During colonial times, British surveyors marked certain tall Maine pine trees for use as ship masts for the Royal Navy. What symbol was carved into those trees to reserve them for the King?

A. The Royal Crown
B. The King’s Broad Arrow
C. The Union Jack
D. The Naval Anchor Seal

Hello Friends,

I hope this edition finds you warm, safe, and enjoying everything that makes living in the Penobscot Valley such a special experience. Even during these colder winter weeks, our communities continue to show the kind of kindness, resilience, and neighbor-helping-neighbor spirit that makes this region feel like home.

This week’s newsletter highlights a powerful reminder of that community strength. As temperatures dropped across the region, local warming shelters stepped up to help neighbors in need. It is truly inspiring to see volunteers and organizations working together to make sure no one faces harsh winter weather alone. Be sure to check out this week’s featured video story recognizing those efforts.

We also have a fun and educational piece of Maine history in this week’s trivia question that ties directly to our region’s forestry and colonial past. It is one of those stories that reminds us just how important Maine’s natural resources have been throughout history.

As always, you will also find your weekly weather outlook, community happenings, and local business updates. We have some interesting local business news developing that we’ll be sharing shortly, so stay tuned as our local dining scene continues to evolve.

If you enjoy reading Penobscot Valley Voice each week, please consider sharing it with friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. Our goal is to continue building a positive, connected, and informed community resource for everyone who calls the Penobscot Valley home. If someone shared this edition with you, we would love to have you join our growing community of readers. Here's the subscribe link

Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting the local organizations and businesses that help make our region thrive.

— Sandy

Local volunteers and community organizations have been busy supporting neighbors experiencing extreme cold this past week. This story from News Center Maine shows how warming shelters in Bangor stepped up to serve many more people during last week’s frigid conditions

Video Courtesy of Newscenter Maine.

Bangor / Penobscot Valley 7-Day Forecast

Tuesday, Feb 10 – Monday, Feb 16 (Temperatures in °F)

📍 Notes:
• Early in the week looks quite cold with snow chances especially Tuesday night and Wednesday.
• Temperatures trend upward toward mid-week and weekend with highs in the 30s.
• Mixed wintry precipitation possible Monday.

Community Corner — Things Happening Around the Valley

There’s always something happening across the Penobscot Valley, from live music and theatre to family programs and community learning opportunities. Looking for things to do in Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, Old Town, or Orono this week? Here are several events taking place over the next few days.

🎶 Songwriters’ Open Mic Night

📅 Tuesday, February 10
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 2 Feet Brewing Company
📌 80 Columbia Street, Bangor

Local musicians share original music in a welcoming, relaxed environment. Community members are encouraged to attend, support performers, or sign up to perform.

☕ Bangor Region Chamber Early Bird Breakfast — “Lights, Camera, Action”

📅 Wednesday, February 11
⏰ 7:15 AM – 9:00 AM
📍 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
📌 20 Grove Street, Bangor

This month’s networking breakfast features Maine Film Office Director Heather Johnson discussing the state’s growing film and creative economy.

🎭 “Romancing the Harlequin” Theatre Performance

📅 Friday, February 13
📅 Saturday, February 14
⏰ 9:00 PM
📍 The Stage Door Theatre
📌 71 Central Street, Bangor

A lively theatrical production blending romance, humor, and storytelling performed by local actors. Perfect for a winter evening out.

📚 Bangor Public Library Storytime Programs

Bouncing Baby Storytime

📅 Tuesday, February 10
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Bangor Public Library — Children’s Room
📌 145 Harlow Street, Bangor

Interactive reading, songs, and early literacy activities designed for infants and caregivers.

Tiny Tots Storytime

📅 Tuesday, February 10
⏰ 10:30 AM
📍 Bangor Public Library — Children’s Room
📌 145 Harlow Street, Bangor

Storytime and play activities designed for toddlers and preschoolers.

🧠 Orono Public Library — Conversational Spanish Group

📅 Thursday, February 12
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Orono Public Library
📌 39 Pine Street, Orono

A relaxed Spanish conversation group open to beginners and experienced speakers alike.

✍️ Orono Public Library — Writing Club

📅 Saturday, February 14
⏰ 10:30 AM
📍 Orono Public Library
📌 39 Pine Street, Orono

Creative writers gather to share ideas, improve skills, and connect with fellow storytellers.

Looking for more local events happening across Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, Old Town, and Orono?

We’ve built a full weekly community calendar featuring additional arts programs, volunteer opportunities, workshops, and family activities.

🔗 View the Full Event Calendar Here

Bangor’s restaurant at 471 Stillwater Avenue, formerly Smoke and Steel BBQ, has rebranded as Bogeys with the vibrant motto “Eat, drink, play.”

Seasoned local owners Katie and Bryan O’Leary and Dave and Cassandra Matson now helm this beloved spot, blending tradition with a fresh outlook.

Bogeys will continue serving classic BBQ and axe throwing, but will now feature state-of-the-art sports and golf simulators, welcoming families, sports teams, and groups.

The restaurant has extended hours, open seven days a week with nightly dinners and lunch specials, including a crowd-pleasing $5 smash burger.

Live music and weekly trivia nights add energy, making Bogeys a go-to spot for food and fun in Bangor.

With its expanded offerings, Bogeys aims to be Bangor’s top destination for family-friendly dining and entertainment.

📍 Bangor Mall Retail Disruptions
Several stores at the Bangor Mall were forced to close temporarily after electrical service was shut off to portions of the building due to infrastructure and safety concerns tied to ongoing roof repair issues. Mall ownership and the City of Bangor continue working toward repair solutions affecting tenant operations and customer access.

