Sandy Smith
| October 27, 2026|Issue #57|Penobscot Valley, Maine |
An ABBA Evening in Orono Friday evening brings a familiar soundtrack to Orono. MANIA: The ABBA Tribute takes the stage at the Collins Center for the Arts on October 30 at 8 p.m., with a live band performing songs made famous by the Swedish pop group. The venue is at 2 Flagstaff Road. Listed ticket prices, including fees, are $42–$67 for adults and $20 for K–12 students. A separate pre-concert gala begins at 6 p.m.; review its own ticket details if you want to make a longer evening of it. |
Valley Trivia After the Great Fire of 1911, Bangor Public Library reopened in temporary quarters in which building? A. City Hall The answer is at the end of this issue. |
From Our Readers — Your Holiday Events Is your community group organizing a holiday craft fair, hunters’ breakfast or cookie swap? Help us tell our neighbors about it. Send the event name, town, date, hours, street address, admission price and an organizer’s announcement or registration link. For cookie swaps, include sign-up deadlines and how many cookies participants should bring. For breakfasts, let us know whether everyone is welcome. |
From Sandy Good morning, neighbors. We’re turning the calendar from October to November this week. Alongside Halloween plans, I’m starting to gather the craft fairs, community breakfasts and cookie swaps that help fill the holiday calendar. I want that coverage to reach beyond Bangor. If your town, school, club or volunteer group has something coming up, send it along with the details. The smaller gatherings deserve a place here, too. Thank you for helping us keep the Valley connected. — Sandy |
Bangor and the surrounding Valley · October 27–November 2. Forecast refreshed Monday, October 26.
Tuesday, October 27: Mostly sunny and cooler, 49° / 23°.
Wednesday, October 28: Mostly sunny, 51° / 35°.
Thursday, October 29: Mostly sunny and pleasant, 62° / 45°.
Friday, October 30: Mostly sunny with a shower possible, 64° / 38°.
Saturday, October 31: Cooler with sunshine and a few clouds, 54° / 31°.
Sunday, November 1: Mostly sunny, 57° / 40°.
Monday, November 2: Sun and some clouds, 58° / 40°.
Highs and lows are in Fahrenheit. Conditions elsewhere in the Valley may differ, and forecasts can change. |
Halloween falls on Saturday this year. Orono’s Mill Street will become a traffic-free Trunk or Treat area from 4–6 p.m.; public parking is available behind the Town Office off Goodridge Drive and in the Pine Street lot.
For travel elsewhere in the Valley, use New England 511 for current road conditions and disruptions. |
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge offers free daytime trail access near Old Town and Alton.
Its Trail of the Senses provides an accessible option, while other routes have roots, slopes or uneven bridges.
Our Hidden Gem guide explains which entrance to use and how to choose a route that fits your group. |
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Staying in Maine, Finding a Wider World Lincoln native Quincy Clifford expected to leave Maine for college. In UMaine’s Life in the Pines, she describes finding a wider circle close to home, studying business, working with the basketball team and spending a term in Costa Rica. Watch Quincy’s story · Read the transcript. Source: University of Maine. |
Friday Family Pick: Touch a Truck & Treat — Bangor
A Halloween Walk: How to Read Habitat — Bangor City Forest
Trunk or Treat on Mill Street — Orono
Late-Night Theatre: Rocky Horror with Live Shadowcast — Dover-Foxcroft |
Monster Mash: A Halloween Spooktacular — Orono
Qi Gong — Bangor
Million Dollar Documentary Escape Room — Dover-Foxcroft
Next Level Conditioning — Guilford |
Bangor: Tuesday, October 27: Advisory Committee on Homelessness, 5:15 p.m., Council Chambers;
Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights, 6 p.m., Paul Bunyan Meeting Room.
Wednesday, October 28: School Committee, 7 p.m., Council Chambers.
Thursday, October 29: public workshop on the proposed growth boundary change, 6 p.m., Eastern Maine Community College. Bangor meeting details.
Brewer: City Council special meeting, Tuesday, October 27, 3:30 p.m., Arthur C. Verow Council Chambers, City Hall, 80 North Main Street. Brewer meeting details.
Hampden: Town Council, Monday, November 2, 6 p.m. Town calendar and agenda access.
