Aboard his sleigh, he welcomes kids at breakfast at VFW
By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
With the sirens blaring and firetrucks as escorts, Santa Claus and his elf came to Manville in his sleigh Saturday to visit those who gathered for his visit at the VFW on Washington Avenue.
The breakfast with Santa — for both young and old — was sponsored by the borough government, Manville Youth Services, the PBA and Manville Recreation.
Volunteers made pancakes and sausage and served them with orange juice and coffee. The Manville High School PTSA and Key Club students volunteered to help with making crafts for the attendees.
Mayor Angelo Corradino said they were looking forward to a great turnout.
”We need a happy occasion, especially after yesterday,” he said, referring to the shooting at the school in Connecticut.
The event replaced Santa coming down Main Street.
”We are having it indoors so no one freezes and catches a cold,” the mayor said.
Recreation Director Stephanie Cornelson said, “Just because it was so cold and the line was so long, the kids were freezing, and everyone was complaining it was going to slow so we thought if we could do something inside and offer extra activities. It also gives a chance for the whole community to come out and be together and celebrate the holidays together.”
She added, “I want to thank everyone the PBA, the Fire Department, the high school students and all the volunteers in town. We just have a great, great community where people enjoy to come out and volunteer.”
Somerset County donated a camera and film so everyone could have their photo taken with Santa, and the background was done by the Alexander Batcho Intermediate School Art Club. There was a DJ for music, and attendees made crafts.
Tyler Thomaszfski came with his mom, Jessica, dad, Jimmy, and little brother, Conner.
”I saw Santa,” Tyler said.
He sat on Santa’s lap and told him what presents he wanted Santa to bring him, like Skylanders and Pokémon black and white 2.
Tyler said he liked the food and making a snowman craft to put on his tree.
Conner told Santa he wanted race cars — a lot of race cars.
Ms. Thomaszfski thought the event was great.
”I think it is a very good event and wonderful for everyone to come together,” she said. “I like it much better inside, and the best thing that it is free. This was a good family event.”
Senior citizens also joined in the festivities by having the pancake breakfast.
”This nicest thing is seeing these little kids. The breakfast was wonderful, and it was very, very nice,” Dottie Koonz said.

