Plungers braved frigid waters for Children's Museum

Feb. 2, 2011

By Katelyn Gendron

Assistant Editor

WESTFIELD — More than 65 shivering, yet enthusiastic, plungers took to the frigid waters at Hampton Ponds last Saturday in support of Amelia Park Children's Museum.

The 2011 Penguin Plunge brought people from all over the Valley, ranging in age from 7 to 64, along with elaborately costumed hula dancers, runaway brides and look-a-like politicians.

The cold couldn't damper plungers' spirits, especially those in costume. "I'm going to freeze my 'Y' off," Kaitlyn Chambers, an employee of the YMCA of Greater Westfield, said with a smile as she clasped her hands and shivered. Chambers wore a homemade costume in the shape of a giant Y, courtesy of her friend Monty Geer.

Harry Wandeloski of Westfield, adorned rainbow suspenders, shorts, a T-shirt and a mock chain saw for the event. "I'm here to slash the deficit of the museum," he said as he revved-up the chain saw.

Dave Harris, winner of the costume contest, wore a hula skirt and coconut bra, calling his outfit "mild" compared to other years.

State Rep. Donald Humason Jr., who has plunged every year since the event's inception, belly flopped into Hampton Ponds wearing his usual suit. He called the Penguin Plunge one of his favorite events of the year, which highlights a noble cause.

The 2011 plunge raised approximately $10,000 for the museum, which, according to Diana McLean, event chair and board member, would be used for the facility's operational costs.

Amelia Park Children's Museum (www.ameliaparkmuseum.org) welcomes visitors Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.