CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: St. Francis of Assisi community enjoys Thanksgiving lunch

By Barbara Tucker<br><a href="mailto:tuckerb@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Barb</a>

Joseph Herr knows how he’s spending his Thanksgiving.

A first-grade student at St. Francis of Assisi School in the City of Tonawanda, he watched intently as the pastor, Reverend Michael Uebler carved a turkey for the students gathered in the school cafeteria.

“I’m having a dinner for so many people we have to have a bigger place than this,” he commented, gesturing around the room.

“I’m inviting every single person in the whole world to my house. Even you and Father Mike,” he added.

Did his mother know about this huge affair?

“Not yet,” Joseph said. And as an afterthought added, “but I’m going to invite aliens and Jesus, too.”

Bailey Blanchard, a kindergartner, said her invitation list was much smaller.

“I have a sister and grandma and grandpa live with me,” she smiled. “It’s fun.”

Joey Hibbert, a first-grader admitted he enjoyed all the food at Thanksgiving, “I even like squash.”

First-grader Sal Pizzo focuses on dessert for his holiday fare.

“We have dinner at our house and then we go to grandma’s for dessert. I hope she has chocolate cake with strawberry filling, that’s my favorite.”

Seventh-grade students, who were sitting with their kindergarten class buddies, were not so much into the food but what they do on the holiday.

Dan Starner, who enjoys riding an ATV and bowling, said his family goes to his aunt’s house and “we just hang out.”

Near-neighbors and friends Ryan Stachura and Martin Shilen are hunters. Each has his license, a .22 caliber gun, Ryan’s with a scope, and hunt with their dads in Phelps.

“I saw six (wild) turkeys,” Martin said. “I hunt rabbits and stuff. It’s exciting.”

This year, however, Martin said his mom is expecting a baby on Christmas so they’ll be staying home.

“When the baby comes, I’ll have five brothers and sisters,” he added.

Kindergarten teacher Leslie Ball, who organized the Thanksgiving school luncheon, said this is the first year the whole school participated. Other years, she said, the lunch was for the primary classes.

This year, each class with its “buddy” class was assigned something to bring in for the luncheon. The cafeteria staff prepared the turkeys, mashed potatoes and stuffing while the students prepared the chef salad, a fruit cup, vegetable tray, trail mix and a “pilgrim hat” dessert.

“Thanksgiving is sharing,” Ball said. “We all have something to share.”

She praised the cafeteria staff, whom she described as “wonderful.”

“And,” she added, “lunch was free.”

Uebler led the children in a Thanksgiving prayer for a blessed holiday and received a hearty cheer as he carved the turkey.