"Local Celebrations, Fresh Markets, and Furry Friends: This Week's Must-See Video Pick!"

Exciting Highlights: Husson University Graduation, Dog Adoptions, Farmers Markets, BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders - Check it Out!

Trivia Question❓

The name “Penobscot” comes from the Abenaki language. What does it roughly translate to?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Hello friends,

There’s something about this stretch of May that just feels different in the Penobscot Valley.

It’s the season of rolled-down windows, the smell of freshly mown grass drifting through the neighborhood, and seeing more people outside enjoying evening walks with their dogs after a long Maine winter. Suddenly the riverfront comes alive again, patios start filling up, and you realize summer isn’t all that far away.

It’s also the return of some of the simple traditions we look forward to every year — stopping for Gifford’s Ice Cream on a warm evening, checking out the first seasonal food trucks and takeout stands opening back up, and finding excuses to spend a little more time outdoors with family and friends.

This week we’re especially excited to celebrate the Bangor Region Leadership Institute (BRLI) Class of 2026 and all the people across our communities who continue working hard to make the Valley stronger, more connected, and full of opportunity.

A big thank-you to our Newsletter Sponsor, Performance Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation. Their team helps so many of our neighbors stay active, recover well, and enjoy everything our beautiful region has to offer. We’re grateful for their continued support of local news and healthy living here in the Valley.

As always, I hope you find something fun, helpful, or inspiring in this week’s edition. Thanks for being part of this growing community with us.

Warmly, Sandy, Editor

Lighting the Way for Our Community: Celebrating the BRLI Class of 2026

Some people make a room laugh. The best ones also make a community stronger.

Adam Hatch does both.

Most of us in the Queen City BNI chapter know Adam as the Nexamp representative who can land a punchline between a referral and a power hour — and mean it. What some of you may not know is that this week, Adam walks across the stage at the Hilton Garden Inn as a proud graduate of the Bangor Region Leadership Institute Class of 2026. And that’s worth celebrating.

BRLI isn’t a quick seminar or a dressed-up networking event. It’s a months-long deep dive into what real leadership looks like in the Penobscot Valley — learning from people who’ve built things, faced challenges, and made our region better. Adam brought his own special gift to the program: the ability to walk into any room, read it, connect with it, and make people feel at ease. That’s powerful stuff when it’s used in service of our community.

Congratulations, Adam. The Valley is lucky to have you.

Adam is one of many graduates crossing that stage Wednesday, May 13, when the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce hosts the BRLI Annual Dinner & Graduation at the Hilton Garden Inn from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. The full Class of 2026 represents businesses, nonprofits, healthcare, education, and civic organizations across our region — neighbors who committed nearly a year to getting better at serving this community.

If you know a graduate, reach out this week and let them know their neighbors noticed. And if you’ve ever thought about applying for a future BRLI class, consider this your sign. The Penobscot Valley doesn’t build itself — it builds because people like these choose to show up.

This Week’s Local Video Pick

This past weekend the Penobscot Valley was filled with pride as our local colleges and universities celebrated their graduates. If you haven’t seen it yet, take a few minutes to watch highlights from Husson University’s 127th Commencement at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

Watch here: Class of 2026 soars at Husson University commencement

You’ll see the joy, the caps flying, and that special feeling of new beginnings right here in our own backyard. It’s a wonderful reminder of how much talent and heart we have growing in the Valley.

Video courtesy of WABI-TV, Channel 5, Bangor

Tuesday

A cool spring day with a mix of clouds and sunshine. High near 58°. Breezy at times, especially near the riverfront. A light jacket is a good idea for the evening commute or outdoor events.

Wednesday

Partly sunny with slightly milder temperatures. High around 61°. A pleasant afternoon for walks, outdoor dining, and community events across the Valley.

Thursday

Clouds increase with scattered showers possible throughout the day. High near 59°. Keep an umbrella nearby if you’re heading out to meetings, sports, or evening activities.

Friday

Another mostly cloudy day with occasional rain showers possible. High around 57°. A good day for indoor events, local shopping, or grabbing dinner at one of the Valley’s seasonal takeout spots.

Saturday

Spring begins to shine again! Partly sunny and warmer with highs climbing into the mid-60s. Excellent weather for farmers markets, yard work, hiking, and waterfront walks.

Sunday

The pick of the week! Mostly sunny and pleasant with highs near 68°. Perfect for family cookouts, outdoor events, and enjoying everything spring has to offer in the Penobscot Valley.

