Lewes Polar Bear Plunge Program

Festivities

• 5K Run To The Plunge
• Sand Sculpting
• Chili Contest
• Fire And Ice
• Ice Sculpting
• Après Plunge Party

WEEKEND FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 1-3

PLUNGEDE.ORG
#PLUNGEDE #GOFORTHECOLD

2 · POLAR PLUNGE 2019

POLAR PLUNGE 2019 · 3

Plungers are doing it to benefit others

For 28 years, counting 2019, thousands of Delawareans throughout the year. Plungers, their families, friends
have stripped down to their bathing suits on the first and many Special Olympians join with the dozens of
Sunday in February and jumped into the icy Atlantic. No first responders who make this a safe and happy event
one does that for fun, but it is fun when it’s done for the to bring a solid dose of love and support to the Special
benefit of others. Olympics initiative.

The annual Lewes Polar Bear Plunge held on the beach Inside this guide to the 2019 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge,
in Rehoboth has raised more than $10 million for Special readers will find a sampling of the many associated
Olympics Delaware since it began in 1991. In 2018, 3,383 events planned for this special winter weekend.
bears plunged, and in doing so raised $875,000 for Special
Olympics Delaware’s single-most significant annual The festive atmosphere throughout the weekend events
event. on the Boardwalk at the end of Rehoboth Avenue testifies
to the unifying nature of people putting their energies
With that money, Special Olympics boosts the quality and enthusiasm together to help others.
of life, self esteem and competitive spirit of more than
4,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities For more information about Special Olympics Dela-
who participate in dozens of athletic programs ware and the 2019 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge in Rehoboth
Beach, go to sode.org and plungede.org.

Friends. Family.
Community.

Jeanine O’Donnell, Agent We’re all in this together.
16583 Coastal Hwy
Lewes, DE 19958 State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why
Bus: 302-644-3276 I’m proud to support The Delaware Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge.
Get to a better State®.
www.lewesinsurance.com

1211009 State Farm, Bloomington, IL

4 · POLAR PLUNGE 2019

Take the plunge!

immerse yourself in arts & cultural events
and attractions throughout
southern Delaware

Find events by location or county
Free performances and events
Lectures, workshops and hands-on classes
Kid- and family-friendly events

POLAR PLUNGE 2019 · 5

A brief history: DENY HOWETH PHOTO

The Lewes Polar Bears Club, headed by The Sandsculpting demonstration is lead by Andy West and Darrel O’Connor
Dave “Da Bear” Frederick, has taken the
plunge since 1982. The club plunges five
times each year at Cape Henlopen State
Park on the first Sunday of the month from
November through March – except January,
when they plunge on New Year’s Day.
Special Olympics Delaware approached the
Lewes Polar Bears Club in 1991, proposing
they designate one of their plunges to
benefit Special Olympics. The club agreed on
February, and the 1992 February Plunge was
dedicated to Special Olympics Delaware.
The plunge moved to Rehoboth in 1998.

This commemorative booklet was
produced by the Cape Gazette.
See you at the Lewes Polar Plunge!

#PLUNGEDE #GOFORTHECOLD

NICK ROTH PHOTO RON MACARTHUR PHOTO

Chick-Fil-A cow gets in the groove. Boardwalk Builders plungers are (l-r) Matt
Dammeyer and Seth Exter.

RON MACARTHUR PHOTO NICK ROTH PHOTO

The Plunging Polar Penguins are active participants in the event most years. Stephen and Calli Wolf take a dip.

