Page 13 - Work Force January 2025

Getttting chilly for a good cause
Long Island and Central Region members recently got chilly for a good cause through Polar Plunge events in their communities.
On Long Island, the “CSEA Crazies” recently collected donations for the Town of Brookhaven’s 15th Annual Polar Plunge for the Special Olympic New York.
On the day of the event, beach waters were determined to be too unsafe for participants to take the plunge, but that did not stop CSEA members from raising money.
The group collected monetary donations through Polar Plunge sponsors and for the hot food and beverages the group prepared for the public on site.
At Oneida Shores in Brewerton, the CSEA Polar Peeps Team was small, but mighty. The team was once again the top fundraising team at the Oneida Shores Polar Plunge. As this edition went to press, the Polar Peeps Team had raised more than $20,000 to benefit the Special Olympics New York.
The Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training
to individuals with developmental disabilities. The organization aims to use sports as a tool to encourage inclusion for those with intellectual disabilities into our larger society.
— Wendi Bowie and Nicholas Newcomb
CSEA Town of Brookhaven White Collar Unit Recording Secretary Laurie Boland prepares hot soup for Polar Plunge attendees.
The Central Region Polar Peeps Team poses during the Oneida Shores Polar Plunge.
January 2025
From left, Central New York DDSO Local member Justin Piersall, far left; Central New York DDSO Local Recording Secretary Aida Sands, third from left, and her grandchildren Kamden and Ryeleigh emerge from the cold waters of Oneida Lake.
From left, CSEA Retiree Bob Brandow, CSEA Town of Brookhaven White Collar Unit 4th Vice President Linette O’Neill, CSEA Retiree Michael Kobaiuk and Elena Schoen may not have been able to plunge into the waters of Cedar Beach this year, but they still collected donations for Special Olympics.
The Work Force 13