During the American Revolutionary War, a disastrous expedition launched from Massachusetts targeted a British fort in the Penobscot Valley. What humiliating distinction does this 1779 event hold in U.S. naval history?

Happy New Year, and welcome to this week’s edition of Penobscot Valley Voice.

The past week brought some truly bitter cold across our region, and while things are slowly returning to a more normal winter rhythm, it’s a good reminder that not everyone has what they need to stay warm, well, and safe. As we move into the new year together, please keep in mind our neighbors who could use a helping hand.

Food pantries, clothing closets, and blood banks all continue to need support. If you’re able, consider contributing cash, food items, new or gently used warm clothing, or even life-saving blood. Small acts of generosity make a real difference—especially this time of year.

If this newsletter was shared with you, we’d love to have you join our community. You can subscribe here and receive future editions straight to your inbox:
👉 Subscribe: https://pemobscotvalleyvoice.com/signup

Let’s take a look at what’s happening around the Penobscot Valley this week.

— Sandy

Weather Snapshot — Penobscot Valley (Jan 6–12, 2026)

Source: National Weather Service — Bangor, ME Forecast (weather.gov) National Weather Service

This Week’s Outlook:

Tuesday:
Cloudy and cold. Highs in the low 20s. A chance of light snow late.

Wednesday:
Mixed clouds with periods of snow possible. Temperatures climbing toward the low 30s.

Thursday:
Partly sunny and milder. Highs in the mid to upper 30s.

Friday:
Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain as temperatures remain above freezing.

Saturday:
Unsettled at times with a rain/snow mix possible. Highs in the upper 30s.

Sunday:
Continued chance of mixed precipitation. Cooler late in the day.

Monday:
Partly cloudy and colder. Highs near the low 30s.

⚠️ Winter Travel Reminder:
Conditions can change quickly. Watch for icy patches, especially mornings and evenings.

Source: National Weather Service (weather.gov). Forecast subject to change.

Winter Conditions Reminder:

• Days will stay cold overall with highs generally below freezing early in the week. 

• Snow chances increase mid-week, with mixed precipitation possible later. National Weather Service

• Always check the National Weather Service or other local sources for updates and possible advisories. 

🛡️ Safety Tip (Recommended)

Weather conditions can change quickly this time of year. Please monitor local forecasts for updates and plan travel with caution, especially during early morning and late evening hours.

What do you think of Urban Pizza's New Menu

😍Love it - great updates
🤯Like it but still exploring
😴It's OK, still deciding
😡Prefer the old menu
👍Haven't been yet
👎Great Idea I will try it

Last week's poll result - 100% want to spend more time with family & 
Friends in 2026

Proudly Sponsored by: Angelo's

 Pizza in Bangor & Hampden

As the cold settles over Penobscot Valley, a bowl of local-style chili offers the perfect remedy for winter nights.

This comforting meal, packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a signature mix of spices, promises bold flavors and a welcoming aroma that fills your kitchen.

Ideal for family dinners or cozy weekends, the chili is easy to prepare and customizable with toppings like cheddar, sour cream, or crunchy cornbread.

Leftovers only get better, as the flavors deepen when stored in the fridge or freezer.

Penobscot Valley’s annual chili cook-offs celebrate local talent and recipes, drawing the community together each year for a flavorful showcase.

Stay tuned to local listings for event details, and add this cherished chili tradition to your winter routine for warmth, comfort, and a true taste of home.

Don't feel like cooking tonight?  Give Angelo's Pizzeria a call

Bangor 942-5553 oe Hampden 862-2224

The Penobscot Valley’s calendar is bustling from January 6 to 12, 2026, with unique ways to connect, learn, and have fun.

Kicking things off, the Penobscot Valley Senior College launches its Winter Extravaganza with a thought-provoking virtual talk by Zachary Heiden on January 6.

Bangor’s 2Feet Brewing Company hosts a Songwriters Open Mic, while Penobscot Pour House features lively BINGO, game nights, karaoke, and an Open Mic to wrap up the week.

Highlighting community connections, Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce offers a Lunch & Learn, Next Chapter Book Club meets downtown, and Barliman’s brings magic with Tarot Night.

Other can’t-miss events include tech tutoring at Bangor Public Library, a vibrant Winter Gallery Exhibit, Bangor’s European Market, and the Sunday Community Jam.

Looking ahead, Penobscot Theatre Company’s “Almost, Maine” debuts late January, and the new Bangor YMCA facility promises to transform community amenities by 2027.

For a completeEvents list Click Here

This events list is compiled from publicly available local calendars and official sources and is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Event details may change. Please confirm with the event organizer. Suggestions are welcome.

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.

Meet Pretzel, a charming 3-year-old mixed breed with a heart full of affection, weighing just 19 pounds.

This playful and gentle pup is waiting at the Bangor Humane Society for a forever home that will cherish his loving nature.

Bringing Pretzel into your life means more than just gaining a loyal companion — it also helps support the Bangor Humane Society’s mission, which has been a cornerstone for animal rescue in the community since 1869.

Recent events like Paws for a Cause and Paws on Parade at the Bangor Waterfront highlight the warmth and dedication of local animal lovers.

Stop by the Mt. Hope Avenue facility or check their website to meet Pretzel and learn about adoption.

Sponsored by Woof, LLC, embrace the chance to change a rescue dog’s life—and your own.

Thanks so much for spending part of your week with Penobscot Valley Voice.

From our community poll and this week’s events to a comforting winter recipe and meeting Pretzel—our Furry Friend of the Week—there’s a lot happening around the Penobscot Valley, even in the heart of winter. We hope this edition helps you plan a few outings, discover something new, or simply feel a little more connected to what’s happening close to home.

If you found this newsletter helpful, please consider sharing it with a friend or neighbor. And if you’re not already subscribed, you can sign up to receive future editions straight to your inbox here:
👉 Subscribe: https://pemobscotvalleyvoice.com/signup

Stay warm, take care of one another, and we’ll see you next week.

— Sandy

What is considered the worst U.S. naval defeat until Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Known as the Penobscot Expedition, the failed mission ended with much of the American fleet destroyed or scuttled near present-day Castine, Maine.

Source:
Maine Historical Society; U.S. Naval History & Heritage Command