6 · POLAR PLUNGE 2019

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POLAR PLUNGE 2019 · 7

Tips for a ‘Bearable’ Plunge

People of all ages take the Plunge. But for those who are doing so
for the first time we recommend “getting your feet wet” in addi-
tion to these general tips:

FIRST TIMER? last possible moment and consider RON MACARTHUR PHOTO
• Plunge in front of the Atlantic wearing water shoes.
Sands where it is less crowded and • Bring extra towels or a blanket to YES, it really is THAT cold.
more family-oriented. stand on.
• There is no rule for how far you go • Wear layers and loose-fitting DENY HOWETH PHOTO
in; go ankle-deep or all in. clothes, which are easier to get into
• Allow the first wave of folks to go when your fingers are cold. Have warm slippers and a mom to warm you up.
in. This is not a race. • Plunge with a friend - use the
• The beach will look very different buddy system.
coming out of the water. It’s always • Do not dive into or enter the water
good to have a towel-holder waving head first.
to you. • Do not swim past the safety divers
in the water.
GENERAL TIPS • Do not go near the jetties.
• Always follow all directions from • Tents and drones are not allowed
safety personnel. on the beach.
• Spread out on the beach. • Pets are strongly discouraged on
• Bring a robe. the beach for their own safety and
• Keep your feet covered until the the safety of the bears plunging.

ROOF REPAIRS

SHINGLE & FLAT ROOFS - MISSING/CRACKED SHINGLES
NAIL POPS - SEAL TROUBLE AREAS - STANDING WATER

SIDING REPAIRS

MISSING/CRACKED SIDING - FALLEN/MELTED SIDING

GUTTER REPAIRS
BROKEN/CLOGGED/REHANGING

DECK REPAIRS

BROKEN/CURLED BOARDS - RAILING REPAIR
POPPING NAILS/SCREWS

FASCIA/SOFFIT REPAIR
REWRAP EXPOSED WOOD

WIND/STORM DAMAGE

Home Improvements

8 · POLAR PLUNGE 2019

Receive $5
Off Brunch

with proof of
Plunge Registration

POLAR PLUNGE 2019 · 9

BLACK RE_10045_Polar Bear Plunge Program Ad.indd 1 1/16/18 12:42 AM

Anniversary Bears! 10 YEAR BEARS Dawn Filla Joshua Lott Bill Rogers
Betsy Foraker Kimberly Machado- Jalen Rogers
We thank and celebrate our Bears who have Pete Abel Carl Foraker, Jr. Nunes Wendy Rogers
plunged for 10, 15, 20 and 25 years with a special Dawn Ackerman Carl Foraker, Sr. Nick Manolakos Chad Rosen
commemorative embroidered hoodie sweatshirt. Dan Adams Amanda Fountain Beth Mason Robert Rossi
If you think your name should be on the list, but isn’t, Gordon Adams Kyle Fritz John Mason Nate Scanlon
email [email protected] or call 302-831-4653. Ryan Alena Beth Fuhs Maria Jose Mazal Donald Schaefer
Marc Alfree Robert Garrison Maggie McDonald Chuck Selvaggio
25 YEAR BEARS Josh Attix Devin Graves Sierra Milhoan Sophia Simoes
James Baker Lauren Gunton Shawn Miller Paul Smith
Ed Baldwin Anthony Barbieri Annie Hake Gabrielle Mills Arlyne Sober
J. Scott Lykens Allison Beard Greg Hall Marsha Mills Schaeffer Stark
James Machado-Nunes Jill Bechtel Michelle Harner Laura Mullins Joanna Sutton
Pam Travers Suzy Betts Aaron Heiser Jerry Mundell Donna Taraschi
Cheri Woodall Jennifer Boland Faith Hewes Hannah Nash Mike Taraschi
Charles Wooleyhand Bill Bristow Vicky Higgins Christian Newbold Eric Teel
Creston Campbell Steve Hill Jean Nicklas James Tubbs
20 YEAR BEARS Pam Cannon Ellen Jaquish Holly Nock Lisa Tursi
Gail Carkin Kimberly Jara Ed Olanowski Kayla Twaddell
Jeffrey Bachtlin Fred Jalot, Jr. Bill Carpenter James Jeansonne Charles O’Neill Robert Valihura, Jr.
Heather Beauchamp Robert Kahn Karen Carpenter Jared Kay Jennifer Osborn Joseph VanSant
Steve Blechman Deborah Mcdaniel Jill Casey Joyce Keller Gary Paveza Mary Jo Venerus
Jodi Blomquist Marie McIntosh Linda Chick Hugh Kenney Jennifer Peasnall Stacey Warfel
Andrea Cole Daniel Meadows Gwen Clayton Quinton Klinck Denise Pecora Rebecca Webb
John Cook Alison Nolt Paul Clayton Corey Kuhns Cassandra Petersen Amy Webb
Blane Danley Jordan Pase Tom Cotter Tracy Kuhns Kyle Petrick Holly Webb
Shirl Detterline Allen Pedrick Catherine Czerwinski Richard Kulp, Jr. Jessie Pierce Mike Weller
Michael Donohue Gregory Raffauf Constance Daigle Yvonne LaLime Kate Pierce Clint Whaley
Eric Edwards Debbie Spring Autumn Davis Nanette LaLime Ronald Prisco Steven White
Dave Frederick John Venters Rick Denecke Diane LaLime Allison Przybylski Frank Wilson
Timothy Garrahan Judith Wharton Vincent DeRitis Carla Lenderman Kelly Purnell Elizabeth Witkowski
Rosemary Geldof Bill Wintrup, III Nick DeZao Rebecca Lewis Ryan Purnell Mike Womer
Jessica Herron Jonathan Woerner Robert DiCecco David Logan Lorraine Richardson Skyler Wooleyhand
Mark Herron Nicole Young Hannah Ehli Karen Lort Joseph Rivard Madison Yff
Ellen Izzo

