What local Maine delicacy is made from potatoes and coconut?

A) Brown Bread
B) Needhams
C) Hermits
D) Molasses Roll

Warm Welcome, Penobscot Valley!

As we settle into December, the holidays are in full swing — lights are glowing downtown, kitchen ovens are warming the house, and community events are popping up everywhere. This week’s edition is packed with ways to connect, support, and enjoy the season right here at home.

Inside you’ll find:

• Our 7-day local forecast
• A new Furry Friend Feature — meet Scooby!
• A special Season of Need & Giving roundup
• Local events, hockey games & holiday markets
• Business buzz — openings, moves & a reopen to watch
• A Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe to try this week 🍰

Whether you’re looking to volunteer, shop local, attend an event, or find your next furry family member — there’s something here for you. Thank you for starting your week with us, and for being part of this community we call home.

Video courtesy of WABI-TV, Bangor

Penobscot Valley 7-Day Forecast

Tuesday, Dec 9:
Sunny → Increasing clouds. Very cold.
High 19° / Low 12°

Wednesday, Dec 10:
Cloudy & not as cold — light snow/rain mix PM.
High 39° / Low 30°

Thursday, Dec 11:
Some sun, seasonal.
High 34° / Low 15°

Friday, Dec 12:
Breezy & colder. Sun + clouds.
High 25° / Low 11°

Saturday, Dec 13:
Cold with clouds & sun intervals.
High 26° / Low 13°

Sunday, Dec 14:
Cold again — cloudy breaks.
High 23° / Low 10°

Monday, Dec 15:
Mostly sunny, still cold.
High 24° / Low 17°

Source: AccuWeather, Bangor ME

Scooby, a 1-year-old playful and energetic pup, is available for adoption at the Animal Orphanage in Old Town, Maine.

He is looking for an active household that can provide him with the attention, training, and love he deserves.

Scooby enjoys being outside, exploring new smells, and spending time with people.

He thrives with structure, routine, and hands-on engagement.

If you think Scooby could be the perfect match for you, visit the Animal Orphanage to meet him.

More about Scooby: https://blog.penobscotvalleyvoice.com/post/Scooby-Dog-Needs-a-home

Stay Connected

Love keeping up with community news, events, pets, and local stories?
Subscribe to Penobscot Valley Voice — it’s free, weekly, and local.
It lands every Tuesday at 6 AM.

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Season of Need & Giving – How You Can Help Locally This Week

This time of year brings cold weather, holiday stress, and real need across our communities — so here are five ways we can make a difference right here in the Penobscot Valley. Even small actions add up when many hands pitch in.

🐾 1. Animal Orphanage Donation Needs

Local Animal Adoption Centers caring for pets like Scooby who need warmth, food, and comfort while they wait for homes.
Most needed: blankets, treats, quality food, cleaning supplies, toys
Drop-off during open hours or visit to meet adoptable pets.

🥫 2. Food Pantry Support

Local pantries are seeing rising holiday demand — every can, box, and dollar helps.
Consider donating non-perishables like soups, pasta, peanut butter, cereal & holiday staples.
If you’re unsure what to bring, gift cards are always welcome.

🧥 3. Coat & Winter Gear Drive

Temperatures are dropping, and warm clothing saves lives.
If you have coats, gloves, boots, hats, or snow gear in good condition — this is the perfect time to pass them forward.
Children’s sizes are in highest need.

🎁 4. Toys for Tots – Holiday Cheer for Kids

The season is brighter when kids feel remembered.
Unwrapped toys for kids of all ages are being collected locally — consider picking up an extra gift during your next store run.
Even one toy can light up Christmas morning.

🩸 5. Blood Drive – Give the Gift of Life

Hospitals always need blood around the holidays due to winter accidents & travel.
If you’re able, donating blood is one of the most direct ways to help others.
One pint can potentially save up to three lives.

Small acts matter. Shared acts change communities.
Give what you can — warmth, time, food, love, or even just spreading the word.

🎄 Updated Local Events This Week – Dec 9–15

What’s Happening This Week in the Valley?
Craft fairs • Hockey • Markets • Tree lighting • Family activities • Holiday cheer

• Old Town Winter Craft Fair – Fri, Dec 13 – Old Town YMCA
Handmade gifts, local artisans, baked goods & holiday goodies.

• Bangor Winter Market – Sat, Dec 14 – Sea Dog Parking Pavilion – 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Local produce, artisan stalls, holiday treats & gifts.

