Sandy Smith
Oct 6, 2026
| Tuesday, Oct.6,2026|Issue #54|Penobscot Valley |
A Place to Start HelpingIf you’ve been thinking about volunteering but haven’t found the right fit, Friday brings a useful opportunity. The Greater Bangor Volunteer Fair will put local nonprofits and prospective volunteers in the same room, giving you a chance to talk with the people doing the work. The fair runs Friday, October 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Heart of Maine United Way Community Hub, 700 Mount Hope Avenue in Bangor. Admission is free.
You can ask what an organization needs, what a volunteer actually does, and how that work might fit the time you have available. Those conversations can make the difference between wanting to help and finding a place to begin. You don’t need to arrive knowing which organization you want to join.
At noon, Volunteer Maine executive director Britt Gleixner-Hayat will speak, and pizza will be served. Attendees receive a raffle entry, with another entry available through preregistration.
I like the practical approach here. An announcement can tell you that volunteers are needed. A conversation gives you room to ask questions and understand the role before making a commitment. Friday’s fair is one of several ways to connect around the Valley this week. Brewer’s library offers young readers time with therapy dogs. Bangor Public Library opens a Maine poster exhibition. In Holden, birders can bring a chair to Fields Pond and help count the species seen from one location throughout Saturday.
We also have a Bangor food tradition with something new to share. W.A. Bean & Sons says its Maine Red Snappers are now made with natural red color, while keeping their familiar flavor and snap. You’ll find that story in this edition’s Hidden Gem.
A conversation, an outing, or a closer look at a local business—there are several good places to start this week.
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Bangor’s W.A. Bean & Sons has been making its mark on Maine’s food traditions for generations.
In what year was the company founded? A. 1840 Keep your guess in mind—the answer is at the very end of today’s Penobscot Valley Voice. |
Maine red snappers are a familiar sight at cookouts across the state, and Bangor’s family-owned Bean & Sons is changing how the hot dogs get their signature color.
The sixth-generation company says the red casing now gets its color from natural sources, while the flavor and distinctive snap remain the same.
For longtime fans, the change updates an ingredient without changing the bite they know.
Based on Bomarc Road in Bangor, Bean & Sons offers curbside pickup by phone, along with local pickup and delivery options for its hot dogs, meat packages and other products.
The color has a new source, but the company says the Maine tradition remains intact. Read More... |
Good morning, neighbors.
Friday’s volunteer fair caught my attention this week. Finding a place to help starts with knowing what’s needed, and being able to talk with several local organizations in one room makes that easier. We’ve also got art in Bangor, ballet and opera in Orono, and reading time with therapy dogs in Brewer. W.A. Bean & Sons sent along an announcement about its Maine Red Snappers that I wanted to share, too.
Thank you to Nancy Marshall and Marshall Communications, our Newsletter Sponsor, for supporting Penobscot Valley Voice. Maine Based, Globally Connected is their tagline, and I appreciate their support of this local publication.
Let’s see what’s happening around the Valley.
Sandy |
Tuesday: Sunny to partly cloudy and windy. High 55°F, low 34°F.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High 58°F, low 48°F.
Thursday: A couple of morning showers, then clouds and sun. High 68°F, low 43°F.
Friday: Sunshine and a few clouds. High 63°F, low 41°F.
Saturday: Breezy in the morning, otherwise mostly sunny. High 57°F, low 36°F.
Sunday: A mix of clouds and sunshine. High 60°F, low 47°F.
Monday: Cloudy. High 65°F, low 46°F.
Sandy’s Take: Bring a warm layer for Tuesday evening’s walking tour. Friday looks comfortable for getting out to the volunteer fair, and Saturday’s birders will want a jacket for sitting outdoors. |
Local Video Spotlight
Helping a Neighbor Read with ConfidenceLiteracy Volunteers of Bangor is looking for more tutors as requests for help with reading and writing increase.
In WABI’s recent report, volunteer Bob Jonah describes helping an adult learner understand paystubs and budgeting. He also talks about watching that learner’s confidence grow. The work connects reading and writing with everyday tasks that can become easier with someone’s patient support.
