Congratulations for Festival of Champions I would like to congratulate the organizers, administrators, volunteers, coaches, athletes, parents and spectators for the recent cross country Festival of Champions in Belfast. I am sure there were bumps in the road but as a spectator they were not visible. Read More
More soccer coverage needed I really enjoyed your full color insert last weekend regarding high school football in Maine. It was well researched and gave BDN readers lots of information about all the teams and players. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
Matt and Co. show Jays ‘Stairs to Success’ They put on their “Blue Collar” uniforms, pack their “lunch buckets” and show up every game ready to play. When it’s all over, they “leave it all on the field” and, more often than not, give the… Read More
Bear baiting sullies state’s image Anyone visiting Maine who happened to read the Bill Graves column (BDN, July 28-29), “Time to prepare for bear,” would get a picture of our great state that is far from the true one. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Runner seeks $60 refund from Paul Bunyan Marathon I am a longtime runner and avid marathoner. The 2007 Paul Bunyan Marathon was scheduled to be run in Bangor last Sunday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
Interleague play no longer holds interest This ancient town team shortstop has watched his last interleague game, except the World Series. This irrevocable decision was precipitated by the recent trio of games between the Braves and Red Sox. To give these dreary exhibitions an aura… Read More
Coach Jones: great coach, great person I was sorry to see the story of Wilton Jones’ coaching resignation from boys varsity basketball at Mount Desert Island High School (BDN, March 10-11). I knew it was probably coming but hoped that he would coach another few… Read More
UMaine cheerleaders need financial support Although the athletic department did give the team $1,000 at the beginning of the school year to pay for badly worn uniforms, why is the University of Maine athletic department not supporting the UMaine cheerleaders who are traveling to Daytona… Read More
Mahaney, Norris enjoyed time with Red What a wonderful article Andy Neff wrote on Red Auerbach (BDN, Oct. 30) and how much we enjoyed it. However, the article stated “the Celtics also trained in Ellsworth in the late 1950s.” It should have said in the… Read More
Fan support best when positive and respectful My son attends Bangor High School this year and he made the varsity soccer team as a freshman. He has been welcomed with open arms at Bangor High, and we are very appreciative of that. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Brewer is proud of Coffin Field, coaches Recently, the BDN published two letters criticizing Brewer’s Coffin Field as a venue for the Class B softball championships. The first was from a Bucksport fan, the second from a Brewer resident apologizing and reminding readers such complaints… Read More
More success coming for UMaine hockey program I would like to comment on Kristi Skipper’s letter (BDN, April 25) about UMaine hockey assertiveness. If she doesn’t think that making it to the Final Four in 2006 isn’t what great hockey memories are made of, I… Read More
Community supports DiPrete Memorial Fund This letter is to update you on the status of the Joseph DiPrete Memorial Fund to which your community contributed after my boy’s tragic death in 2003. Because of your generosity and that of many friends, neighbors, town residents, and… Read More
Sentient creatures deserve protection While I do not always agree with columnists who write for the Bangor Daily News I do find their train of thought both rational and responsible. Occasionally something appears in this newspaper that defies both qualities. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
‘A’ tourney could have remained in Bangor In the wave of nostalgia surrounding the final Class A basketball tournament at the Bangor Auditorium, there has been ample attention given to the “logistical logic” of relocating the tournament to the Augusta Civic Center. As John Holyoke… Read More
After 30-plus years… Congratulations to the Brewer High School football team and coaches for a wonderful season. A special thanks to the community for its support and reception honoring them after the last game. Thanks to all the parents who donated food and time… Read More
Hunting ethics are referendum’s focus If I understand John Holyoke’s argument correctly (BDN, Sept 4-5), he thinks that if the bear baiting ban is passed, it will be a shame to lose all the camaraderie that happens at these hunting gatherings. Not many supporters… Read More
‘Jacks game a fair deal To the people of Greater Bangor: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Tom Hennessey follows the facts I’m writing to applaud Tom Hennessey for his series on the bear referendum. He makes his position clear, and generally sticks to facts instead of rhetoric. Jerry Stelmok and Donna Milbource, who sent letters to Fan Feedback (BDN, July… Read More
Ban won’t halt hunts Tom Hennessey’s attempt to convince Maine hunters that the bear referendum is the end of bear hunting in Maine and is the first step to end all hunting and fishing is the most unethical aspect of the bear hunting issue that… Read More
Fair, ethical hunting needed in Maine With all due respect to veteran columnist Tom Hennessey I must express my disappointment in the views expressed in his weekend piece (BDN July 3-4) addressing the upcoming referendum on hunting bears over bait and with dogs. Instead of… Read More
