Sandy Smith
Aug 25, 2026
| Tues, Aug 25, 2026|Issue #48|Penobscot Valley |
The calendar may be leaning toward September and last minute school shopping may have your attention, but there’s still plenty of summer left around here. This week’s Voice brings you local events, community news, farmers’ markets, places to go, people helping people, and a few good reasons to get out and enjoy the last full week of August. |
When the University of Maine first opened its doors in Orono in 1868, how many students were in its very first class? A. 12 Keep your answer in mind — we’ll have the answer waiting for you at the end of this week’s Voice. |
This Week’s WeatherTuesday, Aug. 25 — Mostly cloudy with afternoon showers possible. 76° / 59°
Wednesday, Aug. 26 — Partly cloudy and warm. 79° / 57°
Thursday, Aug. 27 — Mostly cloudy to overcast and warm. 79° / 58°
Friday, Aug. 28 — Cloudy and humid with periods of light rain. 76° / 66°
Saturday, Aug. 29 — A mix of clouds and some sun. 76° / 59°
Sunday, Aug. 30 — Partly cloudy and warm. 78° / 54°
Monday, Aug. 31 — Mostly cloudy with a chance of light showers or drizzle. 76° / 59°
Late August is giving us a little bit of everything this week — warm afternoons, some decent stretches of dry weather, and Friday looking like the best day to keep the umbrella handy.
Bangor-area forecast; conditions can vary across the Penobscot Valley.
Source: WindBorne Systems / WeatherMesh forecast for Bangor, Maine.
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Local Video Spotlight
Building Community: The Orono Public Library
A good public library has always been about more than books, and this week’s Local Video Spotlight is a nice reminder of that. The Town of Orono is featuring a new video about the Orono Public Library and the role it plays in bringing people together. It’s a look at a familiar local institution through the people, programs and connections that make it part of the community. If you haven’t been inside the Orono Public Library lately, this is worth a few minutes. Watch: Building Community: The Orono Public Library |
Piscataquis Valley Fair — Dover-Foxcroft
The 139th Piscataquis Valley Fair opens Thursday and runs through Sunday at the fairgrounds, 77 Fairview Avenue in Dover-Foxcroft. This is the full country-fair lineup: agricultural exhibits, livestock, crafts, midway rides, pulling events, demonstrations and live entertainment. Thursday night brings the Tyler Healy Band from 6–9 p.m., with more music scheduled throughout the weekend.
When: Thursday, August 27 through Sunday, August 30
This is one of those late-summer Maine fairs that can fill an afternoon pretty quickly. Give yourself some time.
Shared Tables, Shared Stories — Bangor
Here’s a simple idea I like: put people around a table and let them get to know each other. Shared Tables, Shared Stories is a free community potluck Thursday evening in Pickering Square. Bring something to share if you can. If you can’t, that’s fine too — the invitation is to come, eat, meet some neighbors and join the conversation.
When: Thursday, August 27, 5:30–8 p.m.
No ticket. No big production. Just people sharing food and a little time together.
The Secrets of Gravity — Orono
Here’s a good Wednesday afternoon option for families. The Versant Power Astronomy Center presents The Secrets of Gravity, following a boy named Luke and a quirky robot named ALBY on a journey through space, time and Albert Einstein’s ideas about gravity.
Where: Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Road, Orono
An hour in the planetarium is a pretty good way to spend a Wednesday afternoon — and you might come out knowing a little more than when you went in. |
When Trees Testify — Brewer
Tuesday, August 25 | 2–3 p.m. | Virtual The Brewer Public Library hosts award-winning plant biologist Beronda Montgomery for a virtual conversation about her book When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy. Registration is available through the library.
Best of Bangor Walking Tour — Bangor
Tuesday, August 25 | 6–7:30 p.m. Take a walk through Bangor’s past, from lumber barons and shipping fortunes to the British occupation and the Great Fire of 1911. Tickets are $12 and must be purchased in advance. Tours are capped at 25 people.
4th Friday Fun — Bucksport
Friday, August 28 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. This month’s 4th Friday Fun project turns ordinary puzzle pieces into jewelry. A nice, easy afternoon creative project at the library.
Tessa’s House Run for Recovery — Hampden
Sunday, August 30 | 8 a.m. The four-mile Run for Recovery supports Tessa’s House, which provides a structured recovery environment for women. Same-day registration and packet pickup begin at 6:30 a.m. The main event is $35, with a separate kids fun run for children 8 and under.
