Lonnie Cooper and me, Mrs. Claus NYC, performing together during the nightly 7 PM thank you to healthcare workers. Notice we are six feet apart.
Being inside our apartments has forced us here in NYC to “go inside,” an interesting concept as we continue to be in the epicenter of the nation’s COVID-19 outbreak.
Yet there is meaning here, particularly during Passover and Easter, as we hear of friends and loved ones simply passing away. We are not as independent as we would like to imagine ourselves. Our time on earth is limited, as we are reminded every time we hear a siren within our subdued city blocks.
In the midst of sadness, we Santas are skilled at finding the joy that exists for no scientific or mathematical reason. Whether that means dressing up to take out the garbage or shouting to the heavens during the 7 PM thank you to healthcare workers, we feel inklings of this peace that passes all human understanding.
At my virtual side, I have Vice President Gary Dreifus and Secretary George McTyre of the newly formed New York City Santas. When we had our official photos taken March 13, 2020 at the Penumbra Foundation, I had no idea that their physical embraces would be the last ones I would experience, perhaps for months. I couldn’t imagine that this trip downtown to East 30th Street would be the last time I would take the subway—for how long—no one knew. Weeks later, in spite of everything, I’m having such a good time with these guys from a distance. I mean, just look at us. We look like virus warriors as well as master time travelers.
The New York City Santas (from left to right): Gary Dreifus, Ann Votaw, George McTyre.
Tintype photo by Jolene Lupo of the Penumbra Foundation, March 13, 2020
Gary and I are now hosting a magic class for seniors and their grandchildren every Wednesday morning. George and I speak on the phone several times a week, or daily, just to check in and keep up with our new chapter of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas (IBRBS).
On April 4, Gary, George, and I hosted our very first chapter meeting on Zoom. It was so much fun, we decided to do more online workshops and to declare all participants honorary New Yorkers for a year. Since then, I was so happy to be invited to a meeting with the “You Sleigh Me” crew that met virtually on Saturday. It’s impossible to feel hopeless with these Santas around. An hour later, I attended a virtual “Magic at Coney” magic show. Gary Dreifus was the host who brought together 50 participants of various age groups. A few of the performers were international, an extra special treat. See here for more info.
Joy is at the heart of a Christmas spirit that continues all year—perhaps forever and ever. Your presence increases our awareness of the goodness all around.
Please join us for the following free sessions:
Sunday, April 19, 3-4 PM: "Lights, Camera, Action: Technical Aspects of Online Santa Visits." Ed Taylor of the Santa Claus Conservatory will join us to discuss backdrops and his opinion of Zoom and other platforms to reach clients this season. We will have a virtual background contest with absolutely no prize whatsoever to the winner. In the last 15 minutes, we will ask people from the NYC area to stick around, so that we can collect your information and get a special photo with just us! For security reasons, please register here in advance.
Wednesday, April 22, 3-3:30 PM (Confirmed): “Visit Clement Clarke Moore’s Actual Desk, Virtually.” Debra Schmidt Bach, curator of decorative arts at the New-York Historical Society, will show us the actual desk on which Clement Clarke Moore wrote "A Visit from St. Nicholas," also known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Or did he? Yes, there is controversy about authorship. Our new friend Debra will tell us about the desk, the author, and whether or not he was the one who actually wrote this famous poem. Santas, bring your questions and your most groomed set of whiskers (real or honorary) for a fascinating online talk and post-session group photo. For security reasons, please register here in advance.
Sunday, May 3, 3-4 PM, “Getting Ahead with a Headshot.” Reno Venturi of the Actors Gym will tell us all about why we need a headshot, what makes a good one, and how much we should expect to spend. For security reasons, please register here in advance.
Sunday, May 17, 3-4 PM, “Meet Me At Macy’s.” Actor and NYC Santa Lonnie Cooper will share his favorite Macy's experiences. For security reasons, please register here in advance.
Should you ever have issues getting into a meeting, contact me at mrsclausnyc@gmail.com.
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