Stove-side storytellers wanted

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While St. Patrick’s Day isn’t officially until Monday, folks from all over will head to Orrington on Sunday for The Curran Homestead’s 7th annual Maple Festival and Irish Celebration.

Now, you may be wondering what kind of link that has to “sports,” or to the “outdoors.” The answer: It’s all up to you.

Old friend Irv Marsters of the Bangor Letter Shop asked if I’d stop by, sit in front of the wood stove, and trade outdoor adventures, and I quickly agreed (of course, the promise of homemade food may have been instrumental in that knee-jerk decision).

In truth, what happened is this: Marsters decided to play off the NEWS’ “Share the Adventure” ad campaign, which introduced this column a few months back. I’ve known Irv for years and grew up with his children, and realize that he’s nothing if not a tireless cheerleader for the Greater Bangor area.

Marsters assured me that plenty of people would show up to tell me their outdoor tales of woe (and even some not-so-woeful ones), and I’d end up with a month’s worth of columns in one setting.

Or perhaps he just assured me that I’d have a lot of fun. Either way, I agreed to show up.

The event runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and I’ll be at the wood stove from noon-2 p.m. or so, though I’m pretty flexible.

Even if you don’t have any adventures to share, you’ll likely have a great time. Other planned events include a live Irish music sing-along; demonstrations on turning maple sap into syrup; and meeting “old Irishman” Michael Curran.

And there’s food. Have I mentioned that?

The Curran Homestead is located on Fields Pond Road in Orrington. The Curran Homestead is a living history museum that serves as an educational center for the preservation of turn-of-the-century culture, values, agricultural heritage, and the rural lifestyle of Eastern Maine.

In short, it’s about us … who we were, who we’ve become, and what makes this area special.

Feel free to dress in a turn-of-the-century outfit and stop by to say hello (I’m not sure if I’m dressing up, but I think I have a particularly old pair of socks I can break out just for the occasion). Just remember: The more you talk, the less I have to. There are plenty of people out there who would encourage you to come with plenty of stories to share.

For more information, call Brian Higgins (478-5021), Richard Stockford (947-3701), Karen Marsters (478-5578) or Irv Marsters (945-9311).

The Quest: As mentioned in previous columns, from time to time I plan to rely on the kindness of readers by posing a question, problem, or story idea in this space. The general aim, of course, is to tap into your varied areas of expertise and generate a column or feature … or just learn a bit more.

This week, I’ve got a doozy.

I’m looking for a dog.

(Before you start trying to cram Fido into the mailbox, please read on):

Actually, I’m looking for dog information. At some point in the near future, my fianc?e and I will take care of the actual dog-purchasing side of the equation.

First, about me: I’m a dog person who hasn’t owned a dog in years, and who has never owned what’s commonly called “a working dog.”

We’re looking for an upland-bird type of pooch … though as of yet I know very little about upland bird hunting.

If we could find a dog that could train me, that would probably be a plus. Since we’re not likely to find that wonder dog, I’m willing to be trained first – or at the same time.

I’m looking for the kind of dog that’s good with children … and 38-year-old writers who tend to act like children.

One that won’t eat the normally well-behaved family cat, (which, by the way, has shown a remarkably canine knack for fetching small trinkets including stuffed birds and fly-tying supplies).

One that won’t end up being a snack for the aforementioned doglike cat.

Other than that, I guess, we’re wide open for suggestions (except for the fact that we’re not looking for help in naming our new family member … yet).

Breed? Gender? Pitfalls and precautions? How much should I be prepared to pay? Can a good working dog be a good house dog, too? Or would I be better off to view the dog as a companion first … and consider any actual hunting prowess a bonus? (Honestly, companionship and friendliness are qualities 1 and 1A in my book at this point).

Anything you can think of, I’d be interested in hearing.

I can hear you already … I know all the information I seek is available on the Internet. I also know a vet or a breeder could help me out.

I just figured it’d be a lot more fun to rely on the help of readers … and to keep you posted on the progress of our prospective pooch.

Feel free to e-mail or write with your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your help.

John Holyoke can be reached at jholyoke@bangordailynews.net or by calling 990-8214 or 1-800-310-8600.