Sandy Smith
Aug 18, 2026
| Tues, Aug 18, 2026|Issue #47|Penobscot Valley |
Bangor Is Ready for LiftoffThere are plenty of ways to spend an August afternoon around here. Building a rocket and sending it skyward at the Cole Land Transportation Museum probably isn't the first one that comes to mind.
When I was a kid I loved doing this and that's exactly what's happening this week. The Challenger Learning Center of Maine is bringing Blast Off Bash to Bangor on Wednesday, August 19, and Saturday, August 22, giving kids and families a chance to build an Estes model rocket, learn a little about what makes it fly, and then actually launch it.
Wednesday's launch windows run from 3–5 PM and 5–7 PM. Saturday's are 9–10:30 AM and 10:30 AM–noon. Participants can pick up a rocket kit ahead of time and build at home, or build one on site with help from Challenger's STEM educators and volunteers. Either way, the end result is the same: you get to see whether the thing you built can fly.
And I think that's what makes this one worth putting at the top of this week's Voice. It's fun, but there is something more going on. Kids are working with their hands. They're learning about aerodynamics, propulsion, engineering and flight without sitting through a lecture about any of them. They're building something and then getting the immediate reward of watching it leave the ground. That's a pretty good way to learn.
Blast Off Bash takes place at the Cole Land Transportation Museum, 405 Perry Road in Bangor. Tickets are $15 per participant launching a rocket and include the rocket kit and launch activities.
If you've got a future engineer, scientist, astronaut — or simply a kid who likes seeing things fly — this may be the event to circle this week. |
In what year did Galen and Sue Cole open the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor? A. 1985 Keep your answer in mind — we’ll reveal it at the very end. |
If you’ve got kids or grandkids who like building things, this week’s Blast Off Bash caught my attention. There’s something pretty satisfying about putting a rocket together with your own hands and then getting to watch it leave the launch pad.
I know because I used to do the very thing they can do this week. My hope is that it will be as meaningful to them as it was to me to watch a rocket I built fly high.
You’ll find plenty more happening around the Valley this week too. We dug beyond Bangor again — into Orono, Old Town, Hampden, Orrington, Bucksport, Newport and Dover-Foxcroft — because Penobscot Valley Voice is supposed to represent the whole region.
A special thank-you to Marshall Communications, our Newsletter Sponsor this week. Nancy Marshall and her team have spent years helping Maine businesses and leaders strengthen their visibility, reputation and relationships — work that fits pretty naturally with what we’re trying to do here: help good people and good organizations get noticed. Thanks for spending a few minutes with me this week. Let’s see what’s happening around the Valley.
— Sandy |
Weather Around the Valley
Tuesday starts a little damp, but the middle of the week looks pretty good. By Sunday, showers may work their way back into the picture. As always with Maine weather, look out the window before you head out.
Tuesday: Scattered showers and morning fog. High near 75°.
Wednesday: Morning fog, then partly sunny. High near 81°.
Thursday: Mostly sunny. High near 80°.
Friday: Sunny. High near 81°.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 80°.
Sunday: Chance of showers with some sunshine mixed in. High near 76°.
Monday: Chance of showers, otherwise partly sunny. High near 76°.
Source: National Weather Service — Caribou |
A Little Bit of Camp Comes to Main Street in OronoThere’s a new shop in Orono doing things a little differently.
The Camp Store is an honor-system shop featuring Maine-inspired gifts, apparel and artwork. Founder Erinne Magee traces the idea back to a book of poems and stories she wrote about time spent with her grandmother at their favorite lakeside getaway.
I like this one because it’s more than another new-business story. It’s somebody taking a personal connection to Maine and turning it into something other people can walk into and enjoy.
WABI recently stopped by The Camp Store to share Erinne’s story and give us a look inside. |
A rocket launch in Bangor, a Wednesday-night concert in Bucksport and a brand-new youth musical in Dover-Foxcroft give us four very different reasons to get out around the Valley this week.
Blast Off Bash — Bangor
Wednesday, August 19, 3–7 PM & Saturday, August 22, 9 AM–Noon
Build an Estes model rocket and then send it skyward with help from the Challenger Learning Center of Maine team. There are four launch windows over the two days, and you can either build your rocket ahead of time or put it together on site.
Cost: $15 per participant, including the rocket kit, launch activities and free museum admission that day.
