What iconic Maine animal is featured on the state’s official seal?

Welcome to this week’s Penobscot Valley Voice!

If this newsletter was shared with you by a friend, neighbor, or coworker — welcome! Penobscot Valley Voice is a weekly snapshot of what’s happening around our region, from local events and high school sports to community resources, business updates, and a few comforting touches to help you through the winter months.

Inside this week’s edition, you’ll find timely local happenings, ways to give back, and stories that highlight the people and organizations that make the Penobscot Valley such a great place to live.

We’re glad you’re here — let’s take a look at what’s going on.

Subscribe here

This Accu Weather Forecast is sponsored by:

Bangor Chinese School

207-990-0710

🌨️ Penobscot Valley Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Jan. 13
☀️ Partly sunny with highs near 38°F and overnight lows near 30°F. A slight chance of late-night rain-snow mix.

Wednesday, Jan. 14
☁️ Cloudy with showers (rain likely during the day) and highs in the low-40s. Overnight lows around 32°F.

Thursday, Jan. 15
🌨️ Snow and flurries at times as colder air moves in. Highs will be cooler (upper 30s) with lows dropping sharply into the single digits.

Friday, Jan. 16
❄️ Morning snow possible followed by partly cloudy skies. Highs around 21°F and lows near 9°F.

Saturday, Jan. 17
🌤️ Times of clouds and sun, with highs near 27°F and lows near 20°F. A few late snow flurries are possible.

Sunday, Jan. 18
☀️ Plenty of sunshine with highs around 35°F and overnight lows near 18°F. Some snow or sleet in the evening can’t be ruled out.

Monday, Jan. 19
🌤️ Sunshine and a few clouds, with highs near 28°F and lows near 13°F.

Business Pulse is sponsored by:

Smith Digital Solutions, LLC

207 299-2702

Penobscot Valley Business Pulse

Keeping up with what’s opening, closing, relocating, and reopening across our local business community.

🟢 New Openings

• Back Home Farm-acy (Bangor) — A second location for the Dover-Foxcroft-based meat and market business opened at 195 Thatcher Street, bringing locally sourced meats and specialty items to Bangor.

• Mainely Tacos Dos (Downtown Bangor) — Opened on Main Street as part of Bangor’s recent wave of downtown food additions.

• The Downtown Spot (Downtown Bangor) — Opened at 73 Main Street, filling a space that had been vacant since late 2022; the opening included a public ribbon-cutting event.

• Happy Javy’s (Brewer) — A new take-out restaurant at 50 Brimmer Street offering Texas-Mexican flavors, including breakfast tacos and baked goods inspired by Texas and Mexican cuisine.

🔄 Reopenings / Back in Business

• Urban Pizza (Bangor) — Reopened after a year-long closure and is currently operating in a soft-opening phase.

• Black Bear Brewing & Pub (Orono) — Reopened following an extended renovation, restoring a longtime local favorite near the university.

🔁 Expansions & Relocations

• Out On a Whimsey Toys (Bangor) — Recently expanded into a larger downtown space, allowing for more inventory and events.

• Marsh Island Brewing (Hampden) — The Orono-based brewery is expanding into Hampden, converting a former community building into a brewery and restaurant.

🔴 Closings

• Evenrood’s (Downtown Bangor) — Announced it will close at the end of 2025, marking the end of a long-standing downtown business.

👀 Help Us Keep the Business Pulse Strong

This section works best with help from the community.
If you know about new openings, closures, relocations, temporary pauses, or businesses coming soon, please let us know so we can keep this weekly snapshot accurate and truly local.

Sponsored by:

Gavin's Lawn Care

207 745-4237

Community Events & Happenings

A look at what’s coming up around the Penobscot Valley — arts, culture, learning, and community gatherings worth noting.

🎭 Arts & Theatre

• Penobscot Theatre Company (Bangor Opera House) — Winter performances and productions continue in downtown Bangor, offering live theatre and community programming throughout the season.

• Gracie Theatre at Husson University — Hosting a rotating schedule of concerts, theatrical performances, and touring shows this winter, drawing audiences from across the region.

📚 Bangor Public Library Events

• Bangor Public Library — Ongoing programming includes author talks, workshops, children’s story times, educational lectures, and community meetings. Events are held throughout the week and are open to the public, with offerings for all ages.

🎶 Music & Live Entertainment

• Downtown Bangor Venues — Local bars and performance spaces continue to host live music nights and regional acts, especially on weekends, supporting Maine musicians and local nightlife.

• University of Maine (Orono) — Campus venues and student-led organizations regularly host concerts, lectures, and cultural events that are open to the public.

🥕 Farmers’ Markets & Local Food Events

• Winter Farmers’ Markets & Indoor Markets — Seasonal indoor farmers’ markets and food-focused pop-up events continue across the region, connecting residents with local farmers, food producers, and artisans during the winter months.

Farmers’ Markets Open Now (Winter Season)

Looking to shop local this winter? These farmers’ markets are currently operating in the Penobscot Valley:

• Bangor Winter Farmers’ Market
  📍 Sea Dog Brewing Co., 26 Front Street, Bangor
  🗓 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month
  ⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  Featuring local farmers, food producers, baked goods, meats, and specialty items.

