What a clever way the dedicated folks who lovingly serve the Curran Homestead in Orrington have come up with to help you remember what they are up to during the next three months.

“Save your 17’s!” they proudly proclaim in their recent mailing as they invite you to activities scheduled for the first three months of 2002.

All you have to do is circle 17 on your January, February and March calendar, add the word Curran and the time, and you’re all set!

First up is the Curran Homestead annual membership meeting from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Oriental Jade Restaurant in Bangor.

The public is welcome, and the $10-per-person charge includes a buffet dinner.

During the event, the Homestead will acknowledge donors, welcome new members and recognize the contributions such as those made by the Penobscot County Trustee Program, which, according to Homestead treasurer Irv Marsters, has made significant contributions to the progress of refurbishing the Curran Homestead.

The Homestead’s Winter Carnival-Sleigh Rally-Youth Ice Fishing Experience is planned for Sunday, Feb. 17. There is no admission for this event but all donations are accepted gratefully.

In cooperation with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, youths under age 16 will be able to fish, supervised by adults, on Fields Pond from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day.

Marsters said the DIF&W has sanctioned the event so that adults can assist children with fishing during those hours even if the adults do not have fishing licenses.

“We could use some help with this event,” he added.

If you ice fish, have the necessary equipment and are willing to teach others how to do it, Homestead staff would be delighted to hear from you at 989-1769.

The Curran Homestead Spring Event planned for Sunday, March 17, includes its traditional Maple Syrup Festival plus a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Again, there is no admission charge but any contributions are welcome.

Asked if the “Save your 17’s” was intentional, Marsters replied that it became that way as they started thinking about dates for the three events.

“The sleigh rally people wanted something in the middle of February, when they thought there was the best chance of getting good snow for it and the other activities surrounding it,” Marsters said.

“And then the DIF&W contacted us and asked if we’d like to participate in an ice-fishing experience for children, so the middle of the month seemed like a good time for everything.”

Of course, with St. Patrick’s Day being March 17 and on a Sunday, everything fell into place for the Curran Homestead to suggest you “Save Your 17’s!”

For more information about the activities of this nonprofit organization that is working to establish a turn-of-the-century, living-history farm museum, call the number listed above.

For those who love to travel, especially abroad, there can be no better way to raise funds to help support the Bangor Symphony Orchestra than by taking the Friends of the Symphony’s second international tour to Great Britain and The Netherlands from Saturday, April 13, to Wednesday, April 24.

FOS trip coordinator Nancy Ziegenbein of Bangor reports that “we’re about halfway to the number we can accommodate,” so there is ample time to register for the 12-day Magical Spring Tour.

The tour again will be coordinated by Huron Valley Travel of Ann Arbor, Mich. This year the tour will include visits to several famous English horticultural sites in Cornwall, as well as attendance at The Floriade in Amsterdam, the world’s largest horticultural exhibit held only once a decade.

And, of course, you’ll see the beautiful tulips in full bloom as well.

In addition to the horticultural pleasures, you will enjoy a river cruise, walking tours, a tour of Cotehele (a National Trust Property on the River Tamar) and museums.

The $3,250 package includes round-trip airfare from Boston. Final payment is due by Friday, March 1.

Ziegenbein pointed out that the cost of the trip “is a very good value.”

Since she has the registration and insurance applications necessary for those interested in participating, you must call her at 947-7965 for more information.

Writing on behalf of The Salvation Army of Bangor, Maj. Doug Burr extends his gratitude for “the efforts and generosity of countless members of our community” who helped The Salvation Army “make this Christmas season more joyful for our less fortunate neighbors.

“We appreciate each person’s contribution, whether of time, talent or resources,” he wrote.

The Salvation Army salutes the men and women of area service clubs, organizations and businesses “who manned our red kettles,” and McDonald’s for providing hot coffee for those who rang the bells.

Recognition also is extended to “the dedicated members of The Salvation Army Advisory Board,” led by local chairman Rev. John Mistretta, and to the many “volunteers who gladly wrapped gifts, visited shut-ins, fed people at our soup kitchen and delivered food baskets.”

Burr also thanks volunteers who “organized toy and clothing distributions, manned angel trees and collected, cleaned and distributed hundred of Coats for Kids.”

And to “the thousands of contributors who gave a record amount in our red kettles,” Burr wants you to know that you helped “many who might otherwise have been forgotten to share in the joy of Christmas.

“It’s obvious, Bangor loves The Salvation Army!” he continued.

“To each of you, we offer a heartfelt thank-you.

“With your support, we will be able to continue serving the disadvantaged through the year.

“God bless you!”

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