b'Knowntohisgrandchildrenasabout being Santa Claus at a Starlighttook over his legacy of building unique SantasHelper,MilesKnutsonofFoundation event held in Port Perrywooden birdhouses, toad abodes and PortPerrywilldonhisbrightredyearsago.Seeingthelittlechildrenbutter y houses to sell.suit and delight children at the 2022inwheelchairsandhookeduptoBetweenthewoodworkingbusi-PortPerrySantaClausparadeonmedical equipment brought tears toness and being chosen as the new Saturday December 3 at 5 p.m. his eyes. They were so happy to meetlocal Santa Claus, Miles is keeping Thebestthingaboutplayinghim, and excited to ask all about Mrs.active in his retirement.Santa is seeing the smiles and excite- Claus and the reindeers and the elves,Just remember that if you see his ment on the childrens faces, com- Santa Miles recalled.grandchildren, Leo, 5, Annika, 8 and mented Santa Miles.I knew they wouldnt see anotherAbrinna, 8, please refer to Miles as Arecentretireeatage65,MilesChristmas, he said. They got what- Santas Helper!had his Santa suit custom made 40ever gifts they wanted.years ago. He used toll in for SantaHe felt honoured to have the op-Larry, and now hes replacing Santaportunitytohelpmaketheirlast Tim, who moved to Nova Scotia. Christmas special.For 20 years, hes had the pleas- It was my hardest but most ful-ure of being the Santa at Greenbank lling Santa gig, Miles said.Church. AnyonewhoknowsMilescan This year, he will pose for Christmascon rm that he is a happy and jolly photos with dogs and cats at Pet Valu,guy. Along with his granddaughter, and greet the children who visit himMiles always had fun entering the lo-at his Santa House in downtown Portcal Easter Bonnet parade competition. Perry.You may have seen his friendly face Its going to be busy month!at the Port Perry Farmers Market. His SantaMilesenthused.Imreallywife, Diane Barr Knutson, is daughter looking forward to it. of the late Birdhouse Willy (William Miles tells a heartwarming storyBarr) of Port Perry. Miles and DianeBy Lynn Campbell, Focus on ScugogFOCUS - DECEMBER 20223'