The organization matches tutors and students by availability, location, and learning needs. You don’t have to be a professional educator to express an interest—people with different backgrounds and life experiences are welcome.
It’s another way to help locally, alongside Friday’s volunteer fair.
Video source: WABI TV5
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Featured Events This Week
An evening history walk, a free art opening, and ballet in Orono give us three different ways to get out this week. Ghostly Bangor Walking Tour
Tuesday, October 6 | 7–8:30 PM The Bangor Historical Society leads an evening walk through local ghost stories and Bangor history. Bring a warm layer and comfortable walking shoes. Advance tickets must be purchased by noon Tuesday, and the tour is limited to 25 guests. Rain alone doesn’t cancel the walk; thunderstorms do.
AIGA Maine Poster Show OpeningThursday, October 8 | 6–7 PM Thirty selected posters explore this year’s theme, Language, through graphic design. Thursday’s opening reception offers a free arts stop downtown and a chance to spend some time with the work. The exhibition continues through October and November, so the opening isn’t your only opportunity to visit.
Swan Lake — Symphony of LightsThursday, October 8 | 7 PM Grand Kyiv Ballet brings Swan Lake to Orono with illuminated costumes and lighting incorporated into the production. It’s a live ballet performance and an option for readers planning a full evening at the theater. |
Dog Ears — Reading with Therapy DogsWednesday, October 7 | 3:30–5 PM Young readers can practice with Loafy Bear and Andie, the library’s Tail Waggin’ Tutors. Reserve a 15-minute reading appointment by calling 207-989-7943.
The Big Sit — Birdwatching in HoldenSaturday, October 10 | 7 AM–4 PM Bring a chair, a picnic lunch, and warm layers for a relaxed day of birdwatching. Join Maine Audubon and the Penobscot Valley Audubon Chapter as they count species from one location. Stay for the day or choose a shorter time slot.
The Met: Live in HD — Così fan tutteSaturday, October 10 | 1 PM Mozart’s comedy of love and mistaken loyalties comes to the big screen in a Metropolitan Opera presentation. The production places the story at a 1950s seaside amusement park. Performance details and tickets
Natalie Merchant with Erik Della Penna Saturday, October 10 · 7:00–8:30 PM Natalie Merchant, former lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs, joins longtime guitarist Erik Della Penna for a special acoustic performance. Enjoy an intimate evening with the distinctive voice behind Tigerlily and Ophelia. Tickets are listed at $80 for orchestra and front balcony seating, and $70 for the back balcony. |
Residents across the Penobscot Valley can follow local decisions on planning, ambulance licensing and town policies during the week of October 6–12.
In Bangor, the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity meets Tuesday, October 6, at 6 PM, followed by the Planning Board at 7 PM.
Bangor’s Parks, Recreation and Harbor Committee meets Thursday at 5:15 PM, and the Historic Preservation Commission meets at 7 PM.
Hampden’s Board of Appeals meets Thursday at 4 PM, while the first installment of 2027 property taxes is due Wednesday.
Hampden offices will close Monday, October 12, for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Hermon’s Town Council meets Thursday at 6 PM at the Public Safety Building.
Orono has Tree Board and diversity committee meetings Tuesday, followed by a council policies committee meeting Thursday morning.
Newport holds an ambulance licensing hearing Wednesday at 6 PM, while Dover-Foxcroft’s special Select Board meeting Thursday at 6:30 PM offers online participation. Read More... |
Penobscot Valley professionals have several ways to connect October 6–9, from referral meetings to conversations about tourism and community work.
Paul Bunyan BNI opens the week online Tuesday at 7:00 AM; visitors should request access in advance.
Wednesday’s Chamber Early Bird Breakfast at Jeff’s Catering & Event Center in Brewer begins with networking at 7:15 AM.
Maine Office of Tourism Director Carolann Ouellette will discuss summer visitation and travel trends, with breakfast costing $25 for chamber members and $30 for nonmembers.
On Thursday at 8:30 AM, Queen City BNI meets in Hermon while Black Bear BNI meets online.
