Published by Maine Valley Voices Media.

Which Penobscot Valley town was originally named “Stillwater” before becoming part of a larger neighboring city?

A) Brewer
B) Old Town
C) Orono
D) Hampden

Welcome to Issue #32 of the Penobscot Valley Voice

 — your weekly connection to what’s happening across Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, Orono, Old Town, Hermon and the rest of the valley.

Spring is in full swing across the Valley. The trees are leafing out, the river is alive again, and our communities are stepping into a busy season of events, growth, and connection.

This week has a little bit of everything—from Cinco de Mayo celebrations on Tuesday to Mother’s Day weekend just ahead. Whether you’re heading out for tacos and music or planning something special for Mom, there’s a lot happening across the Valley.

A quick thank you to this week’s newsletter sponsor, Maine Endurance Sports Alliance, for helping make this edition possible.

This week, we’ve got:

Local events you won’t want to miss

Community updates

Opportunities to support local businesses

Two new furry friends looking for homes

As always — this is about keeping our communities connected, informed, and thriving.

Let’s get into it.

Local Spotlight: The Garbologists at Penobscot Theatre

Catch this fun behind-the-scenes look at The Garbologists, the hilarious and heartfelt show now playing at Penobscot Theatre Company in Bangor (running through May 10). It’s a wonderful celebration of local theater and the essential workers who keep our community going.

Video Courtesy of Newscenter Maine, locally WLBZ, Channel 2, Bangor.

WEATHER (Across The Valley)

Week of May 5 – May 11

Tue | Partly Cloudy | 62° / 41°
Wed | Sunny         | 68° / 45°
Thu | Light Showers | 64° / 47°
Fri | Mostly Sunny  | 70° / 50°
Sat | Warm & Sunny  | 74° / 52°
Sun | Partly Cloudy | 72° / 51°
Mon | Chance Rain   | 65° / 48°

Great week to get outside and enjoy the Valley.

Penobscot Theatre Company — Spring Performance Series

Date: Ongoing this week (May 5–11)
Time: Evening showtimes (varies by performance)
Location: Bangor Opera House, 131 Main St, Bangor, ME

Penobscot Theatre Company continues its spring lineup with professional live performances in the heart of downtown Bangor. A great option for an evening out supporting local arts.

More Info: https://www.penobscottheatre.org/

Bill Blagg: Magic Show — Collins Center for the Arts (Orono)

Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME

Master illusionist Bill Blagg brings a high-energy, interactive performance to the Collins Center. A fun, family-friendly event and a unique live entertainment option this week.

More Info: https://www.collinscenterforthearts.com/

Live Music Night — Blue Sky Lounge (Bangor)

Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Blue Sky Lounge, Bangor, ME

Enjoy a night of live local music in an intimate downtown setting. Blue Sky Lounge regularly features regional performers and is a great spot for a relaxed evening out.

Live Music Night — Sea Dog Brewing (Bangor)

Date: Friday, May 9
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: 26 Front St, Bangor, ME

Kick off the weekend with live music, good food, and a lively downtown atmosphere. Sea Dog Brewing continues its popular local music series.

Bangor Waterfront Spring Walk & Market

Date: Saturday, May 10
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Bangor Waterfront, 1 Railroad St, Bangor, ME

Celebrate the return of spring along the Penobscot River with local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. A great opportunity to enjoy the waterfront and support local businesses.

Want to see your event featured? Submit it here

More Events

Stay informed with important updates, meetings, and notices from towns across the Penobscot Valley.

City Council Meeting
Bangor
Monday, May 11
Regular council session covering city business, ordinances, and public input.

City Council Meeting
Brewer
Tuesday, May 5
Council agenda includes municipal updates and community matters.

Select Board Meeting
Hampden
Monday, May 11
Town leadership meeting addressing operations, budgets, and local decisions.

Town Council Meeting
Orono
Monday, May 11
Discussion of town initiatives, planning, and resident concerns.

Select Board Meeting
Old Town
Monday, May 11
Regular meeting covering town governance and development items.

Select Board Meeting
Hermon
Thursday, May 7
Town officials meet to review community matters and planning updates.

This week marks National Small Business Week, a time to recognize and support the local businesses that keep our communities moving forward.

Across the Penobscot Valley, small businesses are more than storefronts—they’re neighbors, employers, sponsors, and the people behind so many of the services we rely on every day. From Main Street shops and local restaurants to home service providers and professional offices, these businesses are the backbone of our local economy.

