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SHERMAN - Sherman's identical triplets, Alex, Chris and Ben Snyder were honored at the 27th annual Old Fashioned Christmas Supper and Awards recently at the Sherman Stanley Hose Co. Fire Hall.

Sherman Mayor John Patterson made the awards presentation. Prior to announcing the recipients, he said, "Trying to announce this year's honorees as a surprise for all in attendance has proven to be difficult. Talking in circles so as to keep everyone hanging till the last sentence is near impossible."

While presenting the awards, Patterson read the following information on the triplets' lives since the day of their births:

''The honorees were born in the sunny south on a January Morning (a very cold Western New York day), arriving against all odds, in wonderful health, prayed into this life. Moving to Sherman at 8 months old, welcomed into this community with open arms; to begin the journey that lay ahead.

Attending Sherman Central School, and home schooled for two of those years, under the direction of family and retired teachers of the community, the triplets attained the best education offered. They joined various school clubs including Art Club and SHIP. Active in the Band and the love of Art inherited, always creating and drawing. Piano lessons were taken with Mrs. Margaret Sears, and 4-H with Gwen Gleason. The boys participated in local events such as Crop Walk of Chautauqua County, Neighbor Works (a national program of Community service) in which the French Creek Kiosk was cleaned up, planted and mulched and assisted in weekly Sherman food distribution under the direction of Helen Reynolds,

They are also active in their church at St. Paul's, Mayville, including Acolytes and youth participants. They have been continual Sherman Chamber of Commerce helpers, assisting in the organization and set up many events in the community, including the Community Grant meetings, Breakfasts with Santa and the yearly Community Christmas Celebration, including the one we are enjoying this evening!

Since first grade, the boys have been heavily involved in the Scouting Program since under the direction of Chris Deering. Upon attaining the Arrow of Light Award, they joined Troop 126 in Mayville with Scout Master Andrew Cesarz and were inducted into the national Order of the Arrow (Scouting's National Honor Society). They also received the National leadership Award and then rose to the rank of Eagle Scout by completing service projects that enhanced the Chautauqua Rails to Trails in the Sherman the area.

Saturday mornings one can find them in the Turner Pool at 7 a.m. earning their next merit badge (50 to date), then at 9 a.m. in Mayville with a group of Scouts working on their Boy Scout Religious Award. They will be performing with the Panther Indian Drummers and Dancers in the coming year and attending the National 2010 Boy Scout Jamboree. Taking Education very seriously, they are continually on the Honor Roll, are hard workers and humble givers with the gift of humor. If you need grass mowed or snow shoveled, just call! They are always raising money for a Scouting Adventure."

With music in their ears, Naruto comics in hand, paint balls ready to fire, and extra boys to help eat pizza from the Great White Shark, it's never a dull minute on the corner of Kipp and Main streets. It does indeed take a 'Village'.''

Following the awards, Pastor Paul Sears gave the blessing and those attending ate a pot luck supper.

After the meal, the service began with Pastor Daniel Fowler giving the call to worship. He also gave the invocation prayer. Sears led the congregation in several Christmas hymns and gave the responsive reading.

Pastor Jozef gave the scripture and meditation. He spoke about his growing up in Italy and how at that time they had no freedom. He also stressed the importance of choosing ones faith. He said his parents taught him about it and the church, but when one is older he must choose to believe in Christ or not. If they believe and are saved they must make their faith personal. He also spoke about the birth, death and resurrection of Christ.

Pastor Bill Nicholson gave the benediction, after which Christmas hymns were sung by Psalmody. The First Baptist church choir concluded the evening singing more Christmas hymns.