Town of Tonawanda Courier/ Friday, December 19, 2014
-TOWN OF TONAWANDA-
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Mark’s Plumbing Three Cheers To You!
Wishing you and yours much joy and laughter at Christmas time and forever, after!
With thanks for your valued business from all of us. Family Owned & Operated • Licensed Master Plumber 1982 Graduate SUNY at Alfred State College
314 Delaware Street Tonawanda
DECEMBER 19, 2014
694-6711 CIRCULATION 9,778
Jay and Theresa Clause from the Tuscarora Reservation teach students about Haudenosaunee culture and tradition.
Students learn about culture, tradition Jay and Theresa Clause, a Native American couple from the Tuscarora Reservation in Niagara County, paid a very special visit to Franklin Elementary School on Nov. 24, teaching students about Haudenosaunee culture and traditions. Mr. Clause, who worked as a steelworker in Buffalo for many years, and Mrs. Clause, a member of the Turtle clan, have spent years collecting a variety of Haudenosaunee artifacts such as Wampum belts, animal pelts, tools and drums, bringing many of these items for the students to see and interact with. Mr. and Mrs. Clause began their presentation by reciting part of the Haudensaunee Thanksgiving Address, which
students have read in class. They also told the story of the Great Peacemaker who, according to tradition, brought together the Haudenosaunee, the Five Nations of the Iroquois League: the Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga and Seneca nations. The presentation included history, stories, and many fun, hands-on activities. Students even danced to the traditional music of the Haudenosaunee, which they really enjoyed, according to Franklin Elementary teacher Heidi Sorel. “The presentation enriched the learning of the students, who have spent the first eight weeks of school learning about the first inhabitants of New York State,” she said.
Pictured left to right: Ricky and Alyssa and (standing) Helena Panowicz.
Breakfast with Santa Santa was the guest of honor during “Breakfast with Santa” at St. John the Baptist School in Kenmore this past weekend. Friends and families of the school’s Home School Family Association gathered to share a buffet breakfast before the special visitor arrived. While waiting, children enjoyed various Christmas activities, including decorating individual cookies, holiday face-painting, ornament craft-making, and more. When
the jolly ol’ elf finally arrived, the kids descended upon him nothing short of ‘rock star’ mayhem. Youngster Chloe Bowles commented, “I don’t mind waiting in line to see Santa. I’ve got good food and I get to talk with the big guy, too.” All in attendance were grateful to parent co-chairs Dawn Gottler and Melanie Kamens for providing such a wonderful, family event for their children.