Page 18 - Work Force January 2024

Cold waters, warm hearts: Members take Polar Plunge
CSEA members across the state are making a splash as the Polar Plunge season begins.
In mid-November, our union’s Binghamton Polar Peeps Team jumped into chilly waters at Chenango Valley State Park.
On Long Island, high winds and low temperatures didn’t stop the “CSEA Crazies” from jumping into the cold water of Cedar Beach at the Town of Brookhaven Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.
CSEA Suffolk County Local member Linette O’Neil ranked in the top 10 individual fundraisers for the event. The team raised even more money at the event site through selling hot meals and beverages.
The CSEA Central Region
5 Polar Peeps team also took a chilly plunge at Oneida Shores Park in Brewerton. The Polar Peeps team was the top fundraising team at the event.
To learn more or donate to an upcoming plunge, visit polarplungeny.org.
— Wendi Bowie and Nicholas Newcomb
SUNY Binghamton Local 1st Vice President Jeff Zepkowski exits the water after taking the Polar Plunge.
From left to right, Broome DDSO member Dylan Freyer and Broome DDSO Local Executive Vice President Matt Freyer take the Polar Plunge. Matt’s “Mr. America” costume was a hit!
From left to right, retired CSEA member Bob Brandow and CSEA Suffolk County Local member Linette O’Neil brave a tough current.
18 The Work Force
January 2024
The Central Region 5 Polar Peeps team was the top fundraising team of the event at the 2023 Oneida Shores Polar Plunge. Despite the wind and rain, everyone still had a good time.
Broome County Educational Employees Local members
support the Binghamton Polar Plunge. Back row,
from left to right, Sharon
Powell and Ann Wood. Front row, from left to
right, Local President Sally O’Malley, Local Secretary
Karen Yeager, Local Vice President Tina Zdimal and Local
Treasurer Jerusha Wirth.
Retired CSEA member Michael Kobasiuk emerges from the water.