Ayda Sandoval was excited to make her first trip to New York to attend the 150th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in early February. After arranging a week-long break from teaching high school students in southern Arizona, Ayda set up a Greet with volunteer Joan Lunoe.

And then she saw the forecast for record cold temperatures on the East Coast.

After 22 years on the staff of Big Apple Greeter, Gail Morse retired as director of programs & volunteers at the end of 2025. From recruiting and welcoming volunteer Greeters, to helping visitors find unique experiences in NYC, to playing a key role in establishing the International Greeter Association, Gail has been at the heart of the “welcome visitor” movement for more than two decades.

Last fall, seven Big Apple Greeter volunteers enjoyed a private tour of the United Palace in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Northern Manhattan – a place you may recognize from major film and TV shoots, including John Wick, West Side Story, Tick, Tick… Boom!, and the theater scenes from TV’s Only Murders in the Building.

A Greet covering the Lower East Side to Dumbo - from Essex Market & Economy Candy to Brooklyn Bridge Park & Gleason's Gym.

A NYC Big Apple Greeter crosses the pond and experiences the London neighborhood of Fitzrovia with a London Greeter!