Avon Lake’s Mr. Clause

Tony Tomanek. Some may know him as the President of the Avon Lake Historical Society, some may have known him for decades, some know him casually from the golf course, some know him from seeing him at every AL community event. If you don't know him at all......we send our apologies. He's a man of many talents, and a man by our favorite title - Avon Lake Santa's B.F.F. We were lucky enough to snag a conversation with him in which he so generously offered to interview the Man in Red, Coca-Cola Santa Red. Please enjoy...and let your heart be filled with the spirit and joy of the holiday season!

An Interview with Avon Lake’s Mr. Clause

by Tony Tomanek

I have known Santa for many years and as fate would have it we have become close friends. I met him when I was in the fourth grade at Eastview School and we have been friends ever since 1958. I spoke with him a few weekend's ago when he was in town and he was able to give me a few minutes for this interview. Merry Christmas!

TT: When was your first “public” visit to Avon Lake?

SANTA: First let me tell you all how much I love visiting your town on the shores of Lake Erie. There is definitely something magical about the area and the folks that live there. I remember spending a couple of days at Learwood Square Shopping Center when it first opened in 1987. Many of the children and families that saw me then, still come to visit me today. 

TT: What are your fondest memories of Avon Lake? 

SANTA: Each year I visit with the children of Camp Imagine. This is such a magical evening. The children and families are so beautiful and kind. This one, single evening charges my Christmas Spirit and it lasts for the entire year. It is a wonderful reminder to be kind. Being kind does not take a lot of effort. It is a warm and genuine smile. Maybe a friendly "can I help you?” That is really all there is to it. And this beautiful night always makes my heart remember how important that is to the Spirit of Christmas.

TT: What is the best gift you have ever given or received? 

SANTA: I always get a lot of hugs and “I love you's” from the families and children. The unconditional love is very special to me. I often tell the Mrs. that I wish everyone could feel that love each and every day. The best gift you can ever give is free. You don’t have to shop for it. You cannot buy it at Crocker Park or Avon Commons and that is the gift of your time. That is why a handwritten note or card is so much better than one that you printed and sent to everyone on your list. A call or a visit surpasses all of that. Make your gift, bake a pie, send some cookies to your friends and loved ones. All of these require a little bit of your time, and with that goes a piece of your heart. The gift of time is the best gift on the planet, and it’s free. Give people your time. Let everyone know you care. 

TT: What has been your most memorable request for a gift?

SANTA: I have had an array of conversations with both children and adults - some sad, some amazing. But there is one that remains with me today even though it happened many years ago. Once I had a mom bring her 9-year-old daughter to see me. This beautiful young girl had serious health issues and could not speak or move. Her Mom brought her to see me in a shopping cart. She had never been out of the hospital her entire life for Christmas until that moment. All her mother wanted was for her to have a picture with Santa. And I was the lucky one to grant that wish. It still stirs many emotions in me today. I am grateful, I still smile when I think of that young girl, and I appreciate my post as Avon Lake's treasured Santa even more each year. Another one of the most memorable children I have spoken to here in AL happened to be this year. A young boy asked me for a superpower. I told the young man that he already had a superpower and that his superpower was love and with that he could change the world. A message that we can surely all remember this holiday season.

TT: If Santa could make a Wishlist of all his favorite special things in Avon Lake what would be on it?

SANTA: I don't get much time to hang out at local places due to my aggressive schedule. But I will mention that I enjoy the magic at Jake's on the Lake. The Lake Erie Perch is the best in the world.....and I wouldn't say that unless I meant it. I also enjoy a cup of coffee at Emilie's, and would always choose Marty's Cycle Center for a bicycle purchase or repair. I don't get much time to occupy each place on my short visits through town, but I have heard great things about the current shopping within city-limits. I always encourage my elves to shop and dine locally. Your friends and neighbors work very hard to make this community what it is, and everyone needs to remember how important these businesses are when gift-shopping and dining out.

TT: Santa, do you have any advice for all of your elves and helpers out there this year hustling and bustling to make Christmas special for so many others?

SANTA: Be nice, and share your toys and joys.

TT: For the Mom’s and Dad’s?

SANTA: That’s exactly who that’s for. Remember what it’s all about.

TT: What do you want for Christmas? 

SANTA: A warm fire, some of Mrs. Clause’s wonderful hot chocolate and a world filled with peace, caring and love. Go visit a friend that you haven’t spoken to because of some silly argument. Visit some old folks that don’t have any family left and take them some cookies and conversation. Get together with your family and do what we all do at the North Pole, a group hug. I’ll see you next year and “Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!” 

Thank you Tony Tomanek for this wonderful interview with Avon Lake's favorite Santa Clause. The Avon Lake Historical Society is always accepting new members to become involved. If you are interested in joining please visit their website. They are also always accepting donations, and selling merchandise. Links can be found below.