AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
True blue, in more ways than one, Garry’s Grill waitresses Jennifer Tiernan-Neubauer and Angie Deaton braved the elements for a turn in the dunk tank for the restaurant’s Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics MD. on January 30. Fifteen minutes into their turn in the tank after boss Eddie Conway’s stint, they figured turning blue was a definite possibility.
Conway, who organized the Polar Bear Plunge, had finished his turn and changed into sweats to warm up. He soon joined friends Mike Hall, from Annapolis Bowl (inside the bowling pin) and Hall’s business partner Curt Pezzano on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.
“I’m a little cold but pleased,” Conway said. “I spent half an hour in the tank and was happier in the water, which was heated, than out of it. It was fun though. We’ve had quite a turnout all day – a continuous stream of people buying three throws for $10.”
He added that eleven other businesses volunteered someone to be a dunk tank target including Rita’s Italian Ice, The Big Bean, Mahon Landscaping, Kevin Gattie Financial, Landmark Roofing, Larry Sells Consulting, the Matt Wyble Real Estate Team, Savvy Consignment, Kaycie Quinones, Severna Park Lanes and Rockwell Fitness.
At tables down the sidewalk, where participants lined up to buy throws, there were auction items donated by community businesses and coffee and sweets donated by The Big Bean. There’d been considerable online donations as well.
“We’re still selling throws and auction items and accepting donations, but I can confidently say we’ve raised over $20,000 for Special Olympics,” Conway said.
Meanwhile, fun in the Polar Bear Plunge Zone continued apace.
Attendees spectated and posed for photos with a giant bowling pin (a.k.a. Mike Hall) while listening to tunes from deejay Michael Kocher.
Even more exiting, they kept an eye on those taking aim at the target to send dunkees into the tank.
Volunteering for a noble cause by going into the drink was no easy matter on such a cold day. Nevertheless, Tiernan-Neubauer and Deaton were game and the target was hit repeatedly during their stint. Plunging into the water, climbing out, and reliving the experience over and over again took fortitude.
Waiting…… 
The plunge…. 
Emerging…. 
Raising the platform…. 
The climb-out
“The water’s warm, but it’s very, very cold up here on the platform,” Deaton said.
Others who volunteered time in the tank agreed heartily. Big Bean owners Greg and Christie Coster found the experience a chilly but amazing start to a busy day.
“We were in the dunking tank from 9 to 9:30 am,” Greg said.
“It was great fun!” added Christie. “We only raised about $400 but, hopefully, our coffee warmed people up.”
Always ready to support a good cause, Matt Wyble, leader of the Matt Wyble Team of Century 21 New Millennium, nominated himself the dunkee. He spent 45 minutes in the tank and raised lots of money for Special Olympics but gave all the credit to Conway.
““Eddie reached out to me two-and-a-half weeks ago with his idea to raise money for Special Olympics MD through a Polar Bear Plunge Dunk Tank. I immediately volunteered myself for the tank and committed to an hour sponsorship, even though I hate cold water, because it’s such an awesome cause.,” Wyble said. “Hats off to Eddie Conway and his entire staff at Garry’s Grill & Catering for hosting such an amazing event, especially on such short notice.”
He added that both he and Conway feel lucky to work and live in such a great community.
“To raise well upwards of 20,000 in less than 3 weeks is yet another example of this amazing place we call home,” he said.
To view Wyble getting dunked, click https://www.facebook.com/messenger_media/?thread_id=6200946&attachment_id=409387943462917&message_id=mid.%24cAABa9U_lAet9lxIZ2V3ZcysN85rz.
With music playing in the background, spectators coming and going to cheer on dunkees or taking three throws to send them in the tank, the event proved a much appreciated slice of real life. It was also proof of the community’s independent businesses ability to come together to support a worthy cause as they’ve been doing for years. Funds donated will provide equipment, training and health screenings for Special Olympics athletes.
Annapolis Rotary celebrates its Centennial
Most famous for its annual crab feasts, which draw people from across Anne Arundel County and beyond, The Annapolis Rotary Club will celebrate its 100th birthday on February 11th.
In addition to celebrating the centennial with an soon-to-be-written history and holding its 75th Annual Crab Feast on August 6th at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, the Annapolis Rotary is planning an Anniversary Gala among other special events.
The club develops Little Free Libraries, sponsors leadership and development programs and contributes approximately $115,000 in direct financial support annually to nonprofits serving the community.
Stay tuned for news of upcoming centennial events. Meantime, for information, visit http://www.annapolisrotary.org/.