Darlin’ Corey — Bucksport
Wednesday, August 19 | 5:30–7 PM
Wednesday on Main brings Darlin’ Corey to Bucksport for an evening of folk, bluegrass and old-time music. The Maine-based group has built a strong following, and organizers are already calling this one an expected sellout. Cost: $10 suggested donation.
Junior High — Dover-FoxcroftFriday, August 21 at 7 PM
This one is especially local. Junior High is a new musical written and directed by Dover-Foxcroft resident Aurora Youngblood, exploring adolescence, friendship, exclusion and the emotional ups and downs of that first year of junior high.
Cost: $10; ages 18 and under are free.
Zach Top — Bangor WaterfrontSaturday, August 22 | 8 PM Country singer Zach Top brings his Cold Beer & Country Music Tour to the Bangor waterfront Saturday night. If you’re looking for one of the bigger live-music events of the week, this is it.
Tickets: $48.75–$162.95
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A few more worth putting on the calendar this week — and this group gets us well beyond Bangor.
The Next Chapter Collective — Dover-FoxcroftTuesday, August 18 | 8–9 AM A gathering specifically for women built around connection, collaboration and personal growth. It’s a relaxed one-hour morning opportunity to meet other women from around the Piscataquis region . Opera Acadia Presents La Traviata — OronoFriday & Saturday, August 21–22 | 7 PM Opera Acadia brings Verdi’s La Traviata to the Collins Center with a full cast, orchestra and chorus. Tickets range from $22–$57.
Annual Butterfly Festival — HoldenSaturday, August 22 | 10 AM–2 PM This free family day includes insect hunting and identification, face painting, crafts and a noon butterfly parade through the meadow. Dress like your favorite butterfly if you’re feeling ambitious.
Bass Park After Dark — BangorSaturday, August 22 | 4–9 PM Food trucks, local vendors and live music from The Tim Lewis Band fill Bass Park Saturday afternoon and evening. Admission is free, making this an easy stop before the Zach Top concert later that night. |
A few public meetings this week are worth knowing about, including a community roadways workshop in Dover-Foxcroft where residents are specifically being asked to weigh in. Bangor — Planning Board
Dover-Foxcroft — PW/SW/WW Committee
Orono — Community Development Committee
Dover-Foxcroft — Public Roadways Workshop
Orono — Town Council
Hampden — Town Council Workshop
Bangor — City Council |
Business & NetworkingThis is a good week to make a few new connections. The Bangor Region Chamber has one of its bigger summer networking nights Thursday, and our four standing BNI chapters are all meeting this week. Passport Night / Business After Hours — Bangor
Thursday, August 20 | 5–7:30 PM The Bangor Region Chamber’s annual Passport Night takes over the third-floor suites at the Cross Insurance Center. Visit each suite, collect the passport stamps and you’ll be entered for a chance to win $1,000 in club-seat tickets. There will also be appetizers, a cashless bar and a Fill the Bus school-supply collection benefiting local students. Admission: Free for Bangor Region Chamber members.
Paul Bunyan BNITuesday, August 18 | 7 AM Paul Bunyan BNI meets virtually every Tuesday morning. Visitors can request meeting access through BNI Maine’s official chapter page.
Queen City BNI — HermonThursday, August 20 | 8:30 AM Queen City BNI meets in person Thursday mornings, bringing together local business owners and professionals focused on building referral relationships.
Black Bear BNIThursday, August 20 | 8:30 AM Black Bear BNI uses a hybrid schedule. The first Thursday of the month is in person at Eastern Area Agency on Aging in Brewer; weeks two through five are online, making this week’s August 20 meeting virtual.
Bangor Breakfast BNIFriday, August 21 | 7 AM Bangor Breakfast BNI closes out the business-networking week with its regular Friday morning in-person meeting. |
There’s movement across the Valley this week — a new locally owned lunch spot, expansion plans in Orono, a possible downtown redevelopment in Bucksport and a new leadership appointment in Hampden.
New Sandwich Shop Opens on State StreetTop of the Hill Subs has opened in the former Subway location on State Street in Bangor. Owner Kaitlin LaPointe’s new shop serves hot and cold sandwiches and ice cream, with many ingredients and other products coming from Maine vendors. Why it matters: It puts a locally owned business back into a storefront that housed a national chain for more than 20 years and adds another independent food option to the State Street corridor.
