Bangor was one of the first cities in the United States to install what type of municipal system in the late 1800s?

Video Courtesy of WABI-TV, Channel 5, Bangor

Warm Welcome & Week Ahead

As we close out 2025 and step into the New Year, this week’s Penobscot Valley Voice is about easing into winter and staying connected during a quieter stretch across the region.

Inside, you’ll find a look at local business activity as January begins, a specific community events calendar with what’s happening now and what’s coming up next, and a fresh winter recipe perfect for cold nights at home. We’re also sharing an updated weather outlook with a true Maine disclaimer, a new community poll, last week’s comfort-food poll results, and a reminder that small acts of support continue to make a big difference this time of year.

Whether you’re setting goals or taking things one week at a time, we’re glad you’re here.

Bangor & Penobscot Valley — December 30, 2025 through January 5, 2026

Accu Weather Forecast generated Monday, December 29, 2025.

Mainer Weather Disclaimer: At this time of year, conditions can shift quickly — what’s predicted today might look very different by tomorrow. Use this as a general heads-up and check your favorite local weather source before heading out.

Tuesday, Dec 30

🌥️ Mostly cloudy, colder • High: ~26°F • Low: ~6°F
Windy with chillier temps and limited sun.

Wednesday, Dec 31 — New Year’s Eve

☁️ Cold with clouds and sun mixed • High: ~20°F • Low: ~4°F
A crisp end to 2025 with some sunshine.

Thursday, Jan 1 — New Year’s Day

🌨️ Clouds with some flurries, especially early • High: ~16°F • Low: ~2°F Cold and wintry to start 2026.

Friday, Jan 2

☁️ Cloudy, still cold • High: ~22°F • Low: ~6°F
A gray but steady winter day.

Saturday, Jan 3

⛅ Intervals of clouds & sun • High: ~21°F • Low: ~1°F
A bit brighter with classic winter temps.

Sunday, Jan 4

⛅ Cold with sun & cloud mix • High: ~15°F • Low: ~10°F
Still firmly in winter’s grip.

Monday, Jan 5

🌤️ Partly sunny, slightly milder • High: ~23°F • Low: ~12°F
A slight warm-up to start the week.

Quick Takeaways

• ❄️ Overall: Classic cold Maine winter with temperatures mainly in the teens–20s.

• 🌨️ Snow and Flurries: Best chance for some flurries early in the week around New Year’s Day.

• 📌 Safety Note: Roads, especially early mornings and shaded areas, may remain icy — plan extra travel time and dress warmly.

As the holiday season arrives in the Penobscot Valley, the need for community support is more critical than ever.

Many local families are facing a difficult winter with profound uncertainty.

Local organizations are working tirelessly to provide essential aid.

The Salvation Army is running its annual Coats for Kids drive and the Angel Tree program to provide children with warm coats and holiday gifts.

Meanwhile, the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and Ecumenical Food Cupboard are seeing a surge in demand.

The shelter has an urgent need for items like winter boots, men's jeans, and coffee.

Beyond material goods, the American Red Cross in Bangor faces a constant need for blood donations, an act that can save lives.

Every donation of time, food, or a warm coat makes a tangible difference for our neighbors this season.

When winter weather puts properties to the test, North Star Property Solutions Inc. is there to help keep homes and businesses safe, functional, and well-maintained.

Specializing in dependable property services and repairs, North Star is known for showing up when it matters most — whether it’s addressing winter wear, handling ongoing maintenance needs, or helping property owners stay ahead of issues before they become bigger problems.

Their practical, no-nonsense approach and commitment to quality work have made them a trusted local resource across the region.

👉 Reliable service. Local knowledge. Solutions you can count on.

Call Tony (207) 745-5304

This Week's Poll - What are you most looking forward to in the New Year?

😍A fresh start and new routines
🤯More time with family and friends
😴Focusing on health and well-being
😡Seeing what 2026 brings — one week at a time
👍Getting outside more, even in winter
👎Slowing down and simplifying life

Last Week's Poll Results - Maine Winter Comfort Food

The top choice from last week’s poll was Breakfast for dinner, earning 40% of the vote.

Close behind were:

• Soup or chowder – 30%

• Slow cooker or crockpot meals – 20%

• Home-cooked casserole – 10%

Looks like warm, easy, and comforting meals are the clear winter favorites across the Penobscot Valley.

Proudly Sponsored by Madden’s Home Inspection

This week’s edition of Penobscot Valley Voice is proudly sponsored by Madden’s Home Inspection, a trusted local inspection company serving homeowners and buyers across the Penobscot Valley.

From detailed home inspections to thermal imaging and specialty testing, Madden’s helps residents make informed, confident decisions — especially important during Maine’s winter months when hidden issues can matter most.

Supporting local sponsors like Madden’s Home Inspection helps keep this newsletter free, community-focused, and rooted in the region we all call home. Call Madden Home Inspections (207) 989-5010 or visit their website here

Closures & Ownership Changes

Yahweh Café & Bakery (Old Town) Closed
The downtown Old Town café that opened just a couple of months ago shut its doors late last year after struggling with foot traffic and overhead costs.

