FREEZIN' FOR A REASON

Rochester, N.Y.--  Attention to all Local 828 Unit Presidents and members:  Join Team CSEA Region 6 and Monroe County Local 828 as we plunge into a chilly Lake Ontario in support of Special Olympics New York. The annual POLAR PLUNGE will be held Sunday, Feb. 14, at Charlotte Beach in Rochester.

CSEA Western Region President Flo Tripi and Local 828 President Bess Watts will lead our effort. Anyone may take the plunge with us, and President's Tripi and Watts ask that donations be made to the team. As an incentive, Locals reaching a certain level in donations will have the opportunity to throw a pie in the face of the Western Region Officer of their choice. Join in the fun as we support this very important organization. For information, contact Bess at besswhat@gmail.com .

President Watts says, "Volunteering is at the heart of what CSEA public employees do.  It's in our DNA.  The Special Olympics is a great organization to be associated with and does valuable work for our families.  I encourage everyone to pledge or participate this year, and I will be reaching out to all the Unit Presidents very soon to monitor their progress."

Here are some tips for the rookie plungers:

*To register with the Region 6 Polar Plunge Team, click here.  Will we have the biggest team?  With your help, we will!

*Be unique and WEAR A COSTUME! Encourage your teammates to do the same!

*Remember to pack a towel and water shoes (everyone MUST wear Shoes, sneakers, crocs, sandals, etc.)

*Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you'll be ready for the Plunge fun.

*Bring along easy to slip-into warm clothes and shoes for after the Plunge.

*For your safety, never dive into the water.

*Bring a plastic bag for wet clothes, and a waterproof backpack or bag to store your dry clothes.

*A disposable, waterproof camera is a great way to capture a Plunger's view of the excitement.

*Invite a pal to witness, photograph and have a towel at the end ready for when you leave the water.

*Don't forget to thank your donors and send them photos after the event!

After the plunge, everyone is invited to Flo's house for hot soup and drinks!  For more information, please go to the official 2010 Polar Plunge Website.  Stay tuned to the CSEA Local 828 Voice Reporter for 2010 Polar Plunge updates!