Women coaches deserve equal pay I compliment the Bangor Daily News and Jessica Bloch on the Saturday, Feb. 14 article “A Man’s World?” googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
Values in question I’ve never written to the newspaper before, but I find this situation so unbelievable and sad that I felt it was important to make it known. It causes me to wonder if it’s possible that the priorities and goals of some schools… Read More
More golf scores Week after week I watch all four days of the PGA Tournament of the week, and then I eagerly turn to the Bangor Daily News Scoreboard page on Monday to see how my favorites fared, only to be disappointed week after week… Read More
Nick Susi remains teammate, captain I got a call from my college basketball coach, Skip Chappelle, on Monday. Nick Susi had died. The news startled me as my teammate and captain on the University of Maine teams in the early 1970s was far too young… Read More
Back the ‘Jacks I would like to thank the Bangor Lumberjacks for coming to town. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice())… Read More
Children are resilient It was really depressing watching Bryant Gumbel’s “Real Sports” the other night, viewing the piece on parents suing high school coaches and referees claiming lost opportunities for their sons’ and daughters’ future prospects of fame. One parent was suing a high school… Read More
Hurricane Swim Club loses YWCA pool time I am writing this as the wife of a coach and mother of three swimmers on the Hurricane Swim Club. On Thursday, I learned that after the end of July, 18 years of collaboration with the Bangor-Brewer YWCA… Read More
Hawaii trip too costly How can anyone justify sending the University of Maine women’s basketball team to Hawaii, when our state is in such financial difficulties? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
Bangor should be proud of Tennett I would like to respond to the letter titled “Time for coaching change at Bangor” (BDN, March 11). In this letter, Mr. Bamford writes that it is time “for a change at the top of the girls basketball program”… Read More
Time for coaching change at Bangor? Another high school basketball season is all but over and the same lingering question remains from years past. Why aren’t the Bangor girls playing for championships? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
Awesome auditorium In reference to Don Perryman’s “Between White Lines, Nostalgia Aside,” Bangor needs a new auditorium. Don is dead on target. We’ll always be involved with the nostalgia of the current auditorium and those memorable moments. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Hockey players hurt by board’s decision I am writing this letter in response to a recent decision made by the Maine Amateur Hockey Association Board members. On Feb. 11, it was decided by the board, that three Bangor Youth Hockey players would not be allowed… Read More
Input sought on high school TV basketball For the last sixteen years, I have been blessed to be able to broadcast Woodland and Calais High School basketball on former channel 8 on the Adelphia cable system. The 2002-03 season has brought new blessing to be… Read More
Congratulations to Bangor cheerleaders It was with much dismay that my family and I read your article “Bangor captures regional crown (BDN, Jan. 25),” the Class A Eastern Maine cheerleading championship. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
Coaches need to treat all players equally With the high school winter sports season just begun, I find myself reflecting back on last year’s winter season. Because of a coach’s conduct last year, my athlete is not playing this year. It’s a huge loss to… Read More
Player who was cut still has lots to offer This is a story about a 14-year-old young man who has Autoimmune Disease. For some unknown reason this young man’s immune system has turned on itself and has been attacking his body. The result today… Read More
Orono coach fails to recall recent history Orono High School coach Wally Covell’s characterization of the rivalry between John Bapst and Orono as “they don’t like us and we don’t like them,” is both reprehensible and grossly inaccurate. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
Thanks for 20 years I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks for 20 wonderful years of outstanding community support for the Terry Fox Run in the Greater Bangor area. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
Tammaro a legend The world of sports has lost a legend, in the passing of Tony Tammaro; his career as a basketball referee spanned eight decades. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
Sox, Orioles set poor example by fighting I just finished reading about the Red Sox-Orioles game in which Boston pitcher Derek Lowe intentionally hit an Orioles batter after Boston slugger Manny Ramirez was hit by a pitch earlier in the game. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Biathletes on target Your article in the Sports section, (BDN 10 July) on Maine’s hosting the world biathlon championship for juniors is welcome news. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
Blodgett not one of best I generally enjoy and agree with John Holyoke. This past Saturday (BDN, May 25) was a tremendous letdown. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
Maine hockey is first class On Sunday, May 12, my grandfather passed away at the age of 79 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. The past year has been very difficult on our entire family as we watched a once strong and energetic man… Read More
