Which well-known Bangor landmark was originally designed to serve two purposes — storing water and giving visitors a place to enjoy the view from above?

Think you know it?

Keep reading. The answer is waiting for you at the very end of Edition #52.

A full year.

When I look at Edition #52, that number means more to me than I expected it would. Scout really hasn't noticed, but she follows my lead.

Every Tuesday for the past year, we’ve had the privilege of sharing a little piece of the Penobscot Valley with you — the events worth putting on the calendar, the businesses doing good work, the organizations helping their neighbors, and the people who make this part of Maine such a good place to call home.

This week also brings the start of fall, which feels like a pretty fitting way to begin our second year. A new season, but the same commitment: keep showing up, keep doing the digging, and keep making PVV useful.

I’m especially grateful to the local businesses that help make this newsletter possible. Our Newsletter Sponsor this week is Marshall Communications — Maine Based, Globally Connected. Nancy Marshall and her team have spent years helping Maine businesses and organizations tell their stories and build meaningful relationships far beyond our state.

Most of all, thank you for opening Penobscot Valley Voice each week.

Fifty-two down.

Now let’s see what Year Two brings.

— Sandy

A couple of road projects are worth knowing about before you head through Bangor this week.

Cumberland Street / Harlow Street — Bangor
Bangor’s $2.8 million Cumberland Street reconstruction project is underway. The city says work includes sewer, storm drain and water-line replacement, followed by full pavement and sidewalk reconstruction. Harlow Street at Cumberland is also affected, with downtown-bound traffic being redirected toward Kenduskeag Avenue and outbound traffic using streets such as Center and Spring. Cumberland Street closures are expected to continue into early December.

Joshua Chamberlain Bridge — Bangor to Brewer
MaineDOT’s bridge work continues, with traffic restricted to one westbound lane from Brewer into Bangor. Bangor-to-Brewer traffic is being detoured to the Penobscot Bridge. One sidewalk remains open for pedestrians.

Also on the radar: ongoing construction around Stillwater Avenue, Route 2 and the North Main/State Street intersection in Brewer may create intermittent lane closures or alternating traffic.

A few extra minutes and an alternate route may save you some aggravation this week.

Hirundo Wildlife Refuge — Old Town

If you want an easy fall escape without driving very far, Hirundo Wildlife Refuge is worth remembering.

The refuge protects 2,460 acres of woodlands and wetlands just west of Old Town, with more than seven miles of marked trails open to the public. Admission is free, and visitors are welcome daily from dawn to dusk.

One especially nice option is the Pushaw Stream Trail, a 0.9-mile route with views of the stream, forest and Lac d’Or. Hirundo also has its Trail of the Senses, an accessible hard-packed trail designed so people with mobility or sensory challenges can enjoy the refuge, too.

Location: 1107 West Old Town Road, Old Town
Cost: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily

Visit Hirundo Wildlife Refuge

It’s close enough for an afternoon walk, but once you’re on the trails, it feels a lot farther from Bangor than it really is.

Tuesday, Sept. 22
Mostly sunny to partly cloudy. High around 65°. Low around 39°.

Wednesday, Sept. 23
Sunny and crisp. High around 64°. Low around 37°.

Thursday, Sept. 24
Sunny. High around 67°. Low around 44°.

Friday, Sept. 25
Increasing clouds during the day with a slight chance of showers later. High around 69°. Low around 51°.

Saturday, Sept. 26
Cloudy with a chance of a little rain. Breezy at times. High around 64°. Low around 51°.

Sunday, Sept. 27
Some morning rain or drizzle possible, then mostly cloudy. High around 66°. Low around 49°.

Monday, Sept. 28
Turning brighter again with sunshine expected. High around 68°. Low around 45°.

The week at a glance: A cool, dry start to fall gives way to more clouds and a chance of showers Friday through Sunday, with improving weather expected Monday.

Source: National Weather Service

Fruit Street Students Help Create a Mural That Will Last

This week’s Local Video takes us to Fruit Street School in Bangor, where students have been helping turn their own ideas into a permanent piece of public art.

Bangor Beautiful’s school mural program works with Maine artist Peter Walls, teachers and students to create murals built around nature, native habitats and pollinators. Fruit Street is the program’s 2026 school, following earlier projects at Abraham Lincoln School and Downeast School. Students contribute their own artwork and ideas, which are then incorporated into the final design.

