Music in Orono, history in Bangor, and a November week close to home
|Subscribe·Archives·Current IssueMusic in Orono, history in Bangor, and a November week close to home
Graceful Warrior, a Fleetwood Mac singalong, local markets, jobs and ways to help your neighbors.
Sandy Smith
Nov 3, 2026
Penobscot Valley Voice · Issue 58 |
Graceful Warrior Comes to Orono A weekend concert brings the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band to the Collins Center for the Arts on Saturday, November 7, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 8, at 1 p.m. Lucas Richman conducts a program featuring music by McCanna “Mac” Sinise. The event also includes a book-launch component ahead of the book’s November 10 publication. Tickets are listed at $35–$62 plus the facility fee. Complimentary service-member tickets have all been claimed, so check paid availability before planning your visit. Collins Center for the Arts · 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono · Box office: 207-581-2787. Concert details and tickets |
Today Is Election Day—Tuesday, November 3 Your voice matters in the community we share. If you haven’t voted yet, please make time to cast your ballot today. All Maine polling places close at 8 p.m. Opening times vary by town. Confirm where you vote and your local hours before heading out. Find your polling place · Contact your town or city clerk for local voting information. However you vote, thank you for taking part. — Sandy |
Valley Trivia Which local farmers’ market continues outdoors on Sundays through November before moving indoors in December? A. Orono Farmers’ Market B. Bangor Farmers’ Market C. Dover Cove Farmers’ Market D. Hampden Farmers’ Market The answer is at the very end. |
From Our Readers Which local business or community place deserves a closer look in a future issue? Reply with its name, town and what makes it worth sharing. Your suggestions help this newsletter reach beyond the usual stops. — Sandy |
From Sandy Good morning, neighbors. November is here, and this week brings music in Orono, a singalong in Dover-Foxcroft and a chance to explore Bangor’s history on foot. There are craft tables to browse, markets still going strong and practical ways to help a neighbor as heating season gets underway. You’ll also find local job openings and places to make a business connection. I hope something here makes your week a little easier—or gives you a good reason to try a different stop. — Sandy Some newsletter illustrations are created with AI; adoptable-animal photographs are real. |
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November 3–9 · Bangor-area outlook
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Know Before You Go November markets have different schedules. Orono’s outdoor Saturday season ended October 17, and its Tuesday season ended October 27. Bangor’s Sunday market remains outdoors through November; its indoor season begins in December. Concert tickets: The complimentary service-member tickets for Graceful Warrior have all been claimed. Check the venue for remaining paid seats. Before a longer drive: Check Maine road conditions and the host’s current event notice. A parking ticket for the Cross Insurance Center is separate from event admission. |
Hidden Gem of the Week Bangor Children’s Dyslexia Center A helpful resource for families is tucked inside the Bangor Masonic Center on Union Street. The Bangor Children’s Dyslexia Center provides free tutoring for children with dyslexia and trains tutors to support their learning. For a parent watching reading become a daily struggle, knowing where to begin can matter. The center’s official page includes a tutoring application, giving families a direct first step toward learning about its services. Contact director Laurie Marcotte to ask about the application process, the information your family will need and current availability. The program’s tutoring is free; ask the center about enrollment arrangements before planning a visit. The center also offers a way for people interested in literacy work to learn about tutor training. Call to ask about the preparation and commitment involved. Location: Bangor Masonic Center, 294 Union Street, Suite 3, Bangor Phone: 207-990-2277 Center information and tutoring application · Bangor Masonic Center’s learning-center page |
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A Look Inside Bangor’s New Cryptozoology Museum Home WABI’s recent report visits the museum’s new Bangor location at 490 Broadway. It offers a look at a collection built around folklore, unusual stories and the search for animals outside established science. Watch WABI’s report Source: WABI, October 31. The report explores the museum and its subject matter; the stories are not evidence that the creatures exist. |
