For approximately how long has the Penobscot Nation lived in what is now Maine?

Hello friends,

Welcome to this week’s Penobscot Valley Voice — your local snapshot of what’s happening around our communities right now. From events and opportunities to ways we can help one another, this newsletter is all about staying connected to the people, places, and causes that make the Penobscot Valley such a special place to live.

Whether you’re reading this with a cup of coffee, sharing it with a neighbor, or catching up later in the week, I’m glad you’re here. Every edition is built with the same goal: to keep things useful, positive, and rooted in our local community.

If this newsletter was forwarded to you, I hope you’ll consider subscribing so you don’t miss future editions — and feel free to pass it along to someone who loves the Penobscot Valley as much as you do.

Let’s get into it. Subscribe here

— Sandy

Weather Snapshot sponsored by Smith Digital Solutions — helping local businesses stay visible when conditions change. 207 299-2702

7-Day Weather Outlook — Penobscot Valley, ME

Tuesday
🌥️ Mostly cloudy and cold.
High: low–mid 20s°F | Low: low teens

Wednesday
⛅ Partly sunny, still chilly.
High: mid–upper 20s°F | Low: low–mid teens

Thursday
🌤️ A bit milder with intervals of sun and clouds.
High: low–mid 30s°F | Low: mid–upper teens

Friday
☀️ Turning colder with sunshine and some clouds.
High: low–mid 20s°F | Low: single digits to low teens

Saturday
❄️ Cold with clouds; a few snow showers possible.
High: mid–upper teens°F | Low: single digits

Sunday
❄️ Mostly cloudy and cold; spotty snow possible.
High: around 20°F | Low: low teens

Monday
🌨️ Cloudy with a chance of snow developing.
High: mid–upper 20s°F | Low: mid teens

Quick Take

Cold early in the week, a brief warm-up Thursday, then colder again with snow chances returning over the weekend and into Monday. As always in Maine, weather conditions can change quickly. Be sure to check local forecasts and trusted weather sources frequently for the most up-to-date information.

Business Pulse — Penobscot Valley is proudly sponsored by Computer Doctor of Maine your PC, Mac, iPhone and Android Repairs partner. 

207-942-9505

Here’s a look at notable business openings, re-openings, relocations, and closures across Bangor, Brewer, and the surrounding area as we head into late January 2026.

🆕 New & Re-Opened Businesses

High Tide (Brewer)
The popular restaurant and bar at 5 South Main Street officially re-opened on January 15, following a brief hiatus for deep cleaning and staff rest.

Mainely Tacos Dos (Bangor)
A new brick-and-mortar location of the popular food truck has opened at 62 Main Street, offering expanded hours and indoor dining.

Downtown Spot (Bangor)
Located at 73 Main Street, this new shop offers ice cream and grab-and-go family meals from Utopia, adding another option to downtown’s growing food scene.

Mad Kat and Company (Brewer)
This local favorite has announced its return to its original location at 391 North Main Street, bringing karaoke and nightlife back to the area as 2026 gets underway.

🔄 Relocations & Major Moves

Marden’s (Brewer → Bangor)
The long-standing Brewer store is preparing to relocate to Bangor in early 2026. Marden’s has purchased the former Burlington Coat Factory building at 229 Springer Drive and expects to open there in the first quarter of 2026, after which the Brewer location will close.

Burlington (Bangor)
Following its move out of the Springer Drive location, Burlington is preparing a new space near the Bangor Mall.

👀 Coming Soon

Dreamer Food (Bangor)
The well-known waterfront food truck is expanding to a year-round brick-and-mortar restaurant at 97 Allen Street in the Fairmount neighborhood.

Rasa Indian Cuisine (Bangor)
A new restaurant is set to bring Indian flavors to 175 Exchange Street in downtown Bangor.

Aldi (Regional)
While Maine’s first Aldi location is opening in Portland this February, the company has announced plans for 180 new stores nationwide in 2026, with the Bangor–Augusta corridor identified as a high-demand area for future expansion.

🚪 Closures & Changes

Mack’s Restaurant and Tavern (Brewer)
The longtime establishment at 391 North Main Street closed permanently in late 2025, clearing the way for Mad Kat and Company’s return to that space.

Evenrood’s (Bangor)
The downtown restaurant was scheduled to close at the turn of the year, marking the end of a long run in Bangor’s dining scene.

Community Corner is sponsored by Madden Home Inspection, a locally owned inspection company helping homeowners and buyers across the Penobscot Valley make informed, confident decisions. 207 989-5010

Business & Community Highlights

• Bangor Region Chamber Annual Meeting & Legislative Update: This early bird breakfast takes place Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026, at Jeff's Catering in Brewer. Networking begins at 7:15 AM, followed by a program from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM featuring Patrick Woodcock, President of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.

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• Sarah’s House of Maine Supply Drive: Running through January 23, 2026, you can drop off donations of unscented laundry supplies, snacks, and gift cards at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Bangor.

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• Business Bank Loan Tips: The Bangor Public Library and SCORE Northern Maine are hosting an online seminar on Wednesday, Jan 21, at 12:00 PM to assist small business owners with loan applications.

