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What devastating 1911 event reshaped much of downtown Bangor and tested the resilience of our community? A) A major flood B) The Great Fire C) A nor’easter D) A bridge collapse

Good morning, friends.

This Tuesday evening, a small group will gather at the Bangor Historical Society and begin walking the same streets where, 115 years ago, everything changed in a matter of hours.

On April 30, 1911, a fire started in a hay shed behind a store on Central Street. Within hours it became a roaring monster that destroyed more than 250 buildings, left thousands homeless, and forever changed the face of downtown Bangor. Families watched their homes burn. Businesses generations old disappeared. The sky glowed orange for miles.

But here’s what I love most about that story — and why I keep thinking about this week’s walking tour: Bangor didn’t just survive. It came back stronger.

You can still see that resilience in the handsome brick buildings that rose from the ashes. You can feel it in the way our downtown has continued to evolve while holding onto its character. And you can hear it in the voices of the guides who share the names, the stories, and the quiet courage that turned devastation into determination.

What a beautiful stretch of weather we had this past weekend. It finally felt like people were ready to get back outside again — families walking downtown, yard sales popping up, gardeners digging in, and neighbors filling restaurants and events.

This week’s newsletter is made possible by Woof, LLC.

We’re so grateful for their support of local storytelling and keeping our community connected.

This week is packed with that same spirit of coming together — from the Fire of 1911 Walking Tour (Tuesday at 6:00 PM) to live music, the Native Plant Festival this weekend, and so many other great gatherings across the Valley.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re relatively new, I hope you’ll consider joining one of these events. Walk those historic streets. Listen to the stories. Feel a little prouder of the place we call home.

Because this community — our community — has always been at its best when we remember where we came from and who we are together.

Let’s dive in,

— Sandy

Good morning, Penobscot Valley! 

Whether you’re running the trails in Bangor, playing basketball in Brewer, gardening in Holden, or simply trying to keep up with the grandkids — staying active in Maine isn’t always easy.

This week’s Maine Thrive Insights story highlights someone helping our neighbors move better, feel stronger, and enjoy life longer.

Helping Mainers Stay Active & Pain-Free

A Conversation with Brad Libby of Performance Physical Therapy

Brad Libby, a Brewer native and physical therapist, has been helping people across the Penobscot Valley for more than 13 years. In his recent Maine Thrive Voices conversation, he shared practical advice on everything from sports injuries and back pain to vertigo, TMJ, and when it’s time to stop “pushing through” the discomfort.

Here's a link to the interview

A few key takeaways you’ll find in the full story:

• Why waiting too long to get help can actually make recovery harder

• The real difference between physical therapy and chiropractic care — and how they can work well together

• Simple, Maine-friendly injury prevention tips including consistent stretching, smart strength training, gradual training increases, and listening to your body

• Two powerful local success stories — including a man who returned to running after rupturing both quad tendons and a child who learned to walk against the odds

“Don’t be scared to seek help. Your body is designed to move.”
— Brad Libby

 

Read the full story here →

https://penobscotvalleyinsight.com/brad-libby-performance-physical-therapy

The full Maine Thrive Voices conversation is embedded at the top of the article.

Performance Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation

Bangor-Brewer, Maine

Website: performancephysicaltherapy.org

They welcome questions — even quick ones about whether something is worth getting checked.

This is our very first Maine Thrive Insights feature focused on the Penobscot Valley. More local stories highlighting the businesses, leaders, and people helping our region thrive are coming soon.

If you know a great local business, nonprofit, or community leader who should be featured, simply hit reply and let us know.

Stay connected to what’s happening in the Penobscot Valley — and feel free to forward this to a friend, neighbor, or family member who might benefit from Brad’s advice.

Warmly,

Sandy Smith, Editor
Maine Thrive Voices & Maine Thrive Insights

Bangor, Maine

P.S. Pain that’s getting worse, waking you at night, or keeping you from doing what you love shouldn’t be ignored. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can get back to enjoying life here in Maine.

