By Brooke Loring
WHRHS Student Intern
HANSON — On Sunday, Jan. 27, the Hanson PTO hopes members of the community will be “taking the plunge” at Cranberry Cove, within Camp Kiwanee, to raise funds for the students of Indian Head School. Funds will specifically go towards technology needs, enrichment activities, a sound system for school-wide assemblies to strengthen a positive school culture and community, as well as other requests from teachers and staff.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held Sunday, Feb. 3. The plunge takes place at 10 a.m.
Melissa Valachovic, a member of the Hanson PTO, coordinated the event in hopes of encouraging members of the community to participate.
“We are fortunate enough to have Cranberry Cove here in town and I thought that using that site for a Polar Plunge would be a unique opportunity for an event, and it might be something others in the community would be interested in doing as well, especially right here in town”, Valachovic said about the chosen location of the event.
Hanson’s new Recreation Director, Josh Wolfe was all for Valachovic’s idea and immediately met with the Fire Department, Highway Department, and Police Department, who were also glad to support such an event, he said. The Fire Department will also be present to break the ice and in preparation of the event. This first-time event, will be a perfect addition to help bring necessary support to Indian Head, as well as bring the community together in a unique and fun experience. Many members of the community have already registered to jump in, including Chairman of the Whitman-Hanson School Committee Bob Hayes, Indian Head Assistant Principal Jennifer Costa, Superintendent of Schools Jeff Szymaniak, as well as the entire Hanson Board of Selectmen.
“The hope is to create an event that brings people from all walks of life, here in town, to support our youngest citizens and it seems to be doing that so far; so essentially bringing our community together,” Valachovic stated.
Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of $35 through donations on their behalf. Each jumper, upon registration, will be set up with a personal fundraising website. All participants must be 18 years of age or older, and will be asked to sign a liability waiver before the Plunge. Those registering before Dec. 10 receive a complimentary towel.
To register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cranberry-cove-polar-plunge-2019-tickets-51407709844?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.