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🎭 Arts & Culture

• Scripts in the Spotlight: Penobscot Theatre Company hosts a play reading series at The Stage Door on Saturday, Jan 24, at 7:00 PM.

• "Almost, Maine": Rehearsals and buzz are building for PTC's next mainstage production, which officially opens on January 29.

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• Songwriters' Open Mic: Every Tuesday, 2Feet Brewing hosts local songwriters from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

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📚 Library & Family Activities

• Bangor Public Library:

  • Tuesday, Jan 20: Bouncing Baby Story Time (10:15 AM) and Teen Craft Club (4:00 PM).

  • Thursday, Jan 22: Crafty Corner for grades K-5 at 4:00 PM.

  • Monday, Jan 26: S.T.E.A.M. Ahead story time sessions at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

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• Orono Public Library:

  • Wednesday, Jan 21: The weekly MSBA Book Club for Kids meets at 11:00 AM.

  • Monday, Jan 26: Geezers in Sneakers Getting Coffee meets in the Devoe Community Room from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

⚠️ Regional Travel Note

• Community Connector: The BBOE (Black Bear Orono Express) resumes its regular service on Tuesday, Jan 20, 2026, following its winter break.

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• Upcoming Community Events

   

  In addition to these giving initiatives, several events are planned to foster community engagement.

   

  Fields Pond WinterFest

   

  Scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Fields Pond Audubon Center, this event offers a day full of activities to enjoy winter and wildlife in Maine.

   

  Visitors can participate in guided hikes with naturalists, explore indoor sessions, and experience outdoor fun suitable for all ages.

   

  The event is free and aims to be inclusive and accessible for everyone, with accommodations available upon request.

   

  Together as One Winter Conference

   

  Hosted by the Maine Education Association, this conference will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the United Technologies Center (UTC) in Bangor.

   

  The theme, "Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact," celebrates the power of working together to build stronger, more supportive learning environments for all students.

   

  Participants can choose from 15 sessions designed with their work in mind, covering topics such as creating belonging for all, understanding challenging behaviors, and Wabanaki studies in and out of the classroom.

   

These initiatives and events highlight the Bangor community's commitment to supporting those in need and fostering a spirit of giving during the winter season.

Bangor and surrounding areas are rallying this winter with impactful giving drives and inclusive events aimed at supporting neighbors in need.

The BNI Maine is hosting a blood drive on February 6, 2026, at the Red Cross Donation Center, urging locals to use RapidPass for smoother appointments.

Shelters and thrift shops are in urgent need of warm clothing, boots, and essentials, with drop-off options at Bangor, Old Town, Orono, and Dover-Foxcroft locations.

Food pantries across the region seek non-perishable donations, focusing on items like soups and peanut butter, to meet record seasonal demand.

Community spirit continues at Fields Pond WinterFest on February 7, where all ages can enjoy nature activities, and at the “Together as One” conference on February 21, promoting inclusion and educational innovation at Bangor’s UTC.

This season, Bangor’s collective generosity shines, ensuring care and connection are at the heart of winter.

This week's recipe is proudly sponsored by: Chick-fil-A your local Catering favorite (207) 262-3725

As Maine’s winter winds arrive, nothing beats a hearty bowl of slow-simmered beef and root vegetable stew to warm up chilly evenings.

This comforting dish blends tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and parsnips with aromatic herbs for a rich, satisfying flavor.

Brown the beef, then sauté onion and garlic to create a savory base.

Add tomato paste, broth, and herbs, letting everything simmer until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Toss in fresh vegetables and cook until they’re perfectly soft, then finish with a quick rest before serving.

Pair this stew with crusty bread or rolls for a classic Maine supper.

Ingredients from the Portland Farmers' Market—open year-round—bring even more local flavor to your table, while supporting area growers.

Enjoy a steaming bowl and celebrate Maine’s rich culinary roots all winter long.

Too Busy to Cook?  Call Chick-fil-A Bangor 207 262-3725

Moose is a charming, 3-year-old mixed-breed dog with a playful spirit and a heart full of love, eager to find his forever family.

Weighing 60 pounds, he's the perfect companion for both energetic adventures and quiet cuddles.

Moose flourishes with regular exercise and enjoys staying active with his people, yet always makes time for affectionate snuggles.

Ongoing positive reinforcement and patient training help him shine and build confidence.

Thoughtful consideration is needed for homes with other pets or children; canine friends should meet Moose at the shelter to ensure a great fit.

Visit Moose at the Bangor Humane Society’s at:

693 Mt. Hope Avenue
Bangor, ME, 04401

207-942-8902

By adopting Moose, you’ll gain a devoted friend and help the shelter support more animals in need.

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

This newsletter only works because of the people who read it, share it, and support the local businesses, organizations, and causes featured inside. Small actions — attending a local event, donating blood, adopting a pet, or simply spreading the word — truly do make a difference.

If you have ideas, events, or community news you’d like to see included in a future edition, I’d love to hear from you. And if you enjoyed this week’s issue, please consider forwarding it to a friend or neighbor who might enjoy it too.

Until next time, stay warm, stay connected, and take care of one another.

— Sandy

At least 10,000 years

Archaeological and oral history evidence shows the Penobscot people have lived along the Penobscot River since the end of the last Ice Age, making them one of the longest continuously present communities in the region.