Hello friends,

Thanksgiving week always feels like a good time to pause and look around at what makes the Penobscot Valley such a special place to call home. From the packed aisles of the Maine Harvest Festival to small-town parades, school hockey games, and neighbors quietly dropping off food or winter coats, there’s a real sense of “we’re in this together” right now.

In this issue, you’ll meet Cash, a hopeful pup in Lincoln waiting for his forever home, catch up on what’s happening with local favorites like The Tap Room and Urban Pizza, and celebrate a big season-opening win for Penobscot Pioneers Hockey. You’ll also find a round-up of community events, Chamber and BNI gatherings, and a cozy Maine wild blueberry crisp recipe that’s perfect for the long weekend.

We’ve highlighted several ways to give back this season — from food and clothing drives to the American Red Cross blood donation campaigns (yes, even with PAC-MAN socks involved). If you’re able, I hope something here inspires you to lend a hand.

Thanks for inviting Penobscot Valley Voice into your inbox each week. I’m grateful you’re here, and I hope this issue brings you a few ideas, a few smiles, and maybe a new favorite place or cause to support.

Warmly,
Sandy

Watch the community come alive at the Maine Harvest Festival — where hundreds of Valley-area businesses gathered under one roof. Brought to you by WABI- TV, Channel 5 Bangor

Video Courtesy of WABI-TV, Channel 5 Bangor

Penobscot Valley Weather · Nov 25 – Dec 1

Overall: A cool week ahead — light rain midweek, then brisk and mostly dry into the weekend.

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As Thanksgiving arrives, we’re grateful for the incredible people and businesses that make the Penobscot Valley thrive. Wishing you a warm, safe, and joyful holiday.

A social and hopeful dog named Cash is waiting for his forever home at the Penobscot Valley Humane Society.

His tail is always wagging, and his bright eyes show a deep desire to connect with people.

Cash is an active and intelligent companion who would be a perfect fit for a family in Lincoln or anywhere in Penobscot County.

He thrives on being part of a daily routine and offers endless affection in return for love and attention.

This is a chance to give a truly deserving animal a fresh start.

Cash is looking for a home that can offer both love and structure, helping him become the incredible friend he was meant to be.

If you're ready for a devoted best friend, please contact the Penobscot Valley Humane Society to schedule a visit to meet him.

A Quiet Stretch Ahead for Local Business News

As we head into the holiday season, the pace of business openings, closings, and relocations naturally slows across the Penobscot Valley. Many local shops and restaurants shift their focus toward holiday traffic, community events, and year-end hours rather than major changes. We’ll continue to keep an eye on the region — Bangor, Brewer, Lincoln, Newport, Dover-Foxcroft and beyond — and highlight any new developments as they happen. For now, consider this a calm stretch before the busy new-year cycle begins.

CLOSED

• The Tap Room (Bangor) — Temporarilly Closed this week, for maintenance of this familiar downtown nightlife spot.

REOPENING SOON

• Urban Pizza (Bangor · 329 Main St.) — Update

• . Expected to reopen once renovations and the refreshed concept are complete. We know they have installed a massive new pizza oven and are offering an entirely new pizza menu. They took the wood-fired oven out and replaced it with a Montague beauty aka the Cadillac of Pizza ovens. Loads of details to share, so stay tuned as we close in on their re-opening date coming up VERY soon. #brooklynstyle #Pizzeriaandslicebar #slicebar #urbanpizza #bangorpizza #urbanpizzamaineStay tuned for more...

A new era for Penobscot Pioneers Hockey began with a decisive 4-2 victory over the visiting Lewiston Blue Devils on Saturday night.

The game at the Penobscot Ice Arena in Brewer marked the first career win for new Head Coach Meghan MacDonald.

The offensive star of the night was junior Ella Davis, who powered the team by scoring an incredible season-opening hat trick.

Her dominant performance set a powerful tone from the very start.

Late in the game, Izzy Brideau secured the win with an empty-net goal.

Goaltender Abbie Derosier was also a crucial part of the victory, making an impressive 25 saves against the Blue Devils.

This opening night win sets a strong precedent for the Pioneers' season ahead under their new leadership.

"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon

As winter and the holiday season approach in the Penobscot Valley, local organizations are making an urgent appeal for community support to help our neighbors in need.

The need for generosity is more critical than ever.

Local food pantries like the Brewer Food Pantry are working to stock their shelves for Thanksgiving meals and are seeking non-perishable donations.

Meanwhile, the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter is requesting new or gently used adult winter coats, boots, and hoodies to provide essential warmth during Maine’s harsh weather.

The holiday season also brings a critical shortage of blood donations.

The American Red Cross Blood Center in Bangor is facing a significant shortfall and encourages eligible residents to donate, as one pint can help save up to three lives.

🥫 Feed Local Families

As the holidays arrive, many families in our region are facing tough choices between heat, groceries, and basic essentials. Local food pantries in Bangor, Brewer, Old Town, Lincoln, and Newport are all seeing increased demand as winter sets in. If you’re able, consider donating canned goods, pantry staples, or even a grocery gift card — every bit truly helps lighten a neighbor’s load.

🧤 Share the Warmth

Cold weather hits hardest for those without warm clothing. Coats, boots, gloves, hats, and thermal layers are in high demand at local warming centers, shelters, and community closets. A gently used winter coat you no longer need could mean everything to someone this season. Many drop-off sites are accepting items now through December.

