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Santa Claus: The next generation
children” said Crites. “They feel having papa as Santa is the greatest thing. I’m told I have inherited a lot from my dad, and not just the suit.” Crites’ wife, Donna, who often accompa- nies her husband as Mrs. Clause, agrees. “His white beard and hair, the laugh, the way he tells jokes, they way he walks, and the smart remarks,” she quips. “The resem- blance is uncanny.” Crites, born in Sudbury, but raised in Corn- wall is the second eldest of eight children. He was young when his parents divorced, and he realized the need for a strong family, seeing his mom raise the family alone. Crites carried this with him through life, and now realizes that his greatest accom- plishment has been his family, and how his children turned out. He feels that whatever he does must be to help people or it’s not worth doing. Crites has been a member of the Moose Lodge, where he was the first recipient of the Tri-Secretary award. As a past member, he recalls a quote that has always stayed with him, and is reflected in the work he does to- day: “No man stands taller than when they stoop to help a child.” “The quote has meaning and is some- thing I have always remembered,” said Crites. “Success for me is seeing the smiles on the children’s faces.” states Crites. So what does Santa do in his spare time? Well this Santa likes to read Stephen King, or Dean Koontz, ride his motorcycle, or walk his dog. If he had a chance his dream would be to drive across Canada on his motorcycle, and see what a great country we have. When asked if he had a message for young people, Crites said: “As you’re going through life you have to enjoy what you’re doing, no matter what obstacles may come your way, keep looking at what you enjoy doing, and work towards it.” “No man stands taller than when they stoop to help a child.”
LISA ETHERINGTON- RUNIONS
When Brian Crites dons his Santa Claus suit he has big boots to fill. The father of five grown children, and grandfather to six, is following the footsteps of his father, George, a local legend who re- prised the role of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, not just during the holiday season, but all year round. George Crites carried on his role for 37 years, greeting children at stores and res-
taurants, handing out his official Santa Claus business card and maybe a small toy year round until he passed away in April 2011. “My dad was San- ta 365 days a year,” said Crites. “And now seeing myself in this role, it’s like déjà vu.” “Before my dad’s
“He loved to see the looks in children’s faces, and he made people believe again in Christmas and its true meaning.”
passing, I consid- ered this my dad’s role. My dad always believed in the little things that bring joy in life.” “He loved to see the looks in children’s faces, and he made people believe again in Christmas and its true meaning.” Christmas was a big thing for George, and Brian recalls the Domtar parties, and the mi- litia parties that his dad set up. George had a special magic as Santa and it was evident in the many causes to which he contributed. Over the years George lived in, and trav- elled to many places, while he maintained a summer home here in Cornwall. While he lived in Bracebridge, Ont. he was the star attraction at Santa’s Village Family Entertainment Park. People from all over the world came to see him. On one occasion a car manufacturer opened up the Christmas village to 1,800 children to visit him, and he loved every minute of
Special photo
Brian Crites, who recently inherited his late father’s role of Santa Claus, is pictured with Mrs. Claus, his wife Donna.
it. Later on he made some appearances at the Bramlea City Centre, in Brampton, and also spent time with the Tender Wishes Foundation in Niagara Falls for about eight years, and he was the guest of honour in Cornwall’s Santa Claus parade for a number of years. The elder Crites had his share of interest- ing moments as Santa, Brian said. Often children would ask him if his beard was real. With one tug and they would realized it was
in fact real. Children would also routinely ask him the age of his famous reindeer Rudolph, and the age of his elves. Brian is now carrying on his father’s leg- acy. He has been the star attraction at the past two Santa Claus parades in Cornwall, the guest of honour at Christmas breakfasts in town, and was an auspicious visitor at the downtown Christmas tree lighting ceremo- ny at Pommier Court. “The children love it, especially my grand-
City names Sarah Robichaud second medical scholarship recipient Local resident and medical student Sarah Robichaud will be the second recipient of the city of Cornwall’s medical scholarship. Cornwall city council approved the se- lection of Robichaud at its regular council meeting last Monday. nouncement on behalf of city council,” said Mayor Kilger. “Bringing physicians to the city is important to the well-being of all of our citizens and by awarding the scholar- ship to Ms. Robichaud, we are helping to ensure the community will be well served by medical professionals.” ent of numerous academic awards, includ- ing the Lieutenant-Governor’s Community Volunteer Award for Students in 2007. She is a graduate of École secondaire catholique La Citadelle, where she was rec- ognized for her academic and non-academ- ic leadership qualities. named the first recipient of the medical scholarship. Carter is continuing with her studies at the University of Ottawa.
The medical scholarship was created from a recommendation made by the Mayor’s Task Force for Medical Recruitment. Its pur- pose is to provide funding opportunities in support of students from Cornwall and S, D & G who have been accepted into or are currently studyingmedicine at a recognized Canadian university leading to certification in Family Medicine.
Robichaud will receive the academic scholarship of $25,000 per academic year, worth in total $150,000. The selection was made by a special Committee primarily formed of local medical professionals. “I am pleased and proud to make this an-
Robichaud is an Honours BA graduate of the University of Ottawa, and is in year one of the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine. She is fluently bilingual, and is the recipi-
Once she has completed her family medi- cine studies and earns her College of Physi- cians & Surgeons certification, Robichaud will establish a full-time family practice in Cornwall. In 2009, Vanessa Carter was
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