Looking Ahead

Early signs point toward continued mild spring weather heading into next week with more opportunities to enjoy outdoor dining, local events, and evenings by the river.

Dog Adoption in Bangor, Maine: Meet Rico at Bangor Humane Society

Meet Rico, a lively two-year-old mixed breed ready for adoption at the Bangor Humane Society.

At 42 pounds, Rico strikes an ideal balance between playful energy and gentle affection.

He adores active adventures but also cherishes peaceful cuddle times, making him a wonderful choice for anyone seeking both fun and comfort.

Rico thrives on routine, so several visits will help form a lasting connection with him.

He could enjoy the company of another dog, provided introductions are handled patiently and with care.

Choosing Rico means gaining a devoted companion who will fill each day with happiness.

The Bangor Humane Society in Bangor, Maine, welcomes potential adopters Monday through Saturday, 1 pm to 6 pm, offering many large mixed breed dogs for all kinds of families.

Discover your next best friend and make a meaningful impact in a pet’s life today.

Weekly BNI Chapter Meetings

Queen City BNI
BNI Maine
Thursday, 8:30 AM | The Sports Arena, 1640 Hammond St, Hermon
A high-performing referral group focused on building strong local business relationships and consistent lead generation.

Bangor Breakfast BNI
BNI Maine
Friday, 7:00 AM | Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Rd, Bangor
An early-morning networking group designed for professionals committed to growing their business through structured referrals and accountability.

Black Bear BNI
BNI Maine
Thursday, 8:30 AM | Twin City Plaza (Hybrid Meeting)
A flexible in-person/virtual chapter connecting business professionals across the region with a focus on collaboration and referral growth.

Paul Bunyan BNI
BNI Maine
Tuesday, 7:00 AM | Virtual (Zoom)
A long-standing BNI chapter offering a fully virtual format, making it easy for members across the region to connect and exchange referrals

Spring is here and our local farmers markets are waking up! Here’s what’s happening across the Penobscot Valley this week:

Brewer Farmers’ Market — Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM at 318 Wilson Street (Brewer Auditorium parking lot). Early season — great for fresh greens, baked goods, and local products.

Bangor Farmers’ Market — Sundays, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM at Abbott Square (across from the Bangor Public Library). The outdoor season is rolling — perfect weekend stop.

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

Orono Farmers’ Market — Tuesdays 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM and Saturdays 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the University Steam Plant lot on College Avenue.

Keep supporting our local farmers — nothing beats fresh, seasonal produce from right here in the Valley!

It’s always exciting to see our local businesses growing and evolving right here in the Penobscot Valley. Here’s what’s happening this week:

New Openings & Grand Openings

Acadia Federal Credit Union is celebrating the Grand Opening of their beautiful new Brewer branch this Thursday, May 14 at 618 Wilson Street. This is a big win for Brewer and the whole region — more convenient banking and community-focused services right where we need them. Stop by if you can and say hello!

Relocations & Moves

Marden’s continues the transition from their longtime Brewer location to a new store in Bangor. The Brewer site is in the final stages of liquidation, with many team members moving across the river to the new Bangor store. Change can be bittersweet, but we’re glad to see the team staying local.

Downtown Bangor Partnership has officially settled into their new home on State Street. Great to see this key organization deepening its roots right in the heart of downtown.

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Other Notable Activity Our region continues to attract smart growth — from credit unions expanding to support local families and businesses, to organizations repositioning themselves to serve the community even better. Every new branch, relocation, and fresh coat of paint adds to the energy that makes the Penobscot Valley such a great place to live and work.

If you know of a business opening, closing, relocating, or celebrating a milestone in the Valley, please send the details our way — we love shining a light on the businesses that make our communities thrive!

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This is the part of the newsletter that always makes me proud to live here.

In the Penobscot Valley, we don’t just talk about taking care of each other — we show up and do it. Here are some of the wonderful ways neighbors are helping neighbors this week:

Food & Basic Needs

The Brewer Area Food Pantry is open 10:00 AM – Noon this Monday and Wednesday at 222 North Main Street. They serve Brewer and Eddington families with dignity and kindness.

Salvation Army Bangor continues their steady work with pantry hours Monday through Friday. If you have extra non-perishables or gently used clothing, they make sure it gets where it’s needed most.

Wednesday, May 13 brings the Food AND Medicine Resource Fair at Bangor Public Library (9:00 AM – Noon). It’s a fantastic one-stop morning where you can connect with multiple helpful organizations in one place.

