Orono Festival Day Brings Town and UMaine Together Saturday

Orono is putting together one of those Saturdays when you could arrive in town early and find a reason to stay right through the evening.

Orono Festival Day is Saturday, September 12, bringing the town and the University of Maine together for a full day of community events.

The morning starts with the Orono Firefighters Association Pancake Breakfast from 8–10 AM at the Orono Public Safety Building, 63 Main Street. Breakfast is $6 per person, with proceeds supporting the association’s scholarship fund.

From there, Festival Day spreads through downtown Orono before the attention shifts toward the UMaine campus in the afternoon.

The UMaine tailgate runs from 1–5 PM at the Alfond Arena tailgate lot. A live DJ starts at 2:30 PM, along with the Black Bear Fun Zone near Harold Alfond Sports Stadium.

Then comes football.

The Maine Black Bears kick off at 5 PM at Morse Field at Alfond Stadium. Game tickets are required.

Festival Day closes with a drone show scheduled for approximately 8:30 PM, following the football game.

Morse Field at Alfond Stadium is a familiar Saturday destination for Maine football fans. What year did the stadium open?

A. 1989
B. 1993
C. 1998
D. 2002

Keep your answer handy. We’ll give you the answer at the very end of today’s Penobscot Valley Voice.

Orono Festival Day caught my attention this week because it isn’t really one event.

It starts with firefighters serving pancakes downtown. Local groups and families are part of the day. Then the activity moves toward the University of Maine, where students, alumni, football fans and people from around the Valley come together.

Town and university can sometimes feel like two separate worlds. Saturday is one of those days when they clearly aren’t.

That’s part of what I like about putting the Voice together every week. The Penobscot Valley isn’t one city, one town or one organization. It works because a lot of different communities overlap — and every once in a while you get a day when you can actually see those connections happening.

This edition of the Penobscot Valley Voice is sponsored by The Costello Agency. I appreciate John Costello’s support of a publication built around keeping our neighbors informed and our local communities visible.

Now let’s see what else is happening around the Valley this week.

We get a little bit of everything this week, but Saturday is currently looking especially good for Orono Festival Day.

Tuesday, Sept. 8 — 73° / 46°
A slight chance of an early shower, then increasing sunshine. Cooler and comfortable by afternoon.

Wednesday, Sept. 9 — 69° / 61°
Mostly cloudy. Rain becomes more likely Wednesday night.

Thursday, Sept. 10 — 81° / 53°
Showers are possible early, then skies should begin improving. Noticeably warmer.

Friday, Sept. 11 — 74° / 49°
Sunny, drier and comfortable.

Saturday, Sept. 12 — 77° / 52°
Sunny and pleasant — a very encouraging forecast for Festival Day in Orono.

Sunday, Sept. 13 — 78° / 54°
Mostly sunny and mild.

Monday, Sept. 14 — 76° / 55°
A chance of morning showers, followed by some afternoon sunshine.

Forecast sources: National Weather Service, Caribou Office; extended Monday outlook from AccuWeather.

Page Farm & Home Museum — Orono

Tucked onto the University of Maine campus, the Page Farm & Home Museum is an easy place to overlook — and a very good place to spend an hour if you enjoy Maine history.

The museum preserves the story of Maine farm and home life from roughly 1865 to 1940, with exhibits and historic spaces that show how people worked, cooked, built, grew food and lived before modern conveniences changed everyday life.

It’s the kind of place that reminds you how much Maine history is still sitting quietly in our own backyard.

12 Portage Road, Orono
Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–3 PM
207-581-4100

A Little Wind in Their Faces

Residents at Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor got a different kind of Friday afternoon last week when motorcycles, sidecars and three-wheelers rolled in for the 10th annual Bike Show and Barbecue.

Patriot Riders of America Maine Chapter 3 brought accessible rides so residents could get out on the road, while the afternoon also included live music and barbecue.

It’s a good example of what community partnerships can look like when they’re done well: not just showing support for veterans, but giving people a memorable afternoon together.

WABI was there and captured the rides, the smiles and the people who made the day happen.

Watch the WABI video: Annual Bike Show and Barbecue at Maine Veterans’ Home

Garden Fest & Fun Run — Old Town

Saturday, September 12 | 10 AM–1 PM
Rogers Farm Demonstration Garden, 914 Bennoch Road, Old Town
Cost: Free

Rogers Farm opens up more than 30 themed gardens Saturday for UMaine Cooperative Extension’s annual Garden Fest.