Can’t Miss · November 3–9 A Saturday of Bangor history—indoors and out Saturday, November 7 · Poster session noon–1:30 p.m.; walk afterward Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow Street, Bangor. Start with a look at how Maine marked two national milestones. University of Maine students in an introductory public-history course will present posters about the Centennial of 1876 and Bicentennial of 1976. Then take that interest outdoors: a guided 1.9-mile walk leaves from the library to explore the reinstalled interpretive signs along the Kenduskeag Stream Heritage Trail, researched and written by UMaine history students. The poster session and walk are open to the public, with no RSVP required. Join some or all of the activities. Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to take the tour. The earlier MAM member gathering at Bagel Central is a separate event. Public-program and walking-tour details Bruce in the USA — Bangor Saturday, November 7 · 7 p.m. Gracie Theatre, Husson University, 1 College Circle, Bangor. For a Saturday night built around familiar rock songs, this tribute band recreates the music and concert style of Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band. Matt Ryan leads the show as Springsteen; this is a tribute performance, rather than an appearance by Springsteen himself. Use the theatre’s ticket page to choose seats and see current prices. The Gracie box office is 207-941-7888. Gracie Theatre information and tickets Sing Fleetwood Mac together — Dover-Foxcroft Sunday, November 8 · 7 p.m. Center Theatre, 20 East Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft. You’re part of the performance at Choir! Choir! Choir! Presents: Landslide—An Epic Fleetwood Mac Singalong! The leaders teach the parts and the audience sings together. All voices are welcome, and no singing experience is required. It’s a chance to bring a friend and trade a night of watching for a night of joining in. The lobby opens at 6 p.m. and auditorium doors at 6:30. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Singalong details and tickets Last chance to solve The Million Dollar Documentary Available through Thursday, November 5 · Reserve a session Center Theatre, Dover-Foxcroft. Gather a small team for a mystery about a missing documentary filmmaker and a suspicious app investment. Players piece together clues in a screening room, with a choice of medium or hard difficulty. The puzzle room has no locked doors. The price is $60 for a group of one to six people attempting the one-hour challenge. Anyone younger than 15 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older. Choose an available session through the theatre’s booking page before the run ends Thursday. Escape-room sessions and booking |
Things To Do Saturday Story Stop — Bangor Saturday, November 7, 11–11:30 a.m. · Bangor Public Library Story Room. A storytime for ages 3–6. Storytime details WWE Road to Survivor Series — Bangor Friday, November 6, 7:30 p.m. · Cross Insurance Center. Check the venue’s ticket link for admission; the separately listed Lot J parking charge does not buy a seat. Event admission and information Broomstick — Bangor Penobscot Theatre’s production continues through November 8 at 131 Main Street. The 90-minute show has no intermission and includes adult language and references to violence and sexual situations; it is not a young-children’s outing. Performance times and tickets |
Holiday Fairs & Community Traditions This Saturday · November 7 Old Town · Red Sleigh Bazaar · 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Holy Family Parish Center, 429 Main Street; use the Brunswick Street entrance and parking lot. Browse knit goods, crafts, sweets and fudge, with homemade donuts, a puzzle swap and a soup/chowder lunch buffet. Contact Joan at 207-827-2594. Bazaar details Sangerville · East Sangerville Grange Holiday Craft Fair · 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 287 East Sangerville Road. Handmade gifts, specialty foods, clothing and accessories over two floors, with lunch available and music by Timberdoodle. Admission is a $1 building-fund donation. Craft-fair details Plan Ahead · Later November Brewer · PCCA Hunters’ Breakfast · Saturday, November 14, 4:30–9 a.m. Penobscot County Conservation Association, 570 North Main Street. The menu includes breakfast meats, eggs cooked to order, home fries, French toast, pancakes, baked beans and sausage gravy with biscuits. Adults $10; children under 12, $5. Organizer’s breakfast listing Bangor · All Souls Annual Bazaar · Saturday, November 14, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. 