HAMMONDSPORT HAPPENINGS

• Rachel G. deVries, published poet and fiction writer, returned to Hammonsport Central School at the end of last month to work with Mrs. LeClair's 8th grade English, ACE College English and creative writing class. Along with sharing her experiences in school, work, and travel, as well as some of her poetry, Ms. deVries taught a lesson about an element of poetry. She also worked in the school library with other students on their creative writing and poetry. Two students have become published poets through Pine Tree Poetry, located in Burlington, North Carolina, whose mission is to spark great poetry writing by students for their peers. They are: Emily Farmer, "Memories Remain" (2007 graduate) and Rachel Armstrong, "No Heart on My Sleeve" (Class of 2011). A copy of the Pine Tree Poetry Collection is on hand in the HCS high school library.

• Hammondsport Central School Primary Physical Education Department could still use more roller skates and blades for roller skating lessons in physical education classes. Many of the skates they have are very old or broken. If you have skates you might part with, please bring them to the primary office. Thanks to all who can help.

• The Curtiss Museum from today through May 25 will have the Finger Lakes Boating Exhibit on hand for visitors to see. This is an extraordinary exhibit that draws a huge crowd each and every year.

• In more news from the Curtiss Museum, there is an update on an effort to study the feasibility of creating a tourist railroad in Hammondsport. With help from committee member Dick Honeyman, it was learned that a grant request has been submitted for this study to the Appalachian Regional Commission. The museum seems reasonably sure that funding will be granted before 2008 ends.

• Tuesday, April 1, is the 22nd Annual Sophomore Focus on Careers Day at Corning Community College. In addition to the information provided last week, the following individuals have also played a key role, with Planning Committee chair David Woolever, guidance counselor from Bradford, in arranging this valuable day: Mark Recktenwal, school counselor from Haverling; Deb Minier, liaison from Career Development Council; and Richard McCandless, publicity.

• Yesterday, March 29, was the second Earth Hour, a worldwide campaign to increase awareness of global warming. It was begun last year in Australia. For one hour, from 8- 9 p.m., people were asked to turn off their lights to reduce greenhouse gasses. Last year, the number in Australia who participated was 2.2 million people and 2,100 businesses. This year Earth Hour was extended to major cities from San Francisco to Tel Aviv.

• This writer was at a luncheon after Easter service last week, and the four couples present started discussing Holy Week. One and then several others asked, What is the meaning of "Maundy" in Maundy Thursday - the day that Jesus washed the disciplines' feet. The host had several religious books but could not find the actual meaning. When I got back to my home, I dug out my 1944 Practical Standard Dictionary of the English Language and found this meaning: "So called for the first word of this religious ceremony 'mandatum' - I am assuming that is a Latin word. But if any of my readers know more, please let me know.

Hammondsport church news

• St. Gabriel's Catholic: Maureen O'Neill, Pastoral Administrator: Rev. Peter Anglaaere, Sacramental. Mass schedule: Saturdays 5:30 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.

St. Gabriel's is desperately seeking new alter services, ministers of Communion, and lectors. Now is the time to think about joining the ranks of those who provide vital services to the parish, as we will need more volunteers for the summer months, when we add the 8 a.m. Sunday mass. If you have retired from one of these jobs, but would consider coming back to it, we would be delighted. Training will be provided for those new people taking a new ministry. Please contact the parish office to learn more or to volunteer.

Those having Operation Rice Bowls may leave the bowls full of coins on the table in the back whenever convenient. Or use a check made out to: St. Gabriel's and placed in the Operation Rice Bowl envelope from the back table. Please deposit in the offertory. Thanks to all who participated for helping to feed the hungry.

Small Christian Communities meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1.

• St. James Episcopal: Located on the corner of Main and Lake Streets. The Rev. Sandra Curtis, Rector; Sunday Eucharist and Sunday School are at 9 a.m., followed by Coffee Hour. Thursday at 12:15 p.m., Holy Eucharist; Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m.

At the last Vestry meeting in late February it was agreed on to accept a $4,000 gift from Mercury Aircraft for the Undercroft Renovation Fund and to accept a $1,000 from the Meade Foundation for the purpose.

Mary White is in charge of the coffee hour after the worship today, March 30. Adrienne Hutcheson has been overseer of March's coffee hours.

• First United Methodist Church: The Rev. Paul Rowley, Minister: 8:30 a.m. Service: 9:45-10:45 a.m., Sunday school; 11 a.m. Service. On the 5th Sunday of the month, the two services are combined with a 10 a.m. service for all.

Today, March 30, is a fifth Sunday, so there is one service at 10 a.m. and no Sunday School. Every member and friends are invited to the special service.

There will be a Mission Pot Luck Supper at the United Methodist Church next Sunday, April 6 at 5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Participants will be sharing stories about the recent mission trip to Gateway UMC in Gulfport, Mississippi as well as reports from members who are or have been taking part in mission work in Nepal, Kenya and Guatemala. Please bring a dish to pass and enjoy an evening of fellowship as we learn about what folks in the Hammondsport area have been doing in service to the Lord and our fellow man. You will hear how the efforts and support of local people are making a difference. For more information please contact Diane Albright, 607-868-3945, wgc2@empacc.net.

• The First Presbyterian Churches of Hammondsport and Pulteney: Interim Pastor Anne Waasdorp at both

churches: Pulteney at 9:30 a.m.; +

Hammondsport at 11 a.m. In Hammondsport, adult Bible Study and Prayer at the Pulteney church on Tuesdays at 2 p.m.; adult Sunday School in Hammondsport, led by Jim Walling, at 10 a.m.