Community

Wheeling Island Gets in the Christmas Spirit

Shelley Hanson

Wheeling Island families who gathered for a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Tuesday evening got a surprise visit from the Top Elf himself.

Santa Claus exited the Wheeling Fire Department Station No. 5 to greet the children and families who were attending the event organized by the Island Community Association.

In addition to getting to see Santa, the children also listened to Christmas carols sung by members of the Madison Elementary School choir and Wheeling Park High School Voices of Freedom choir.

The children also warmed up with some free hot cocoa and treats as well.

Wheeling Island residents Jason and Kayla Morris brought their children Jolaine, 4, and Andrew, 2, to the event.

"We wanted to be a part of a great Wheeling Island tradition. It's the first one, but maybe we will come every year," he said. "We've lived on the Island for 17 years. We take part in a lot of the Island stuff that goes on."

Island Association President Vickie Slater said the tree lighting was the first for the association.

"I wanted to bring the community together since I just took over as interim president in July," she said. "I figured, why not? Everybody else seems to have lightings for their community, I wanted to do one for the Island.

"I was born and raised here and we never had one."

Slater said children from Madison made ornaments for the tree, which sits on the fire department's front porch.

Capt. Winston West, house captain for Wheeling Fire Department Station No. 5, said it was a special honor for the station to be the host site for the event. He noted it was extra special for him because he grew up on the north end of Wheeling Island.

"When this station opened I put in for it," he said.

"The firehouse is always a part of the community so to have them come over and do this is a special honor.

"It makes us feel special being here," he added.