Bangor, Maine News Update: November 26, 2018

A fire in Clifton over the weekend serves as a reminder to be safe when thawing frozen pipes, which was the cause of the fire that destroyed the mobile home. Fire officials advise never using a blowtorch or anything with an open flame, but instead use a hair dryer to get the water flowing again.

The focus of a group that aims to attract more young people to Maine shifted over the weekend to former residents who were home for the Thanksgiving weekend. Free branded T-shirts, stickers, postcards, and drink coolers were handed out over the holiday by the workforce program Live and Work in Maine.

The Salvation Army’s red kettles are once again popping up in front of holiday shoppers, but organizers say the organization is struggling to meet its annual goal. The biggest challenge seems to be that many people don’t carry cash, and so can’t drop a few dollars into the kettles. Now, bell ringers are handing out cards with a website address so those folks know where to go online to donate.

Kids have a new way to let Santa know what they want for Christmas, thanks to the folks at the Vacationland Inn. Children can call Santa directly at 989-5450, extension 111 on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and on weekends between 1 and 5. Find more information on the event's Facebook page.

Santa’s Snowbird Express made its maiden trip over the weekend, taking a holiday ride from Unity to Thorndike and back by rail. The Belfast and Moosehead Railroad puts on the two-hour Christmas ride each weekend in the month of December.