Homecoming is an exciting and eventful time on the University of Maine campus in Orono, with a multitude of activities from which to choose. Two that have come to my attention have special appeal.

First is an invitation for alumni and the public to join the university in honoring Bridget Ziegelaar Johnson of Houston.

Johnson, 26, is a project manager for extravehicular activities, also known as spacewalks, for NASA in Houston.

Johnson will be honored with the second annual Spirit of Maine Achievement Award during a dinner that begins with a social hour at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at the new Buchanan Alumni House, 160 College Ave., Orono.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $16 for students. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 934-2586.

Johnson, formerly of Old Town, graduated from UMaine in 1996 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

She then obtained a master’s degree in science technology and public policy, with a concentration in economics, from George Washington University in Washington.

Bob Potts is director of membership and marketing for the UMaine Alumni Association.

“Last year, we started giving the Spirit of Maine Achievement Award to a young alumni who has been out 15 years or less,” he said of the award of which Johnson will be the second recipient.

He said that when Johnson was 12 years old, she attended space camp “and fell in love with space exploration.”

She chose to attend UMaine for its engineering program and, while at GW, she earned a fellowship with its Space Policy Institute, which led to an internship at NASA headquarters in the nation’s capital.

As an EVA flight manager, Potts explained, Johnson is responsible for “managing all aspects of next spring’s spacewalks.”

The dinner offers an opportunity not only to recognize this outstanding young UMaine graduate for her achievements but, as Potts pointed out, an opportunity for everyone to learn more about her exciting work.

Another Homecoming activity is one that all who attend the football game can take part in.

Keith Gilmore and members of Alpha Gamma Rho at UMaine ask you to take part in its “Share the Harvest at Homecoming 2002 Food Drive” by bringing to the game nonperishable food donations for Manna Ministries of Bangor.

Manna will distribute your donations to other soup kitchens and food pantries in the area.

The first 400 fans who enter Morse Field with a food donation will receive a free stadium mug or water bottle.

You also can enter the fraternity’s complimentary raffle for the chance to win a TV, VCR or gift certificates at the university bookstore and local businesses and restaurants.

An added incentive for students is that the resident hall or Greek organization contributing the largest number of items will receive a free DVD player.

Members of Alpha Gamma Rho remind you that “in this time of harvest and giving thanks, it is important to share our good fortune with those in need.”

One of the aspects of Maine living that make it so enjoyable is the presence of volunteers who are willing to make sure that we not only remember our history, but keep it safe as well.

That’s why it’s always nice to hear from folks such as Joyce Barr, secretary of the Brooklin Keeping Society, who wrote to report that organization meets “one week early” this month at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Brooklin.

The history of Maine’s famous WoodenBoat enterprises will be addressed by guest speaker Jon Wilson, who also will offer some history of the Brooklin house that has served as its headquarters.

Barr also reminds members, and the public, which is “welcome to attend these meetings,” that the society meets one week earlier next month, on Thursday, Nov. 21, to accommodate Thanksgiving.

For more information about any of these events, call Barr at 359-2753.

Also included in Barr’s mailing was another piece of information important to residents of that area.

Barr reports that a “multicommunity” potluck supper is planned for 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Brooklin School “to thank, and honor, Wade Dow, and his band, for all the benefit concerts they have put on for so many individuals and organizations.”

“We need to all come out and show our appreciation and have a good time,” Barr wrote.

Afternoons and evenings, until 8 p.m., you can call Catherine Hutchinson, who is coordinating this event, for more information or suggestions of what you might bring.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.