Hammondsport Happenings
by Hope Hereford

 Again Merry Christmas and here’s some more facts about the months favorite animal: Reindeer. Reindeer, folks, can easily pull a full sleigh at a speed of 12 to 15 miles per hour.

 Members of the Bath/Hammondsport Peace and Justice Group met last Wednesday, evening, at St.. Thomas Episcopal Church for the 22nd Annual Words and Songs for Peace. Featured artists: Tom Taylor Folk Musicans, Perksville, Mike Czarnecki, local Poet-publisher, 8 year old Jayne Pomplas, and her violin. Refreshments ended a wonderful program.

 Nineteen teenagers have been participating in a “hands on” Governement Intern Program with the Steuben County Legislature, representing some of the finest youth in the county its Program Coordinator, Richard S. McCandless, retired local teacher says. December 14, family/friends of the teens cane to sit in the Legislative Chamber in the County Office Building, Bath, to see a Simulative Session, the final activity for the students. Each intern gave a resolution he/she felt might be of significant interest to county government, a chance for the youth to pull together all phases learned about it. Welcome was given by County Legislaturer Chairperson P.J.. Roche, Esq. and Mary Allen, Hammondsport Central School was given the gavel by Roche as Chairperson. After Allen’s Call to Order, Ashley Warner, Campbell-Savona, gave the Invocation. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice- Chair Matthew Dale, Corning-West. Announcements included Modification of Rules of Procedure by McCandless. Resolutions were read by Clerk, Emily Farmer, Hammondsport Central School. Among them were “Enhancement of County Parks” Lor in VanSkiver, Jasper-Troupsburg; “Expansion of Foster Parent Program” Mackenzie Stratton, Haverling, “Improved Air Quality Act,” Brandon Lawson, Other Youth Interns: Nathan King, and Hillary Anderson, C-S; Sarah Eggleston, J-T, Lathin Knapp, Ashley Robbins, James Wall, Avoca; Lathin Knapp, Addison; Ashley Robbins, Anthony Hillman John Pruyn, Bath; Matt Bentley, Joseph Barkalow, Prattsbrugh.

 Last weekend’s Keuka Lake Player’s two night, one matinee winter musical production: “Mr. Scrooge” proved to be a delightful production by a great cast, a truly “uplifting Christmas production suitable for the whole family.” Interesting enough, it was a musical insight into a critical 24 hours of Scrooge’s life. The show, directed by Alan Turner, who was drawn to this play by the concept of giving from the heart instead of the “retail nightmare” this holiday has become for many people. On hand with Mr. Scrooge were the Cratchet family, of course with Tiny Tim, the Feziwigs’ and the ghosts of Christmas for an unforgettable family experience. This is the Keuka Lake Players 20th year celebration. They have performed two decades of great drama - many fine plays. KLP held a 50/50 raffle - the proceeds of which has been donated by the Board of Directors to the Food Pantry of the Southern Tier to help others during this Christmas season, may the continue on producting great plays for many more decades.

 Last Saturday the 9th tha Hammondsport Fire Department hosted Breakfast with Santa Claus. As always it was unique and the community thanks them so much.

 The Hammondsport Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc., founded in 1967, is NYS Certified, and went into being 39 serve the community’s emergency medical needs in case of sudden illness or an accident. It doesn’t get tax dollars, supported through private donations, memorials, corporate gifts, activities among themselves like their famous hot sausage sales, and their annual subscription membership drive. All calls are answered by an on-call team, at least one of whom is a NYS Certified Emergency Medical Technician. It offers two membership choices to suit needs. Two modern ambulances contain sophisticated emergency equipment as well as communication systems that allow immediate contact with any NYS hospital. Membership may be had by individuals and Family & Out of Town guests. Membership year if from 1/1 to 12/31. Gifts of money are given each year in memory of loved ones 1.06 to the middle of December gifts have been received in memory of: Erma Brundage, Rayond Donley, Joseph Fries, Virginia (Jean) Staltsman, Minnie Turner Stanley, Robert Stanley, Lawrence M. Tait, Max Tobias, Durwood Turner. The Corp are especially indebted to gifts from the Meade, Mercuty Aircraft-Taylor Foundations as well as the Frances Joralemon and Ellen McCann estated. Active members: Bub Robinson President: EMT-D, Gregg Learned, VicePresident, AEMT-CC;, Beth King, EMT-D, Secretary; Janet McCandless, Billing Secretary; Nancy Jo Drum, AEMT-1; Andy Brown, Vince Domeraski, Kim LaRue, Randy Robinson, Glen Sincerbox, Don Strzepek, Steve Veley, and Dolores Wheeler-all Drivers; Dn McIntire, Driver, Trustee; Jim Walling, EMT-D, Trustee. Lifetime Members; Orren Baisch, Gertrude Blancer, George, Peggy Boyce; Kent Collins, Norm Ellis, Slim Elwood, Richared Gardiner, Thomas Kressly, Richard McCandless, Roy Miller, Carl Neu, Shirley Para, Luther, Lucy Perkins, RN Stella Pulver, Dorothy Stone. Key:; EMT-D. Emergency Medical Technician Defibrillator Certified; AEMT-1... Advanced EMT Intermediate; AEMT-CC Advanced EMT Critical Care; AEMT-P... Advanced EMT Paramedic.

Church news:

 St. Gabriels’ Catholic: If your address has changed in 2006, the church would appreciate getting your new one because as they begin a bult 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 referred to St. Gabriels by the Social Ministry staff at their sister church, Bath’s St. Mary’s. The two closely related churches work with Chatholic Charities.

 St. James Episcoapal: December 10th, the church decorated a Jesse Tree for the season. There was a dish-topass brunch after church with parishioners bringing the eats to share.

 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 turn details by December 17, either in the mail/offering plate. There was a Vestry Meet December 13 at church..

 First United Methodist: Last Sunday, December 10 at the 8:30 a.m. service, the church bid 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-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 each Sunday. There was a Christmas Party in Pulteney for singles/ doubles December 14 at the Snyders, Cross Street.