10 Broadway. Handmade crafts, baked goods, books and puzzles, a silent auction, coffee café and meals to go; luncheon begins at noon. Community-calendar announcement Hampden · Holiday Market · Saturday, November 21, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Skehan Recreation Center, 1 Main Road North. Local artisans, crafters and small businesses offer gifts and seasonal goods. Hampden Garden Club also plans homemade pies and gift-basket raffles. Admission is free for shoppers. Recreation Department event · Garden Club details Dover-Foxcroft · SeDoMoCha Christmas Craft Fair · Saturday, November 21, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. SeDoMoCha Middle School, 63 Harrison Avenue. The 47th annual fair brings artists and crafters together for holiday shopping. The organizer’s page includes vendor application information. Fair and vendor information Brewer · Bake Sale & Craft Fair · Saturday, November 21, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Second Congregational Church, 607 South Main Street. Baked goods, jams, pickles, relishes, soups and meals to go join local craft vendors. Information: 207-974-7310. Fair announcement Orono · Save December 12 Ye Olde Holiday Shoppe, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Page Farm and Home Museum, 12 Portage Road, UMaine. More than 25 local vendors fill two buildings with handmade gifts, baked goods and other offerings. Admission and parking are free. Museum event details Hosting a cookie swap or a neighborhood fair? Reply with the town, date, public hours, address, admission, registration requirements and organizer’s link. For a cookie swap, include how many cookies to bring and any ingredient-labeling or allergy guidelines so neighbors can take part prepared. |
Municipal Meetings |
Business & Networking
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Business Pulse A planned opening in Brewer Local reporting says Ubu’s Tavern plans to open Friday, November 6, at 391 North Main Street, in the former Mad Kat space. The plans include a kitchen, sports and entertainment. Treat Friday as a planned opening rather than a guarantee; check the business’s own announcement before making a special trip. Read the opening report A new burger business planned for downtown Bangor Burgers & Bad Decisions is taking shape at 68 Main Street, the former Taste of India location. Owner Shianne Levesque described an early-November target in October reporting. A firm opening day and operating hours have not been confirmed for this issue. Read the business report |
Farmers’ Markets · November 3–9 Bangor European Market Saturday, November 7, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. · 117 Buck Street. This year-round market offers local and international foods, baked goods and gifts. Market information Bangor Farmers’ Market Sunday, November 8, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. · Abbot Square on Harlow Street, across from Bangor Public Library. The market remains outdoors through November; the winter move comes in December. Market details Orono’s outdoor season has ended. |
Helping Hands Heating help through Penquis Eligible households can ask about heating assistance and appointment availability. Bangor: 207-973-3500 or 1-800-215-4942; Dover-Foxcroft: 207-564-7116; Lincoln: 207-794-3093. Benefits and timing depend on eligibility; an application does not guarantee immediate help. Heating-assistance information Dover-Foxcroft Area Food Center Piscataquis residents can arrange a visit to 76 North Street. This week’s appointment hours are Tuesday, November 3, 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m., and Thursday, November 5, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Call 207-802-8230, extension 1. Eligible households may visit up to twice monthly. Food-center information Before donating food or household supplies, ask the receiving organization what it currently needs. A quick call helps make sure a gift can be used. |
Furry Friends Two local adoption organizations have companions waiting to meet the right people. Availability can change quickly; contact the shelter before visiting. Bangor Humane Society 693 Mount Hope Avenue, Bangor · 207-942-8902 Monday–Saturday, 1–6 p.m.; closed Sunday. Animal Orphanage 71 Airport Road, Old Town · 207-827-8777 Check visiting arrangements |
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Brutus and Honey are bonded senior Staffy mixes looking for a home together through Bangor Humane Society.
They would do best as the only dogs in the home, with cozy naps, leisurely walks and plenty of affection.
Both are in foster care, so shelter meet-and-greets are by appointment only.