15 YEAR BEARS Floors looking a little ‘bear’?

Katie Armstrong Jason Lennon Then take the plunge and warm
Diane Avelleyra William Lewis those buns on our softest carpet...
Eric Barrowclough Andi Lykens-Webb
Paul Beecher Patty MacArthur Visit our showroom to SALUTING
Tyson Bohl Thomas MacLeish view and feel the latest 2019 SPECIAL
Jack Brinckmeyer Deborah Manglass in patterns and colors.
Richard Carlisle Tim Martin OLYMPIANS
Kristy Christiansen Candace McGuckin
Tiffany Coleman Jim McQuaide CONGRATULATIONS!
Mike Cooksey Travis Michels
Tom Cooksey Douglas Neal We Are Proud of You!
Norm Dagg Mary Ann Nolan
Sharon Davis Cherie Nolt Carpet • Vinyl • Tile • Laminates • Wood
Terry Downing Kayla Orr Visit our showroom at 33506 Crossing Ave., Lewes (behind Walgreens)
James Elvey Annie Reidinger
Kelsie Enos Maddie Rogers www.fehrenbachs.com • 302-644-8772 • Open Mon. - Fri. 10 to 5 Sat. 10-2
Kylie Frazer Kevin Rough
Bob Frederick Gregory Scott 10 · POLAR PLUNGE 2019
Lindalee Gardner Will Spinelli
Kendall Glanding Jon Stoklosa
Matt Goins Norma Street
Patrick Gorman Matthew Strohl
Donald Gouge, Jr. Matthew Swintek
John Green Collin Towner
Wendy Harpster Megan Webb
Stephanie Hartsoe Ruth Ann Webb
Cheryl Hayes Erik Westervelt
Kenneth Heck Patrick Whelan
Doris Hicks Jack Wintermantel
Michele Hysock Mark Wise
Adam Jones Andrew Woitko

MORE THAN JUST BARSTOOLS!

FEATURING

Amisco, Trica,
Callee, I.M. David,

Pelican Reef

& More!

Old Landing Rd.Walmart
Rt. 24
302-644-7753 Barstools

35603 South St. (Just off Rt. 1.) *Plus
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Open: M, T, TH, F, S 10-5 Liquor Store Rt. 1
Sun. 12-5 • Closed Wed.