Dover-Foxcroft: RERC: Wayfinding, Tourism and Promotion, Wednesday, October 28, 10 a.m.–noon. Meeting details.
Hermon: The adopted Council schedule has no regular Council meeting during October 27–November 2; the next is November 5 at 6 p.m., Public Safety Meeting Room, 333 Billings Road. Council schedule.
Glenburn: The posted town calendar lists no Council or Planning Board meeting during this issue’s week. The next listed Planning Board meeting is November 10 at 6:30 p.m. Town calendar.
Orono, Old Town, Veazie, Winterport, Bucksport and Newport: We could not verify an in-window meeting date and time from the available current postings before this update. This is not confirmation that no meeting will take place. Official notices: Orono · Old Town · Veazie · Winterport · Bucksport · Newport. |
Morning Menu: Powering Maine’s Future
BNI: Four Local Chapters
Paul Bunyan BNI
Queen City BNI
Black Bear BNI
Bangor Breakfast BNI
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Bangor: Burgers & Bad Decisions planned for the former Taste of India space A new restaurant is planned at 68 Main Street, where Taste of India recently closed. Owner Shianne Levesque told the Bangor Daily News she hopes to welcome customers in early November. The plans include burgers and all-day breakfast, with early-morning and late-night service. This is an upcoming opening; a firm first day has not been confirmed.
Bangor: The Fireheart Tavern takes shape on Main Street Renovations are underway at 105 Main Street for Britney Ellis’s bookstore, coffee and cocktail concept. WABI reported October 20 that Ellis is aiming for December, with timing dependent on completion of the work. The business’s own announcement still describes it as in the building phase. Fireheart’s current announcement · WABI’s October 20 update.
Brewer: Aroma Joe’s project on Wilson Street The new Aroma Joe’s is planned for 972 Wilson Street, in the former fireworks-store building. An October 2 report described an expected October opening, with renovation work continuing and no exact date announced. We have not confirmed that service has begun, so this remains an opening to watch. |
Orono — Tuesday, October 27 · 2–5:30 p.m.
Bucksport Bay — Thursday, October 29 · 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Brewer — Saturday, October 31 · 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Dover Cove — Saturday, October 31 · 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Bangor’s European Market — Saturday, October 31 · 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Bangor Farmers’ Market — Sunday, November 1 · 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. |
Help with heating, food and other basic needs
Have a verified winter clothing collection, turkey basket program or volunteer opportunity to share? Send the town, eligibility details, deadline and organizer’s announcement to Sandy. |
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Moana and Pua, a bonded pair of cats in the Penobscot Valley, are looking for a home where they can stay together.
They love curling up close, but each has a personality all their own.
Moana is quick to greet visitors with purrs, while Pua likes to settle in at his own pace.
The pair arrived at the shelter when their previous home could no longer accommodate all its animals.
Both cats are receiving help with weight management, and Pua has had a dental procedure.
Because a standard kennel does not give them enough room, they are staying in a shelter office rather than among the regular kennels.
Prospective adopters should submit an application and ask specifically to meet them, including about their routines and weight goals.
For the right home, these two offer twice the companionship without giving up the bond they already share. Read More... |
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In Old Town, Maine, eight-month-old Charlette is an affectionate, playful puppy looking for a family ready to match her energy.
She loves attention and is eager to connect, but she is still learning boundaries and will need patient training, regular playtime and room for puppy mischief.
Charlette can get along with other dogs, though her exuberant greetings may overwhelm some, so careful introductions and a compatible canine companion matter.
A family willing to guide her enthusiasm could find a devoted, goofy friend.
Charlette is available through The Animal Orphanage’s Foster-to-Adopt Program, which lets her join a prospective family while she waits for her first heat cycle.
Her adoption can be finalized after she is ready to be spayed.
If she sounds like the right fit, contact The Animal Orphanage to learn about the program and arrange a meet-and-greet. Read More... |
Sweet apples, tart cranberries and a buttery oat topping make this week’s apple-cranberry crisp a fall dessert to share.
The recipe serves six and includes the full ingredient list and baking directions. |
November planning starts with a Brewer hunters’ breakfast and the Maine Harvest Festival in Bangor.
