Although the event “is a relatively new tradition” at John Bapst Memorial High School, wrote sophomore class senator Vanessa Weber of Dedham, “each year participation grows considerably.”

She is referring to the third annual Memorial Day 5K Road Race sponsored by the JBMHS student senate.

The fund-raiser, for Project Graduation and other JBMHS student senate needs, begins with registration at 9 a.m. and the race at 10 a.m. Monday, May 31, at Saxl Park on the grounds of Bangor Mental Health Institute on Mount Hope Avenue.

The registration fee is $8 per person.

Overall winners and age group winners, male and female, receive a gift certificate from a local business.

A licensed physical therapist will be on site, and everyone who registers receives a free water bottle.

“This race is unique because it is organized and coordinated entirely by high school students (although we are under the guidance of teachers),” Weber informed me, adding that participation in this race “has become a tradition” for many community members.

The BMHI course is “the home course of the John Bapst cross country team,” Weber wrote, and also serves as the Penobscot Valley Conference cross country championship course.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to run a championship course, here is your opportunity.

For more information about this fund-raiser, call JBMHS at 947-0313.

Not only is the food great, so I am told, but so is the poster I have in my hand announcing the fourth annual Fisherman’s Breakfast from 6 to 9 a.m. Saturday, May 22, at East Orrington Congregational Church on Johnson Mill Road.

Hosted by the EOCC Men’s Ministry, the breakfast offers much more than a meal to get your Saturday off to a really good start.

As depicted so delightfully on the full color poster created by Dale Graham of Orrington, your $5 donation for the breakfast also gets you a raffle ticket.

With that ticket, you have a chance to win what Graham painted on the poster: A canoe donated by Merrill Bank; a set of golf clubs donated by Rocky Knoll Country Club; or a fly rod outfit donated by Pickard’s Sport Shop.

All in all, it should be a “very full” breakfast – especially for three lucky attendees.

The 3-mile Strolling for Strays around Old Town to benefit The Animal Orphanage begins with registration from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at Old Town City Park.

Participants raising $300 will be eligible for the drawing of an Old Town kayak.

Those raising $50 will receive a T-shirt.

You do not need a pet to participate, and more information can be obtained from Roberta Fowler at 827-8777.

According to information provided by Linda Nelson, executive director of opera house arts at the Stonington Opera House, it is the participation of volunteers that keeps the historic facility operational.

She hopes many people will want to be involved with the organization’s annual volunteer week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 22, through Friday, May 28, at the OHA on the corner of Main and School streets.

Volunteers are needed not only to prepare the 1912 Opera House for its May 28 opening but also to do some gardening, painting, cleaning and much more.

To obtain a full schedule of events or to find out how you can help preserve this facility which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, call 367-2788 or visit operahousearts.org.

Reservations are limited to 300, and they must be made by Tuesday, June 1, for anyone wishing to participate in the annual Lobster Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 225 French St., Bangor.

The dine-in or takeout lobster salad luncheon, which includes fresh strawberry shortcake, is $15 per person in advance or $18 at the door.

However you choose to enjoy this popular, annual fundraiser, reservations are a must and can be made by calling Joan Phillips, 989-4682, or St. John’s Parish Office, 947-0156.

And here’s a nice suggestion from luncheon planners: If you cannot attend, perhaps you could give this as a gift to a friend, co-worker or loved one.

Proceeds, including any donations, benefit the ministry and outreach programs of St. John’s Parish.

This message is for Kathleen Tarbell.

I am unable to fulfill your request without an address.

Please write or call me with that information.

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