HCS Honored by U.S. News & World Report
Hammondsport Junior-Senior High School has once again been honored by U.S. News & World Report Magazine as one of New York State and the country’s top schools. This award marks Hammondsport’s third consecutive appearance in the annual list, with the last two years granting them the bronze medal prior to this year’s announcement. The school was awarded a Silver Medal based upon data collected that includes standardized test scores, fluency in mathematics and English, and college readiness. The 2013 rankings placed the local school at 114th out of all schools in NYS, and 1,133rd in the nation. Considered a ‘rural fringe’ district, Hammondsport can proudly boast 100% district average of student proficiency in English, including 62% at a rate of proficiency with distinction; likewise there was a 95% district average of student proficiency in mathematics that includes a 26% rate of proficiency with distinction. The district also has 45% participation in AP (Advanced Placement) courses offered with a 57% pass rate on the AP exams for college credit. The research that is compiled for rankings was applied to 21,035 schools nationwide of which 283 schools from New York State made the official list. More information and the complete list of 2013 rankings can be obtained at: http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/new-york
Wine Tourism Day
The first-ever Wine Tourism Day in North America will take place May 11th, 2013. Wineries, hotels, restaurants, and other wine tourism businesses across North America are offering special events to the public on this day to celebrate the importance (and fun) of wine tourism.
Events differ and can range from wine pairing dinners to music events to structured tastings.
For more info: http://www.winetourismday.org/
2nd Annual Bed and Breakfast Tour
Explore the art of hospitality this spring at some of our area’s finest bed & breakfasts. On Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m the Arts Center of Yates County will host its 2nd Annual Bed and Breakfast Tour fundraiser. Tour participants will have the opportunity to learn about the history of these houses and appreciate the work that goes into making a comfortable, welcoming home for visitors to the area.
This year’s tour features five bed and breakfasts in Penn Yan and on the western side of Keuka Lake. Each B&B will host one of five regional artists whose work is exhibited at the Arts Center. The featured artists will be on-site giving demonstrations and answering questions about their work.
Tour participants will have the opportunity to visit:
- A lovely Queen Anne-style Victorian home built for a wealthy wine merchant, Trimmer House B&B www.trimmerhouse.com/
- A former Federal-style dwelling, “modernized” in the early 1900’s to include Italianate trim and was part of the Underground Railroad, The Robertson House B&B www.robertsonhouse.net/
- A majestic Manor House on a country estate overlooking Keuka Lake, that features a gift shop, Merritt Hill Manor B&B merritthillmanor.com/
- A contemporary lake-side retreat, The Willows on Keuka Lake B&B www.thewillowsonkeukalake.com/;
- A charming home with two rustic log cabins, Los Gatos B&B losgatosbandb.com/
In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to view regional art and meet the artists. Each of the B&Bs will feature works of art by one of our Arts Center’s member artists who will be on site-some will even be painting.
Tickets to this event will be available at the Arts Center or by mail, beginning April 1. Tour tickets are $28 per person if purchased in advance, $32 on the day of the event, and $25 group rate for three or more. To purchase tickets please call the Arts Center 315-536-8226 or email artscenter@ycac.org .
Once Upon a Lake Storytelling Festival 2012
The 2nd Annual Hammondsport Storytelling festival will be held Sept. 21 and Sept. 22, 2012. Storytellers will entertain audiences in various locations around the village. This years storytellers include Joseph & Jesse Bruchac, Jay Stetzer, Cris Reidel, Regina Carpenter, Vicie Rolling, Rafe Martin, Nancy Brumante Brown, Chris & Becky Holder, Richard Lundt, Pauline Emery, Sue McConnell, Tamar Samuel-Siegel, Howard Edmund, Kirk House, Rick Merrit, and Mary Lu Walker.
2012 Hammondsport Festival of Crafts
For 32 years people have flocked to the Southern end of Keuka Lake on the third weekend of August to relax and enjoy the Hammondsport Festival of Crafts. A festival which has over 125 crafters for a weekend of demonstrations and sales.
On August 18th & 19th, from 10am to 5pm, this select group of quality crafters and artisans will assemble on the Village Square in Hammondsport, NY and will offer a wide variety of arts and crafts. Some of the vendors include:
jewelry artisans, potters, photographers, quilters, leatherworkers, floral designers, woodworkers, candle makers, gourmet food items, artists and many other unique crafts available for sale.
Coolest Small Town Celebration Schedule
2012 Music in the Park
July 12~Jorge T. Cuevas & Caribe Jazz Allstars
July 19~ ILYIAMY
July 26~Rib-Bone
August 2~ The Alec Smith Band
August 9~ The Admiral Douglas Ba…nd
August 16~ Blue Sky Mission Club
August 23~Dee Specker & Bob Walpole
August 30~ Abby Payne
And don’t forget that we will also have live bands all day on June 3oth for our “Cool Town” Celebration. The John Bolger Band will play from 1-3pm, Bruce Holler 3-4pm, and Geno & Friends from 4-6pm …. Summer is here!!!
