Occupation: December is a big month for me as you can imagine. I have to be out of town a lot. But when I'm not delivering toys, I am General Manager of Human Resources for a consulting organization called Manchester.
Occupation: December is a big month for me as you can imagine. I have to be out of town a lot. But when Iâm not delivering toys, I am General Manager of Human Resources for a consulting organization called Manchester.
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How Long In Newtown: I have lived here for the past 12 years, but my spirit has always been in Newtown.
I was born in Salem, Mass., on Halloween night, and Mr and Mrs Claus, Sr, my parents, are living in Hartford where I grew up. We had 11 little Clauses in our family and I am the oldest one.
I got my degree at Central Connecticut State College, I winter at the North Pole, and I have served in the armed forces.
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Biggest Change You Have Seen In Town: Well, the houses ââ and the rooftops ââ are much bigger than they used to be. Now, when Santa and his reindeer come in for a landing, it is easier. Also, we like it up in the air where thereâs no traffic.
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Family: Mrs Claus and I (by the way, her first name is Barbara) were childhood sweethearts. We have been married for 33 years. We have three children, Kelley, Erin, and Matthew, and one granddaughter, Sarah, and another grandchild on the way in February.
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Hobbies: My main hobby is being involved in civic organizations and reading. I also like to sing. I used to perform in a lot of musicals and I sang at both my daughtersâ weddings ââ the âIrish Wedding Song.â
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Pets: Well, yes, if you count eight tiny reindeer plus Rudolph.
Favorite TV Show, Movie, Book: Iâm passionate about reading. Currently, Iâm deeply into Sarum, a history of England by Edward Rutherfurd. And Iâve been reading Dan Brownâs The DaVinci Code and Deception Point. Heâs a good writer, you canât stop turning the pages. I also like biographies. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom is a favorite.
Mrs Claus and I like to go into New York City to see plays and musicals, and we are subscribers to the Goodspeed Opera House in Haddam.
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Organizations: I am a real extrovert and my involvement in the community shows it. I am in my fourth term on the Board of Selectmen. I am on the Legislative Council, the Newtown Library Board of Trustees, the Board of Ethics, the Newtown Tercentennial Commission, the American Legion, the Ancient Order of Hiburnians, the Newtown Menâs Club, the Cellini Society, and the Republican Town Committee.
Most Vivid Memory About Newtown: Watching my son at football and lacrosse games. I remember all the energy from the kids and the parents. Also, I enjoyed the opening of the Booth Library addition. It was a real black tie affair for the whole town. My memories of Newtown are ongoing. They are constantly reinforced when I see people and friends I know.
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Personal Philosophy: I try not to take myself too seriously. The world does not revolve around me. I am only a small part of the whole picture ââ along with all the others who are traveling through life alongside me. If you adopt this point of view, you wonât be so overcome when âthings happen.â