Call 207-942-8902 to learn more and arrange a visit. Read More... |
Meet-and-greets by appointment Brutus and Honey are in foster care. Call Bangor Humane Society at 207-942-8902 to arrange a shelter visit. |
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Blooming Onion has finished raising her kittens and is ready for an affectionate home of her own.
Meet her through the Animal Orphanage in Old Town; her listed adoption fee is $130. Read More... |
Questions about adopting? Contact the Animal Orphanage at 207-827-8777 or view its current cat listings. |
Give your smoke alarms a November check. Press each alarm’s test button and check its manufacture date. NFPA recommends monthly testing and replacing smoke alarms 10 years after manufacture. Follow your model’s instructions for battery replacement. NFPA smoke-alarm guidance |
Make room for a little movement. A short brisk walk or an indoor activity break can help you build toward the CDC’s weekly goal of 150 minutes of moderate activity for adults. You can spread that time across the week in smaller chunks. Choose an activity that fits your abilities; at moderate intensity, you can talk but not sing. CDC activity guidance |
One packet, two cans, three pounds of beef.
This classic oven supper turns a short shopping list into tender beef and rich gravy.
Serve it over noodles, rice or mashed potatoes. Read More... |
Looking Ahead Business After Hours — November 12 Day’s Jewelers, 930 Stillwater Avenue, Bangor · 5:30–7:30 p.m. Check the Chamber calendar for registration. AI Business Summit — November 18 A Bangor Region Chamber date to keep in mind. Chamber details and registration Maine Harvest Festival — November 21–22 Cross Insurance Center, 515 Main Street, Bangor. Doors open at 10 a.m. both days; admission and parking are free. Browse Maine food producers, farmers and makers. Festival details |
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Episode 16: Living the Life I Choose — Jennifer Goddard
Jennifer Goddard of Bangor’s Thriving Proof joins Sandy on Maine Thrive Voices. Their conversation follows her move to Maine to be closer to her grandchildren, her experience becoming USOA Mrs. Maine 2025, and the story behind her business and book.
The 38-minute episode is now available on Spotify and other podcast platforms.
Listen to Jennifer’s episode on Amazon Music · Choose Spotify, Apple Podcasts or another platform |
Who’s Hiring? Bangor · IT Cyber/Data Security Analyst The city’s October 20 posting lists this position as open until filled. Bangor · Seasonal snow-removal work The city lists on-call snowplow work and airport temporary snow-removal openings. Review each posting for schedule, qualifications and application requirements. Bangor job postings Dover-Foxcroft · On-call Recycling Facility Attendant The town lists an on-call opening with the possibility of part-time work. Check the description and submit application materials as directed by the town. Town employment details Newport · Full-time Police Officer The position is listed as open until filled. Apply through the town’s instructions; the posting asks applicants not to call. Newport application information Vacancies can close as hiring progresses. Employer postings control current requirements. |
Planning an Angelo’s pizza night? This feature includes both Bangor and Hampden.
The Bangor address is 499 Hammond Street; Hampden is at 102 Main Road South.