What I like about this project is that the kids aren’t just looking at somebody else’s artwork when it’s finished. They helped create it. That gives them a little ownership in their school and leaves something behind for the students who come after them.

The Fruit Street mural was assembled from hundreds of student-created drawings, with the completed panels being installed at the school this weekend.

Video: WABI TV5 — Fruit Street School Mural

This is the kind of local story we like sharing — neighbors, schools and community organizations working together to make Bangor a little better.

An Evening with Author Michael Koryta and Al Brady — Bangor

Tuesday, September 22 | 7:00–8:30 PM
BookSpace by The Briar Patch, 48 Columbia Street, Bangor

Maine author Michael Koryta launches his new thriller Die Famous with a book talk and signing, followed by a Bangor Historical Society walking tour to the site of the 1937 Al Brady shootout on Central Street. This is a ticketed event, and admission options include the book and walking tour.

Ronny LeBlanc: Interdimensional — Dover-Foxcroft

Saturday, September 26 | 3:00 PM
Center Theatre for the Performing Arts, 20 East Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft

Author, researcher and documentary filmmaker Ronny LeBlanc, known for Expedition Bigfoot, comes to the Center Theatre for a presentation exploring Bigfoot, UFOs, unusual phenomena and the ideas behind his newest work. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door; a limited VIP meet-and-greet option is also available.

Ivalas String Quartet with Pianist Ying Li — Orono

Sunday, September 27 | 3:00–5:00 PM
Minsky Recital Hall, University of Maine, Orono

The Ivalas Quartet joins pianist Ying Li to open the Collins Center’s 2026–27 Chamber Music season. The program reflects the quartet’s mission of bringing works by historically underrepresented composers into conversation with the traditional classical repertoire. Tickets are $48. UMaine and UMaine Machias students are eligible for one free ticket, and university faculty and staff receive 20% off.

Youth Garden Club — Orono

Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 3:30–4:30 PM
Families and kids of all ages can meet at the community gardens beside the Orono Thrift Store. No registration is required.

Board Game Night — Orono

Thursday, Sept. 24 | 5:30–7:00 PM
A relaxed evening in the Dana and Mary Ann Devoe Community Room at Orono Public Library.

Fall Book Sale & Lego Fun — Brewer

Saturday, Sept. 26 | Book Sale 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | Lego Fun 10:30 AM–Noon
Brewer Public Library, 100 South Main Street. It’s the final day of the fall book sale, with Lego activities running late morning.

Cadenzato Faculty Recital — Orono

Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7:30–9:00 PM
Minsky Recital Hall, University of Maine. UMaine School of Performing Arts faculty musicians open the semester with a free concert.

A few more things worth putting on the calendar this week:

Riverfest 2026 — Old Town

Friday, Sept. 25 | Begins at 6:00 PM
Downtown Old Town, 434 Main Street
Old Town’s Riverfest marks its 30th anniversary this year. Downtown Old Town lists the celebration beginning Friday evening, with Main Street closures continuing through the weekend for Riverfest activities.

Bangor Contra Dance — Bangor

Friday, Sept. 25 | 5:30–10:00 PM
Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor, 120 Park Street
The evening begins with an optional community-band practice, followed by a family-friendly community dance and the regular contra dance.

Forgotten Island — Dover-Foxcroft

Beginning Friday, Sept. 25
Center Theatre for the Performing Arts, 20 East Main Street
The new DreamWorks animated adventure begins its run at the Center Theatre this week and continues through October 8.

Commit to Community 5K, 10K & Kids Obstacle Course — Bangor

Sunday, Sept. 27 | Morning events
Broadway Park, Bangor
St. Joseph Healthcare’s annual Commit to Community event includes a 5K walk, 5K run, 10K run and kids obstacle course. Proceeds support the hospital’s SAFE Program for people affected by sexual violence and abuse.

Radiohead: Black Star — Orono

Sunday, Sept. 27 | 4:00–5:00 PM
Versant Power Astronomy Center, University of Maine
Radiohead’s music meets immersive planetarium visuals in this one-hour show. General admission is $11, and the program is intended for adult audiences.

Here are the public meetings currently posted for Tuesday, September 22 through Monday, September 28 across the Penobscot Valley.

Bangor
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 5:15 PM — Advisory Committee on Homelessness, City Hall.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 5:30 PM — Board of Assessment Review, Paul Bunyan Meeting Room.
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 7:00 PM — School Committee, Council Chambers.
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 7:00 PM — Historic Preservation Commission, Council Chambers.

