Secrets can be hard to keep, yet Representative David Bennett and Senator Matthew LaMountain kept their lips sealed leading up to Santa’s visit to the Beacon on Dec. 2.

With a pepper speckled white beard and pony tail that dropped to his shoulders, Bennett had that Santa look. What ices it, is his demeanor and his love of talking to kids. This was his first role as Santa and he loved it so much that he and his chief elf LaMountainwill make an appearance today at the Pilgrim Senior Center party. Remarkably, LaMountain who towers above Bennett, found an elf outfit that fit. The two make for a Christmas pair.

As the Beacon visit was a first for the two legislators in their new roles, we added intrigue to the photo event by announcing a “secret Santa” would be stopping in.  We not only discovered they made a great pair but that really there’s no secret to Santa – kids know who he is. They love talking with him.

Thank you David Bennett and Matthew LaMountain for keeping the tradition of Santa photos in the Beacon. The best part of your visit was the spirit of the season you delivered to those – kids and adults – you meet.

And in that same spirit, all of us at the Beacon wish you and your families Merry Christmas.

John Howell