday, April 12 (7:30 PM)

• Where: Minsky Hall, Class of 1944 Hall, UMaine Campus

• Celebrate the spring with an evening of vibrant jazz. This is a ticketed event with a student discount available.

Want the full scoop on the Valley this week? We've compiled the complete list of workshops, library events, and council meetings in our Weekly Digest. View the Full April 7-13 Events Calendar on PV Voice Insights

Residents in Bangor and Penobscot Valley, Maine, have reliable options for computer and smartphone repairs, ensuring fast recovery from tech troubles.

Computer Doctor of Maine, established in 1996 and located at 11 Bangor Mall Boulevard, delivers thorough diagnostics, upgrades, and repairs for PCs, Macs, and mobile devices.

They’re known for expert virus removal, data recovery, and fixing cracked screens or battery issues.

Computer Doctor specializes in intricate hardware repairs, including micro-soldering and liquid damage corrections, serving the greater Bangor region.

Locals can count on these professionals for fast, expert help with any device issues.  Website Link

This week’s recipe is brought to you by MESA-Maine—where Maine’s endurance athletes come together. Just like a good meal, we believe in fueling your best performance!

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Wicked Good Pancakes: A Taste of Spring in the Valley

There’s nothing quite like beginning your morning with a plate of wild Maine blueberry pancakes, a breakfast tradition cherished across Bangor and throughout Maine.

Packed with the tangy-sweet flavor of local wild blueberries, these pancakes offer a taste that’s both nostalgic and uniquely Maine.

Bite into a warm, golden stack topped with fresh berries, melting butter, and a drizzle of pure Maine maple syrup—a classic comfort beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Many Bangor diners and cafés serve their own versions of this regional favorite, while the annual Wild Blueberry Weekend in August celebrates Maine’s signature fruit with farm tours and tastings.

Whether at home or in a local eatery, wild blueberry pancakes remain a delicious invitation to experience Maine’s rich culinary heritage and community pride.

Furry Friends Rescue is proudly sponsored by Woof LLC, where your pet’s comfort comes first. From daycare to boarding, we treat every furry friend like family!

Meet Karen, a lively and affectionate four-year-old mixed breed looking for her forever home at the Bangor Humane Society.

At 60 pounds, Karen brings boundless energy and devotion, perfect for anyone seeking an adventurous companion.

She thrives best as the only pet, making her ideal for a household where she can enjoy undivided attention.

Though selective with other animals at first, Karen’s deep loyalty shines through when she bonds with her human family.

A home with older children would be the perfect fit for her playful spirit and strength.

The Bangor Humane Society has seen consistent dog adoptions, showing the community’s dedication to animal welfare.

By welcoming Karen, you gain a devoted friend and help support pets in the Bangor area.

Open your heart to Karen and discover lasting companionship.

Rex is a four-year-old pup full of energy and affection, waiting patiently at the Old Town Animal Orphanage for a place to call home.

This loyal, playful dog loves outdoor adventures, swimming, and soaking up attention from his favorite humans.

He’s already muzzle-trained, curious, and ready to fill every day with excitement.

Rex needs a quiet, child-free home—ideally with a woman who can provide patience and steady love, as he does best as the only pet.

He requires thyroid medication and eats separately due to resource guarding, but his gentle heart and affectionate spirit shine through.

Give Rex the chance to be your devoted companion, and you’ll gain a loyal friend and adventure buddy who brings joy and love in return.

To meet him, visit Old Town Animal Orphanage or call (207) 827-8777 during visiting hours.

Hands Across the Valley is supported by Smith Digital Solutions — building the visibility systems that help local businesses get found, get calls, and get paid. 

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As we move into spring, many organizations across the Bangor region continue to rely on community support.

Greater Bangor & Brewer

Orono Area Assistance

• Town of Orono General Assistance: Provides help with basic necessities (food, housing, utilities) for residents with no other resources. Applications are taken by appointment at the Town Office (59 Main St) on Tuesdays (8–11 AM) and Wednesdays (12–3 PM). Call (207) 866-2556 to schedule.

• UMaine "Age-Friendly" Resources: Offers a centralized list for students and seniors in the University community.

• Good Shepherd Food Bank (Hampden): While primarily a distribution hub, they maintain a "Find Food" tool that is the most up-to-date resource for the entire Penobscot Valley.

Community Meal Programs

If you or your readers are looking for prepared meals rather than groceries:

• Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen: 65 S Park St, Bangor. Serves lunch Mon–Fri, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM.

• First United Methodist Church: 703 Essex St, Bangor. Community meal every Thursday, 4:00 – 6:00 PM.

• Bangor Area Homeless Shelter: 263 Main St, Bangor. Soup kitchen serves daily from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

 

Tip: Organizations like Food AND Medicine in Brewer often host monthly resource fairs (the next one is Wednesday, April 8th at the Bangor Public Library) where people can get direct help navigating these services.

Give a Pint, Save a Life: Local Blood Drives This Week 

With changes coming to regional mobile drives later this year, our local donations are more critical than ever. Whether you're a Black Bear at UMaine or a Bangor local, there’s a spot for you this week.

There are several vital opportunities to donate blood in the Penobscot Valley this week. Given that the Red Cross is transitioning away from northern Maine mobile drives later this year, supporting these local events and the fixed Bangor center is more important than ever.

Upcoming Blood Drives (April 7–13)

• Saint Joseph Hospital: Tuesday, April 7 | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM (294 Center St., Bangor)

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• Collins Center for the Arts (UMaine): Wednesday, April 8 & Thursday, April 9 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (2 Flagstaff Road, Orono)

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• Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center: Wednesday, April 15 | (Mason Auditorium, 489 State Street, Bangor) — Note: This is just outside this week's window but worth a "save the date" mention.

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Permanent Donation Center

If these dates don't work, the Bangor Red Cross Blood Donation Center is your reliable local hub.

• Location: 900B Hammond Street, Bangor, ME 04401

• Hours: * Tue, Wed, Thu: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Sat: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

  • Sun, Mon, Fri: Closed

Thank you for being part of this week’s Penobscot Valley Voice! If this newsletter was passed on to you, we’d love to have you join us regularly—please subscribe here. See you next week for more local stories and community updates

Al Brady (leader of the Brady Gang).

The shootout was so legendary that it was witnessed by hundreds of locals and remains a major piece of Maine folklore. In 2007, for the 70th anniversary, the city even held a large-scale re-enactment of the event right on the same street.