Stay connected with opportunities to grow your business, meet local professionals, and stay active in the Greater Bangor region.

FUSION: First Networking Event
Hosted by Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, May 7
A relaxed, high-energy networking event designed for young professionals and emerging leaders to build connections and expand their local network.

2026 Health Care Forum
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
Friday, May 8
Regional leaders and professionals come together to discuss healthcare trends, workforce challenges, and opportunities impacting the Bangor area.

Ribbon Cutting: Sunshine’s Fitness Studio & Nutrition Center
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, May 7
A grand opening event celebrating a new local business

Weekly BNI Chapter Meetings

Queen City BNI
BNI Maine
Thursday, 8:30 AM | The Sports Arena, 1640 Hammond St, Hermon
A high-performing referral group focused on building strong local business relationships and consistent lead generation.

Bangor Breakfast BNI
BNI Maine
Friday, 7:00 AM | Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Rd, Bangor
An early-morning networking group designed for professionals committed to growing their business through structured referrals and accountability.

Black Bear BNI
BNI Maine
Thursday, 8:30 AM | Twin City Plaza (Hybrid Meeting)
A flexible in-person/virtual chapter connecting business professionals across the region with a focus on collaboration and referral growth.

Paul Bunyan BNI
BNI Maine
Tuesday, 7:00 AM | Virtual (Zoom)
A long-standing BNI chapter offering a fully virtual format, making it easy for members across the region to connect and exchange referrals

Local business updates, development activity, and economic movement across the Penobscot Valley. 

This week also marks National Small Business Week, a time to recognize and support the local businesses that power our communities across the Penobscot Valley.

Openings & Coming Soon

International Cryptozoology Museum
490 Broadway, Bangor
Renovations are nearing completion as the museum prepares for a Spring 2026 opening, with a target soft opening in mid-May. The new location will feature expanded exhibits focused on cryptozoology, including Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and other cryptids.

Save the Date

Cruise Nights at Dysart’s on Broadway — 2026 Season
Dysart’s (Flatbed Pub), Bangor
Starting Thursday, May 14 | Weekly through October
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (or until dark)
A popular weekly gathering featuring classic cars, trucks, hot rods, music, and food—one of the largest recurring community events in the region.

Closures

Urban Pizza
329 Main Street, Bangor
Closed again following a brief reopening. No additional details have been announced at this time.

Development & Expansion

County Federal Credit Union — New Bangor Branch
96 State Street, Bangor
Construction is expected to begin in May and continue through June, expanding local banking access in the downtown area.

Central Commercial Kitchen Project
Bangor
Plans continue to move forward on a shared-use commercial kitchen designed to support local food entrepreneurs and small business startups.

Major Redevelopment

Bangor Mall Redevelopment — Bangor Marketplace & Residences
Bangor
The transformation of the Bangor Mall into a mixed-use development is ongoing, with closure and transition phases expected around June 2026.

Highlighting local opportunities to give back, lend a hand, and support neighbors across the Penobscot Valley.

 Blood Drives

American Red Cross — Bangor Donor Center

 900B Hammond Street, Bangor
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 11 AM–6 PM | Saturday 8 AM–2 PM (Closed Sun/Mon/Fri)
Blood donations remain critically important, and local drives continue to see strong community turnout. Every donation helps save lives.

 Schedule an appointment: 1-800-RED CROSS or redcrossblood.org

 Volunteer Opportunities

Penquis
Volunteer drivers needed across Penobscot County along with support for child development programs and community services.

4-H Penobscot County
Seeking volunteer project leaders in photography, animal science, STEM, gardening, and more—great opportunity to mentor local youth.

Additional Opportunities:

• Heart of Maine Volunteer Center
  Local organizations across the region are always in need of helping hands.
•  

 Community Needs & Food Pantries

Bangor Area Homeless Shelter
 263 Main Street, Bangor
Offers a food pantry and daily soup kitchen supporting individuals and families in need.

Salvation Army Bangor
 65 South Park Street, Bangor
Food pantry services available by appointment.

Samaritan, Inc.
Serving Bangor, Hermon, Hampden, Glenburn, and surrounding communities through multiple pantry locations.

Bangor Region YMCA — Hannaford Food Pantry
Regular pantry access available in the lobby to support local families.

