Good morning, Bangor.

Dozens gathered near Hope House in Bangor on Thursday night to honor homeless lives lost.

Guest speakers, songs, and a one-minute bell ringing (a tribute meant to remind the community of ongoing efforts to end homelessness) marked the event.

On Sunday, Maine residents will mark the winter solstice, the shortest day with 8.5 hours of light as Fort Kent gets 8 hr 28 min versus Portland's 8 hr 56 min.

Locals can explore walks near Bangor (Black Cap Mountain) or holiday lights on the Stillwater River Trail in Orono.

Downeast Horizons held its annual holiday party for community members with a spaghetti dinner, a surprise visit from Santa, and a food drive where guests brought items for local cupboards.

Attendees experienced joy and learned the true spirit of the holidays.

The Neighbors Supporting Neighbors Community Pantry has set up giving trees at Hermon High School (and other local sites) where people can choose tags to support seniors and children in need this Christmas.

The tags must be returned unwrapped, and the pantry will begin distributing gifts next Monday and Tuesday.

Downeast Horizons hosted its annual Christmas party Thursday at the Brewer Center where program participants enjoyed music, dancing, lunch, cookies, raffles, and gifts from Kris Kringle (staff selected the presents).

Hermon business owner Ryan Armstrong from The Snowman Group found 700 boxes of his grandfather's patented Ninestone board game and will donate several hundred to local nonprofits and schools by Christmas & asks interested groups to call Snowman Printing for details.

UMaine announced a $3.5M gift from Linda Zillman's estate — including over $2.1M for the Honors College and $1.4M for the art museum — that honors her and late husband Donald's legacy.

Her support in moving the museum to downtown Bangor will boost arts and education.

Nominations are open for Maine's Teacher of the Year program which honors one educator from each of our 16 counties and further selects a nominee for State Teacher of the Year — submissions run until 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan.

30.

Bangor officials scheduled the railroad homeless encampment to be cleared at 12:01 a.m. today after community leaders dropped off supplies on Thursday; residents were warned that staying past today would be considered trespassing as new tents appeared on nearby federal property.

Bangor Housing Authority announced it will close its public housing waitlists at 5 p.m. Jan.

30 due to over 3,000 applicants and long wait times—some dating back nearly seven years—while it reviews current interest and plans annual application periods.

Maine health advocates urge better diagnosis & education for Alpha-gal syndrome after researchers linked a 2024 New Jersey death to a tick bite; a HHS roundtable on Dec.

15 discussed improved testing as deer ticks in Maine raise concerns.

Bangor Christian's girls beat the PVHS Howlers, snapping a 23-game win streak with a 50-40 score Tuesday night at Cross Insurance Center.

The team, led by transfer sisters Mary and Annie Allen, will host Hodgdon on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

New Year's Eve Celebration

5-11:30 p.m. — Blue Sky Lounge — $199 per couple — Ring in 2026 with dinner, dancing, and a cozy hotel stay.

Tinker Bell: The Untold Story

7:00-8:15 p.m. — Cyrus Pavilion Theatre — Ticket info available — Discover the enchanting tale from Tinker Bell's perspective as the fairies of Neverland face a dire crisis.