We look at Hampden’s published menu and explain why orders, prices and specials should be confirmed with the location you intend to visit. Read More... |
College Sports · November 3–9 Men’s soccer · NAC semifinal at Husson No. 2 Husson hosts No. 3 Maine Maritime Academy Wednesday, November 4, at 6 p.m., John P. Boucher Field, Husson University, 1 College Circle, Bangor. The winner advances to the North Atlantic Conference championship. Official match schedule University of Maine · Hockey at the Alfond The men host UMass Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, at 7 p.m. both nights, Harold Alfond Sports Arena, Orono. The women travel to Boston University Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. Men’s hockey · Women’s hockey UMaine basketball gets underway Women: Siena visits Thursday, November 5, at 6 p.m., Skip Chappelle Court at Memorial Gym, Orono. Maine then visits Merrimack Sunday, November 8, at 2 p.m., North Andover, Massachusetts. Men: Maine visits Sacred Heart Thursday, November 5, at 7 p.m., Fairfield, Connecticut, then hosts Manhattan Sunday, November 8, at 1 p.m., Memorial Gym in Orono. Women’s basketball · Men’s basketball Husson · Basketball openers The men open against Clark University Sunday, November 8, at 2 p.m., William P. Newman Gymnasium, Bangor. The women open against Gallaudet Friday, November 6, at 7 p.m., at the Brandeis Tip-Off Tournament in Waltham, Massachusetts. Their Saturday opponent and start time depend on the tournament schedule. Husson men · Husson women Football · Bangor and on the road Husson hosts Nichols Saturday, November 7, at noon. Maine Maritime visits Western New England in Springfield, Massachusetts, Saturday at noon. UMaine has no November 7 game; its next home game is UAlbany November 14 at noon. Husson game-day information · Mariners football · Maine football Swimming & diving · Husson at Maine Maritime Both Husson teams travel to Castine Saturday, November 7, for an 11 a.m. meet against Maine Maritime Academy. Men’s schedule · Women’s schedule Volleyball · Husson on the road Husson’s women play at Thomas College Saturday, November 7, with matches listed for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Official coverage and schedule All times Eastern; confirm postponements and ticket arrangements with the host. |
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High School Sports · Fall Finals and Winter Preparations Soccer · Championship week close to home Regional finals take place November 3–4. Tuesday’s northern sites include Hermon for Class C boys, Hampden Academy for Class C girls and Brewer for eight-player boys and girls. Hampden also hosts the Class B North boys’ and girls’ finals Wednesday, November 4. John Bapst’s girls face Presque Isle in the November 4 regional final at Hampden. Dexter’s girls face Wisdom in the eight-player North final at Brewer November 3. Confirm kickoff times with the host before leaving. State finals are Saturday, November 7, with Class B boys and girls at Cameron Stadium in Bangor. Finalists depend on this week’s regional results. MPA tournament sites and brackets · Regional match listings Field hockey · Regional and state finals Northern regional finals are Wednesday, November 4, at Messalonskee High School. State championships follow Saturday, November 7, at Edward Little High School. Use the final bracket for participating teams and game times. Football · Playoffs continue Nokomis visits Hermon Friday, November 6, at 7 p.m., Hermon High School. Check for any game-day changes before traveling. Eight-player state finals are November 14; the other state championship games are November 21. Nokomis–Hermon game listing Hockey · Girls begin first Girls’ ice hockey practice began November 2; the first countable games may be played November 19 after 3 p.m. This week is the start of preparation, rather than the regular-season game schedule. MPA girls’ hockey dates Basketball and the winter season The general winter practice opening is November 16, with first countable contests beginning December 3. Basketball, boys’ hockey, indoor track, swimming, wrestling, cheerleading and skiing will move into the calendar as their school schedules begin. MPA season dates For Hermon middle-school families Winter tryouts begin Monday, November 9: boys’ basketball 3–4:30 p.m., girls’ basketball 4:30–6 p.m., cheer 6–7:30 p.m. A second tryout day follows November 10; the school’s notice explains registration and physical requirements. Hermon winter-athletics notice |
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Runner Spotlight · One Championship Still Ahead Maine’s high school cross-country state championships were October 31, but the postseason is not finished for New England qualifiers. The MPA lists the New England championships for Saturday, November 14, in Maine. MPA championship information · Local results and running calendar |
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Sandy’s Maine Minute A small invitation can change someone’s week. If you’re heading to a market, a concert or a community event, consider asking someone to come along. It doesn’t need to be a big occasion. And if a neighbor could use the food or heating resources listed here, sharing the information privately can be a kind place to start. — Sandy |
See You Friday Your Penobscot Valley Voice Weekend Edition returns Friday, November 6, with another look at what’s happening close to home. Thanks for reading and being part of the Valley. — Sandy |
Trivia Answer B. Bangor Farmers’ Market. The Sunday market remains outdoors at Abbot Square through November. Its indoor winter season begins in December. Check the market’s seasonal schedule |