North Pole Calling Program

Kids are acting awfully nice nowadays…taking baths, brushing their teeth and cleaning up their rooms. And they have been extra polite, almost equaling the “Leave it to Beaver” character, Eddie Haskell. No kid has said “You look lovely as ever Mr. Comer,” but we still have a couple more days of Passport Enrichments left at the Harrison County Rec Complex.
It must be the future arrival of Saint Nicholas, or the familiar name of Santa Claus from the North Pole. His red suit is by far more popular than Jake from State Farm in his red shirt and khakis. His presence alone turns even the orneriest of children into poster children for a Ralph Lauren catalog.
For those children that need some direction, maybe Santa can call a couple days before Christmas, and double check his “naughty or nice” list. Or for those who want everything, see if Santa can narrow the selection down to a few things.
Parks and Recreation, who is pretty tight with the big guy, has helped Santa in his final days before his flight around the world for nearly 26th years now with its program, “North Pole Calling.” The program allows Santa to call all children between the ages of Pre-Kindergarten through 2nd grade on December 22nd and 23rd. Flyers have been sent to all schools in the county with detailed information on how one can participate. Director Mike Book talks about the program and what it has meant to the HCPRC.
“North Pole Calling has been a success on all levels for those who have returned the forms back to the parks and rec. Besides the last second gift ideas, we have a special message that parents want relayed to their children. It can range from the basics such as doing homework or be very detailed like helping grandma Betty bake cookies.”
Past phone calls have been very sincere while others have been hilarious. But, the idea of getting a phone call from Santa is rewarding not only to the child but also to those who make the call. Jeff Wetzel, recreation coordinator adds.
“It is like the TV show ‘Kids Say the Darndest Things’ in which you never know what is going to be said. For example, we have told children to listen to their teacher in class and the kid’s reactions are priceless. They are stunned that we know their teacher’s name. All the information that parents put down in the return flyer makes it easy when Santa speaks with the kids.”
In summary, the flyers have been sent this week to all Elementary schools. Simply fill out the necessary information and return it to the HCPRC as soon as possible. Santa will be making his calls on December 22nd and 23rd between the hours of 4-8:00 p.m. If interested in receiving the flyer, contact the HCPRC at 304-423-7800 and we can email one to you. Again, remember to return back as soon possible.
The High School basketball league packets are ready and can be picked up at the Rec Complex. The league is limited to the first 12 teams to sign up and the season starts with the annual Holiday Tourney beginning on the 28th through the 30th of December. Cost for league is $350 for each team and rosters range from 8-12 players per team.
“We have had the league for some time, and we try to give all players an experience equal to the WVSSAC High School games. We have sanctioned officials through the Mon Valley Board and all NFHS rules apply to each game. The competition has been very good and we look forward to another successful season,” said Book.