Friday, Sept. 25 | 8:30 AM — Commission on Cultural Development Subcommittee, Paul Bunyan Meeting Room.
Monday, Sept. 28 | 5:15 PM — City Council Workshop, Council Chambers.
Monday, Sept. 28 | 7:00 PM — City Council Meeting, Council Chambers.

Brewer
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 3:30 PM — City Council Special Meeting, Arthur C. Verow Council Chambers.

Hampden
Monday, Sept. 28 | 6:00 PM — Town Council Workshop.

Orono
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 2:00 PM — Heart of Orono Maine Committee, Town Office.
Monday, Sept. 28 | 3:45 PM — Finance and Operations Committee, Council Chamber.
Monday, Sept. 28 | 5:00 PM — Town Council Meeting, Council Chamber.

Lincoln
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 6:00 PM — Planning Board, Lincoln Town Office, 29 Main Street. The agenda includes a land-use application, proposed short-term rental-storage ordinance language and the Lincoln Regional Airport terminal/road rerouting project.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 6:00 PM — Town Council Monthly Work Session, Council Chambers, 29 Main Street.

Dover-Foxcroft
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 6:00 PM — Presentation on State-Mandated Housing Changes, Municipal Meeting Room.
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 6:30 PM — RERC Dover-Foxcroft Public Beach Workgroup, Town Office Meeting Room.
Monday, Sept. 28 | 6:30 PM — Select Board Meeting.

Hermon
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 6:00 PM — Special Town Council Meeting, Public Safety Meeting Room, 333 Billings Road.

Newport

Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 6:00 PM — Planning Board Meeting, Town Office, 23 Water Street.

Glenburn, Veazie, Old Town, Winterport and Bucksport do not currently show a municipal meeting during this edition’s Sept. 22–28 window on their published calendars. 

If building relationships is on your list this week, there are several ways to connect with other professionals around Greater Bangor.

Paul Bunyan BNI
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 7:00 AM
Online via Zoom
The chapter meets virtually each Tuesday morning. Visitors can request meeting information through BNI Maine.

BangorBeerSec Fall Kickoff — Bangor
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 5:30–7:30 PM
Nocturnem Draft Haus, 56 Main Street, Bangor
A casual gathering for people working in cybersecurity, IT and related technology fields. The emphasis is conversation and connecting with others in the local tech community.

Queen City BNI
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 8:30 AM
The Sports Arena, 1640 Hammond Street, Hermon
Queen City meets in person each Thursday morning for structured referral networking. Visitors are welcome.

Black Bear BNI
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 8:30 AM
Online this week
Black Bear BNI meets Thursday mornings. Its first meeting of the month is normally held in person at Eastern Area Agency on Aging in Brewer; later weeks are online.

Bangor Breakfast BNI
Friday, Sept. 25 | 6:45–8:30 AM
Bangor Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Road, Bangor
One of the region’s larger BNI chapters meets every Friday morning for referral networking and member presentations.

Penquis Opens Bright Beginnings in Bangor

Penquis is celebrating the grand opening of its new Bright Beginnings Child Development Center at 31 Hillside Avenue in Bangor on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The new 16-classroom center serves infants, toddlers and preschoolers and was built in response to the region’s need for more dependable childcare. This matters beyond the families using the center. Childcare availability has a direct effect on whether parents can work, employers can keep people on the job and our regional workforce can grow.

Bangor Savings Completes Major Business-Banking Upgrade

Bangor Savings Bank completed the transition to its new Bangor Online for Business platform on Sept. 14, including a new online experience and mobile app for business customers. For a Bangor-based institution serving businesses across Northern New England, this is a significant technology change affecting everyday tasks such as payments, transfers, statements and account access.

Bangor-Based Haley Ward Continues to Grow

Employee-owned Haley Ward expanded again with the acquisition of OLG Engineering, adding offices in Nashville and Tullahoma, Tennessee, and strengthening its mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering capabilities. The Bangor-headquartered firm has also announced that longtime executive Travis Noyes will become president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2027, succeeding Denis St. Peter. A Maine company growing well beyond Maine while keeping its headquarters here is the kind of business story worth watching.

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H.O. Bouchard Adds Bangor’s Gould Equipment

H.O. Bouchard has acquired Gould Equipment in Bangor through its new Bouchard Services subsidiary. Gould specializes in equipment and service for petroleum and propane transport operations. The acquisition keeps a long-established Bangor operation connected to another Maine company while expanding the services H.O. Bouchard can offer its customers.