FUSION:Bangor’s Community Subcommittee gathers at noon at the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, followed by a free healthcare information session at Thriving Proof from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
Bangor Breakfast BNI closes the week Friday at 7:00 AM at the Bangor Elks Lodge; visitors should arrange their attendance ahead of time. Read More... |
For generations, Maine red snappers have been a cookout staple across the Penobscot Valley.
Now, Bangor’s W.A. Bean meats is updating its signature hot dogs with natural red color while aiming to keep their familiar flavor and snap.
For the sixth-generation family business, the change is a careful one: the bright red casing is part of what makes a snapper recognizable.
It is also tied to memories for customers who grew up eating them.
Bangor-area shoppers can buy directly from the company’s Bomarc Road location, with local pickup or delivery available for meat packages and other products.
Whether the updated snappers still feel like the ones customers know will be the real test. Read More... |
Farmers markets across the Penobscot Valley offer six chances to shop local from Tuesday, October 6, through Sunday, October 11.
Orono starts the week Tuesday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the UMaine Steamplant parking lot on College Avenue.
Hampden’s market follows Friday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at Saint Matthew’s Church, 70 Western Avenue.
Saturday shoppers can return to Orono from 8 a.m. to noon, visit Brewer Auditorium at 318 Wilson Street from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., or stop at the Dover Cove market at 1049 West Main Street in Dover-Foxcroft from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bangor wraps up the schedule Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Abbot Square, across from Bangor Public Library.
Bring a bag and browse: offerings vary, but every stop supports local growers, bakers and producers. Read More... |
Want to give back in Greater Bangor but aren’t sure where to start?
The free Greater Bangor volunteer fair offers a chance to meet local nonprofits on Friday, October 9, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Heart of Maine United Way, 700 Mount Hope Avenue.
Visitors can ask about available roles, training and time commitments before deciding what might fit their lives.
There’s no pressure to sign up; a conversation is a good first step.
At noon, Volunteer Maine Executive Director Brittany Gleixner-Hayat will speak about volunteerism during a free lunch.
Among the organizations attending, Welcome to Housing will share opportunities to support its home goods bank, including work at its Old Town warehouse.
Whether you have a few hours or want a regular commitment, the fair can help you find a local need you’re ready to meet. Read More... |
Meet Your New Best Friend Each week, we feature adoptable animals from Bangor Humane Society in Bangor and The Animal Orphanage in Old Town. These local organizations help animals find caring homes and provide the photos and descriptions shared here. If someone catches your eye, contact the featured organization directly to learn about the animal, current availability, and the adoption process. |
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For Bangor residents considering dog adoption, Lucy is an affectionate, energetic two-year-old mixed breed looking for a steady home.
She came to the shelter as a stray, so little is known about her past.
Her new family should be ready to help with house training and leash manners through patient, consistent practice.
Lucy also needs regular exercise, play and quiet time to help her settle into a routine.
Because her experience with cats and other dogs is unknown, introductions should be slow and supervised.
Respectful children who know when to give an active dog space may be a good match.
Everyone in the household must meet Lucy before adoption, giving them a chance to connect and ask about her needs.
For the right Bangor family, patience and structure could help Lucy build trust and thrive. Read More... |
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In Old Town, adopting a pet starts with an honest question: Does this animal fit your everyday life?
Consider a 13-year-old female with a big personality who loves attention but wants to be the only pet at home.
For someone seeking one devoted companion, she could be a wonderful match.
For a household with other animals, her preference is a reason to keep looking, even if walking away is hard.
Senior pet adoption calls for that kind of honesty, because older animals may have established routines and needs.
Age alone says little about the companionship they can offer, and their preferences are not flaws to fix.
Before bringing a pet home, ask about health, temperament and daily care, and consider whether everyone can respect the animal’s space.
Give a new companion time to settle in, too.
