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Community Corner

Community Members Preparing For 'The Plunge'

Close to 200 residents will jump into icy waters this Saturday during the 6th annual Polar Plunge.

When Modern Formals owner John Dominello puts a tuxedo on this Saturday, he'll be dressing for one of the biggest shocks of his life.

Participating in the Camp Sloper Polar Plunge for the first time this year, Dominello says he figures he might as well make a splash in style.

"We'll see how it goes," Dominello said, apprehensively preparing for this weekend's big dive. "It is for a good cause."

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Dominello will join six teams consisting of close to 200 plungers in the event benefitting the YMCA Annual Strong Kids Campaign, which provides camp scholarships for children in Southington to attend over the summer.

Camp Sloper Outdoor Activies Director Mark Pooler said the YMCA generally gives away $40,000 to $45,000 in camp scholarships each year, helping more than 100 children attend camp.

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"It's great because one of the things it does for families in need is give somewhere safe for the kids to go when they go to work," Pooler said. "This is all about the kids."

Getting ready to take his sixth consecutive plunge, Pooler said it's always amusing to see first-time jumpers' reactions to the icy waters. Returning teams from the Board of Education and Police and Fire departments will be there to watch the newest team addition this year, the Calvanese Foundation team.

"One of the fun parts of this event is seeing the first-timers hit the water. Each year we recruit a new team and the look on their faces just before the jump is priceless," Pooler said.

The chilling event will take place at the Camp Sloper Pond, Jan. 22 at 1 p.m. Typically lasting one hour, participants are asked to walk about 15 to 20 feet out onto the ice and then jump, with a fireman stationed in the water for safety.

Pooler said that although there are several bonfires lit to warm the stunned swimmers, a lot of plungers, run straight to their cars after the brief dip.

Soon-to-be plunger Jason Vallee, editor of Southington Patch, said he's looking forward to participating in the worthwhile event, especially because it benefits kids.

"It's the type of event where it's not just worth covering, it's worth getting involved," said Vallee, who has participated in the event twice in the past three years. "It's shocking but fun and in the end, it's really just all about helping out in the community."

In its sixth year, the fundraiser has evolved into a much-awaited community event, said Pooler with typically 200 people gathering to cheer the plungers on. Onlookers who missed the chance to sponser a plunger can give donations that day.

Those looking to participate can contact a team captain or join the YMCA's team. Plungers much be 18 years old, and must collect $100 in pledges to be presented by Jan. 22. Those looking for more information can contact Pooler at 621-8194 x 304.

Look for first-hand coverage of the event on Southington Patch this weekend.

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