Sanfordville PTA breakfast goes off without a hitch

More than 550 join Frosty and Santa at fundraiser, By Linda Smith Hancharick Warwick — Santa and Frosty were the belles of the ball Saturday morning at the Sanfordville Parent Teacher Association’s Winter Wonderland Breakfast, in a match made, if not in heaven, then from compromise. More than 550 kids and adults came to the breakfast, munching on pancakes, sausages and mini-bagels at what’s become the PTA’s largest holiday event so far. That almost wasn’t the case. Last month, the PTA went to the district because of a letter written by a parent wanting to change the breakfast with Santa to be more inclusive of families who are non-Christians. She cited separation of church and state, as well as being more inclusive. The PTA was not opposed to being inclusive — they just didn’t want to give up their Santa. In the end, after offering to have Frosty the Snowman on hand as well, the district’s attorney, Kathy Ann Wolvorton of Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC, agreed that Frosty would indeed make the event more inclusive. Darlene Baratto, who chaired the event, was thrilled with how it came off. “It was effortless that day,” said Baratto. “Kids were joyous. They had their picture taken with Frosty, Santa or no picture at all. Absolutely nothing went wrong. Parents knew what had gone on, but the kids did not. And that was the purpose. I was proud of our committee. Everyone was creative, enthusiastic, diligent in getting this done. The bottom line is that the kids had fun.” And the PTA raised lots of money. Baratto did not have the final figures but she said it was one of the most well-attended events the PTA runs. Credit to the PTAs If you read the local papers last week, it was obvious that the issue touched a nerve with readers-turned-letter-writers, most of whom thought that Santa should not be booted from the breakfast. And while most readers were reasonable in voicing their dissenting opinion, some were angry and some were cruel. Dr. Frank Greenhall, superintendent of Warwick schools, said the PTA should be given credit for making this event such a success. “The PTA had changed the event before I even got involved,” said Greenhall. “They deserve all the credit. The only thing that changed after I got involved was that Frosty was added. The craft was always a snowman. The colors were blue and white. It was a wonderful event.” Greenhall had a meeting with PTA representatives from throughout the district on Monday morning. They discussed the situation that arose surrounding this event, and what the attorney for the district had recommended. “Basically, I told the PTA ‘I have no intent of changing what you do,’” he said. Greenhall attended the event Saturday morning, and said most kids were getting their picture taken with both characters, himself included. Greenhall said he had received one other phone call from someone who would not give her name, who opposed having Santa come to the Sanfordville PTA event. Rumors unfounded Questions have arose about what other changes would have to be made throughout the district and rumors have swirled - everything from the district being sued to kids not being allowed to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” on school premises. All not true, according to Greenhall. The district has not been sued. The woman who wrote the letter told The Warwick Advertiser said she has no intention of suing the school district. The giving tree in the high school still stands, and kids from all walks of life are giving. Middle schoolers will sell their candy cane cards again this year. And Santa did indeed come to the PTA breakfast. Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Kwanzaa. Peace on Earth. Peace in Warwick. Goodwill to all - from all.