Weather This Week: A Warm Start, Then a Cooler Stretch

We’re starting the week with a real taste of warm spring weather, friends. Tuesday and Wednesday look unusually warm for May, with a chance of showers Tuesday and a possible afternoon thunderstorm on Wednesday.

After that, things settle back into more comfortable late-May weather. Thursday cools down quite a bit, and the weekend looks manageable for outdoor plans, markets, yard work, and community events.

Tue, May 19: Very warm, partly sunny early, showers possible later. High near 88.

Wed, May 20: Breezy and very warm, with a possible afternoon thunderstorm. High near 84.

Thu, May 21: Cooler and partly sunny. High near 63.

Fri, May 22: Comfortable with clouds and sun. High near 70.

Sat, May 23: Mostly sunny with a few clouds. High near 63.

Sun, May 24: Clouds and sun. High near 65.

Mon, May 25: Mostly cloudy for Memorial Day. High near 65.

Sandy’s note: Keep an eye on Wednesday if you have outdoor plans. Otherwise, this looks like a pretty decent week to get out, enjoy the Valley, and ease into Memorial Day weekend.

If you missed the fun this past weekend, you’ve got to see this!

The Soul Friends Pet Expo brought together so many wonderful local rescue groups, dogs, cats, vendors, and big-hearted people right here in Bangor. It was one of those perfect spring days that reminds you why we love this community — everyone showing up to support our furry friends finding their forever homes.

Here’s a great recap from WABI: [View HERE]

Such a joyful event — tails wagging, smiles everywhere, and a whole lot of love in one place. If you love animals, this one will make your day!

Video Courtesy of WABI-TV, Channel 5, Bangor

There’s so much happening around the Valley this week — the kind of mix that makes spring in Penobscot feel alive and full of possibility. Here are a few more great ways to get out, connect, and enjoy the community this week.

Music & Live Vibes

Songwriter’s Open Mic at 2 Feet Brewing – Tuesday, May 19, 5:00–8:00 PM. Bring your guitar or just grab a seat and enjoy an evening of local music, creativity, and great brews.

The Maine Steiners in Concert – Thursday, May 21, 7:00 PM at Hammond Street Congregational Church. A cappella favorites, throwbacks, and modern songs performed with humor and heart. Suggested donation: $10 ($5 for students).

Arts, Culture & Learning

Derry-Free Horror Book Club at BookSpace – Wednesday, May 20, 7:30 PM (48 Columbia St., Bangor). This month’s discussion dives into another spine-tingling read in one of Bangor’s most unique community groups. Light refreshments provided.

Movement & Fitness

Beginner Belly Dance Class – Tuesday, May 19, 5:30–6:30 PM. A supportive and upbeat class designed to help you move, laugh, and build confidence.

Pole Conditioning / Floor & Flow Classes – Tuesday and Wednesday sessions at participating downtown studios. Great for building strength, flexibility, and confidence in a positive atmosphere.

Line Dance Night – Wednesday evening. Check the Downtown Bangor calendar for times and locations.

Community & Dancing

Bangor Contra Dance – Friday, May 22, 6:00–10:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor. No experience needed — caller Alexandra Deis-Lauby and live music make this one of the friendliest and most energetic community gatherings around.

For even more happenings this week — including trivia nights, pop-ups, live music, and community events — check out the full Downtown Bangor Events Calendar:
https://downtownbangor.com/events/

Looking for even more to do around the Valley this week?

From library programs and trivia nights to live music, family activities, community gatherings, workshops, and pop-up events, our full Community Events Hub is updated throughout the week with new local happenings from across the region.

👉 Explore More Local Events:
https://events.penobscotvalleyvoice.com/weekly-events-hub

And if you’re heading to something fun this week, hit reply and let me know. I always enjoy hearing what everyone’s out exploring around the Valley.

