Hammondsport Happenings
by Hope Hereford

 And, a Merry Christmas. Have read/heard we may say that again once more if we wish, instead of Happy Holiday.

 For your enjoyment and perhaps learning more about reindeer then you ever wanted to know: for the five Sundays in December, I’ll give you some facts about them that I just learned. While reindeer, living in the Artic north mostly they can also be seen in North America, Europe and Asia.

 Tuesday, December 12, Wine Country Senior Citizens meet in the United Methodist church, Main Street, beginning at 5:30 p.m. for their annual Christmas party. The food committee of Virginia Gleason and Clyde and Lillian Elwood, ask that members bring a dish to share and table service. The program of the evening are the Gerych Sisters of Bath, Donna and Marie, who are again their guests. Welcome back to you two.

Hammondsport Central School Retired Teachers/Staff meet Wednesday, December 13 at 9 a.m. at the Bath Chat-A-Whyle for breakfast and fellowship.

 Steuben County Youth and Government’s first semester ends Thursday, December 14 when they hold a Simulated Legislative Session in the South Conference Room. They’ll turn in their Journal Reports at 8:30; meet at 9 a.m. with County Administrator Alger, then at 11:30 a.m. meet with Mr. Pruyn of the Youth Bureau. Following lunch, they will take part in a Simulated Legislative Session.

 The 30th Annual Christmas in the Village Park, 5-9 p.m., last night was a celebration for the whole family. Among the many activities delighting a good crowd were the Keuka Lake Players, Lake Country Bell Ringers, Wagon and Carriage Rides, a Barbership Quartet, Juggling and Balloon Animals, the local Hammondsport Central School Chorus’, a Mixed Church Choir; Crafts, food, gift

wrapping

and much more - with

Sanda Claus

coming at 6

p.m. Sponsors include

the Hammondsport

Chamber of Commerce,

II business’s, the Steuben Courier Advocate and Dundee Observer weekly papers. It is commonly felt that Christmas in the Park, “born” in 1976 is “Father” of area Christmas village, town, and city one night Christmas celebrations. Persons

this year

were

asked to

bring nonperisable

food

items for the local Food Pantry. There were collection bins at the CCVistor’s Center and near the Nativity scene in the Park.

Church news:

 St. Gabriel’s Catholic: If your address has changed in 2006, the church would appreciate getting your new one because as they begin a bulk mail of their Church Newsletter. Call 569-3501 or email info@stgabrielshport.org. The church also asks that all parishioners consider taking part in a new Advent ministry: helping some local families celebrate Christmas. Families have been refferred to St. Gabriel’s by the Social Ministry staff at St. Mary’s, closely working with Catholic Charities.

 Please remember the Caroling Party taking place December 16 after 5:30 p.m. Mass. Everyone is invited to enjoy a bite to eat before going.

 St. James Episcopal: Today, December 10, the church will decorate a Jesse Tree. There is a dish-to-pass brunch after church. Bring your dish to share and join in. Those desiring to give Christmas flowers in memory of or in Thanksgiving for a loved one, please fill out a form giving the names of those so being honored and return by December 17, either in the mail/offering plate. Remember Vestry members, there’ll be a 7 p.m. Vestry Meet, December 13. Friday, December 15 at 6 p.m. Movie Night at the Rectors home, 10 Shethar St. Food Pantry in the church open 3 p.m. December 12 and 11 a.m. December 16.

 First United Methodist: This morning, December 10 at the 8:30 a.m. service, the church bids a fond farewell at a reception immediately following the worship for Faye and John Ballantine. They have been valued members of the congregation and will be missed by all. They are retiring to Florida and the church wishes them all the best in their new home there.

 First Presbyterian Church of Pulteney and Hammondsport: 9:30 a.m. service in Pulteney; 11 a.m. in Hammondsport. December 14, 10 a.m. Bible study in Pulteney, both churches welcome; 6:30 p.m.-Christmas Party in Pulteney for singles/ doubles. Bring a dish to pass and a gift to exchange at the Snyders, 10745 Cross Street.