Polar Plunge Raises Nearly $85,000

The money benefits the Special Olympics.

The Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge raised nearly $85,000, according to Neal J. Johnson, president and CEO of the Special Olympics. The event took place Saturday morning at North Hempstead Beach Park, helping 52,000 Special Olympic athletes in New York. "It was a great event to benefit our athletes on Long Island," Johnson said. "We appreciate all the good folks from the town of North Hempstead and all the plungers who went 'Freezin' For A Reason'!" Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that there are 52,000 Special Olympic athletes in New York, not at the Polar Plunge event in early March. 

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Robert J. Pape, Jr.

9:05 am on Friday, March 9, 2012

Mr. Model: If in fact you were a member of New York's bravest, you should know better. Try and keep your remarks respectful and on topic.Your personal bitterness has no place in the public forum. Thank you.   more ›

Photos Of The Day: Polar Plungers

Safety and fun while 'freezing for a reason.'

Teams participated in the fundraiser for the Polar Plunge that took place on Saturday at North Hempstead Beach Park. The event raised money for the Special Olympics. No word yet on how much money was raised. 

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5 Things You Need To Know Today

March 1: Lucille Ball, 'The Hunger Game' And Polar Plunge

Happenings in Port Washington.

1. Join local author James Sheridan as he discusses his book "Lucille Ball FAQ: Everything Left to Know About America's Favorite Redhead." The Dolphin Bookshop; 6:30 p.m. 2. Register for the celebration of "The Hunger Games" March 23 film release with the Port Washington Public Library staff. The festivities take place Saturday, March 24, at 2:30 p.m. Activities include Wii archery and more. Free registration begins on March 1 in Teenspace.  3. Gas prices increased this week, but as of Wednesday the best Port Washington price was at BP at $3.96. Check the latest prices.  4. There's a free Tai Chi class at Port Washington Senior Community Service Center. 10:30 a.m. 5.  Get ready for the Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge at North …

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Adina Genn

2:12 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012

Weather is supposed to be 55 degrees on Saturday, hopefully the rain will be gone by then.   more ›

5 Things You Need To Know Today

Feb. 29: Upcoming Polar Plunge, Writers And More

Happenings in Port Washington.

1. Get ready for the Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge at North Hempstead Beach Park, which takes place Saturday at 10 a.m. Get the details.  2. Attention would-be authors: learn how to get your work published when Port Writes meets at the Port Washington Public Library. 8 p.m. 3. Have you noticed an increase in air traffic over Port Washington? Weigh in.  4. There's chair yoga at Port Washington Senior Community Service Center; 10:45 a.m. Free. 5. Keep up with local news by liking us on Facebook. 

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Feb. 6: 'Taste of Port,' Polar Plunge Kick-off, And 'The Help'

Happenings in Port Washington.

1. The SOUPer Bowl 2012 results are in. Learn more.  2. Thursday is "A Taste Of Port," when local restaurants will donate 10 percent of their proceeds to the Port Washington Education Foundation, which supports programs that enhance learning for all children attending Port Washington Public Schools. Check back with Patch for a list of participating restaurants.  3. See "The Help," the 2011 adaptation from the popular novel by Kathryn Stockett, starring Emma Stone. Port Washington Public Library 1 p.m., 7:30 p.m. 4. There's a move to music class at Port Washington Senior Community Service Center 5. Join the kick-off party for The 2012 Polar Plunge, also called "Freezin' for a Reason," to take place on Saturday, March 3 at 12 p.m. at North …

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North Hempstead Town Notebook: Celebrations Planned

Black History Month, a Polar Plunge and Jazzy Night are on the schedule.

Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Town Clerk Leslie Gross, the North Hempstead Town Board have announced the third annual Valentines Day Marriage Vow Renewal ceremony at Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington. “We are so happy to be able to celebrate the love the couples married over 50 years have shared during their long lasting marriages,” said Gross, who conceived the event. “Perhaps the most important business of life is to learn how to love!”  About 70 couples from across the town who have been married for 50 years or more are expected to recommit themselves to each other at the Feb. 14 ceremony themed “Over the Years, Flying High.” The celebration kicks off at 11 a.m. ***  Kaiman, Councilwoman Viviana Russell and the North Hempstead Town …

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Get Ready for The Polar Plunge

An invigorating way to raise money for Special Olympics New York.

Never mind the bitter cold. Start thinking about the 7th Annual Polar Plunge. It takes place March 5, 2011, in the chilly waters at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington. The Polar Plunge is billed as “a unique, wacky pledge event” that is now “the premier annual fundraiser of Special Olympics New York.” Plungers raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics New York by sponsorship from family, friends and co-workers who support their efforts in “Freezin’ For A Reason.” There’s an official “Plunge” sweatshirt for every participant who raises $100, with additional prizes for those who raise more. To facilitate the effort, participants can create a web page to accommodate online donations. The 2009-2010 season saw more than 6,000 …

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Taking the Plunge

The freezing cold tale of surviving this year's Polar Plunge.

When I had first heard about the Polar Plunge at Harbor Beach at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington, I figured that those participating must be out of their minds. I could not imagine diving head first into icy cold water in the middle of winter, let alone in only my bathing suit! However, as soon as I heard the Plunge benefited the Special Olympics, my spirits were raised. To freeze for a few hours in order to support a good cause was entirely worth my while. To be quite frank, I don't think I've ever hoped for a sunny day as much as I did the night before the Plunge. The weather reports were brutal — 30 to 40 mile per hour winds, torrential rain and a chance of hail. And it wasn't clearing up. I awoke to puddles outside my …

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