Salmon recovery
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree has announced a $1.1 million federal grant to help Maine marine resource officials in their efforts to track the recovery of the endangered Atlantic salmon in Maine.
“There is evidence that Atlantic salmon are making a comeback in Maine, and this money will go a long way toward helping track that recovery,” Pingree said. “The long-term goal is to get the Atlantic salmon off the endangered species list so we can reopen what was once a thriving recreational fishery in Maine. Being able to fish for salmon in our rivers again would be big draw for sportsmen both from Maine and from out of state.”
Atlantic salmon in a limited area of Maine were first put on the endangered list in 2001, and in 2009 the salmon populations in the entire Kennebec, Androscoggin and Penobscot rivers were added to the list.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant that Pingree announced will help officials in Maine’s Department of Marine Resources count adult and juvenile salmon populations as well as conduct studies on how successfully they are reproducing and the quality of salmon habitats in Maine.
“The state budget is very tight right now, and most of this work couldn’t be done if we didn’t get this kind of help from the federal government,” Pingree said.
Race for Myeloma
BANGOR — The fifth Race for Myeloma will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Broadway Park, Stillwater Avenue and Pine Street. Registration is at 9 a.m.
The event raises funds for the research of multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. There is no cure for multiple myeloma, but it is treatable. The 5K race is managed by two survivors of multiple myeloma. One of the purposes of the annual event is to build a network of survivors and caregivers of this disease.
All are welcome to join the group for a great autumn walk or run. There also will be a raffle drawing with great prizes — an autographed hockey puck by Mark Recchi of the Boston Bruins, autographed football by Matt Mulligan of the New York Jets, many homemade items, and Maine maple syrup.
Individual race registration is $20. For registration forms and information, contact Becky at raceformyelomabangor@gmail.com. This year’s sponsors are Granville Rental, Bangor Singles Club, Ski Rack Sports, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bangor Motor Inn and Hope Lutheran Church.
Hike on Oak Hill
ORLAND — Join Sarah LeVine for a moderately difficult hike of roughly 3 miles on Orland’s lovely Oak Hill at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 4. Meet at the South Gate of the Great Pond Mountain WIldlands on Route 1, just south of the Route 176 intersection. Bring water, snack and sturdy footwear, rain or shine. For information, call Sarah at 667-1293.
Hockey at Fenway
ORONO — Hockey East and the Boston Red Sox have announced that the University of Maine men’s ice hockey team will play New Hampshire at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at Fenway Park in Boston.
The game will be held after a game between the University of Massachusetts and Vermont.
“Few experiences in my four decades in college hockey were as special as the first ‘Frozen Fenway’ in 2010,” said Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our four schools the first time around and I expect the same in 2012. Given that we will help launch Fenway Park’s 100th anniversary, we are doubly grateful for this opportunity.”
“The Black Bears are honored to participate in this Frozen Fenway event, and we want to thank Sam Kennedy and the Fenway Sports Management group, along with Joe Bertagna and Hockey East, for making this possible,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. “We are excited about the opportunity to play at Fenway Park, especially against the Wildcats. This should be another fantastic Maine-UNH matchup, among the many classic games between our two teams over the years.”
The University of Maine’s allotment of Frozen Fenway II tickets was available to Maine hockey season ticket holders on Aug. 29. On Aug. 30, season ticket holders, University of Maine students, alums, and Black Bear Club members were able to purchase tickets to Frozen Fenway II.
Tickets may be purchased at 581-BEAR or 800-756-TEAM. Ticket prices range from $75 to $5 (standing room). A processing charge of $6 will be assessed. Tickets at $75 provide outdoor seating with access to interior areas.
The Royal Sonesta Hotel is Hockey East’s “Official Hotel for Frozen Fenway 2012” for parents and fans.
In addition, fans-parents can make their reservations by visiting Hockey East or by calling the hotel directly at 617-806-4200 or calling 800-SONESTA, 800-766-3782.
Guests should refer to the “HOCKEY EAST FF 2012 FANS/PARENTS” room block, to receive the discounted rate.
Maine and New Hampshire have met 109 times, with the Black Bears holding a 56-48-5 lead in the all-time series. The Fenway meeting will be the 111th in the all-time series as the two teams will play on Saturday, Nov. 5, at New Hampshire.
The game will replace the one that was originally scheduled to be played on Friday, March 2, at Alfond Arena. The Black Bears and Wildcats now will play just one game the final weekend of the regular season, a Saturday night tilt with puck drop scheduled at 7 p.m.