📍 Old Town Community Center Transition
The Old Town–Orono YMCA has received approval to assume operations of the former Herbert Sargent Community Center building. The transition is expected to expand programming and community services for youth, seniors, and families in the Old Town area.

📍 Bangor Business Name Change — Smoke & Steel → Bogey’s
The business formerly known as Smoke & Steel is now operating under the name Bogey’s. The establishment continues operating at 471 Stillwater Avenue in Bangor, maintaining its bar and grill service with updated branding and operations.

📍 Additional Communities Update
No confirmed business openings, closures, or relocations were publicly verified between February 1 and February 7 in:

• Brewer
• Hampden
• Orono
• Newport
• Lincoln
• Dover-Foxcroft
• Bucksport

Penobscot Valley Voice will continue monitoring verified announcements, public listings, and community confirmations for future updates.

Smith Digital Solutions, a leading marketing agency in Bangor, Maine, specializes in empowering local businesses to excel online.

Through personalized services like website development, Google Business Profile optimization, and AI-driven customer communication tools, they help small and mid-sized firms stand out against larger competitors.

Clients also benefit from social media marketing expertise and review management, growing both their customer base and community trust.

Founder Sandy Smith champions a hands-on approach, ensuring close collaboration to create marketing strategies tailored to each business’s goals.

Beyond digital marketing, the agency supports community initiatives in the Penobscot Valley, including digital literacy programs for residents and businesses.

Smith Digital Solutions proudly equips Maine’s enterprises with the tools, knowledge, and support essential for long-term success in today’s digital landscape.

In the chill of February, kitchens across the Penobscot Valley become cozy gathering spots where families turn to comforting, locally inspired recipes.

Warmth is found in baked maple breakfasts—easy to prepare, aromatic with cinnamon and syrup, and perfect for snowy mornings or family weekends.

Mainers cherish this dish for its simplicity and use of pantry staples, with the option to enhance it with blueberries, apples, or nuts.

Pure Maine maple syrup shines not only in this recipe but as a year-round favorite, connecting generations through time-honored traditions and flavors.

This winter, local maple events invite all to learn, taste, and celebrate—from a sugaring workshop in Lewiston on February 11, 2026, to the anticipated Maine Maple Sunday Weekend in March.

These gatherings are a chance to deepen community bonds and inspire home cooks to share their own treasured recipes.

Winter’s arrival in the Penobscot Valley brings a surge in local need, prompting residents to rally together for community support.

Food pantries such as Manna Ministries, Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, Salvation Army, Old Town Food Pantry, and Brewer Food Pantry are facing record demand for essentials like canned goods, proteins, and hygiene supplies.

Monetary donations and food drop-offs are both welcomed throughout the winter.

With cold weather causing blood shortages, the American Red Cross in Bangor urges healthy individuals to donate blood for use in emergencies, surgeries, and ongoing medical care.

Donating warm clothing—coats, boots, gloves, and blankets—to organizations such as Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and Salvation Army offers crucial aid to those facing winter without shelter.

Warming shelters also seek volunteers for overnight staffing, meal prep, and supply donations to keep vulnerable neighbors safe.

In times of need, calling 2-1-1 Maine connects residents to food, shelter, and emergency support—ensuring no one faces winter alone.

Avery is a loving 7.5-year-old Pomeranian who adores being around people and brightens every room with her playful spirit.

Her joyful eyes light up as she welcomes attention, whether it’s a stroll outside, a little adventure, or cozy time on the couch.

Despite having seizures, Avery leads a happy, comfortable life thanks to daily Phenobarbital and dedicated care from her foster family.

She gets along well with other animals, making her a gentle fit for homes with pets.

Currently shining in her loving foster home, Avery is searching for someone who will cherish her endless affection.

If you’re near Poway, visit the Small Dog and Pomeranian Meetup on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 13094 Civic Center Dr. — a perfect chance to meet Avery and other wonderful pups seeking new families.

If you want a loyal friend who’ll greet you with boundless excitement, Avery could be your perfect match.

Another week in the Penobscot Valley reminds us how strong our communities truly are. Whether it’s volunteers helping neighbors stay warm, shelters working to care for animals in need, local organizations supporting families, or businesses working hard to serve our region — the spirit of community continues to shine even during the coldest parts of winter.

This newsletter exists because of you — the readers, volunteers, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and neighbors who care deeply about where we live. Your willingness to support local organizations, attend community events, donate when someone needs help, and simply check in on neighbors helps keep the Penobscot Valley a special place to call home.

As we move through February, remember that small acts of kindness make a big difference. Supporting a food pantry, donating warm clothing, volunteering, adopting a rescue pet, or choosing to shop local all help strengthen the fabric of our community.

If you enjoy Penobscot Valley Voice, please consider sharing it with friends, family, and coworkers. The more connected our community becomes, the stronger we all grow together.

Thank you for reading, supporting local, and helping keep the Penobscot Valley informed and connected.

Stay warm, stay safe, and we’ll see you next week.

— Sandy

Correct Answer: B — The King’s Broad Arrow

During colonial times, British authorities marked tall Eastern White Pine trees with a three-slash arrow symbol to reserve them for ship masts used by the Royal Navy. Maine’s forests contained some of the tallest and straightest pine trees in North America, making them extremely valuable to England’s naval power. The policy was unpopular among colonists and became one of several tensions leading toward American independence.