If you or someone you know needs assistance—or if you're in a position to give back—these organizations are here to help. Thank you for being part of a community that takes care of its own.

Farmer’s Markets Across the Valley

Fresh, local, and community-driven—here’s where to find farmer’s markets across the Penobscot Valley this week.

Bangor Farmers’ Market
40 Harlow Street, Bangor
Sundays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
One of the region’s largest markets featuring local produce, meats, baked goods, and handmade goods.

Orono Farmers’ Market
18 Mill Street, Orono
Tuesdays, 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
A midweek market offering fresh produce, meats, and artisan goods in a walkable downtown setting.

Hampden Farmers’ Market
77 Western Avenue, Hampden
Fridays, 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
A smaller community-focused market with seasonal produce and local goods.

Winterport Farmers’ Market
721 Main Street, Winterport
Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
A growing local market with produce, baked goods, and crafts.

More seasonal markets will begin opening across the region as we move further into spring and early summer.

Pogo is an affectionate dog eagerly waiting for his new family at the Bangor Humane Society in Bangor, Maine.

The shelter, located at 693 Mt. Hope Avenue, welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday, 1 pm to 6 pm, with adoption cutoffs at 5:30 pm.

Adopting Pogo involves a simple application that highlights your lifestyle, allowing the staff to find the best pet match for your home.

If you rent, the process includes landlord and possibly veterinary checks, and sometimes a special ‘Dog’s Day Out’ to ensure a good fit.

All family members, including resident dogs, must meet Pogo before adoption to ensure everyone gets along.

Adoption fees vary: $450 for puppies up to six months, $175 for dogs aged one to five, which covers medical care and microchipping.

Bring home a devoted companion and support a vital local mission—help give Pogo a loving, permanent home.

Stella, a gentle 4-year-old dog, is looking for a permanent home through the Animal Orphanage in Old Town, Maine.

Known for her deep loyalty, Stella forms strong bonds and offers unwavering affection to her caregivers.

With dedicated training from Christine, Stella has improved her leash walking, responds to the "come" command, and gained greater confidence.

She feels most comfortable with women and prefers a female-led household, making her ideal for adopters willing to build trust through several visits.

The Animal Orphanage, located at 71 Airport Road, is a no-kill shelter committed to caring for and rehoming animals in need.

Potential adopters can visit the shelter during weekday afternoons or Saturday mornings, or call (207) 827-8777 to learn more and give Stella the loving home she deserves.

Cinco de Mayo Chili is the perfect way to add warmth and a southwestern twist to your home celebration this May.

This crowd-pleasing chili features savory ground beef, black and kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and a trio of spices—chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika—for a bold, satisfying flavor.

It simmers to perfection in less than 30 minutes and can be topped with cheese, sour cream, or green onions for extra flair. Pair it with cornbread or tortilla chips, and finish with a fresh squeeze of lime.

Locals can also look forward to Bangor’s annual Margarita Competition, where area bartenders compete for the crown, and nearby Auburn’s live-music-filled celebration at Lost Valley.

If staying in is more your style, this festive chili brings Mexican-inspired comfort right to your table, letting you savor Cinco de Mayo with the company of family and friends.

If you found this helpful, please consider sharing it with a friend, neighbor, or local business owner.

Stay connected with everything happening across the Penobscot Valley each week.

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As we move further into May, you can feel the shift happening across the Valley. More events are filling the calendar, markets are opening up, and people are getting back outside and reconnecting with the community.

There’s a lot to take part in this week—from local meetings and business events to ways to lend a hand and support neighbors. However you choose to spend your time, I hope you find something that keeps you connected and moving forward.

Thank you for being part of this community and for taking the time to stay informed each week.

Sandy Smith - Editor

Newsletter Sponsor: Maine Endurance Sports Alliance

Bringing world-class races and community-driven events to Maine—connecting runners, families, and communities through unforgettable experiences across the state.website

Weather — Gavin’s Lawn Care

Professional lawn care and property maintenance across the Valley.

website

Business Events— Smith Digital Solutions
Helping local businesses get found and generate leads. website

Business Pulse — Maine Thrive
Connecting the community with trusted local businesses. website

Community Support — North Star Property Solutions
Reliable property solutions helping keep homes and communities strong. website

Furry Friends — Woof LLC
Trusted daycare, boarding, and grooming for your pets. website

Correct Answer: C) Orono

Stillwater was the original name before becoming part of modern-day Orono.