A busy week for local government as we head into Memorial Day weekend. Here’s a look at some of the meetings and community notices happening across the Valley this week.

Bangor Planning Board

Tuesday, May 19 | 7:00 PM
Council Chambers — 73 Harlow St., Bangor

Regular meeting. Public welcome to attend or watch online.

Bangor City Council Budget Workshop

Wednesday, May 20
Details available at bangormaine.gov

Important discussions continue as city leaders work through planning for Bangor’s next budget year.

Downtown Parking Advisory Committee

Thursday, May 21
See bangormaine.gov for agenda and meeting time.

Brewer City Council

Mid-week regular business meetings and agenda items continue this week. Visit brewermaine.gov for current meeting details and updates.

Hampden Town Council

Wednesday, May 20 | 6:00 PM

Memorial Day Reminder

Monday, May 25

Most Bangor-area municipal offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

These meetings may not always grab headlines, but they’re where many of the decisions affecting daily life around the Valley get made. If something matters to you locally, attending a meeting or even reviewing the agenda online is a great way to stay connected to your community.

Local professionals across the Valley are staying connected and growing their businesses the BNI way. Here are the active chapters you can visit or learn more about this week:

Queen City BNI

Thursdays at 8:30 AM
The Sports Arena — 1640 Hammond Street, Hermon

Bangor Breakfast BNI

Fridays at 7:00 AM
Bangor Elks Lodge — 108 Odlin Road, Bangor

Black Bear BNI

Thursdays at 8:30 AM (Hybrid Meeting)
Eastern Area Agency on Aging — 240 State Street, Brewer

Paul Bunyan BNI

Tuesdays at 7:00 AM
Virtual Chapter via Zoom

These groups are full of serious, referral-minded business owners who believe in helping one another succeed. If you’re a local professional looking to grow through trusted relationships and real community connections, visiting one of these chapters is one of the best moves you can make.

Chamber Spotlight

Business After Hours at Frank Webb Home

Thursday, May 21

The Bangor Region Chamber’s latest Business After Hours event heads to Frank Webb Home this week for an evening of networking, conversation, and inspiration for home-related projects and improvements.

It’s always encouraging to see our local business community moving and growing, even as things shift and change. Here’s what’s happening around the Penobscot Valley this week:

Openings & Expansions

Pine Tree Urgent Care is set to open its doors this summer (targeting July 1) at 557 Hammond Street in Bangor. This new clinician-owned urgent care will fill an important gap in convenient local healthcare.

Sunshine’s Fitness Studio & Nutrition Center recently completed its relocation in Bangor and celebrated the grand opening of its new space on Stillwater Avenue, complete with the new Fit Fuel Club Café. The move gives members more room and great new amenities.

Milford Place (Penquis senior affordable housing) continues moving forward with its $15 million 40-unit development in Bangor. Recent construction milestone events highlight the real progress being made on housing for older Mainers.

Closings

Salt North Tap Room at 16 Union Street in downtown Bangor has closed its doors. The popular spot had been open just about a year. We’ll miss the energy it brought to the downtown scene.

Other Notable Activity

Ongoing development conversations around housing, commercial kitchens, and community spaces continue to show that our Valley is investing in its future. From new healthcare options to fitness expansions and senior housing progress, there’s steady positive momentum even when we say goodbye to a favorite spot.

Local businesses are the heartbeat of our communities — if you see someone doing good work, let them know. Supporting the folks who show up every day makes all the difference.

Lawn & Landscaping with Gavin's Lawn Care

This is the time of year when lawns across the Valley really start waking up, and local lawn care professionals say consistency now can make a huge difference heading into summer.

Gavin’s Lawn Care recommends homeowners focus on regular mowing, clearing leftover spring debris, and watching for overly wet areas after heavy rain. Early-season lawn maintenance helps encourage healthier grass growth and can prevent larger issues later in the season.