You’ll find tastings, art in the garden and practical information on everything from pollinators and soil testing to cover crops and eating seasonally. Kids 12 and younger can take part in the Harvest Fun Run at 11 AM, and the Great Veggie Race gives everybody a chance to build and race a wheeled vegetable creation.

The rain date is Sunday, September 13.

The Optimist: The Bravest Act is Truth — Dover-Foxcroft

Sunday, September 13 | 3:30 PM
Center Theatre, 20 East Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft
Cost: Admission by donation | RSVP required

Guilford filmmaker Jeanine Thomas brings The Optimist: The Bravest Act is Truth back to Center Theatre for a special encore screening.

The film follows Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller and the unexpected friendship that eventually helps him speak about a past he kept private for decades.

Thomas will be at the theatre for a Q&A following the film. Seating is limited, so this is one where reserving your spot ahead of time matters.

Founders & Freedom — Bangor

Sunday, September 13 | 10–11:30 AM

Mount Hope Cemetery, 1048 State Street, Bangor
Cost: $12 | Advance ticket required

Bangor Historical Society is marking America’s 250th anniversary with a different look at the Revolution — through the people buried at Mount Hope Cemetery.

The 90-minute guided walk explores the stories of people connected to the Revolution and families who helped shape Conduskeag Plantation before Bangor became Bangor.

The walk covers some hilly terrain and is limited to 20 guests. The group meets at the Superintendent’s Lodge, accessed through the 1048 State Street gate.

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

Youth Garden Club — Orono
Tuesday, Sept. 8 | 3:30–4:30 PM
Orono Public Library’s weekly Youth Garden Club meets at the community gardens beside the Orono Thrift Store. It’s open to all ages and families, with no registration required.

Bangor Greendrinks: Ground Control to Major Paul — Bangor
Tuesday, Sept. 8 | 5–8 PM
Challenger Learning Center of Maine, 30 Venture Way. Bangor Greendrinks brings its family-friendly sustainability and business-networking gathering back to the Challenger Learning Center.

Bangor Community Resource Fair — Bangor
Wednesday, Sept. 9 | 9 AM–Noon
Bangor Public Library hosts Food AND Medicine for a resource fair with free food, information about local services and help connecting people with community resources.

Fields Pond Book Group — Orono
Thursday, Sept. 10 | 6:30–7:30 PM
The monthly nature-focused book group meets in the Dana and Mary Ann Devoe Community Room at Orono Public Library. New members are welcome.

Knitting Social — Brewer
Friday, Sept. 11 | 9–11 AM
Brewer Public Library hosts its regular Knitting Social Friday morning — an easy drop-in option if fiber arts are your thing.

Brewer City Council — Brewer
Tuesday, Sept. 8 | 6 PM
Arthur C. Verow Council Chambers, 80 North Main Street, Brewer. The Brewer City Council holds its regular meeting Tuesday evening.

Bangor Special City Council Workshop — Bangor
Wednesday, Sept. 9 | 5:15 PM
Paul Bunyan Meeting Room, Bangor City Hall, 73 Harlow Street. The workshop is open to the public, with both in-person and remote participation available.

Orono Finance & Operations Committee — Orono
Wednesday, Sept. 9 | 4–5 PM
Council Chamber, 59 Main Street. The Town’s Finance and Operations Committee meets Wednesday afternoon.

Dover-Foxcroft Recreation Committee — Dover-Foxcroft
Wednesday, Sept. 9 | 6:30–8:30 PM
The Recreation Committee meets Wednesday evening as the town continues work with its newly formed committee.

Dover-Foxcroft Public Works/Solid Waste Committee — Dover-Foxcroft
Thursday, Sept. 10 | 5–7 PM
The Public Works/Solid Waste Committee meets Thursday evening.

Orono Town Council & Public Hearing — Orono
Monday, Sept. 14 | 5–7 PM
Council Chamber, 59 Main Street. Orono has both a public hearing and its Town Council meeting scheduled for Monday evening.

Dover-Foxcroft Select Board — Dover-Foxcroft
Monday, Sept. 14 | 6:30–8:30 PM
Meeting Room, 48 Morton Avenue. The Select Board meets Monday evening, with digital participation also available.

Paul Bunyan BNI — Online
Tuesday, Sept. 8 | 7 AM
The Paul Bunyan BNI chapter meets Tuesday morning by Zoom. This is a permanently online chapter serving the Bangor area.

Queen City BNI — Hermon
Thursday, Sept. 10 | 8:30 AM
The Sports Arena, 1640 Hammond Street, Hermon
Queen City BNI holds its weekly in-person meeting Thursday morning.