🩸 Give Blood. Give Hope.

The American Red Cross reports blood shortages every winter, and the Penobscot Valley is no exception. A single donation can help save up to three lives — and holiday weeks are when supplies run the thinnest. If you can spare an hour, consider scheduling a donation at the Bangor Blood Donation Center or a mobile drive happening nearby.

The American Red Cross is offering a nostalgic incentive to encourage blood donations in Bangor as the holiday season approaches.

In a creative new campaign, they have partnered with the legendary video game PAC-MAN to celebrate its 45th anniversary.

This push aims to address the annual drop in donations caused by busy schedules, winter weather, and seasonal illnesses.

The need for blood, however, remains constant.

From now until December 7th, anyone who donates blood or platelets in the area will receive a free, exclusive pair of PAC-MAN themed socks.

A collectible toy is also available while supplies last.

Local officials are urging all eligible residents, particularly those with type O blood, to participate.

Appointments can be scheduled at the Bangor ME Blood Donation Center on Hammond Street or other local drives.

🌲 Community Events This Week (Nov 25 – Dec 1)

🍂 Bangor Festival of Lights – Opening Week

Fri, Nov 29 – Sun, Dec 1
Downtown Bangor
Stroll through downtown as storefronts, restaurants, and business windows light up for the holiday season. Great for families, photos, and post-Thanksgiving outings.
➡ downtownbangor.com

🎄 Anah Shriners Feztival of Trees – Final Days

Thu–Sun (Nov 28 – Dec 1)
Anah Shrine Center, Bangor
60+ themed Christmas trees, raffle prizes, Santa visits, and treats at the Gingerbread Café.
➡ anahshriners.org/feztival-of-trees

🛍️ Small Business Saturday – Shop Local

Sat, Nov 30
Bangor • Brewer • Old Town • Lincoln
Dozens of local stores offering discounts, giveaways, and early-holiday shopping events.

🎶 Holiday Music Buffet

Fri, Nov 29 – 7 PM
Penobscot Community Hall
Live local bands + potluck eats.
Suggested donation: $10

🎅 Old Town Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Sat, Nov 30 – 4 PM
Downtown Old Town
Town parade, Santa ride-in, cocoa stations & official tree lighting at City Hall.

❄️ Lincoln Winter Craft Fair

Sat, Nov 30 – 9 AM–3 PM
Mattanawcook Jr. High School
Local makers, baked goods, wreaths, quilts, handmade gifts. Free entry.

📚 Storytime & Snowflakes Craft

Wed, Nov 27 – 10:30 AM
Old Town Public Library
Kids’ story hour + make-your-own snowflake craft.

☕ Coffee With a Cop (Holiday Edition)

Wed, Nov 27 – 8–10 AM
Bangor Starbucks (Hogan Road)
Meet Bangor PD, ask questions, enjoy complimentary coffee.

🦃 Brewer Community Thanksgiving Breakfast

Thu, Nov 28 – 8 AM
Brewer Auditorium
Free community breakfast. Donations benefit Brewer Food Pantry.

🎨 Bangor Holiday Art Walk – Early Winter Session

Fri, Nov 29 – 4–7 PM
Downtown Bangor
Open studios, local artists, pop-up vendors & warm drinks.

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce • Week of Nov 25

• Women’s Leadership Luncheon with Kara Hay — Thursday, Nov 28 at BRCC Headquarters. A networking and empowerment luncheon for women business leaders. bangorregionchamber.chambermaster.com+1

• Business After Hours: United Insurance — Friday, Nov 29 from 5-7 pm. Informal networking event for chamber members and guests at United Insurance, Bangor.

BNI Chapter Meetings

• BNI Bangor Breakfast
  Fridays, 7:00 AM
  Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Rd, Bangor
•  
• BNI Queen City - Not meeting this week - Happy Thanksgiving!
  Thursdays, 8:30 AM to 10 AM
  The Sports Arena, 1640 Hammond St, Hermon
•  
• BNI Black Bear (Hybrid)Not meeting this week - Happy Thanksgiving!
  Thursdays, 8:30 AM
  Week 1: In person — Eastern Area Agency on Aging, 240 State St, Brewer
  Weeks 2–5: Online
•  
• BNI Paul Bunyan (Virtual)
  Tuesdays, 7:00 AM
  Online via Zoom – “Paul Bunyan BNI” chapter

Maine Wild Blueberry Crisp

A simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels cozy, local, and perfect for a post-Thanksgiving treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen Maine wild blueberries

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp vanilla

Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats

• ½ cup flour

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ cup melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Toss blueberries with lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla.

3. Pour into a greased baking dish.

4. In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.

5. Sprinkle over the blueberries.

6. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.

7. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

As we head into the heart of the holiday season, I’m reminded that our region’s strength really shows in the small things — a dog adopted, a blood donation made, a local shop visited on Small Business Saturday, a warm coat passed along to someone who needs it.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting the people and places featured in this week’s issue. If you have a story, event, or neighbor we should know about, hit reply and let me know — this newsletter is meant to feel like it belongs to all of us.

Wishing you a warm, safe, and happy Thanksgiving from here in the Penobscot Valley.

If this week’s newsletter brought you a smile, a new idea, or a connection to our community, I hope you’ll consider sharing it with a friend, neighbor, or coworker.
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