Volunteer Opportunities

Big Dig Week kicks off this Saturday in Downtown Bangor. If you’ve got an hour or two to plant flowers, clean up beds, or help make our downtown more beautiful, they’d love to have you. It’s the kind of hands-on work that makes our community feel cared for.

The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter always needs meal providers and friendly faces. Even if you can only help once this season, it matters.

The Christine B. Foundation is looking for volunteers to help with produce distribution and home deliveries for cancer patients in our area. Small acts that make a very big difference.

Every bag of groceries packed, every garden bed planted, every meal delivered — these are the quiet threads that hold our Valley together. If you know of a clothing drive, blood drive, or fundraiser happening this week, hit reply and let us know. We’d love to shine a light on it.

This is what Maine Thrive looks like in real life — neighbors caring for neighbors.

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This week’s Best of the Region goes to the dedicated volunteers and neighbors rolling up their sleeves for Big Dig Week 2026 in Downtown Bangor.

Starting this Saturday, May 16, dozens of people will be out planting flowers, cleaning up garden beds, and beautifying public spaces across the downtown area. It’s not glamorous work — it’s bending, digging, watering, and caring for the places we all share.

These quiet efforts make a real difference: brighter streets, stronger community spirit, and a downtown that feels welcoming to everyone. Whether you can give an hour or the whole morning, every pair of hands counts.

This is the Penobscot Valley at its best — neighbors who don’t just talk about loving where they live… they get out and prove it.

Big thanks to everyone already signed up and to the Downtown Bangor Partnership for organizing another great season of making our community more beautiful, one shovel at a time.

More Info

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders in Penobscot Valley Maine

Spring in Penobscot Valley, Maine, brings the perfect excuse to gather outdoors and enjoy comfort food with loved ones.

Backyard BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are a local favorite, offering juicy slow-cooked chicken infused with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of smoked paprika.

Stack the tender, shredded chicken on slider buns, add crisp coleslaw and pickle chips, then drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for a satisfying bite.

These sliders pair well with potato salad, baked beans, or grilled corn, making them an excellent choice for backyard cookouts, graduation parties, or family game nights.

As local events like the Annual Family Fun Day in June approach and new spots like Bogeys in Bangor debut, there are endless ways to celebrate and share this crowd-pleaser with your community.

Enjoy these sliders—just don’t forget the napkins!

Newsletter Sponsor

This week’s Penobscot Valley Voice is proudly sponsored by Performance Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation — helping our neighbors stay active, recover stronger, and enjoy everything spring in Maine has to offer.

Weather Sponsor

Today’s weather forecast is sponsored by Gavin's Lawn Care — helping lawns, landscapes, and outdoor spaces across the Valley look their very best this spring season.

Business Networking Sponsor

Our Business & Networking section is proudly sponsored by Smith Digital Solutions, LLC — helping local businesses get found, get calls, and get paid through AI visibility, local SEO, and digital marketing solutions.

Business Pulse Sponsor

Business Pulse is sponsored by Maine Thrive — connecting communities with trusted local businesses, regional directories, and visibility opportunities throughout Maine.

Helping Hands Across the Valley Sponsor

Helping Hands Across the Valley is proudly sponsored by North Star Property Solutions, Inc. — serving homeowners and property owners across the region with dependable handyman and property maintenance services.

Furry Friends Sponsor

Our Furry Friends Pet Adoption section is sponsored by Woof LLC — providing trusted dog daycare, boarding, grooming, and tail-wagging care for pets across the Penobscot Valley.

Recipe of the Week Sponsor

Recipe of the Week is proudly sponsored by Maine Endurance Sports Alliance — promoting healthy living, community events, and endurance sports across Maine through races, training, and outdoor experiences for all ages.

Thank you for spending a few minutes with us today, friends. In a busy world, it truly means a lot that you open this newsletter and stay connected to what’s happening right here in the Penobscot Valley.

A heartfelt thank-you again to Performance Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation for sponsoring this week’s edition and helping keep our community healthy, active, and moving forward.

And a huge thank-you to all of our sponsors and community partners this week. These are local businesses and organizations investing in our communities, supporting local stories, and helping keep this publication growing. If you’re looking for the services they provide, we wholeheartedly encourage you to support them.

Please consider sharing this edition with a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member who loves the Penobscot Valley. The more connected we are as a community, the stronger our region becomes.

Enjoy the rest of your week — and we’ll see you Friday for the Weekend Edition!

Warmly,

Sandy, Editor

Published by Maine Valley Voices Media

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

“Rocky place” or “descending ledge waters” — a perfect description of the ledges and falls along our beautiful river.