Black Bear BNI — Online This Week
Thursday, Sept. 10 | 8:30 AM
Black Bear BNI normally meets in person in Brewer during the first week of each month and online during weeks two through five. September 10 is a Week 2 meeting, so this week’s meeting is online.

Bangor Breakfast BNI — Bangor
Friday, Sept. 11 | 7 AM
Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Road, Bangor
Bangor Breakfast BNI holds its weekly in-person meeting Friday morning.

38th Annual Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament — Bangor
Friday, Sept. 11 | 7:30 AM–3 PM
Bangor Municipal Golf Course, 278 Webster Avenue, Bangor
The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce brings businesses and community leaders together for its annual Chamber Challenge. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 AM, followed by a 9 AM shotgun start. The 18-hole scramble concludes with a barbecue and awards. Foursomes are $600, including two carts.

Amazon Project Moving Ahead in Hermon

Construction is well underway on Amazon’s new 60,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility at the former Bangor Drive-In property on Hammond Street in Hermon.

Amazon says the Hermon location will be a “last-mile” facility serving the greater Bangor area, giving the company more direct control over deliveries in the region. Local officials say the project is expected to create 150 to 200 jobs, with an opening targeted for 2027.

Why it matters: This is a significant new employer for the Penobscot Valley and another major investment along the Hammond Street corridor.

Triathlete Sports Makes a Major Bangor Investment

After more than 20 years on Exchange Street, Triathlete Sports has purchased the former Family Dollar building at 89 State Street in Bangor.

The locally owned retailer says it has outgrown its current location. The new property will provide more retail and warehouse space, easier shipping operations, better customer access and significantly more parking.

The company plans to continue growing right here in Bangor.

Why it matters: Instead of a prominent vacant retail building sitting empty, an established Bangor business is investing in a larger permanent home and expanding its local operation.

PCHC Restructures as It Faces Financial Pressure

Penobscot Community Health Care will close its Adult Wellness Center at 1068 Union Street in Bangor on November 6 as part of a larger effort to stabilize its finances.

Services from the center will move primarily to PCHC’s nearby Penobscot Community Health Center and other PCHC locations. The organization is also eliminating 16 positions, although 11 affected employees are expected to move into other roles.

PCHC recently said it needs approximately $3 million to avoid much deeper service cuts or bankruptcy.

Why it matters: PCHC serves roughly 50,000 Mainers and operates locally in Bangor, Brewer and Old Town, making its financial health important well beyond one Bangor office.

State Regulators Approve Versant Power Reforms

The Maine Public Utilities Commission has approved a performance-improvement agreement with Versant Power following an investigation into the utility’s management practices.

The plan calls for stronger long-term planning, better tracking of customer service and capital investment, and improvements to the way renewable-energy projects connect to Versant’s system.

Versant will also contribute $400,000 to its assistance program for low-income customers.

Why it matters: Versant serves approximately 166,000 customers across northern and eastern Maine. Changes involving customer service, infrastructure investment and accountability have a direct impact on households and businesses throughout the Penobscot Valley.

The late-summer harvest is coming in strong, and several Penobscot Valley markets are still running multiple days each week.

Tuesday, September 8

Brewer Farmers’ Market — Brewer
8:30 AM–1 PM
318 Wilson Street, in front of the Brewer Auditorium.

Orono Farmers’ Market — Orono
2–5:30 PM
UMaine Steam Plant parking lot, College Avenue, Orono.

Dover Cove Farmers’ Market — Dover-Foxcroft
2–6 PM
1049 West Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft, at the Piscataquis County Ice Arena property.

Thursday, September 10

Brewer Farmers’ Market — Brewer
8:30 AM–1 PM
318 Wilson Street, in front of the Brewer Auditorium.

Bucksport Bay Farmers’ Market — Bucksport
11 AM–3 PM
Brown Hall, 31 Elm Street, Bucksport.

Friday, September 11

Newport Community Market — Newport
4–7:30 PM
409 Moosehead Trail, Newport. Local growers, food producers, makers and artisans gather Friday evenings through September.

Saturday, September 12

Orono Farmers’ Market — Orono
8 AM–Noon
UMaine Steam Plant parking lot, College Avenue, Orono.

Brewer Farmers’ Market — Brewer
8:30 AM–1 PM
318 Wilson Street, in front of the Brewer Auditorium.

Bangor European Market — Bangor
9 AM–12:30 PM
117 Buck Street, Bangor. Produce, meats, seafood, baked goods and specialty foods are among the weekly offerings.

Dover Cove Farmers’ Market — Dover-Foxcroft
9 AM–1 PM
1049 West Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft, at the Piscataquis County Ice Arena property.

