Hammondsport Happenings
by Hope Hereford

 And a happy New Year and welcome to 2007. Can you recall all the morbid this-and-that tales we heard about as we changed from the 20th century into the 21st seven years ago? Certainly morbid and terrible things are always around. However, there are also many, many good things happening so let's high-light them as we begin a brand new year, 2007.

 Tuesday, January 2 The American Association of University Women, met at the Hammondsport High School Library with with Program Chairwoman Kathy Gill presiding over the month's program. Refreshments were served at 7:00 p.m. followed by a program at 7:30 p.m. Peg Inglis is co-president of the duel membership from Hammondsport; Mary Hoffman is co-president from Bath. The group celebrated their 125th anniversary in November, 2006 as one of the

oldest nonprofit organizations, dedicated to advocating women's rights.

 The Steuben County Historical Society, Dugald Cameron Chapter, Bath, began their Winter 07 Lecture Series on Friday, January 5 in the Empire Room of the Dormann Library at 4:00 p.m. with Jerry and Virginia Wright presented a talk and slide show on Steuben County Disasters. There will be two more Lectures the first on Febrary 2, the last on March 2. These are always well attended if the weather co-operates.

 The Hammondsport Volunteer Ambulance Corp would like to begin 2007 by reminding the 'Port area it serves, that since May 25, 2005, the 911 system will take all calls for emergencies. Be sure that your 911 address is posted on your property where it can be seen from the highway in both directions. This is needed so that all emergency responders may easily find your site. All numbers/ letters should be placed either vertically from top to bottom, or horizontally from left to right and it is strongly recommended that they be white reflectorized on refletorized green background for visibilty. For more details please check the website www.steubencony.org/Postin gStandatds htmi. The Corp thanks you. very much.

 The Hammondsport Public Library offers a book discussion at the library on Monday, January 8, at 7 p.m. New members are always incouraged to join the group. Interested? Call the library 569-2045 for more information.

 Hammondsport Woman's Club meets Thursday, January ll at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Lela Martuscello, hostess, assisted by the Mss Maureen Cohn, Marilyn Eckel, and Lucille Walbridge. Tom Pellechia will lead a discussion on "Wine Old an New."

 Thursday Nighters will not meet this year during the month of January, 2007 since last year's January weather caused several cancelations. Although it may be better weather this year, Thursday Nighters will begin in February, 2007.

 At the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, volunteers are always being looked for when a new year rolls around. The Staff can always use new people. There's the Restoration Shop-who are always looking for sanders, wood and/or metalworking skills. See Art Wilder at the museum, he will put you to work. If you enjoy people, you could help out at the Admission Desk and/or in the Gift Shop. See Lynne Mason in the office. Do you want to dust, sweep, or vacuum in the exhibit areas, light housekeeping. See Curator Rick Leisenring. More ideas at a later time!

Church news:

 St. Gabriel's Catholic: Father Peter Anglaaere, is enjoying his 50th birthday celebration and this month with his family. There is no Friday morning Mass until his return in February. Congratulations go to Cherlyn Argentier and Robin Sherman in continuing their faith journey through the reception of Eucharist and Confirmation while discerning where God is leading them. They have been studing the Catholic faith with the RCIA community at Bath's St. Mary's. They have already been a part of the Catholic community here at St.Gabriel's for a long time and at Christmas time this year have chosen to complete their sacrament of initiation. St.Gabriel's welcomes them and offers prayers of support for their continued journey this year. Religious Education Classes resume their studies this morning, January 7, 2007 after a two week recess.

 St. James Episcopal: January 7, lst Epiphany. Lay people assisting the Rector: Chalice: J. Grillo; Acolytes: N. Nichoporuk; Readers: D.Lundy, N.Torp, USHERS N. Forenz P.Forenz. Holy Eucharist Service at 9 a.m. Next Sunday the 14th is the date for the Bishop's annual visit. The new ciborium in memory of Joseph and Sylvia Swarthout will be consecated that day. Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry open 3 p.m. Tuesday, January 9, ll a.m., Saturday, the l3th. Also Saturday, there will be a fund raiser, a 4:00 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner, open to the public, chaired by Nancy French. Other special events this week are Monday, the 8th 7:30 p.m. Al-Anon Meeting; Tuesday, the 9th, Bible Study at Curtis' 10 Shathar St., 7 p.m.; Thursday, the llth, l2:l5 p.m. Holy Eucharist; Friday, the l2th, Movie Night at Curtis'. Bring a dish to share 6 p.m.: Movie followed by discussion. (First Friday, open to all church people for fellowship, pr a yer, music, praise,was held at St.James this last Friday evening.)

 First United Methodist: The Church school sold 2007 calendars; See them if you need one they may/may not have any more.

 First Presbyterian Church Hammondsport 11 a.m.; Pulteney 9:30 p.m. In the pulpits this morning will be Interim Pastor Anne Waasdorp, whose surgery was successful, for which both congregations give thanks and praise to God.