Santa's visit postponed to this Saturday and Warwick has a new sleigh for him

WARWICK — Where's Santa?
As a result of an early "almost winter" storm and very cold weather, which began last Saturday and blanketed the area with over eight inches of snow, the scheduled visit by Santa at Railroad Green was postponed until this Saturday, Dec. 21, from noon to 3 p.m.

The recently installed antique sleigh stood empty that day.

That sleigh, by the way, was a gift last year by Pastor Bruce Bernard from the Church of the Nazarene to the Village of Warwick.

The previous sled, had been designed, built and painted by Moshe and Doris Schwartzberg in 1997. It was a testimony to the ecumenical spirit in Warwick, also exemplified by contractor and master carpenter John Tinnirello, a Catholic, who has since passed away. He built the wooden Menorah now on display in Lewis Park.

But now, after years of exposure to winter weather, the original sleigh was badly in need of repair and not safe for Santa.

It was an opportune time for a replacement.

On behalf of the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick, Robert Garbutt, who is in charge of the restoration of the UAME Church on Forester Avenue, and Jim Melendez expertly restored the sled that had been donated by Pastor Bernard. And Warwick Auto Body completed the job with a professional red paint coat.

Department of Public Works Leader Jim Quackenbush and his men then performed the pickup and delivery to Railroad Green.

Santa should be very happy with his new sleigh and looking forward to photos with the children this Saturday.