• UMaine Black Bears Hockey Game – Sat, Dec 14 – Alfond Arena – 7:00 PM
Home game — bring friends, family & school spirit. 🏒

• Brewer Tree Lighting & Caroling – Sun, Dec 15 – Brewer Waterfront – 5:00 PM
Community gathering, hot cocoa, holiday music, family fun.

• Holiday Story Time & Craft Hour – Thu, Dec 12 – Bangor Public Library – 3:00 PM
Great indoor event for kids & families — stories, crafts, winter fun.

• Old Town Senior Center Hot Lunch – Tue, Dec 10 – 11:30 AM
Warm meal, social gathering for seniors & caregivers.

• Hirundo Wildlife Refuge Winter Bird Walk – Sun, Dec 15 – 9:00 AM
Free outdoor nature walk — bring boots & binoculars; spot winter birds along the river.

• Orono Community Holiday Swim – Sat, Dec 14 – 12:00–3:00 PM – UMaine Rec Center
Family-friendly indoor swim session — a cozy break from winter weather.

Business Openings, Closings & Local Moves
Urban Pizza returning soon • Relos • Closings • What’s new around town

Business Watch — Openings, Moves & Local Buzz

Urban Pizza — Reopening Soon (No Date Yet)
Beloved Bangor spot Urban Pizza is preparing to reopen with a new menu and fresh interior energy. While an exact opening date hasn’t been announced, excitement is building — especially among fans of their creative pizzas and chill vibe. Definitely one to watch!

Yahweh Cafe & Bakery — Closed
After a short but appreciated run, Yahweh Café in Old Town has closed its doors.

Lougee & Frederick’s — New Location
The longtime Bangor florist has moved to 21 Washington St. in Penobscot Plaza, bringing history and floral artistry downtown.

Glowgetters & Cool Girl Collective — Relocated Together
Both have officially moved to 575 Main St. (formerly near Queen City Cinema Club). A fun stop for style, gifts & second-hand finds.

Future Retail: Marden’s Coming to Bangor in 2026
The Maine favorite is expected to open in the former Burlington space — great news for bargain hunters.

Vacant but Active: Grind House Space
The former Grind House location downtown is undergoing transition — new business expected.

Have a family recipe to share?
Send it to us — we may feature your kitchen favorite next week!

Holiday Kitchen: Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A cozy classic for December gatherings — rich, spiced, and topped with silky cream cheese frosting. Perfect for family dinners, office treats, or sharing with neighbors during the Season of Giving.

Ingredients (Cake)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups grated carrots

• 1 ½ cups sugar

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• 4 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup crushed pineapple (optional — adds moisture)

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Ingredients (Cream Cheese Frosting)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make It

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 pan or two 9" round cake pans.

2. Whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

3. In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Stir in carrots (and pineapple/nuts if using).

5. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until combined — do not overmix.

6. Pour into pan(s) and bake 30–40 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese + butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually.
Mix in vanilla and whip until silky smooth.
Spread generously over cooled cake.

Serving Idea:

Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or toasted nuts for a holiday finish.

The Lighthouse Project

At The Lighthouse Project, we understand that grief affects everyone differently, especially children. That's why we've created a safe and supportive environment where children and their families can navigate the challenges of loss together, yet separately. Our meeting space, group discussions, and activities are designed to provide space for both reflection and recreation. We empower families to navigate their grief journey in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to them.  For more information, please email us at lighthouseprojectteam@gmail.com or visit our website https://www.thelighthouseprojectgroup.org.  If you wish to participate in our Spring session, beginning March 23, 2026, please use this link to complete a referral https://form.jotform.com/242685251542154?fbclid=IwY2xjawOjqzdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEedg5l5I0Dfe2Ec5h3BjSPKtm8XMd0bgnL71aoxkK3dN_NCEdHrtjMRb29HIs_aem_B7p7sQ8cCm1rIMDu6cvLhg.    

Closing Thoughts

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us today. We hope this issue brings you something useful — a smile, an idea, an event to attend, or maybe even a new pet to meet. As always, we appreciate you being part of our Penobscot Valley community. Your support, engagement, and kindness are what make this region special.

Know someone who lives in the Valley and would enjoy this newsletter?
Forward it along — good news travels best when shared.
More neighbors → more community → more good things happening.

B (Needhams) And you can find them right here in the Bangor area at: RENY'S, A Maine Adventure!