Here are a few ways to lend a hand, support a good cause, or connect with people doing important work around the Penobscot Valley this week.

EMDSS EXTRAvaganza — Bangor
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 11:00 AM
Chapin Park, 75 Forest Avenue
Eastern Maine Down Syndrome Support is kicking off Down Syndrome Awareness Month with its annual EXTRAvaganza. The gathering celebrates people with Down syndrome while promoting support, acceptance and inclusion throughout our community. Registration is $10, and donations can also be made directly to the organization.

Recovery Palooza — Bangor
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Bangor Waterfront
Recovery Palooza brings together the Bangor Area Recovery Network, Wellspring, Together Place, Bangor Public Health, Penquis-SAY and other organizations for a free afternoon celebrating recovery. There will be recovery resources, speakers, live music, family activities, free food and opportunities to connect with people and organizations offering support. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Bangor Area Homeless Shelter — Fall Needs Are Growing
263 Main Street, Bangor
As cooler weather arrives, the shelter’s current wish list includes winter gloves, winter boots, sneakers — especially men’s sizes 10–13 — men’s jeans in waist sizes 30–36, new boxer briefs and large or extra-large sweatpants. Pantry and meal needs include pasta, sauce, canned foods, coffee, butter, mayonnaise and other everyday staples. The shelter asks donors to call 207-947-0092 before dropping items off.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor — Volunteers Welcome
378 Harlow Street, Bangor
You don’t need construction experience to help Habitat. Volunteers can work on home builds and repair projects or lend a hand at the Bangor ReStore sorting donations, assisting customers and keeping merchandise organized. The ReStore also accepts many new and gently used household goods, furniture and building materials, with proceeds helping Habitat build affordable homes locally. ReStore: 207-992-0704.

Sometimes helping means giving money. Sometimes it means giving an afternoon, a pair of winter boots, or simply showing up. Every little bit matters close to home.

Every week, our Furry Friends come to us from two local organizations helping animals across the Penobscot Valley —

 Bangor Humane Society in Bangor and The Animal Orphanage in Old Town.

Their teams care for dogs, cats and other animals waiting for the right home, and we’re always happy to introduce a few of them to our readers. Take a look at this week’s featured friends — one of them just might be the perfect addition to your family.

Meet Bella

Meet Lilly

This sweet girl hasn’t had the easiest start in life, but she’s ready to leave the past behind and find a family who will show her just how good life can be.

Lilly came to us severely underweight, and we’re slowly and safely helping her gain the weight she needs while giving her all the love and care she deserves. Despite everything she’s been through, Lilly is incredibly sweet with people and is more than ready to have a family of her own.

Lilly will need to be the only dog in the home, as she does not do well with other dogs. We are currently unsure how she feels about cats.

She’s looking for a home where she can continue to heal, gain confidence, and finally live her very best life.

A few dates just beyond this week that are worth putting on the calendar now:

Paws on Parade — Bangor

Saturday, Oct. 3 | Bangor Waterfront
Bangor Humane Society brings its 33rd annual Paws on Parade back to the waterfront for its biggest fundraiser of the year. This year’s theme is “Walk This Way,” with the community dog walk, vendors, prizes and plenty of four-legged company. Proceeds support the nearly 2,000 animals the shelter helps each year.

Fall Sidewalk Art Festival — Downtown Bangor

Saturday, Oct. 3 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Downtown Bangor fills with more than 75 Maine artists and artist-crafters, along with live music and food trucks for the Fall Sidewalk Art Festival during Maine Craft Weekend.

Queen City Expo 2026 — Bangor

Friday–Sunday, Oct. 2–4 | Cross Insurance Center
Three days of celebrity guests, voice actors, artists, vendors, panels and photo opportunities are planned for this year’s Queen City Expo.

Liberty & Legacy — Orono

Saturday, Oct. 3 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Penobscot Valley Country Club, 366 Main Street
Bangor Historical Society’s annual awards night will recognize local contributions to history, preservation and community service. This year’s program also includes a rare William Stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence on display for the evening. Tickets are required.

Worth planning ahead for: Oct. 3 is shaping up to be an especially busy Saturday around Bangor and Orono.

Bangor Savings Bank — Teller | Bangor
Full-time | $21.00–$29.93/hour
A customer-facing banking position handling transactions and helping customers with everyday account needs.