Orrington Farmers’ Market — Orrington
10 AM–4 PM
191 River Road, Orrington.

Sunday, September 13

Bangor Farmers’ Market — Bangor
11 AM–1:30 PM
Abbot Square, 140 Harlow Street, across from Bangor Public Library.

Your Email Account Is the One to Protect First

If you only have a few minutes to tighten up your online security, start with the accounts that could unlock everything else.

Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) first for your email, banking and financial accounts, and primary work accounts. Then make sure important devices and apps are installing security updates automatically.

And when an unexpected text or email tells you to click a link immediately, resist the urgency. Open the company’s app or website yourself instead.

A stolen password is much less useful to a criminal when there is another security step standing behind it.

CISA’s current guidance emphasizes the same four habits: recognize phishing, use strong passwords, enable MFA and keep software updated.

September Sun Still Counts

Summer may be winding down, but UV exposure does not stop with the season. When you are outdoors, choose sunglasses labeled to block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays or marked UV400.

That protection matters more than price, brand or how dark the lenses look.

Champion the Cure Challenge — Paddle the Penobscot

Saturday, September 12 | Registration begins 9 AM
Brewer Waterfront

Champion the Cure Challenge returns to the Penobscot River Saturday for its annual paddle benefiting Northern Light Cancer Care.

Participants can choose between 1.4-mile and 7.5-mile routes, with registration beginning at 9 AM. The day wraps up with pizza at Mason’s Brewing Company and is scheduled to conclude by 1 PM.

Money raised through Champion the Cure helps support cancer care for patients and families here in our region.

Bangor Out of the Darkness Walk

Saturday, September 12 | Check-in 9 AM | Walk begins 10 AM
Waterfront Park, Bangor

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention brings its Bangor Out of the Darkness Walk back to the waterfront Saturday morning.

The walk brings together people remembering loved ones, supporting those affected by suicide and mental health challenges, and raising money for suicide-prevention research, education, advocacy and community programs.

Registration is free, and individuals and teams can participate and fundraise.

The week’s Furry Friends come from two organizations that spend every day helping animals in the Penobscot Valley find safe homes and new families.

Bangor Humane Society — Bangor
Bangor Humane Society serves animals and families throughout the Greater Bangor region, providing shelter, adoption services and a place for pets to begin their next chapter. You’ll find them at 693 Mt. Hope Avenue in Bangor.

Animal Orphanage — Old Town
The Animal Orphanage has long been part of the Old Town-area community, caring for homeless animals and connecting them with people ready to give them permanent homes. The shelter is located at 71 Airport Road in Old Town.

Both organizations depend on adopters, volunteers, donors and neighbors who are willing to give an animal another chance.

Meet Piglet!

Looking for a treat-loving, tail wagging addition to your home? Look no further than Piglet! He is a big bundle of joy with an even bigger personality! This happy-go-lucky pup arrived at BHS as a stray, and while we don't know much about his past, we know he's ready to find a new home.

Piglet enjoys his daily exercise, but once he's had his fun, he's more than happy to lounge the afternoon away on a cozy bed. He thrives on companionship and will do best in a home where his family can give him the time and patience he needs to adjust to life outside the shelter. To help him settle in, we recommend he start off as the only dog in the home. While he may be able to coexist with dog-savvy cats, proper introductions and space will be essential. All humans in the home will need to meet with Piglet to ensure his comfort as he adjusts to yet another big change in his life.

Piglet will be sure to "ham" it up for your attention and an extra treat or two! We'll be sure to have some treats ready when you come meet him at BHS!

Meet Kaida!

Kaida has returned to us and is once again searching for the forever home he deserves.  At 2 years old, Kaida is a big ball of love with an even bigger personality. He absolutely ADORES people and wants nothing more than to be included in whatever his humans are doing. One of the most important things to know about Kaida is that this boy is HIGH ENERGY—and we mean HIGH ENERGY!  Kaida needs an active home that is ready to keep up with him. He wants to run, play, explore, go on adventures, and stay busy. A quick walk around the block isn't going to cut it for this guy! He would thrive with someone who enjoys hiking, long walks, outdoor adventures, training, enrichment, and plenty of playtime. Kaida has previously lived with both cats and dogs, so he may do well with furry siblings with proper introductions. Underneath all that energy is an incredibly affectionate, goofy boy who has so much love to give. Kaida just needs someone who understands his needs, can give him the activity and structure he thrives on, and is ready to make him part of the family for good. He's back with us, but we're hoping this stay is a short one. Kaida is ready for his forever home.