Our holiday preview gathers the confirmed details and invites organizers throughout the Valley to share craft fairs, community meals and cookie swaps.
This is an advance look at November, separate from the October 27–November 2 weekly event listings. |
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 |
Looking for a new role close to home? The Bangor Region Chamber job board brings together openings from member employers across the region.
For university opportunities in Orono, start with University of Maine careers. Review each employer’s listing for the current closing date, work location and application 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. |
University of Maine Women’s hockey: Providence visits Harold Alfond Sports Arena in Orono Friday, October 30, at 6 p.m., and Saturday, October 31, at 2 p.m. Women’s hockey details.
Men’s hockey: Maine plays at Boston University Friday, October 30, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, October 31, at 6 p.m. Both games are away. Men’s hockey details.
Husson University Men’s soccer: Husson hosts Maine Maritime Academy Wednesday, October 28, at 5 p.m. at John P. Boucher Field in Bangor. Men’s soccer schedule.
Women’s volleyball: Southern Maine visits Newman Gymnasium in Bangor Tuesday, October 27, at 5 p.m. Husson then plays at Lesley in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saturday, October 31, at 1 and 3 p.m. Volleyball schedule.
Field hockey: Husson visits Thomas College in Waterville Saturday, October 31, at 1 p.m. Field hockey schedule.
Football: Husson travels to Curry College Saturday, October 31. Football schedule.
Maine Maritime Academy Football: Endicott visits Ritchie Field in Castine Saturday, October 31, at noon. Mariners game information.
Men’s and women’s soccer: Maine Maritime visits Husson in Bangor Wednesday, October 28: men at 5 p.m., women at 7:30 p.m. A local chance to see both schools in action. Men’s soccer · Women’s soccer.
Women’s volleyball: The Mariners travel to Vermont State Lyndon Friday, October 30, for matches at 4 and 6 p.m. in Lyndonville, Vermont. Volleyball schedule.
All times Eastern; schedules can change. |
Friday Football · October 30 Brewer hosts Medomak Valley — 6 p.m.
Hermon at York — 6 p.m.
Hampden Academy at Wells — 6:30 p.m.
Bangor boys at Lewiston — Tuesday, October 27, 5:30 p.m.
Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer
Field Hockey
Volleyball
Cross-country state championship information appears in Runner Spotlight below. All times are Eastern; postponements and tournament assignments can change.
Hockey preseason: Penobscot Pioneers and Twin City Titans
The Twin City Titans are the boys’ cooperative team for Bangor, Brewer, Skowhegan and Narraguagus. Boys’ official practices may begin November 16, with games permitted starting December 3 after 3 p.m. There are no regular-season high school hockey games during this issue’s October 27–November 2 window. The Pioneers’ team-specific practice times and opening game have not yet been confirmed for this roundup. MPA hockey calendar. |
Cross-country state championships — Saturday, October 31 The Maine Principals’ Association lists the state championships at Cony High School in Augusta. Follow the championship information for class-specific races and confirmed entries before traveling. MPA championship information. |
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Nancy Marshall, The PR Maven® — Public Relations, Strategic Communications & Visibility. Maine Based, Globally Connected. |
Marshall Communications |
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SECTION SPONSORS
The Costello Agency — John Costello
North Star Property Solutions — Tony LaPrino
Woof, LLC — Peter Richmond
Pete Gray Painting — Pete Gray
Maine Endurance Sports Alliance— Laura McIntyre |
I threw the ball for Scout today, and for a few minutes the to-do list could wait. She had one priority: the next throw.
As we head toward the holidays, I’m looking for a little of that same simplicity in our community calendar—a breakfast with neighbors, a handmade gift, or a gathering close to home.
If your town has something like that coming up, send it along. I want the smaller gatherings to have a place here, too.
— Sandy |
Thank you for spending part of your morning with Penobscot Valley Voice. If your town has a community gathering, a business milestone or someone doing good work, I’d like to hear about it.
Enjoy the week, look out for one another, and I’ll see you Friday.
— Sandy |
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B. The courthouse. After the Great Fire of 1911, Bangor Public Library reopened in temporary rooms in the basement of the Penobscot County Courthouse in May 1911. |