View Job

W.S. Emerson — B2B Account Manager | Brewer
Full-time
W.S. Emerson is looking for an organized, customer-focused account manager to work with business clients and manage multiple projects and relationships.

View Job

F.A. Peabody Company — Customer Service Representative | Lincoln
$33,280–$56,000/year
A customer-service position supporting insurance clients, answering questions and helping resolve account needs.

View Job

Northern Light Health — Work Health Coordinator I | Dover-Foxcroft
Full-time | $19.50–$28.09/hour
A healthcare-support opportunity with Northern Light Health in Dover-Foxcroft.

View Job

Avedis Zildjian Co. — Maintenance Technician | Newport
Full-time | $23.69–$29.87/hour
Zildjian is hiring a maintenance technician to work with production equipment across its Newport manufacturing operation.

View Job

KinderCare Education — Before & After School Teacher | Winterport
$16.00–$21.60/hour
A school-age childcare position based at Leroy H. Smith School in Winterport.

View Job

Pay ranges are those shown in the current job postings and may vary based on experience or qualifications. Openings can close as positions are filled.

A special thank-you to the local businesses and organizations helping make the Penobscot Valley Voice possible each week.

NEWSLETTER SPONSOR

Marshall Communications — Nancy Marshall.

Maine Based, Globally Connected.
Strategic public relations, marketing and visibility built around relationships, reputation and results.
207-623-4177

SECTION SPONSORS

The Costello Agency — John Costello
Helping Maine families understand life insurance, mortgage protection and options for protecting the people and things that matter most.
207-570-0899

North Star Property Solutions — Tony LaPrino
Central Maine’s Property Preparation Specialist, helping homeowners, sellers and property professionals get homes ready for whatever comes next.
207-745-5304

MESA-Maine — Laura & David McIntyre
Supporting endurance sports and producing running events in Bangor, Augusta, Lincoln and Waterville while bringing runners, volunteers and communities together.
207-694-9184

Woof LLC — Peter Richmond
Dog daycare, boarding and grooming in Glenburn, providing a safe, supervised and dog-centered place for four-legged family members.
207-331-9663

Pete Gray Painting — Pete Gray
Residential and commercial painting with the emphasis on preparation, craftsmanship and a quality finished result.
856-266-3209

Thank you to all six of our sponsors. Your support helps us keep the Penobscot Valley Voice free, local and focused on the people, businesses and communities that make this part of Maine home.

If you enjoy the Penobscot Valley Voice, the easiest way to help us grow is to share it with someone else who cares about what’s happening close to home.

Send this edition to a friend, neighbor, co-worker or local business owner and invite them to subscribe. Every new reader helps us reach more people, support more local businesses and keep building a stronger connection across the Valley.

After 52 straight editions, we’re proud of what this community newsletter has become — and we’re just getting started.

Thank you for reading, sharing and helping the Penobscot Valley Voice grow.

Bagel Central — Bangor

Bagel Central

Some places become part of the rhythm of a community, and Bagel Central is certainly one of those places in Bangor.

Serving downtown Bangor since 1978, Bagel Central makes its bagels, breads, baked goods and deli items from scratch using fresh ingredients. Beyond the bagels, there are breakfast dishes, sandwiches, soups, salads and pastries — all from a longtime local business that has grown right along with downtown Bangor.

For me, this is exactly what Best of the Penobscot Valley is about: a local place that has been doing its thing well for decades and has become familiar to generations of people who live, work and visit downtown.

33 Central Street, Bangor
207-947-1654

This week’s Best of the Penobscot Valley: Bagel Central.

A year ago, I really didn’t know exactly what the Penobscot Valley Voice would become.

I knew what I wanted it to be — something useful, local and worth opening every week. Something that helped people find an event, discover a business, meet an animal looking for a home, or simply learn a little more about the communities around them.

Now here we are at Edition #52.

That means 52 straight weeks of looking for the good stuff happening around the Valley, and 52 straight weeks of you showing up to read it.

We’ve added towns. We’ve added sections. We’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. And we’re still improving it every single week.

As Scout and I head into another Maine fall, I’m grateful for where this little newsletter has taken us — and even more interested in where it goes next.

Thanks for coming along. We'll see you again on Friday!

— Sandy

The Thomas Hill Standpipe in Bangor.

Built in 1897, the Thomas Hill Standpipe remains one of Bangor’s most recognizable landmarks and is still part of the city’s water system today.