For the right person, knowing what she likes could make finding a shared life easier. Read More... |
Recipe of the Week: Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Soup
A warm bowl for a cool October evening, with sweetness from squash and apples balanced by onion and thyme. Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
Directions
Sandy’s serving suggestion: Pair with crusty bread and sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds over each bowl. |
Looking Ahead Food Truck Extravaganza 4.0 Saturday, October 17 · 11:00 AM–3:00 PM Bring your appetite! Ten food trucks will gather for Food Truck Extravaganza 4.0—a chance to sample different flavors and enjoy a fall afternoon.
Pumpkins in the Park: A New Glow for 2026 Sunday, October 18 · Noon–4:00 PM UCP of Maine’s Pumpkins in the Park returns with a new indoor Spooky Neon Carnival, presented by Darling’s Kia. Explore Pumpkin Lane for classic autumn fun, then venture into Spooky Alley for blacklights, glowing games, music, and spooky surprises. Families can enjoy candy, prizes, community booths, and photo spots—all indoors, rain or shine. Admission includes two carnival game tickets, with additional tickets available for purchase. Most activities are free with admission. |
Local Jobs
Bangor Humane Society: Director of Operations Bangor Humane Society is seeking an organized, compassionate leader to oversee daily shelter operations, support animal care, and manage staff. Salary: $68,000–$78,000 annually The role works closely with the executive director on administration, budgeting, staffing, and maintaining a safe, humane shelter. Applicants should bring supervisory experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to animal welfare. Experience in an animal-related field is preferred. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings with matching contributions, and paid vacation and sick leave. To apply: Send your cover letter and résumé to Executive Director Suzan Prendergast at Suzan@BangorHumane.org. |
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For listeners who have wondered how a promising idea becomes a business, Maine Thrive Voices episode 14 offers a look at the first steps.
Host Sandy speaks with Molly and Paige about creating Tides to Pines and choosing to build it together.
Their different backgrounds bring distinct perspectives to the partnership, but the conversation focuses on what they share: a willingness to turn an idea into a commitment.
They discuss finding common ground, trusting each other and making the choices that come before any launch.
For a community where independent businesses are part of everyday life, their story may resonate with anyone weighing a venture of their own.
There is no easy formula here, only a reminder that starting something takes more than enthusiasm.
Molly and Paige’s experience shows how a business begins to take shape when two people decide to do the work together. Read More... |
Best of the Penobscot Valley
Fields Pond Audubon Center: Room to Slow Down You don’t have to travel far from Bangor to trade a busy afternoon for a walk through woods, wetlands, and open fields. Fields Pond Audubon Center in Holden offers trails through several habitats, with opportunities for birdwatching, nature photography, and a quiet break outdoors. Choose a level, mowed field path or a more rugged woodland route to suit your energy and footing. The Lake Shore Trail includes a boardwalk through a floodplain swamp and views of the pond. The Ravine Trail winds through hemlock forest, with rock stairways and stepping stones across a small stream.
For an October outing, bring comfortable walking shoes, a layer for the cooler air, and binoculars if you have them. Leave pets at home to help protect the sanctuary’s wildlife.
Fields Pond Audubon Center |
Thank You to Our Sponsors NEWSLETTER SPONSOR Marshall Communications — Nancy Marshall, The PR Maven®
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 |
Sandy’s Maine Minute
The People Behind the Places One of my favorite parts of publishing Penobscot Valley Voice is getting to know the people behind the names we see around town. A business sign tells us where to turn. A conversation tells us why someone started, what they care about, and how much work went into keeping the doors open. Those are the stories I enjoy sharing here and on Maine Thrive Voices.
This week, W.A. Bean & Sons reminds us that even a familiar Maine tradition can keep evolving. Our local nonprofits offer another kind of invitation: bring your time, your skills, and your questions, and discover where you can help.
You don’t need a packed calendar to feel more connected to this place. Sometimes it starts with one conversation—with a vendor at the farmers’ market, a business owner you haven’t met, or someone at the volunteer fair.
That’s my invitation for the week: make room for one of those conversations. Ask a question. Learn a name. There’s usually a story worth hearing. Scout & I will see you on Friday!
— Sandy |
B. 1860 W.A. Bean & Sons was established in 1860. The Bangor company’s September announcement describes it as a sixth-generation family business—and the home of Maine Red Snappers. |