Pitbull with Special Guest Lil Jon — Bangor
Monday, August 31 | 6–11 p.m. August goes out with a pretty big bang on the Bangor Waterfront. Pitbull’s I’m Back Tour arrives Monday night with special guest Lil Jon. Tickets are through Waterfront Concerts |
Stay connected with opportunities to grow your business, meet local professionals, and stay active in the Greater Bangor region.
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A Big Brewer Property Has a New Owner
One of the biggest pieces of commercial property in Brewer is officially changing hands. The former Marden’s property at 564 Wilson Street, nearly 60 acres including the large retail building, has been purchased by longtime real estate investor Larry Springer. There isn’t a finished redevelopment plan yet, but Springer has said both commercial use and housing could become part of the property’s future. That makes this one worth watching. A property this large doesn’t change hands very often, and whatever eventually happens there could have a noticeable effect on both the Wilson Street business corridor and Brewer’s housing supply.
Bucksport — Another Shot at 27 Main Street
Bucksport has regained control of the long-vacant downtown parcel at 27 Main Street and is considering local developer Chris Pepin for a project that would include housing and could also include commercial space. After roughly a decade without development there, getting something built would fill a visible hole downtown while adding badly needed housing.
Bangor — Hundreds of Apartments Still on the Drawing Board
Local developers Justin and Nicole Freeman are planning a large apartment development off Stillwater Avenue with at least 300 units, but the project is waiting on sewer-system improvements before construction can move forward. It’s a good example of how Bangor’s housing demand and its aging infrastructure are becoming directly connected.
Bangor — A Local Sandwich Shop Takes Over a Familiar Spot
Top of the Hill Subs has opened on State Street in the former Subway location, offering hot and cold sandwiches, ice cream and delivery in Bangor and Brewer, with many ingredients and products coming from Maine vendors. Replacing a national chain with an independently owned local business keeps both the storefront and more of the spending connected to the community.
Brewer — Compotech Heads to a National Final
Brewer-based Compotech, Inc. is one of only five businesses nationwide selected for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch finals. The companies will pitch in Washington on September 18 for a share of $1 million in prize funding. For a manufacturer based right here in Brewer to reach the final five nationally is a pretty significant piece of local business news. |
Late August is prime time for local produce, and there are plenty of places around the Valley to fill a bag this week.
Tuesday, August 25Brewer Farmers’ Market
Orono Farmers’ Market
Rogers Farm Community Farm Stand — Old Town
Thursday, August 27
Brewer Farmers’ Market
Bucksport Bay Farmers’ Market Friday, August 28
Town of Lincoln Farmers’ Market
Holden Farmers’ Market
Hampden Farmers’ Market 70 Western Avenue, Hampden
Newport Community Market
Saturday, August 29Orono Farmers’ Market
Brewer Farmers’ Market
Bangor European Market
Dover Cove Farmers’ Market
Orrington Farmers’ Market Sunday, August 30
Bangor Farmers’ Market
Good to know: Markets listed by the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets may accept SNAP and offer Maine Harvest Bucks. That includes Bangor, Brewer, Orono, Hampden, Bucksport Bay and Dover Cove on the current statewide schedule. |
Pet Safety: Watch What Your Dog Can Get Into
Dr. Ai Takeuchi, co-medical director at Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Holden, says the clinic has been unusually busy this summer with pets getting into things they shouldn’t. Recent emergency cases have involved everything from human medications and rat bait to bread dough, lobster shells, clam shells and corn cobs.
The clinic has also been seeing an unusual number of severe allergic reactions and plenty of dogs arriving with porcupine quills — sometimes double-digit quill cases in a single night.
The practical takeaway: after a cookout, trip to camp or evening outside, take an extra minute to look around from your pet’s point of view. Secure medications and trash, clean up food scraps and shells, and keep an eye on dogs wandering around the edge of the yard after dark.
A little prevention is considerably easier than an emergency trip to Holden.
Source: Dr. Ai Takeuchi, Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic, via WABI Pet Health, August 20, 2026. |
Protect the Routine
Late August can get busy fast, especially with school and fall schedules starting back up. One of the simplest things you can do for your mental well-being is keep a consistent sleep schedule and protect a little time for regular movement, meals and connection with people you trust. The National Institute of Mental Health specifically recommends making sleep a priority and maintaining everyday routines as practical ways to manage stress. |
Brewer & Old Town Rally Around the Bousquet Family
This Wednesday, August 26, local field hockey teams will gather at Hedderick Field in Brewer for a preseason play day benefiting Old Town Athletic Director Jeremy Bousquet and his wife, Rachel, who are both facing cancer. Seven area teams are expected to participate, with donations collected during the event to support the family. The play day begins at 2:30 p.m. and is a good example of neighboring school communities stepping up for one of their own.