Evenrood’s (Bangor) Ending a Decade of Service
After about ten years in business, the downtown Bangor restaurant Evenrood’s is closing on Dec. 31. The owner expressed gratitude to loyal customers as the year ends. 

“Happy Endings” Bar (Bangor) Up for Sale
A downtown Bangor bar — Happy Endings — is actively listed for sale as ownership seeks a transition. While not a confirmed closure, the lease situation may lead to a change in direction.

These shifts reflect ongoing challenges for food and hospitality businesses — especially smaller operators — even as the region continues to seek ways to support and grow local commerce.

📈 Signs of Business Activity

Strong Downtown Interest in New Ventures
Over the past year, Bangor’s downtown has seen a wave of new business openings of diverse types, from local retail to specialty food and leisure concepts — adding vibrancy to the community’s commercial core.

Urban Pizza Reopens After Extended Closure
Bangor’s Urban Pizza has successfully reopened after being closed for more than a year, showing resilience among locally owned eateries.

Business Space Listings Could Signal Future Change
Several commercial spaces — including restaurants and bars — are currently for sale or lease, indicating both turnover and opportunity for new operators to bring fresh offerings to the area.

🔎 What This Means for the Valley

• Winter slowdown can be tough for small and hospitality businesses, and closures are unfortunately part of the cycle.

• Reopenings & space turnover represent opportunities for new entrepreneurs in 2026.

• Ongoing downtown interest and activity suggest local entrepreneurs still see potential in the Penobscot Valley market.

📅 Community Events (Dec 30 – Jan 5)

**Dec 31 — Downtown Countdown 2025**  
Downtown Bangor (West Market Square), 11:30 PM–12:05 AM — Free public NYE ball drop & festivities. 

**Dec 31 — Wabanaki Candlelight & Warming Station**  
Downtown Bangor, 9 PM–11 PM — Reflective community gathering before NYE. 

**Dec 31 — Midnight at the Museum**  
Maine Discovery Museum (family event with early countdown). 

**Dec 31 — NYE Parties & Celebrations**  
Various downtown venues hosting celebrations (The Main Tavern, Penobscot Pour House, Benjamin’s). 

**Jan 2 — First Fridays Art Walk**  
Downtown Bangor, 7–9 PM — Gallery and creative spaces open late. 

**Jan 3 — Bangor’s European Market**  
Downtown Bangor, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM — Local vendors & makers. 

Looking Ahead (Coming Up Soon)

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce — Business Networking & Learning
The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce resumes its regular calendar of professional development and networking events in early January. Business After Hours, Lunch & Learns, and industry meetups are a great way for local professionals to reconnect after the holidays.

BNI Chapter Meetings Resume
Local BNI chapters across the Penobscot Valley return to their weekly meetings in early January, welcoming visitors and new members interested in growing their businesses through referrals and relationship-building.

Downtown Bangor — January Programming
Downtown Bangor organizations and venues begin rolling out January events, including art walks, live music, fitness programs, and family-friendly activities. Watch for updated calendars as the new month gets underway.

Local Town Events (Newport & Bucksport)
Town offices and community groups in Newport and Bucksport resume winter programming in early January, including recreation activities, library events, and community meetings. Check municipal websites and social pages for updated schedules.

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As the New England air turns crisp, kitchens are calling for a warm and hearty meal.

This week’s standout recipe is a delicious Maple Dijon Sheet-Pan Chicken, perfect for a cozy night in.

It’s the ultimate comfort food, delivering incredible flavor with minimal cleanup.

The magic is in the glaze, a simple mix of pure Maine maple syrup, sharp Dijon mustard, and a touch of garlic powder.

Just toss bone-in chicken thighs and your favorite root vegetables—like carrots and potatoes—onto a single sheet pan.

Brush everything with the sweet and savory glaze and roast until the chicken is crisp and the vegetables are perfectly caramelized.

This one-pan wonder is an effortless weeknight dinner that still feels special and fills your home with an amazing aroma.

Meet Midas, a handsome four-year-old Alaskan Husky looking for his forever home.

This 69-pound burst of energy and intelligence is a truly unique soul waiting for the right partner.

Midas isn't a typical couch cuddler; he shows his deep affection with an unending passion for fetch and pure excitement when you walk in the room.

He thrives on outdoor adventures and mental challenges, making him a perfect companion for an active household.

Highly motivated by treats and praise, Midas is a joy to train and already knows basic commands like sit and shake.

To ensure his success, Midas needs to be the only pet in a home with teens and adults who appreciate structure.

For the right person who invests the time to know him, the bond will be incredibly rewarding.

If you're ready for your next great adventure, contact your local animal shelter to ask about meeting Midas.

Thank you for spending part of your week with Penobscot Valley Voice.

As the New Year begins, my hope is that this newsletter continues to be a helpful, local touchpoint — a place to stay informed, support our neighbors, and feel a little more connected to the Penobscot Valley we all call home.

If this issue was shared with you and you enjoyed it, I invite you to subscribe and pass it along to a friend or neighbor. Community grows best when it’s shared.

Wishing you a warm and steady start to the week ahead and a very Happy New Year!
— Sandy

A public electric street lighting system