Baked Apple Crisp

Apple season is getting underway in Maine, and this week’s recipe comes from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Ingredients

Apple mixture

• 6 medium apples
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice

Oat topping

• 1½ cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup evaporated skim milk
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Optional topping

• 1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Slice the apples about ½-inch thick, leaving the skins on. Toss them with the sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and lemon juice.

Coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Add the apples and spread the applesauce over the top.

In a separate bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, evaporated milk and remaining cinnamon. Spread the oat mixture over the apples.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, until lightly browned and bubbly. Let cool slightly and serve warm, with vanilla yogurt if you like.

Source: University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.

Wednesday, September 9

Story Time: ABC’s — Brewer
10:30–11:15 AM | Brewer Public Library, 100 South Main Street
A midweek story time for young children and their families.

Thursday, September 10

Hoopla & Cloud Library Drop-In Hours — Brewer
9–11 AM | Brewer Public Library
Need a little help using the library’s digital services? Drop in Thursday morning for assistance.

Friday, September 11

Geezers in Sneakers Getting Coffee — Orono
9:30–11 AM | Orono Public Library
A regular Friday morning gathering in the Dana and Mary Ann Devoe Community Room.

Friday Fun Group — Orono
11:30 AM–12:30 PM | Orono Public Library
The library’s Friday Fun Group meets in the Devoe Community Room.

Saturday, September 12

Mahjongg Group — Orono
Noon–3 PM | Orono Public Library
The library’s regular Mahjongg group gathers Saturday afternoon.

Monday, September 14

Geezers in Sneakers Getting Coffee — Orono
9:30–11 AM | Orono Public Library
Another chance to join the regular social gathering Monday morning.

THIS WEEK ON MAINE THRIVE VOICES

Dr. Meaghan Staples — The Sign She Asked For

Meaghan Staples grew up as a gymnast and college pole vaulter in small-town Minnesota. After tearing her ACL and working her way through rehab, she knew physical therapy was where she belonged.

Years later, travel physical therapy brought her almost by chance to Lincoln, Maine. She eventually opened Refine Physical Therapy with exactly one client on opening day — and a question about whether she was truly on the right path.

In Episode 12 of Maine Thrive Voices, Meaghan talks about the sign she asked for, how her practice evolved, and how women’s pelvic-floor physical therapy became an important part of the work she does in Greater Bangor.

Episode 12: The Sign Meaghan Staples Asked For

Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4k0eQkLdSYOf6z1punByUW

Read Meaghan’s Maine Thrive story:
https://mainethriveinsights.com/dr-meaghan-staples

Know about something happening in the Penobscot Valley that we should have on our radar?

We welcome local events, community news, fundraisers, nonprofit activities, business openings and other stories worth sharing from Bangor, Brewer, Orono, Old Town, Hampden, Hermon, Glenburn, Bucksport, Newport, Dover-Foxcroft and communities throughout the Valley.

When you send something, please include the date, time, location, cost if any, and a direct source where we can verify the details.

The easiest way to reach us is simply to reply to this email.

If it matters to your neighbors, we want to know about it.

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The Dairy Port - Bucksport

79 Main Street, Bucksport | 207-469-3697

Some places become part of the rhythm of a town, and The Dairy Port is one of those places in Bucksport.

Serving ice cream on Main Street since 1954, it’s the kind of stop where you can grab a cone, sundae or milkshake and then walk across toward the waterfront with the Penobscot Narrows Bridge in the distance. The menu includes specialty soft serve and a large selection of Gifford’s hard-serve flavors, but what makes it a Penobscot Valley favorite is just as much the tradition as the ice cream.

Fifty Editions In

Fifty editions is a funny number. You don’t really notice yourself getting there one week at a time, and then suddenly you look up and realize how many local stories have passed through these pages.

What strikes me most isn’t any single event or business we’ve covered. It’s the accumulation of all of it.

A pancake breakfast in Orono. Veterans getting motorcycle rides in Bangor. Farmers setting up tables before most of us have finished our first cup of coffee. Two shelters trying to find the right homes for animals. A Bucksport ice cream stand that has been part of its town for generations. A physical therapist who came to Maine almost by accident and ended up building a business here.

None of those things, by itself, defines the Penobscot Valley.

Together, they begin to.

That is what I want the Voice to keep doing: paying attention to the people, places and small pieces of community life that are easy to miss when nobody is gathering them in one place.

Thanks for reading Edition #50 — and especially to those of you who have been sharing it with your neighbors.

Scout and I look forward to seeing you Friday with our Weekend Edition.

-- Sandy

C — 1998

Morse Field at Alfond Stadium opened in September 1998.