Orono Food Cupboard Could Use a Sponsor
The Orono Health Association Food Cupboard, 10 Birch Street, is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. The Town of Orono’s current community update notes that the cupboard’s August sponsorship is still open. Businesses, organizations or individuals interested in helping can contact the Orono Health Association at 207-866-4648 or oronohealthassociation@gmail.com.
Brewer Area Food Pantry — Food, Funds and Volunteers Welcome
The Brewer Area Food Pantry, 222 North Main Street, continues to welcome food donations, financial support and volunteers. Small food donations can be dropped at OHI, 203 Maine Avenue in Bangor, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. The pantry itself is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and serves Brewer, Eddington and other qualifying area households experiencing food insecurity.
Sometimes helping really is as simple as showing up, dropping off a bag of groceries or putting a few dollars behind a neighbor who needs it. |
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Luna is a gentle, five-year-old dog eagerly seeking her forever home through the Animal Orphanage 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.
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 joining a compassionate, vibrant community and giving a deserving dog a true home. Read More... |
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... |
Maine Apple Crisp
The first Maine apples are coming in, and that’s enough reason for me to change course this week. Apple crisp is simple, familiar, and exactly the kind of recipe that fits the shift from late summer toward fall.
Ingredients 6 medium apples
For the topping 1½ cups unsweetened applesauce
Directions Heat the oven to 350°F. Slice the apples about ½-inch thick. Toss them with the sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Place the apples in a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish and spread the applesauce over them. Mix the oats, brown sugar, flour, evaporated milk and cinnamon. Spread that mixture evenly over the apples. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the apples are bubbling underneath. Serve it warm.
Sandy’s Tip: If you’re buying apples at a farmers’ market or farm stand this week, ask what the orchard is picking right now. Maine’s early apple season is underway, with varieties such as Pristine, Ginger Gold and Paula Red among the apples that can begin showing up in August. The bigger fall varieties will follow as the season moves into September.
Serves: 12
Source: University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Baked Apple Crisp. |
Tuesday, August 25Youth Garden Club — Orono
Thursday, August 27Board Game Night — Orono
Friday, August 28
Knitting Social — Brewer
Geezers in Sneakers Getting Coffee — Orono
Saturday, August 29
Mahjongg Group — Orono
Monday, August 31
Geezers in Sneakers Getting Coffee — Orono
Lego Fun Time — Brewer |
Have a community event, local announcement, nonprofit update or something neighbors should know about? Send it our way for consideration in a future Penobscot Valley Voice. |
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This Week’s Pick: THE SPOT — Bucksport
A good local business doesn’t always have to be something we’ve seen before. Sometimes it fills a hole in the community that nobody else noticed. That’s what THE SPOT is doing in downtown Bucksport. Husband-and-wife team Josh Merrick and Brette Miller opened the shop in February, creating what local reporting described as Bucksport’s first dedicated skateboard shop. They brought their own background in Southern California skate and surf culture with them and built the store around skateboards, gear, clothing and a place where local skaters can actually come in, work on their boards and get what they need. They’re also creating some of their own products. Their One Drop apparel line is designed by Miller and printed by Merrick, giving the shop something that is genuinely its own rather than simply another rack of national brands. Affordability has also been part of their approach from the beginning. What caught my attention is that this isn’t somebody trying to copy a business that already exists down the street. They saw something Bucksport didn’t have and decided to build it. That’s the kind of small-business story I like finding around the Penobscot Valley.
— Sandy |
Don’t Rush September
I’ve noticed we have a tendency to get to the last week of August and mentally move right into fall.
The stores are already there. School is starting. Football is back. Apples are beginning to show up at Maine orchards and farm stands. Before long we’ll be talking about foliage, fairs and everything else that comes with September.
But August still has a few days left.
Scout and I will keep taking our walks. I’ll keep stopping at farm stands when I pass one. And if there’s a local event, a fair, a concert or something happening in one of our towns that looks interesting, I’m not quite ready to say, “Maybe next summer.”
Living in Maine teaches you to pay attention to the season you’re actually in. They change quickly enough without us helping them along.
So enjoy the apples that are starting to arrive, grab some local corn and tomatoes while they’re still plentiful, take an evening walk while there’s still plenty of daylight, and make the most of these last few days of August.
September will get here soon enough. Scout & I will see you Friday. Enjoy your week!
— Sandy |
The answer is A — 12 students. When the University of Maine first opened its doors in Orono in 1868, its first class consisted of just 12 students. From those 12 students, the university grew into the flagship institution we know today. |