HAMMONDSPORT HAPPENINGS

• July 4 and 5 were just about all Glenn Hammond Curtiss, Father of Naval Aviation, days. Hammondsport born and bred, he was the first man in the world to fly an airplane after saying when he would fly and inviting people to come and see it. This was the Junebug Centennial. It began on July 4 with a marvelous dinner party at the Museum starting things off and on the 5th at 2 p.m. was the flight of the one-fourth in size, radio-controlled model of the Junebug. There were special events on the grounds of Mercury Aircraft and at the Kolo Air Field, starting at 11 a.m., like fly-ins, special music, Keuka Lake Players presentations, food, arts and crafts. Demonstrations of Curtiss motorcycle engines were also presented at 11 a.m. and in the evening, a concert by the Corning Community Band from 6-8 p.m. More next week.

• The Rochester Advocacy recently honored the founder of Wellness GIFTS, Janet Opila- Lehman, by presenting her its The Community Inclusion Award. The award was presented to her at the Rochester Memorial Art Gallery for her "exceptional" commitment to children with special needs who attend Hickory Hill and their families. Just around 200 supporters, Wellness GIFTS Board members, and family and friends attended. Upcoming retreats: July 22-24 and September 26-28. The first retreat was held on June 13-15.

This year's Relay for Life falls next weekend, July 11 and 12, at the Firemen's Pa rk in Hammondsport. Volunteers were needed for planning and assisting at the event. If you are interested, please call Rita Hoover at 566-2004 to see if all needs have been fulfilled. The Champagne Whirl-AWays, a square dancing club in Bath, recently held a dance auction and 50-50 raffle to benefit the American Cancer Society. They took in around $500 and the square dancers will give demonstrations at the Cancer Society's Relay for Life on July 12 and present the money. Snack foods will be available at this event.

• Heron Hill Winery will have Tunes in the Tent series again this year at their winery overlooking Keuka Lake. Free admission. It begins today, July 6, from 12:30- 4:30 p.m. with The Jony James Band. Heron Hill is located at 9301 County Route 76. There is also a tasting hall and gift shop.

Hammondsport church news

• St. Gabriel's Catholic: Maureen O'Neill, Pastoral Administrator; Father Jim Jaeger, Sacramental M mini ster. Mass schedule: Saturdays 5:30 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.; Word and Worship Communion Service, Monday - Thursday at 8 a.m.; Mass on Fridays at 8 a.m.

St. Gabriel's second collection this weekend helps the church in Eastern Europe and the church in Africa. Catholics from there and central Eastern Europe rely on our help as they struggle to rebuild and renew our church in an environment of chaos, upheaval and uncertainty. Bishop Matthew Clark says, "Your generous donations support seminaries, social service programs, youth ministries, pastoral centers, schools, church construction and renovation, and the spreading of the gospel message through the mass media. Your compassionate concern for the Universal Church brings Christ light to people and places once covered by a pall of darkness. Spread the radiant light of love through your generous support of this collection."

Thanks go to the dozens of volunteers who worked to distribute food from the truck of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier in our parking lot on the recent Monday afternoon. Thanks go to Mary Ellen Peck and Lucy Perkins who staffed the registration table; Frank Curran, Bob DeSeyn, Bob Hunn, Luther Perkins and Fred White, who all helped with the heavy lifting. About 75 people were served at this first distribution in Hammondsport. Current plans are for the truck to come on the fourth Mondays of the month through the autumn. If you would like to volunteer to help, please contact the parish office. Thank you t o Charlie and Lorraine Barker for responding to the call for a refrigerator. We appreciate that you helped out Catholic Charities with your donation. Many thanks to Lyle Akins, Rich Bussmann, and Matt Doyle for their invaluable assistance with the project.

• 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.

Concluding last week's officers and leaders for 2008: Clerk of the Vestry is Betty Frye; Treasurer, Karen Derr; Pledge Clerk, Barbara Brayer; Choir Director and Organist, Elenor Boutwell; Christian Education, Li n Bretherton; Re v. Thomas Williams, Deacon M-Th; Rev. Sandra Curtis, Rector, MS. Ed., Concluding M. DIV.; current Website: www.stjames14840.org

• 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.

Our new memorial sign has arrived. We are working with a contractor for installation. The date and time of the dedication ceremony will be announced soon.

Kudos go to Hammondsport Central School Academic All-Star (AAS) Team, which accomplished the rare feat of being the only undefeated team in Steuben County League, In true championship fashion, the team rallied from 20 behind to win in three of their six matches. The team showed that academic achievement is every bit as important as athletic achievement. Thanks for reminding us of that in a convincing fashion!

Wednesday, July 9, at 6 a.m. the Promise Keepers meet in the Fellowship Hall. At 4 p.m., Ladies Bible Study; Prayer Group meets at 6 p.m.; and choir practice at 7 p.m.

Thursday, July 10, 6 p.m., Praise Team and 7 p.m. Trustees Meeting in the office.

• The First Presbyterian Churches of Hammondsport and Pulteney: Interim Pastor Anne Waasdorp at both churches: Pulteney at 9:30 AM; Hammondsport at 11 a.m.. 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.

Hammondsport Church members will hold their weekly Farmers' Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. Fresh local produce and baked goods will be available. They will also be selling their delicious Strawberry Shortcake during the Art Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 12 and from Noon to 4 p.m. on July 13.

• Mitchellsville United Methodist Church, 8421 County Route 13, Bath, with new pastor, Rev. Ed Spencer. Services are Sundays at 8:55 a.m. There is

Sunday School for children and +

youth during the second half of worship time, and a Coffee Hour with refreshments after the worship service. On Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m., there is a soup supper and Bible studies.