• Hampden Farmers’ Market (Year-Round)
  📍 St. Matthew’s Church parking area, 70 Western Avenue, Hampden
  🗓 Fridays
  ⏰ 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.
  A consistent year-round market offering produce, meats, prepared foods, baked goods, and locally made products.

• Orono Winter Farmers’ Market
  📍 Orono (indoor winter location varies)
  🗓 Second Saturdays of the month
  ⏰ Morning hours
  A winter option connecting residents with local farmers and producers; location and vendors rotate seasonally.

•  

Know an Event We Should Include?

Community Events works best when it reflects what’s happening right now.

If you know about:

• Library programs or public lectures

• Farmers’ markets or food events

• Performances, concerts, or shows

• Community fundraisers or family events

Let us know so we can include them in an upcoming issue.

Excitement is building as the Penobscot Pioneers and Twin City Titans host the annual Fill the Alfond celebration at Alfond Arena.

This signature event draws fans from across the Penobscot Valley, uniting the community in support of high school hockey talent.

Action begins at 5:00 PM with the Pioneers Girls Ice Hockey team taking on Cheverus, followed by the Twin City Titans Boys against Hampden Academy at 7:00 PM.

Led by new coach Meghan MacDonald, the Pioneers—featuring students from Bangor, Brewer, Hampden Academy, John Bapst, Old Town, and Orono—continue their remarkable legacy in Maine girls' hockey.

The Titans, a groundbreaking squad born from the Bangor-Brewer rivalry, exemplify unity and competitive spirit.

Fans are urged to arrive early, savor the lively atmosphere, and enjoy refreshments as they rally behind hometown heroes in this beloved Maine tradition.

Sponsored by: Madden Home Inspection

207 989-5010

As winter deepens across the Penobscot Valley, community generosity is vital.

Food pantries like the Penobscot Nation Food Pantry are seeing increased need.

Located at 16 Wabanaki Way, it serves Indian Island, Argyle, Alton, Milford, Greenbush, Bangor, and Old Town every Friday from 9:00 AM to noon.

Donations of non-perishables and household essentials are urgently needed and accepted during those hours.

Blood donations are critical, too.

With seasonal shortages, eligible donors are encouraged to schedule appointments—each contribution saves lives.

Volunteers remain the backbone of local support, providing help for meal programs, senior services, or animal welfare.

The Penobscot Valley Kennel Club’s Dog Food Pantry assists pet owners in need, and extra hands are always welcome.

Checking in on vulnerable neighbors ensures everyone stays warm, safe, and cared for.

Together, these efforts create a more resilient community this winter.

Scooby is an energetic one-year-old dog looking for a loving family in Old Town.

His vibrant spirit and playful nature make him the perfect companion for someone who enjoys an active lifestyle.

Scooby thrives on attention and benefits from structured guidance, so he’s best suited as the only pet in a home led by someone experienced and dedicated.

He offers unmatched loyalty and a zest for daily adventures in return.

If you’re open to a joyful new companion, visit the Animal Orphanage in Old Town to meet Scooby and discover the adoption steps.

The shelter regularly organizes adoption fairs and community events, inviting locals to connect with friendly pets like Scooby.

Consider making a lasting impact by welcoming Scooby and sharing in the happiness of a new family bond.

North Star Property Solutions is a locally owned business providing reliable property maintenance and improvement services across the Penobscot Valley.

From general repairs and seasonal maintenance to helping homeowners and property managers stay ahead of ongoing needs, North Star Property Solutions is known for practical solutions, clear communication, and dependable work. Their focus is on keeping homes and properties safe, functional, and well cared for year-round — especially during Maine’s demanding seasons.

Supporting local businesses like North Star Property Solutions helps strengthen our regional economy and ensures trusted services remain close to home. Call them for assistance: (207) 745-5304

Sponsored By: Angelos Pizzeria

Bangor: 207 942-5553

Hampden: 207 866-2224

When temperatures dip, a bowl of beef and barley soup offers true comfort, melding savory flavors and wholesome ingredients into a nourishing meal.

This timeless favorite pairs tender beef with chewy barley and a colorful mix of carrots, celery, onion, and aromatic herbs, all simmered gently in rich broth.

The result is a hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or relaxing family dinners.

Preparation is simple and satisfying: brown beef, soften veggies, add broth and seasonings, then let it all simmer until the flavors deepen and the barley turns tender.

Serve steaming hot with crusty bread for a cozy meal, and enjoy leftovers as the flavors only improve overnight.

This classic recipe promises warmth, nourishment, and a welcome sense of home through every spoonful.

Don't feel like cooking tonight?  Check out Angelo's for delivery or pick up. 207 942-5553

That brings us to the end of this week’s Penobscot Valley Voice.

If you enjoy staying connected to what’s happening locally, we’d love for you to receive this newsletter directly each week. And if this edition was passed along to you, you can subscribe to Penobscot Valley Voice to make sure you never miss an update. Subscribe Here

Know someone who would appreciate local news, events, and community highlights? Please feel free to share this newsletter — helping neighbors stay informed is how we keep our community strong.

Until next week — stay warm, take care, and thank you for being part of the Penobscot Valley.

— Sandy & The Penobscot Valley Voice Team

The Moose
(Featured on the Maine state seal, along with a pine tree, farmer, and sailor.)