Santa made a stop at Dutch Mill on Thursday evening - but he was on the receiving end of the festivities this time.
Longtime community volunteer Glenn Sherwood was one of three people recognized by the Flamborough AM Rotary Club with a Paul Harris Award at a banquet at the Millgrove country market on April 25.
Sherwood originally signed on to help with the Flamborough Santa Claus Parade committee when it launched 30 year ago, and his wife Janice was tapped to ride the float alongside the man in red. When former Santa Harry Briggs stepped down, Sherwood was happy to take the reindeer reins and join Mrs. Claus on the float.
"In his role as Santa Claus, he has had a profound effect and helped make the Flamborough Santa Claus Parade a tradition," said longtime Rotarian Margaret Robertson. "He has had an immeasurable impact on our community."
Former Santa Claus Parade director Mary Lamb noted that Sherwood's Santa duties often extended beyond the night of the event. "It was all about the kids and making sure everyone could enjoy the parade," she said, noting that Sherwood was instrumental in securing the Turkstra Lumber parking lot for an accessible viewing area for people with disabilities.
Sherwood - whose birthday, coincidentally, is Dec. 25 - also made visits to ill children who wanted to see Santa - whatever the time of year.
"Glenn didn't just play Santa, he was involved in everything," said Lamb.
The community has also benefited from Sherwood's craftsmanship and carpentry skills. His volunteer projects included constructing the Flamborough AM club's Little Free Library at the YMCA, and assisting the Waterdown BIA with fencing for the Christmas Tree of Hope.
Rotarians honoured
Flamborough Rotarians Jeff Cripps and Connie Bird were also honoured with Paul Harris Awards at the dinner, which was emceed by Rotarian Ryan Bridge and attended by District Assistant Governor Kathy Starodub of the Dundas Valley Sunrise club.
Cripps, said Flamborough AM Rotarian Dan Posavad, never stops working, whether he's organizing security at the annual Oh Canada Ribfest, or coming up with new ideas. "He's always trying to better our club with new projects and he never stops thinking about how to improve the quality of life for the citizens of our community."
Bird has also had a profound impact on the club, said president Christine Pearson.
"She is a driving force on projects that have an impact on the lives of those around us," said Pearson, highlighting Bird's commitment to service and personal journey to learn about Rotary that extended to organizing a members' visit to Toastmasters and joining the club's Community Service committee.
"Connie's greatest gift to our club is her infectious enthusiasm and positive attitude," said Pearson.
