Hammondsport Happenings
by Hope Hereford

+ Tomorrow, Monday, Feb. l9 is Presidents' Day, so the Magee House, The Steuben County History Center at Cameron Park, Bath,will be closed for the day.

+ The Resource Center at the Bath Office for for Aging and the Hammondsport Public Library and Pulteney Library, as well as any library in the Southern Tier Library System, offers materials available through the Long Term Care Insurance Education and Outreach Program. Call the libraries above for these materials, or call the local coordinator Marie Dartt- Bentley for the newest hand-out materials about Long Term Insurance.

+ The Hammondsport Central School PTO sponsored a free Family Fun Night last Tuesday, the l3 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Primary Gym. The program entitled "Get Your Hands On Science was coordinated by a science professir from Elmira College who sts up l0 "hands on" eperimental experiences geared toward students in K-6. Participants formed research teams with at

least one adult that moved from station completing several cool experiments. The students had their own personalized science notebook to keep data and results. In addition, Tanglewood Nature Center brought several reptiles and insects. It was a fun learning idea.

Each y e a r St.Bonaventure University has a "Kids Day" to promote drug awareness and good decision making. The 5th grade classes at Hammondsport Central School attend the event as part of the 5th grade DARE Program. And, also to watch the Bonnies' Womens' Basketball team take on Temple, the boys and girls were able to take part in decision making activities that pulled students from the crowd to answer questions and take part in contests such as Knock Out and other basketballthemed competitions. It was a fun day for all who attended.

Hammondsport Central School is closed this week- Feb. l9-23 due to Winter Break. Classes come back on Feb. 26.

+ Last week Monday, Feb. l2, the Adult Book

Discussion Group enjoyed the evening discussion on Yann Martel's "The Life of Pi."

+ The Hammondsport Boy Scouts of American enjoyed celebrating the 97th Anniversary of their founding, Feb. 8, l910. They were proud to give their Mission Statement: The Mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Outh and Law: "On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country and to obey the Scout Law, To help other people at all times: To keep myself physical ly strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. The Scout Law is thus: A Scout is Trustworth, Loyal,Helpful, Friendly, Coureteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. Their Vision Statement: is The Boy Scouts of America is the Nations foremost youth program of character development, and valuesbased leadership training. Their leaders promise to offer the young people responsible fun and adventure, Instill in them lifetime

values & develop in them ethical character as expressed in the Scouth Oath & Law; and to train them in citizenship, service, a n d l e a d ership. Congratulations to all Scouts and leaders who serve America's communities and families with its quality, values-based program. This writer bestoes on the young men and their leaders her signature Golden Grape Leaf- one to each individual,with great pride! Church news in Hammondsport:

+ First United Methodist Church: Lent begins Feb. 21,Ash Wednesday. The churches in the community and area begin their Lenten Services that day at St.James Episcopal Church with the new Pastoral Administrator a t St.Gabriel's C h u r c h, Maureen O'Neil bringing the message at l2 noon. On that holy day, there is no food. The Methodists are planning a Lenten series on Wednesday evenings. They will begin with a pot-luck supper around 5:30 p.m. and then watch a 30 minute

video with R.C. Sprout teaching on the "The Majesty of Christ." Pastor Paul Rowlings says that member are able to bring renewal to their lives through a Lenten Devotional and he hasordered a booklet with daily meditations on "Your Nail". He feels that as persons set aside some special times during the Lenten season "it will become a time of deeper insight to the suffering of Jesus and a time of renewal in our walk with him."

+ First Presbyterian Churchs' Pulteney, 9:30 a.m.; Hammondsport church, 11 a.m. A Public announcent for both churches: The Rochester Jazz Musicians called "A Touch of Brass" are return to the Hammondsport Church on Sunday, Feb. 25 to give another concert. It is open to the public. Join the church for a special worship. Come earlier to enjoy a public pancake breakfast, headed up by Robert Domras. There will be a free will offering for the food from 8-11 a.m.

+ St. James Episcopal Church: Assisting in the Sunday, Feb. 18 service this week, Last Epiphany: is the following Lay Ministers: N. Forenz: Chalice; C. Skinner, Acolytes; J. Grillo,

M.White, Readers; T. Dykas, S. Dykas, Ushers. ASH WEDNESDAY: L. Nichiporuk, C h a l i c e N.Forenz, Acolytes; C. Skinner, J. Rogerson, Readers.

+ St. Gabriel's Catholic Church: Feb. Altar Care is in charge of Ellie Drain/Mary Ellen Peck. Save the date of March 3, 5- 7 p.m. for the Pasta Buffet, St.Mary's,Bath to benefit the Health Ministry of the S o u t h e r n Tier-Bath Community Care Center. See Laura Opelt/Dona Rickard for tickets. The Mitchellsville Methodist Church hosts a public Shrove Tuesday dinner Tuesday, the 20 from 4-7 p.m. Menu: p a n cakes,saugage, eggs, applesauce, assorted muffins and beverage. Also aside from the meal, there is a baked goods sale. $5.50 Adults;$3,children.