POLAR PLUNGE 2019 · 11

The artistic talent behind the poster
R uth Coughlan was the former
Director of Communications “cold feet” about taking the Plunge. more than 4,200 Special Olympics
for Special Olympics Dela- “Through their participation, all athletes of all abilities.
ware and was the creator of most of new and returning Polar Bears help
SODE’s graphics during the past 10 Special Olympics Delaware provide It is truly an amazing event for a
years. year-round sports training, competi- wonderful cause.”
tion and leadership opportunities to
Now retired, she graciously offered
to create the 2019 Official Plunge SUBMITTED PHOTO
Poster.
RUTH COUGHLAN with her daughter
The Polar Bear is the perennial Caitlin.
star of this event, and the new poster
features both the bear and the ocean
as the iconic elements of the Plunge.

Ruth’s inspiration for the Plunge
messaging comes from her daughter,
Caitlin, who is also a Special Olym-
pics athlete.

“Caitlin never thought she would
get in the freezing water with me,
but I dared her to take the Plunge a
few years ago, and she did it!”

The message Dare to Be a Bear
is a fitting challenge for those who
have never taken part in this Dela-
ware tradition, or for anyone who has

ROOF REPAIRS

SHINGLE & FLAT ROOFS - MISSING/CRACKED SHINGLES
NAIL POPS - SEAL TROUBLE AREAS - STANDING WATER

SIDING REPAIRS

MISSING/CRACKED SIDING - FALLEN/MELTED SIDING

GUTTER REPAIRS
BROKEN/CLOGGED/REHANGING

DECK REPAIRS

BROKEN/CURLED BOARDS - RAILING REPAIR
POPPING NAILS/SCREWS

FASCIA/SOFFIT REPAIR
REWRAP EXPOSED WOOD

WIND/STORM DAMAGE

Home Improvements

12 · POLAR PLUNGE 2019

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POLAR PLUNGE 2019 · 13

Plunge Festival Schedule of Events

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30 FRIDAY, FEB. 1 Noon to 2 p.m.: Fire & Ice at the
Rehoboth Fire Hall
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Check-in/Day-of 5 to 8 p.m.: Check-in/Day-of
Registration for Plunge and Run to Registration opens for Plunge and 1 p.m.: 5K Run to the Plunge on
the Plunge at Special Olympics office Run to Plunge at Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk at Rehoboth Avenue
in Newark. Pick up a friend’s Plunge Convention Center. Pick up a friend’s
and/or 5k Run packet by bringing packet by bringing their signed 2:30 to 5 p.m.: Restaurant Chili
their signed waiver form. waiver form. Bears begin arriving Tasting Contest
and the majority of supporting
NICK ROTH PHOTO restaurants and retailers begin 4 to 7 p.m.: Check-in/day-of
offering discounts. registration for Plunge open at
SAM AND NANCY LESHER of Lewes show Atlantic Sands Hotel. Pick up a
their Eagles pride by wearing underdog NOTE: Bears must have their friend's packet by bringing their
masks to the Polar Plunge. wristbands (received at onsite signed waiver form.
registration) in order to receive the
discount. SUNDAY, FEB. 3

SATURDAY, FEB. 2 10 a.m.: Check-in/day-of
registration opens under the tent on
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Jolley Trolley Rehoboth Avenue
rides up and down Rehoboth Ave.
9 to 11 a.m: Ice Sculpting
11 a.m.: Registration/check-in for demonstration
5K Run to the Plunge
1 p.m.: Lewes Polar Bear Plunge
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Sand sculpting 1:15pm: Apres Plunge Party at the
takes place on the beach just south of Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
Rehoboth Avenue. Read about the Lewes Polar Bear
Plunge online at www.plungede.org

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14 · POLAR PLUNGE 2019

Warm up BEFORE &

AFTER the Plunge!

AVENUE LOCATION OPEN 10AM
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD

SPECIALSBIG GAME DAY Starting GREAT
at 4pm GIVEAWAYS
& PRIZES

•$10 Lg. Cheese Pizza PLUNGERS GET

•$8 Hot Wings 15% OFF

•$5 Hot Fingers ALL WEEKEND

•$5 Two Hebrew National Take Out
Hot Dogs Available
Call 227-6211
•$2.75 Yuengling,
Miller Lite and
Coors Light Drafts

•$6 Bloody Mary or
Orange Crush

SUPPORT
THE

PLUNGING
BOLIS!