As winter deepens in the Penobscot Valley, neighbors face harsh weather and heightened needs.

Your support can make all the difference this season.

Blood donations are in urgent demand at the Bangor Red Cross, with appointments recommended.

The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter seeks new men's clothing and warm gear, while the Bangor Humane Society welcomes pet food, cat litter, and volunteers.

Food pantries across Bangor, Brewer, Orono, Old Town, Hampden, Hermon, Holden, Veazie, Milford, and Eddington are requesting essentials like canned goods, peanut butter, hygiene items, and winter clothing.

Community contributions help ensure everyone has food, warmth, and care through Maine's coldest months.

Contact your local organization to lend a hand and brighten this winter for those in need.

Tessa, a lively two-year-old mixed breed, is hoping for a forever family at the Bangor Humane Society. Weighing 41 pounds, she’s the perfect medium-sized companion for those seeking an affectionate and energetic friend.

Found as a stray with an unknown past, Tessa’s playful personality and eagerness to bond shine through. Prospective adopters are encouraged to carefully introduce her to other pets for a smooth transition.

The Bangor Humane Society also has other wonderful dogs, like Sierra, a spirited seven-year-old terrier mix, and Moose, an adventurous three-year-old seeking an active home.

Adoption for dogs ages 1–5 is $175 and includes comprehensive vet care and microchipping. The shelter is open Monday through Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m., at 693 Mt. Hope Avenue.

Open your heart and discover the joy of adopting a new best friend today.

In Bangor, Maine, brisk mornings and fresh snowfall call for something warm and comforting at the breakfast table.

This blueberry baked French toast, made with Maine blueberries and a rich, custard base, is designed for cozy winter weekends.

Simply assemble the night before, and wake up to the inviting scent of baking berries and cinnamon filling your kitchen.

Enjoy it straight from the oven with warm maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and perhaps some crispy bacon or sausage on the side.

For those preferring to let someone else do the baking, local Bangor cafés and nearby spots in Winterport serve homemade breakfasts featuring locally sourced blueberries in a welcoming atmosphere.

During Maine Restaurant Week, regional eateries celebrate these flavors, offering special blueberry-inspired menu items—making for a delicious start to any day.

Smith Digital Solutions, a leading marketing agency in Bangor, Maine, specializes in empowering local businesses to excel online.

Through personalized services like website development, Google Business Profile optimization, and AI-driven customer communication tools, they help small and mid-sized firms stand out against larger competitors.

Clients also benefit from social media marketing expertise and review management, growing both their customer base and community trust.

Founder Sandy Smith champions a hands-on approach, ensuring close collaboration to create marketing strategies tailored to each business’s goals.

Beyond digital marketing, the agency supports community initiatives in the Penobscot Valley, including digital literacy programs for residents and businesses.

Smith Digital Solutions proudly equips Maine’s enterprises with the tools, knowledge, and support essential for long-term success in today’s digital landscape.

Avery is a loving 7.5-year-old Pomeranian who adores being around people and brightens every room with her playful spirit.

Her joyful eyes light up as she welcomes attention, whether it’s a stroll outside, a little adventure, or cozy time on the couch.

Despite having seizures, Avery leads a happy, comfortable life thanks to daily Phenobarbital and dedicated care from her foster family.

She gets along well with other animals, making her a gentle fit for homes with pets.

Currently shining in her loving foster home, Avery is searching for someone who will cherish her endless affection.

If you’re near Poway, visit the Small Dog and Pomeranian Meetup on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 13094 Civic Center Dr. — a perfect chance to meet Avery and other wonderful pups seeking new families.

If you want a loyal friend who’ll greet you with boundless excitement, Avery could be your perfect match.

Winter’s arrival in the Penobscot Valley brings a surge in local need, prompting residents to rally together for community support.

Food pantries such as Manna Ministries, Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, Salvation Army, Old Town Food Pantry, and Brewer Food Pantry are facing record demand for essentials like canned goods, proteins, and hygiene supplies.

Monetary donations and food drop-offs are both welcomed throughout the winter.

With cold weather causing blood shortages, the American Red Cross in Bangor urges healthy individuals to donate blood for use in emergencies, surgeries, and ongoing medical care.

Donating warm clothing—coats, boots, gloves, and blankets—to organizations such as Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and Salvation Army offers crucial aid to those facing winter without shelter.

Warming shelters also seek volunteers for overnight staffing, meal prep, and supply donations to keep vulnerable neighbors safe.

In times of need, calling 2-1-1 Maine connects residents to food, shelter, and emergency support—ensuring no one faces winter alone.

In the chill of February, kitchens across the Penobscot Valley become cozy gathering spots where families turn to comforting, locally inspired recipes.

Warmth is found in baked maple breakfasts—easy to prepare, aromatic with cinnamon and syrup, and perfect for snowy mornings or family weekends.

Mainers cherish this dish for its simplicity and use of pantry staples, with the option to enhance it with blueberries, apples, or nuts.

Pure Maine maple syrup shines not only in this recipe but as a year-round favorite, connecting generations through time-honored traditions and flavors.

This winter, local maple events invite all to learn, taste, and celebrate—from a sugaring workshop in Lewiston on February 11, 2026, to the anticipated Maine Maple Sunday Weekend in March.

These gatherings are a chance to deepen community bonds and inspire home cooks to share their own treasured recipes.

Bangor’s restaurant at 471 Stillwater Avenue, formerly Smoke and Steel BBQ, has rebranded as Bogeys with the vibrant motto “Eat, drink, play.”

Seasoned local owners Katie and Bryan O’Leary and Dave and Cassandra Matson now helm this beloved spot, blending tradition with a fresh outlook.

Bogeys will continue serving classic BBQ and axe throwing, but will now feature state-of-the-art sports and golf simulators, welcoming families, sports teams, and groups.

The restaurant has extended hours, open seven days a week with nightly dinners and lunch specials, including a crowd-pleasing $5 smash burger.

Live music and weekly trivia nights add energy, making Bogeys a go-to spot for food and fun in Bangor.

With its expanded offerings, Bogeys aims to be Bangor’s top destination for family-friendly dining and entertainment.

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.