CLARION - Tom Simmons, Clarion City Recreation Director, isn't sure when he started out being "Santa's helper" in Clarion.

"I was hired by Clarion after serving as the Eagle Grove City Rec Director," he said. "Clarion needed a Santa and I just started helping out in that capacity."

Simmons serves in a number of capacities around the community.

Depending on the season of the year, Simmons is busy organizing recreational programs which interest the people who he serves.

It's winter, so these days basketball open gyms, hallwalking, and wrestling programs are on the docket.

Over the Christmas holiday, Simmons will organize the annual Turkey Spot Shot Contest.

"It is a free throw shooting contest for kids ages 9 through 14 who attend Clarion, Goldfield or Dows Schools," he said. "We have prizes from Santa and have a lot of fun."

Coming in January is indoor soccer and a Junior Wrestling Tournament for students in prep-kindergarten through eighth grades. "The wrestling tournament is for the entire area," he said. "It is set for Saturday, January 30.

Much of the work to organize, promote, and conduct for the rec program is Simmons' job; other events are a team effort.

"Our annual Night Hike at Lake Cornelia in October is a cooperative effort by a number of us," said Simmons.

He coordinates with the Knight of Columbus to host the regional and state free throw shooting contest in Clarion. He works with the Clarion-Goldfield Middle School staff each year in the spring when the school brings grandparents, senior citizens, and retirees back to school for one evening.

"I am really fortunate to have my office located in the Clarion-Goldfield Schools," he said. "It helps me to stay in touch with the administration, staff, and students."

"Not only does Tom do his job as city rec director, he also truly cares about the children and families with whom he works," said Clarion City Administrator Vicky Boyington. "He works to give all of them the opportunity to participate in the programs which he organizes and offers."

According to Boyington, when Simmons sees a need, he works to fill it.

One example is Clarion's Easter Egg Hunt.

"Clarion's Jaycees organized the event every year until they were no longer going to do it," he said.

So, Simmons stepped up to the plate, with the help of middle school Peer Helpers and community volunteers.

Over the next few weeks, Simmons will work to organize community volunteers to go Christmas caroling at several senior citizens living facilities.

In February, Simmons is looking forward to operating one of the time clocks at the state wrestling tournament in Des Moines.

"Clarion's always been my hometown; it is special to me," he said. "The community has been wonderful to our family ... We have lots of friends and these friends are good to us. I really care about people; I care about the kids and adults with whom I work. I want to add to people's physical fitness as much as is possible."

Contact Karen Weld at (515) 573-2141 or editor@messengernews.net