As reported by both BusinessWire.com and ESPN.com, Maine native and two-time Gold Medal Winner Seth Wescott will be featured on a Wheaties box.
The pride of Carrabassett Valley, Seth Wescott, now joins a long list of famous sports figures to adorn their own collectible Wheaties box. Congratulations to Seth!
The Dempsey Challenge is back for a second year after such an overwhelming response last year and they have expanded the challenge to two days to accommodate more participants. Beginning, Saturday, October 2, participants will be able to take part in a 5k and 10k Run/Walk, followed by an opportunity on Sunday, October 3, to participate in a 10, 25, 50, or 100 mile bicycle tour.
Registration will be capped at 4,000 for the running and walking, and 3,500 for the bicycle events. Registration is $35 for the 5K and 10K Run/Walk and $75 for cycling. If participants wish to do both a run and a cycle event then registration is $100.
The event, presented by Amgen, is the main fundraiser for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center. In order to participate in the Dempsey Challenge, registrants must meet a minimum fundraising requirement of $150 for anyone 18 and over.
For more information on the wonderful event, please visit; DempseyChallenge.org and please visit our blog post regarding last years successful event Dempsey Challenge 2009
We would love your continued support…if you have a moment, please visit Portland Phoenix’s Best of Portland – Best Blog and vote “ILovePortlandMaine.com” as a write-in vote for Best Blog.
From here you will need to click “Skip to Finish” and type your name and email address to have your vote heard. Please note, you do not have to vote for other categories if you do not wish, and you only have to provide your name and email to have your vote counted, as they disclose they will not use your name and email if you do not grant them permission.
Thank you for your time and continued support!
According to a Portland Press Herald article, a new skate park building contract has been awarded to an out of state company and could open as soon as May 2010 off St. James Street, near Dougherty Field. The City of Portland plans to move forward with the construction, though a local company out Kennebunkport, who was bidding on the project, has filed a protest.
In conflicting reports, rumors continue to swirl around whether the Portland Pirates are planning to stay in Portland or relocate to Albany, New York, following the 2009-2010 season when their lease expires at the Cumberland County Civic Center.
Reports out of Portland, in particular at WMTW.com and NECN.com, lend the idea that the Pirates, AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, are staying put in Portland and working towards negotiating a lease renewal.
At the same time, reports out of Albany, NY, and TimesUnion.com note that an AHL team with ties to the northeast did visit Albany this week and discussed the possibility of relocating to the city, following the departure of the Albany River Rats, AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils.
One might think the move by the Pirates to Albany might make good sense for the parent franchise and their television rights, being closer to their market in Buffalo.
Only time will tell…in the mean time, stay tuned.
No plans yet for Valentine’s Day?… The Great Chili and Chowder Challenge will be held at the Holiday Inn By The Bay on Sunday, February 14, from 12:30pm to 3pm with over 30 chilis and chowders available for tasting.
The public will have the chance to vote for their favorites and a Greater Portland Chili and Chowder winner will be awarded. 
The event is sponsored by Altrusa International Inc. of Portland. Tickets are available in advance for $17 and $20 the day of for general admission, with children under 12 years of age $10.
Feb 12
Unfortunately due to the lack of snow in Portland, the 2nd Annual WinteRush scheduled for Saturday, February 13, has been canceled.
However, the Polar Bear 5k and Freezin’ for a Reason – Maine Polar Bear Club Plunge to benefit Camp Sunshine are still on.
The PolarBear 5k Sponsored by Tri-Maine will begin at 9am at the East End Community School. To register, please visit TriMaine.com. For more information, call 207-751-6003.
Freezin’ For a Reason – Maine Polar Plunge to Benefit Camp Sunshine At the Eastern Promenade Beach will begin at 12pm. For more information, please visit FreezinForaReason.com or call 207-655-3800.
On Wednesday, February 17, join the Portland Professional Hockey Booster Club and your Portland Pirates, the AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres for the annual 2010 Evening with the Pirates. The event will take place at the Holiday Inn By The Bay on Spring Street with a dancing and entertainment by Motor Booty Affair along with a great silent auction. Over the past 10 years, the event has raised over $225,000 for local charities.
Tickets to the event may be purchased at the booster club table at any Pirate home games or online at https://www.formspring.com/forms/Pirates-eveningwiththepirates
In my travels recently, I saw and have confirmed via SianosPizzeria.net that Siano’s Restaurant plans to open a third location at 505 Fore Street, Portland, in March 2010. You may remember this Old Port location was previously home to Una Winebar and Portland Pie. A trip to the site noted building permits and work being performed to transform the property. Rivalries Sports Bar and Brian Boru are already strong mainstays just steps away.
The brick oven pizzeria adds its third location to the list along with the original Siano’s located at 5 Brentwood Street, Portland, in the popular Rosemont neighborhood, and it’s 140 Main Street, Freeport location, just up the road from L.L. Bean’s flagship store. I’m interested to know whether a brick oven will adorn the new location and give that warm feel to customers like the 5 Brentwood St restaurant.