They also remind homeowners that sharp mower blades matter more than most people realize. Dull blades can tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, putting extra stress on your lawn during the warmer months ahead.

With Memorial Day weekend approaching, many homeowners are also beginning to freshen up outdoor spaces for gatherings, cookouts, and summer projects around the yard.

This is the heart of what makes our Valley so special — the quiet ways neighbors continue showing up for one another every single day.

Blood Drives & Red Cross Volunteers

The American Red Cross continues looking for volunteers to help support local blood drives across Penobscot County. If you enjoy working with people and have a few hours to spare each month, becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador is a meaningful way to give back. The Bangor and Brewer areas especially need volunteers right now.

Food Security & Mutual Aid

Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO) in Bangor continues its important work helping local families facing food insecurity. Volunteers are regularly needed for Thursday truck unloading days, sorting and shelving deliveries from Good Shepherd Food Bank, as well as weekend early-morning support shifts.Every helping hand truly makes a difference.

Wildlife, Education & Outdoor Learning

Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in Old Town has several student field trip programs taking place this week, including archaeology and wildlife habitat learning sessions for local students. Volunteers are welcome to help with setup, guiding small groups, and supporting outdoor educational activities.

If you know of a local fundraiser, volunteer opportunity, nonprofit need, or community cause we should highlight next week, simply hit reply and let us know. These stories are one of the ways we keep lifting one another up across the Valley.

Meet Rico, a lively two-year-old mixed breed looking for his forever family at the Bangor Humane Society.

Weighing 42 pounds, Rico is the perfect blend of playful energy and gentle affection.

He’s a wonderful match for active households, loving long walks and outdoor adventures.

After playtime, Rico enjoys relaxing cuddles and quiet moments with loved ones.

His intelligence and adaptability shine during training, and he responds best to consistent routines.

Rico may thrive with another dog, though slow and careful introductions are important.

Adopting Rico means welcoming a devoted friend ready to fill your days with joy.

Visit him at Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt. Hope Avenue, Bangor, ME, open Monday through Saturday, 1–6 pm, or call 207-942-8902 for details.

Give Rico the loving home he deserves and let his happiness brighten your life.

Stella, a four-year-old dog, is finding safety and affection at the Animal Orphanage in Old Town, Maine.

Arriving with a wary past, she slowly learned to trust again thanks to a compassionate trainer and a personalized program.

Stella now responds well to basic commands and walks on a leash with calm confidence.

She thrives in the company of women and would benefit most from a female-led home where patience and gentle routines will help her continue to blossom.

Adopters should plan for several visits to build trust with Stella, whose journey has revealed her affectionate and playful side.

The Animal Orphanage, serving since 1990, provides a no-kill refuge, medical care, and loving attention to pets like Stella.

Opening your home to her not only gives Stella a future but supports a vital local mission of second chances.

Spring market season is in full swing across the Penobscot Valley — there’s nothing quite like filling your bag with fresh local produce, baked goods, flowers, and chatting with the folks who grew it all. Here’s where you can shop local this week:

Bangor Farmers’ Market Sunday, May 25 (and every Sunday through November) 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Abbot Square, 140 Harlow Street, Bangor (across from the Bangor Public Library) Fresh vegetables, baked goods, meats, cheeses, plants, and more from local farms and vendors. Perfect way to start your Sunday!

Brewer Farmers’ Market Tuesday, May 20 & Thursday, May 22 — 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM Saturday, May 24 — 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM 318 Wilson Street (Brewer Auditorium Parking Lot), Brewer A great mid-week and weekend option with a wide variety of seasonal goods.

Orono Farmers’ Market Tuesday, May 20 — 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM Saturday, May 24 — 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM UMaine Steam Plant Parking Lot, College Avenue, Orono (outdoor summer location) One of the larger markets in the region with produce, eggs, meats, seafood, cheese, and more.