Libbey has big heart Dennis Libbey. The Best. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Walsh’s legacy evident I know, hockey might be considered “just a game.” However, during the recent NCAA tournament, many attributed the emotional wave of the University of Maine hockey team’s success to something more, and by doing that the game took on a deeper purpose. Read More
Refs didn’t ‘lose’ game Congratulations to the Black Bears hockey team and coach Tim Whitehead on a thrilling postseason. To the fans who would blame the officials for the loss [in the championship game], I have a few questions: Did the referee lose the faceoff prior to the… Read More
Bears made fans proud Seven minutes and 36 seconds later and the tears are still evident on my cheeks. I may not be clutching a hockey stick between my sweaty fingers when morning comes. I probably won’t skip breakfast from depression, but my heart… Read More
Maine’s true heroes The Maine Black Bears are true heroes! googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Photo of the year The photo of Peter Metcalf of the Maine hockey team waving Shawn Walsh’s jersey in the air (BDN, March 25) gets my vote for photo of the year. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
Chrisos family: thanks For those of you who have doubted the goodness of people in today’s world, we hope to erase your doubts with this personal testimony. Recently our son David was involved in an ice-related car accident on his way to school. He… Read More
Brewer needed subs Obviously, the coach of the Brewer High boys basketball team isn’t yet the coach his father is. I have attended several of Brewer’s games this season and there have been hardly any substitutions during the games. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
Patriots stand tall Thank you for running the article on the World Champions New England Patriots. My special thanks go out to Skip Chappelle and former coach Dick McPherson. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
MMA isn’t military college Recent media coverage of the decision by Husson College to launch a football program has included inaccurate and misleading references to Maine Maritime Academy. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
Patriots get Super win Finally! Now all you Patriot and Red Sox fans can stop whining! You have a championship at last! How many years did it take? Enjoy it while you can, because baseball season is coming right up. We all know what that… Read More
Meet judged fairly I am writing in response to a letter that was published in the Fan Feedback section (BDN, Jan. 29). googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0;… Read More
Bears a hit in Topsfield In our present day and age, negative behaviors among college athletes and coaches seem to be big news. Because of this, I think that many of us get the impression that all athletes and coaches are self-centered, greedy and undisciplined,… Read More
Note to Ram fans I am writing in response to the way the Bangor fans acted during Thursday’s game between the Bangor and Nokomis varsity boys basketball teams. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
MPA, stay away After redesigning the hunting and fishing licenses, did the wizards at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife help the Maine Principals’ Association redesign the format for the Heal point system? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
Let all of the kids play You can see what has happened to Schenck’s basketball team. They don’t have enough players to form two teams. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
Role Reversal Due to a distant corporate decision, Fenway Park in Boston is about to be torn down and moved elsewhere. Residents immediately around the park think it’s a good idea because traffic and noise will be less. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
Dye has positive side After reading about the Huggy Dye situation the last couple of days, frustration levels are high for a certain number of people that were lucky enough to befriend Mr. Dye. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
End the moose hunt In this time of loss, what better way to have honored those who died on Sept. 11 than by calling off the slaughter of unsuspecting moose who peacefully graze in our state? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
I played for Shawn Walsh between 1984-1988. A lot of hockey was played during this timeframe, all of Shawn’s hockey passion and knowledge was instilled into us. This man brought the Bad News Bears into a No. 1 ranked contender within a four-year period. I recall Shawn sitting… Read More
“Rage, rage against the dying of the light; Do not go gently into that good night.” – Dylan Thomas On Monday afternoon, September 24, I sat in a Portland restaurant with two friends discussing the recent calamitous world events. Suddenly out of nowhere, my mind… Read More
Editor’s note Each Tuesday, the NEWS publishes letters from its readers in its FanFeedback feature. We received many letters of tribute to Maine hockey coach Shawn Walsh last week following his death Sept. 24 due to kidney cancer. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Shawn Walsh faced death as he lived life, with courage and grace. Though we knew the odds were not in his favor, his never-say-quit spirit made us believe he would defeat this formidable opponent, cancer. It may have claimed his body, but it couldn’t kill… Read More
My family is sad tonight upon hearing the passing of Shawn Walsh. We had met coach Walsh on several occasions at youth hockey camps and we were always impressed with his energy, his enthusiasm and his knowledge. We met coach Walsh again last summer, July… Read More