Bucksport Looks Again at a Long-Vacant Downtown LotBucksport is working with a local developer on a possible mixed-use project with housing and commercial space for a long-vacant downtown property. Why it matters: Filling an empty downtown lot with both residents and businesses could add foot traffic and economic activity to Bucksport’s Main Street area.
Orono Brewing Preparing for Future GrowthFollowing rezoning approval for properties surrounding its brewery, Orono Brewing Company is considering incremental expansion that could include a new walk-in cooler, additional fermentation capacity and storage space. Why it matters: Rather than relocating, one of Orono’s established businesses is looking at ways to grow where it already operates. Maine Savings Adds to Leadership Team in Hampden
Maine Savings Federal Credit Union has named Chris Nill vice president of loss mitigation. His role focuses on helping members experiencing financial difficulties work toward stability. Why it matters: It’s a senior leadership addition at one of the region’s established financial institutions, with a position directly connected to helping local members navigate financial challenges.
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Farmers Markets Around the ValleyAugust is prime farmers-market season, and this week gives you plenty of chances to buy directly from local growers and producers across the region.
Rogers Farm Community Farm Stand — Old Town
Brewer Farmers’ Market — Brewer
Orono Farmers’ Market — Orono
Bucksport Bay Farmers’ Market — Bucksport
Newport Community Market — Newport The Newport Community Market brings together local growers, makers and artisans on Friday evenings through August. When: Fridays, 4–7:30 PM
Dover Cove Farmers’ Market — Dover-Foxcroft
Orrington Farmers’ Market — Orrington
Bangor European Market — Bangor
Bangor Farmers’ Market — Bangor |
Property: Fix the Small Stuff Before FallLate August is a good time to walk around your property and look for the little things you’ve been putting off — damaged drywall, peeling paint, worn trim or other cosmetic repairs.
Tony LaPrino of North Star Property Solutions works with homeowners and real estate professionals throughout Central Maine getting properties ready for what’s next. His work includes painting, drywall repair and cosmetic improvements.
The practical point: small repairs are usually easier to deal with now than after colder weather arrives — and if you’re thinking about selling or renting, taking care of them before you’re under a deadline can save a lot of aggravation later. |
Don’t Forget Your EyesWe think about sunscreen when we’re outside, but your eyes need protection too. When you’re buying sunglasses, look for lenses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays — especially if you’re spending the day around the water, where reflected sunlight can add to your exposure. |
Back-to-School Drive — Through FridayThe Courageous Steps Project and Bangor Federal Credit Union are collecting school supplies through Friday, August 21. Donations can be dropped at Bangor Federal locations in Bangor and Brewer, with monetary donations also accepted to purchase supplies locally. Last year the partnership helped provide supplies to 25 area schools.
Help for Veterans Who Need It — BangorWednesday, August 19 | 9 AM–2 PM The Homeless Veterans Mobile Stand Down brings housing assistance, VA and community benefits, healthcare resources, employment and training help, personal-care items and other support together in one place for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. There is no cost, and the event runs rain or shine. Sometimes Helping Hands is about donating. Sometimes it’s simply making sure the right person knows help is there. |
Here are our Picks from: The Bangor Humane Society and The Animal Orphanage in Old Town. |
Milo the cat is once again hoping for a forever home at the Bangor Humane Society this month, capturing hearts with his quiet maturity.
This nine-year-old domestic shorthair, formerly called Oakley, brings gentle wisdom that stands out amid younger, playful kittens.
Weighing seventeen pounds, Milo’s confident presence comes with some extra weight, but staff say he’s working on it, showing determination during his new diet plan.
Milo’s journey hasn’t been easy, and he needs a household willing to offer both patience and understanding as he adapts.
He thrives with those who give him space, preferring a slow, careful approach over instant cuddles.
A peaceful home without other pets will help Milo trust again and become the star companion he’s meant to be.
Adopting Milo means embracing a meaningful bond and offering a second chance to a unique older cat. Read More... |
Luna is a gentle, five-year-old dog eagerly seeking her forever home through luna adoption in Old Town, Maine.
Arriving at the Animal Orphanage last summer, Luna has shown remarkable resilience and a hopeful spirit.
Though initially shy, she quickly warms up with patience, rewarding her caretakers with deep affection.
Treats and kind words help Luna reveal her playful, loving nature, charming everyone who meets her.
She delights in interactive toys and games, making her a joyful addition to any home seeking loyalty and companionship.
As Old Town grows with new businesses and pet-friendly events, Luna is attracting more attention from those looking to adopt.
