Another kind of “Super Sunday” for Stony Point

By Kathy Kahn

The Stony Point Seals have a “super” Sunday of their own that’s just as important as the Super Bowl. The Seals, founded 20 years ago, held its 18^th annual Polar Plunge off the Stony Point seawall, despite the chilly air and the grey frigid Hudson water awaiting participants.

Stony Pointer John Fox and his friends played football in the park every Super Bowl Sunday, gearing up to watch the big game. “Every year, Andy Huber and a few of us suggested we jump in the Hudson and one year a few of us did it,” said Fox. “Someone took a photo and hung it up in Bee’s Country Deli on 9W. The owner suggested they pay it forward and do something with it.” That’s when the Stony Point Seals Solar Plunge became part of the town’s history.

“It’s a wonderful event, a win-win all around,” said John Fox. “What’s really great is that we saw so many young people take part. We’re all getting older, and we need to keep this going, so to see so many young people come and cheer us on and to participate gives us hope that the Stony Point Polar Plunge will remain with the town when the founders are too old to do it themselves. It helps children from Rockland County who are dealing with debilitating illnesses, a great cause. We all need to be here for each other. That’s what life is all about.”

Three Rockland County children will benefit from the proceeds from the event: Angelica Hicks, Aiyanna Faria and Aris Gomez. Each year, children with high medical bills are helped by proceeds from the event.

Several fire departments participated, including the NYCFD. “This is something every community can do to help their neighbors,” said one of the NYPD crew. Nam Knights, along with other motorcycle clubs, came with flags flying to show their support. With a 50-50 raffle and prizes, food, hot coffee and homemade baked goods for hungry supporters, the event was a warm reminder of the good people can do when they take the plunge—even if the water is only 30 degrees!

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