I didn’t meet Shawn Walsh like most people. Yes, during the 1991-1992 season, I drove from Windsor with my oldest boy and waited in the cold to buy tickets for the last game, against Providence. But I met Shawn in the summer at his hockey… Read More
My wife and I are hockey nuts. We’ve had the same seats at Alfond Arena since the fall of 1978 (section C, row 2, seats 3 and 4 – four parallel seats away from the Maine bench). In 23 years, we have missed six home games – but… Read More
Wait once more Just a few words to Red Sox fans. Wait until next year! Again!! (1918) googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if… Read More
WNBA needs changes It certainly has been a pleasure to watch the WNBA playoffs. Congratulations to the Charlotte Sting for winning the Eastern championship. They’re such a talented group with coach Ann Donovan at the helm! Thanks ESPN for bringing the games into our living… Read More
Softball’s good sports Not too many years ago, unsportsmanlike behavior at youth sporting events was isolated, but now it has escalated into almost common occurrence, and have, in turn, received plenty of media print. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
Nelson will be missed We lost a Ram the other day, Mike Nelson – Big Jim’s brother. It was tough to follow that act. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
Gary Conn overlooked While by every measurable factor that could be used, I am in full agreement that Paul Kariya’s jersey belongs in the rafters at the Alfond, he never should have been wearing the number nine in the first place. That honor should belong… Read More
UMaine wrong on No. 9 I read on Monday (July 2) with some disbelief that the University of Maine retired the jersey of a player that didn’t even finish two seasons with the team. Did Paul Kariya have a fabulous freshman season? Absolutely. Did he… Read More
Price a motivator As long as I can remember football has been a part of my life. From days spent in Bangor Gardens Park with friends, to middle school, and then high school and college, the game that taught me so much about life… Read More
On May 17, the Fin and Feather Club concludes a busy winter of fund raising and promoting sportsman’s rights and interests. The 18th annual Adrian Batson Award will be presented to a worthy sportsman who “has provided outstanding contributions to the needs and the interests of his fellow… Read More
It’s nice to see that Red Sox fans will never change. Just because a man asks to have a little more coverage of the world champion New York Yankees, the crybaby Red Sox fans in the area start being childish (BDN, April 24). What would… Read More
Catch-and-release tips A while ago someone wrote that trout cannot be released after caught because of “soft mouths.” I do not know what that means, but a fish hooked in the mouth, properly handled, will almost always be released unharmed. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
UMaine memories Over many years we have been associated with the University of Maine and its many programs, we have had the good fortune to witness many memorable events. Frequently, these have involved the university’s athletic programs. This past weekend (March 23-24) was another… Read More
Respect landowners On March 3, a loaded truck went off a woods road near Number 9 Lake located just west of Bridgewater. Accidents of this sort happen in the woods business often and normally only a handful of people would have even known it… Read More
Open tourney facts While it is true that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however erroneous it may be, I feel compelled to refute a letter (BDN, Feb. 27) regarding the merits of an open tournament. First of all, the writer makes the… Read More
Wright fulfills dream Just when you think sportsmanship has died, people come along and proves otherwise. Such was the case Friday night, Feb. 16, at Bangor High School’s Red Barry Gymnasium. The varsity boys basketball team was playing host to Old Town in the Rams’… Read More
I am writing in regard to the treatment the fans from Washburn got when they entered Woodland High School for a recent tourney prelim basketball game. We followed the bus because we didn’t know where the school was. The game was at 4:30 p.m. and… Read More
For the record I am writing this letter in response to a recent story condemning the trapping of animals in Maine. It is not meant to undermine the opinion of a fellow human being, mainly to set the record straight. I think it is unfortunate… Read More
I would recommend Gary Thorne (BDN, Jan. 17) research his facts a little better so he can correct his editorial errors, be a little shorter on talk and longer on facts. He speaks of no more roads, no more access points and no more dams. John’s Bridge access… Read More
I always look forward to reading John Holyoke’s column. I thought his article in this weekend’s (Jan. 6) edition of the Bangor Daily News was hilarious. Keep up the good work, John. Jane Basley googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
I opened up my Jan. 6 Bangor Daily in anticipation of a nice article about Ricky Craven’s new ride with PPI Motorsports and what did I see? Another ignorant, jeering article making condescending references to Ricky’s racing misfortunes the last couple of years. Why, I… Read More
‘No’ to more gate fees Profits, at the expense and detriment of others, was evident when commercial interests’ “puppets” sang their praise of corporate landowners when the Legislature Committee, studying access to private/public lands, held its recent meeting in Millinocket. The testimony by Donald Helstrom… Read More