Hampden Farmers’ Market Friday, May 23 — 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM St. Matthew’s Church, 70 Western Avenue, Hampden Year-round market with fresh produce, meats, baked goods, specialty items, and a welcoming community vibe.

These markets are wonderful places to support our local farmers, pick up ingredients for your week, and run into neighbors. Bring your reusable bags and enjoy the early season bounty — rhubarb, greens, greenhouse tomatoes, and spring flowers are starting to appear!

B) The Great Fire

The Great Fire of 1911 devastated much of downtown Bangor, destroying hundreds of buildings and dramatically reshaping the city. Despite the destruction, Bangor rebuilt quickly — and many of the brick buildings still standing downtown today were constructed in the years that followed.

As warm weather arrives in the Valley, this easy pasta salad is a seasonal favorite, perfect for outdoor gatherings or relaxed family dinners.

Light yet satisfying, it features grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and tender pasta, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing.

The mix of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, and onion delivers color and crunch, while a sprinkle of cheddar or mozzarella adds richness.

Simply cook your pasta, grill and slice the chicken, then combine everything in a bowl for a quick, wholesome meal.

Chill for at least thirty minutes, allowing flavors to blend for an even better taste.

Customize with olives, bacon, or fresh herbs, and enjoy delicious leftovers the next day.

This versatile dish is a crowd-pleaser—ideal for Memorial Day weekend or any Valley celebration.

This Week’s Penobscot Valley Voice Sponsors & Community Partners

A heartfelt thank you to the local businesses, organizations, and community partners helping support Penobscot Valley Voice and the positive stories we’re able to share each week across our region.

Gavins Lawn Care

Helping local homeowners keep their properties looking their best throughout every season here in the Valley.

Woof LLC

Providing trusted dog boarding, daycare, and grooming with a focus on safety, care, and personalized attention for every dog.

North Star Property Solutions, Inc.

Local handyman and property maintenance services helping homeowners tackle repairs, projects, and improvements across the region.

Smith Digital Solutions

Helping local businesses improve visibility online through websites, local SEO, AI visibility strategies, reviews, and digital marketing solutions.

Maine Thrive

Connecting communities with trusted local businesses, events, organizations, and resources across Maine.

Maine Endurance Sports Alliance

Supporting road races, marathons, endurance events, and active lifestyles throughout Maine communities.

Performance Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation

This week’s featured contributor helping Mainers stay active, recover from injuries, and continue doing the things they love.

Please support the businesses and organizations supporting local community journalism here in the Penobscot Valley.

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, I hope you’re able to find a little time this week to slow down, enjoy the longer evenings, and spend time with the people who matter most.

One of the things I’m reminded of again and again while putting this newsletter together is just how much good exists across our Valley. From volunteers helping neighbors, to local businesses supporting the community, to families showing up for events, fundraisers, markets, and gatherings — there’s a quiet strength here that makes this part of Maine feel special.

This weekend also gives us an opportunity to pause and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reason we’re able to enjoy these moments with family, friends, and community today, and that should never be taken for granted.

Thank you for spending part of your week with us here at Penobscot Valley Voice. Whether you’ve been reading since the beginning or this is your very first edition, we truly appreciate you being part of this growing community.

Enjoy the week ahead, friends — and if you see something good happening around the Valley, send it our way. These stories are always better when they come from the people who call this place home.

We’ll be back in your inbox Friday morning with a special Memorial Day Weekend edition of Penobscot Valley Voice featuring more local events, outdoor happenings, community stories, food, family activities, and ways to make the most of the long holiday weekend here in the Valley.

Until then, enjoy the sunshine, support local when you can, and take a moment this week to appreciate the people and communities that make this part of Maine feel like home.

— Sandy

B) The Great Fire

The Great Fire of 1911 devastated much of downtown Bangor, destroying hundreds of buildings and dramatically reshaping the city. Despite the destruction, Bangor rebuilt quickly — and many of the brick buildings still standing downtown today were constructed in the years that followed.