Newcomerstown in the News: Site readied for Lenape Diaspora Memorial
NEWCOMERSTOWN − Site preparation is underway for the Lenape Diaspora Memorial being planned beside the Temperance Tavern Museum on Canal Street in the village.
Concrete has been poured for the site, which will include six bronze statues of Lenape/Delaware Indians being created by sculptor Allan Cottrill of Zanesville. The statues will show some 500 years of Indian history in the Newcomerstown area and Tuscarawas County. Cottrill also sculpted a bronze statue of Woody Hayes, the legendary Ohio State football coach, that stands outside the Olde Main Street Museum on Canal Street.
Earlier, Cottrill said he learned his family history and ancestors includes ties to the Lenape Indian tribe. He began plans to build six statues to honor that Indian heritage, with the statue to be placed in Zanesville. But, when he learned the namesake of Newcomerstown was Lenape Chief Netawatwes, also called Chief Newcomer, he began discussion about moving the Lenape Diaspora Memorial to Newcomerstown.
“This is a perfect site. This is a perfect location,” Cottrill said at the time. “As a sculptor, the people of Newcomerstown have been wonderful to work with, especially the Historical Society and the mayor (Pat Cadle). They have as much enthusiasm and as much passion as I do about this project.”
The project is estimated to cost more than $500,000, with the Newcomerstown Historical Society and the village raising money and applying for grants toward its completion. Donations for the Lenape Diaspora Memorial can be made to the Newcomerstown Historical Society. Add Account #8454 on the check note line and mail to Park National Bank, 220 E. State St., Newcomerstown OH 43832.
Christmas Wonderland
The Historical Society will again present “Christmas Wonderland” for the holiday season.
The Olde Main Street Museum and Social Center, 213 W. Canal St., will be decorated with many Christmas trees, wreaths, swags and table décor, all with a Christmas theme, and all available for a donation. Admission is free.
Many businesses and community groups will participate, displaying decorated Christmas trees with a variety of themes. Visitors to Christmas Wonderland can vote on their favorite entries, and the winner will be featured on the Historical Society’s Facebook page. All proceeds will go toward operation of the Newcomerstown museums.
Dates for Christmas Wonderland are: Nov. 18-19, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 20, 2-6 p.m.; Nov. 25-26, 4-8 p.m.; and Nov. 27, 2-6 p.m.
The museum will be open Nov. 8-11 for decorating. Volunteer help will keep the museums operating, and officials said any help will be greatly appreciated.
For more information on group visits, call Marianne Dakin at 740-498-5636 or email newcomerstownmuseums@gmail.com.
Christmas Wonderland is made possible with a grant assistance from the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 124 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia.
It’s a Wonderful Movie
Coming to the Olde Main Street Museum and Social Center, 213 W. Canal St., is “It’s a Wonderful Movie.” The event will run 8 p.m. Nov 25-26.
Chris Hart, Newcomerstown’s living historian, will present "It’s a Wonderful Movie” with only 40 seats available each evening.
It’s Dec. 20, 1986, and director Frank Capra has been invited to address a group of acting students on the 40th anniversary of the release of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In the course of his discussion, Capra shares many behind-the-scenes stories about the production, the cast and the history of this Christmas classic. Those who love this holiday masterpiece won’t want to miss this chance to “live” in Bedford Falls. The backdrop for the show will be the beautifully decorated Olde Main Street, with Christmas as the theme.
Tickets are $30 and include a meal of chopped steak, baked potato, green beans, coleslaw, roll, drink and dessert. Advance tickets sales only. For tickets or for more information, call 740-498 7735.
Students of the Month
Tinsley Matchett is the second grade “Student of the Month” for October. Teachers said “Tinsley is a fantastic role model in our class. She has a desire to learn and she is always going the extra mile and constantly trying her best. She is always willing to help others in her class when they need it. She is a wonderful example of our leader in me habits as she has a good attitude daily, she does what she is supposed to even when not asked, she works well with everyone and sets out to meet her goals and soars past them.”
Cheyenne Ruby is the third grade “Student of the Month” for October. Teachers said “Cheyenne is always smiling and is a very positive person in our class. She will congratulate others when they do well. She has also been working hard in her classes.”
Mason Green is the fourth grade “Student of the Month” for October. Teachers said, “Mason is soft spoken and kind with everyone. He can synergize with anyone he is paired up with. He works hard in class to do his best. He participates daily in class and shows great leadership skills for others.”
Emma Collins is fifth grade “Student of the Month” for October. Teachers said, “Emma is the definition of perseverance. She takes school very seriously and has overcome a lot of obstacles to become the successful student that she is. She smiles through every situation whether it be good or bad and always has a positive attitude. She studies hard while balancing her sporting activities and 4-H, both of which require a significant amount of responsibility on her behalf. Emma does well in everything she sets her mind to.”
Rachel Lefler said Jenna Stokes is her October “Student of the Month.” Lefler said “Hardworking, helpful, friendly, and genuine. These are just four of the words to describe the October Student of the Month. (She) is conscientious of others. She desires to be in the helper role and will often request to be paired with students who may need additional support. She works hard at everything she does. She acknowledges that she learns some things more quickly than others and pushes herself to understand the things that take more work for her. She never shies away from tasks presented to her, although she does sometimes request help in getting started. Beyond the academics, this student yearns to be friends with others. She will continually ask others to play and will look for opportunities to join others in what they are doing. This student invites others to be a part of what she is doing as well and loves to make others smile. She is quick to apologize if she thinks she has hurt someone's feelings and will do what she can to make things right. She gives for the sake of giving, encourages for the sake of encouraging, and assists for the sake of assisting. She adds so much to the classroom, the building, and the district just by being her amazing self.”
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This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Newcomerstown in the News: Site readied for Lenape Diaspora Memorial
