Santa has been attending the annual Children’s Christmas Party hosted by the Montville Polish Club for more than 40 years. And the Dec 6 party was no different.

Ronald Chalecki, known as Uncle Ronnie to some and Papa to others, has been playing Santa at the party since 1972. He wears the same suit every year, which his son Ronald Chalecki Jr helps him into every year. The Santa we know and love is 81 years young.

The annual party was started by Dave LaGram, with the help of Anabelle Alquist as the entertainment director of games, stories and songs

Prior to being Santa for the Polish Club, Chalecki also was active in the Thamesville AC Christmas party for kids, a house party for family and friends. He also went to Uncas on the Thames when there was a children’s ward there. He brought joy to all the sick during a time when they needed a “Ho, ho, ho.”

He likes to share stories with many of the children, telling them he knows their dad and mom, or their grandpa. He also likes sharing little secrets that he might know about them.

— Reader submitted