Bells to Ring
Bells to Ring
OLEAN, NY - The officials from area towns, villages and cities came together in April to have a moment of thanks to the essential workers from the area with clapping and bell ringing all month long. This area was even deemed #AHOP – Allegany, Hinsdale, Olean, and Portville. They are back at it this December 24th for the biggest essential worker of all - Santa Claus!
Mayor Greg Pearl, Village of Allegany, stated, “Children around the globe have been worried that Santa might have to cancel his plans due to Coronavirus concerns - but according to the big man in the red suit himself, everyone can rest easy.”
“According to Santa’s post on Facebook, he states, ‘It has come to my attention that children are being told by their older siblings, parents, and other adults, and even friends, that Christmas is not coming this year due to the pandemic. This is simply not true’,” reported Jim Hitchcock, Allegany Supervisor
When did Santa receive his essential worker status? At a news brief back in October, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon named Santa as an essential worker - he was given the ‘all-clear’ to carry out his Christmas Eve delivery duties as scheduled.
Portville Town Supervisor Tim Emley added, “Now, perhaps more than ever, the world needs comfort and joy, and for kids, that means a visit from Santa. One Scottish mom, Kathyrn Stubbs who shared her plan for encouraging the jolly old soul on a night that might seem darker than in years past, has since seen her idea go viral.”
Her post stated, "On Christmas Eve at 6:00pm, we are asking everyone to come outside and ring a bell for 2 minutes to spread Christmas spirit and to help Santa fly that sleigh. After a tough year, it would be an amazing memory for the kids and communities. End 2020 with a bit of magic, hope, and togetherness!”
Town of Olean Supervisor Annette Parker and Hinsdale Supervisor Jeff VanDeCar all added their support with the three officials above to encourage residents in their respective towns to start this new tradition this year and feel free to ring along
Some of the officials will have proclamations for the bell ringing, others will have their fire and police crews travel throughout their areas and toot their horns at 6:00pm that night. GOACC officials are connecting with local churches to schedule a special ringing of their steeple bells also at that time on Christmas Eve. Mayor Aiello added, “I encourage all residents of the City to keep Santa’s magic twinkle in our children’s eyes by cheering his sleigh along. Ring your bells, sing some carols and don’t forget to leave him a few cookies and some carrots for his reindeer. It is going to be a great Christmas!”
Portville Mayor Tony Evans added, “Don’t have a bell? No worries. Singing works just as well, so if you want to help keep Santa’s sleigh soaring, just step outside on the dot of six and lift your voice up high: You better watch out, You better not cry, You better not pout, I’m telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town!”
#AHOPstrong is a campaign organized by the Town of Allegany, Village of Allegany, Town of Hinsdale, Town of Olean, City of Olean, Village of Portville and Town of Portville (AHOP). The municipalities continue to come together to support the whole community. For more information, please contact the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at 716-372-4433 or email santa@oleanny.com.