Her ideal match is someone patient and attentive, with or without other dogs, but not cats unless careful introductions are possible.
Luna does have two small sarcoma tumors, monitored by veterinarians, but remains cheerful and ready for her next chapter.
Adopting Luna means giving a deserving dog a true home. Read More... |
This is the time of year when zucchini, tomatoes and sweet corn start piling up on farm stands and kitchen counters. UMaine Extension lists squash, tomatoes and corn among Maine’s warm-season garden crops. Zucchini, Corn & Tomato Skillet
You’ll need:
Here’s all you do: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the onion and zucchini for about 5 minutes, then add the corn and garlic. Give it another 3–4 minutes before stirring in the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and cook just long enough to warm the tomatoes without turning them to mush.
Take it off the heat and add a little cheddar and fresh basil if you’d like.
Serve it alongside grilled chicken or burgers, spoon it over rice, or eat a bowl of it by itself.
And if somebody hands you another zucchini this week, now you know what to do with it. |
These are the kinds of regular gatherings you can work into the week without needing a big occasion.
Youth Garden Club — Orono
Knitting Social — Brewer
Geezers in Sneakers Getting Coffee — Orono
BYOB(ook) — Orono
Mahjongg Group — Orono
Lego Fun Time — Brewer |
Have Something We Should Know About?Know about a community event, fundraiser, business milestone or local announcement that belongs in Penobscot Valley Voice? Send it our way. We’re always looking for good local information from Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, Hermon, Glenburn, Orono, Old Town, Veazie, Orrington, Bucksport, Newport, Dover-Foxcroft and the surrounding Valley.
If it’s local, useful and something your neighbors should know about, we’d like to hear about it. |
Newsletter Sponsor — Marshall CommunicationsThank you to Marshall Communications for supporting this week’s Penobscot Valley Voice.
For more than 30 years, Marshall Communications has helped businesses and organizations build stronger brands through strategic public relations, marketing, media relations and storytelling. Founded by Nancy Marshall, The PR Maven®, in 1991, the Maine-based boutique agency helps clients identify the audiences they need to reach, shape clear messages and create content that builds relationships and generates results.
“Maine Based. Globally Connected.”
Local Expert Spotlight Sponsor — North Star Property Solutions
North Star Property Solutions is Central Maine’s Property Preparation Specialist, helping homeowners and real estate professionals get properties ready for what’s next through painting, drywall repair and cosmetic improvements. |
If you enjoy getting one useful look at what’s happening around the Valley each week, please share Penobscot Valley Voice with a friend, neighbor or local business owner.
Every new reader helps us strengthen a publication built around the people, businesses and communities that make this region home.
Subscribe. Share. Stay connected to the Valley. |
Best of the Region — Treworgy Family Orchards
There are plenty of reasons people around here know Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant — apples, berries, pumpkins, doughnuts, ice cream and generations of families spending an afternoon on the farm. But there’s something happening in that cornfield that deserves a little more attention.
Treworgy’s corn maze has been voted the best corn maze in America four years in a row in USA TODAY’s 10 BEST Readers’ Choice Awards — taking the No. 1 spot in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Last year also marked the eighth time the maze had earned a place among the national Top 10.
And they’re trying to make it five straight. The 2026 maze is open now, with Treworgy’s once again in the running for the national title. Each four-acre maze is created by the farm family, with about 60,000 corn plants forming the pathways, stations and annual design.
That’s the kind of story I like for Best of the Region: a family farm in Levant doing something so well that people across the country are noticing. Treworgy Family Orchards is this week’s Best of the Region. |
One thing I like about putting Penobscot Valley Voice together each week is seeing how much is happening once you get beyond the biggest headlines.
This week we’ve got rockets going up in Bangor, a nationally recognized corn maze in Levant, live music in Bucksport, an original musical in Dover-Foxcroft, farmers markets from Newport to Orono and plenty happening in between.
That’s really what this newsletter is about. There isn’t one “Penobscot Valley.” It’s a collection of towns and communities, each with its own people, businesses and things worth knowing about. Our job is to keep looking for them and bring as much of that together as we can every Tuesday morning.
Thanks for reading — and if we missed something happening in your town, send it my way. I’d much rather hear about something than find out afterward that we should have included it.
Scout & I will be back on Friday with our Week end Edition
— Sandy |
B. 1990 Galen and Sue Cole opened the Cole Land Transportation Museum in 1990. |