HAMMONDSPORT HAPPENINGS

+ Yesterday, March 17, was St. Patrick's Day which has many, many symbols associated with the holiday. T'is believed among the Irish if you kiss the Blarney Stone, you will have "the gift of gab" given you. You need to kiss it at Blarney Castle, in Blarney, Ireland.

Since our youngest son married an Iris lassie, and she presented to her fatherin law the gift of a piece of the Blarney Stone soon after meeting us, we have kissed it each year after that. One must lie on your back and bend your head way down to reach the stone. He could do that-not me. What fun we've had. Of course friend Husband already had the gift of gab when I first met him in the last century. But, I had never been much of a "gabber."

+ Monday, March 19, the Hammondsport Public Library holds its Book Discussion Group. The book discussed at the 7 p.m. activity is Pat Conroy's The Prince of Tides. New members always welcome and they may call or fax the library for more information at 569-2045.

+ At Hammondsport Central School at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, is Music In Our Schools Elementary Concert. On Wednesday, the 21 Spring Sports Pictures; the Board of Education meets at 7 p.m. and before both at 5:30 p.m. is a CDEP meeting. March 23, 24 and 25, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Senior Trip will be taking place.

Parents who did not get a chance to register a child/children at the February 27 registration

National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Megan is one of l5,000 students across the USA who is competing of the 2007 Merit Scholarships.

The Curtiss Student Council began Pennies for Patients to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Campaign March 5 and continues it until the end of this school week, March 23. Their goal is at least $700 for childhood leukemia research. They need the support of parents, teachers and community members. Those who know student, or faculty member in either school, please feel free to give your donation to either. One may give online at http://www.active.com/donat e/sycny/syHGLENN. Credit cards are accepted on the web page. The schools thank all for donating what they can to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Retiree teachers and staff of Hammondsport Central School get together at Bath's Chat-A-Whyle eatery Wednesday, March 21. New members always welcome to the 9 a.m. fellowship

signed an energy bill to change the time of daylight savings from beginning the 1st Sunday in April, to the second Sunday in March which just took place a week ago today. Next fall we shall "fall back" in time the first Sunday in November.

+ March 12 was the 95th anniversary of Girl Scouts of America and the local and area Girl Scouts celebrated right through the week, Monday to yesterday. Juliet Gordon Low, Savannah, Georgia had 18 girls, beginning what is today the prime organization for girls and their rights in the USA. In those years over 50 million women grew with Girl Scouting crediting GS values, skills to GS experiences.

+ Last night, March l7, The Hammondsport Bostwick Club enjoyed a fine St. Patrick's dinner, meeting and entertainment in the social rooms of the Masonic Hall. Chairman of the dinner committee were Robert and Pat Shuart and their committee of the Barclays, Collins and

Wednesday, March 21 is at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church. Lunch follows the homilist message age, given by Rev. Ron Huckabone, in the undercroft.

+ St. Gabriel's Catholic Church: March 18 Small Christian Community: Praying Our Goodbyes: The Spirituality of Change, Joyce Rupp. Author of books on spirituality, Ms. Rupp explores prayer about loss and change, led by Kathy Linnan, right after ll a.m. Mass today.

Remember the annual St. Patrick's Day supper at 5 p.m. in the church hall this evening. Patty Shippee, chair, Special Events, has Tim Sanphy to provide the music. The parish provides the corned beef, cabbage, bread and beverages with others bringing salads potatoes, vegetables, and desserts; Bring your own table service.

+ St. James Episcopal Church: The weekday service of Eucharists is being held each Thursday at 12:15 p.m. 9 a.m. Lent IV Holy Eucharist, S.S Monday at

Home Delivered Meals Program has expressed thanks to the church for the gift of $100 which continues to provide meals to the homebound elderly throughout the area. We appreciate your cring and generosity, says Gerald Flegal, ProAction Nutrition Services.

+ First Presbyterian Church: At their annual meeting a few Sundays ago, The Financial Report, passed out by Jim Walling showed how expenses overshadow income. The church has investments around $250,000 but if withdrawn from the principal every year, it would soon be used up. A discussion followed on stewardship. The church's financial advisors, Ullman' will attend the next session meeting and any member of the church is invited to attend.

+ First United Methodist Church: Each Wednesday night during Lent at 5:30 p.m., the church is holding a potluck dinner, followed by a video at 6 p.m. as they

continue exploring "The

+ time, please call Darcie in the Primary Office at 569- 5200 to schedule a time to come in to do so for the 2007-2008 school year.

Congratulations go to senior Megan A. Walling for being named a 2007

gathering.

+ March 2l is the first day of spring. We are now on the new daylight savings time that the U.S. Senate and House passed last year when President Bush

McCandless'. The Don Hutches were program chairs.

Church news:

+ The Ecumenical noon Lenten Service for

7:30 p.m. Al-Anon; Tuesday/Saturday at 3 p.m.; ll a.m.; Food Pantry open; Tuesday: 7 p.m. Bible Study at Rectors; Wednesday: Ecum service, lunch afterwards. The ProAction Senior

Majesty of Christ" by R.C. Sproul for all members. Please bring tableservice and a dish to share. The church office is open 9:30 a.m.-l:30 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. Phone: 569-3511; Fax: 569-2949.