FISHKILL — In the more than 15 years that CSEA members in the Southern Region have been taking part in the Fishkill Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics New York, plunge day has always started with a trek up the mountainous, winding Van Wyck Lake Road to the plunge site at Camp Mariah.
So, what happens when that Polar Plunge trek is marred, ironically, by heavier than expected snow?
If you’re Westchester County Local 4th Vice President Rob Schweit, you help clear the snow and ice at Camp Mariah so Special Olympics’ annual fundraiser can proceed.
Stepping up to plunge in
Schweit
Schweit, joined by supporters from his local, was headed to Camp Mariah in his truck on the morning of Feb. 17 in snowy conditions when he noticed one of the shuttle buses used to transport plunge participants had skidded off the road. Traffic was backed up due to the weather creating icy conditions at the camp.
“I told the security there, ‘I have a plow and salt spreader on my truck, so I’m happy to help if you need,’” said Schweit, also the Scarsdale School District Unit president. “They let me in and I started plowing.”
Schweit plowed the roadway up to Camp Mariah and the parking lot. While another plow was there tackling snow removal, Schweit also salted some of the most treacherous areas, helping two cars that had slid off the road and making it safe for participants to use the previously slippery walkway to the lake.
After a few hours of snow and ice removal, Schweit completed his goal as a first-time plunger, jumping into the chilly waters for a great cause, cheered on by his wife, fellow local officers and other supporters.
“At last year’s Annual Delegates Meeting, I learned more about the plunge and thought we could get involved as a local,” said Schweit. “I said I’d do the plunge and our officers backed me up 100 percent. We raised $3,600, with everyone working to collect donations. Overall, it was just an amazing experience.
Storm doesn’t ice over dedication
While the Westchester County Local contingent represented CSEA at the plunge site, the weather conditions required a change of plans for other CSEA team members due to the initially icy conditions and delay in the plunge start time. As a result, other team members regrouped at the bottom of the mountain.
The CSEA team also included a large contingent from the state Department of Transportation (DOT) Region 8 Local, all of whom were slated to relieve their co-workers midday on February 17 and resume snow and ice removal. Another local member was plowing snow all night and was unable to plunge. As this edition went to press, CSEA DOT members were planning their own small plunge to make up for missing the original event.
From left to right, Westchester County Local 4th Vice President Rob Schweit warms up after taking the Polar Plunge. Among his CSEA supporters is Westchester County Local Treasurer Adele Herzenberg.
Southern Region President Anthony Adamo and Westchester County Local President Hattie Adams lauded Schweit for going above and beyond to help Special Olympics.
“Rob is amazing,” said Adams. “He plowed and salted the entire route for all to get to the water area for the plunge. We have a great team.”
Adamo thanked all the team members, noting that they turned out despite the snow and had raised more than $10,000 and counting.
“Even though this year’s plunge didn’t go as expected, the way our team members responded and adapted speaks to their character as well as their commitment to Special Olympics,” said Adamo. “Those of us who were unable to get up to Camp Mariah met up before the members from DOT had to head to work and there was definitely disappointment that not everyone could jump. I have to give kudos to Chris Conway from DOT, who has organized a gathering outside of work so his co-workers can still have that experience.”
— Jessica Ladlee
CSEA Southern Region members and staff gather in support of the Fishkill Polar Plunge. Standing, from left to right, Lucas Van Leuven, Orange County Local Secretary Kathy Rodriguez, Mondo Marino, Southern Region President Anthony Adamo, Marcus Lunsford, Lisa Ferguson, Lemuel Grizzle, Christine Bennett, Southern Region 1st Vice President Todd Schmidt, Political Action Coordinator Chris Ludlow and Eric Gaytan. Kneeling is Chris Conway.
