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This past year my 13-year-old daughter said she wanted to go.
I couldn't let her show me up. We went in holding hands.
I'm sorry I didn't do it 4 years sooner. I'll be there Jan 1st
from now on!
–Margo Dietman, 33
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I had a dream the night of December 31st that I was Superman and I took
the Polar Bear plunge. So the next morning I found a red cape, red
trunks, and a red "S" to fasten to my chest. The cold water would turn
my skin blue, so my costume would be complete!
Actually, I hate jumping into cold water, but I figured if I could take the
plunge into lake Michigan on January 1st that no cold water would ever
intimidate me again.
Since then I have encouraged my wife Carol and son Scott to also become
Polar Bears. "C-C-C-Come on in, the w-w-w-w-water's fine!"
–Tom Mulinix, aka "Superman", 46
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This is my first year, however, it won't be my last...Wish I would have
done this years ago.
–Steve Graf, 46
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I have only been a Polar Bear for 2 years, but plan to do it for many years
to come. I just heard that a bunch of crazy people were plunging into
the icy waters of Lake Michigan and thought to myself that's something I need
to be a part of!
–Jessica Adams, 18
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I like the shock factor!
–Angela White, 31
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Have wanted to do it for several years but not allowed due to a boring (now
X-) husband. Came down with bronchitis the 1st year but well worth it. I
enjoy it more each year just knowing it pisses him off.
–Jeanne Saunders, 51
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Four years...something I wanted to do but was talked out of...now I can't
wait til the 1st. The best thing I have ever done.
–Tim Dietman, 32
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The only thing I don't like about being a polar Bear is it is usually
March before I can stand up to go wee-wee, so that ruins Valentine's Day.
–William "Sam" Pinkham, 48 (again)
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I work at the Parkway Supper Club in Fish Creek...My boss threatened to fire
us if we didn't go! Had a great, very memorable experience.
–Tami Polster, 23
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Tami wasn't lying about getting fired...I'm the bar manager and [the boss]
told me the same thing. If I didn't do the plunge he said not to bother
showing up to work on January 2nd.
And now, it's something I look forward to every year!
–Aaron Baugalupo, 37
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I'm a rookie Polar Bear. I stopped to watch in 2000 on my way home.
Since then, I have tried to convince family and friends to join me,
but decided I couldn't wait for them.
–Heidi Hallster, 31
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I decided to take the plunge into Lake Michigan in 2000 as a way to
bring in the new millennium, but for some reason I keep doing it.
–Rich DeMeuse, 32
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2002 was my first year. J.R. is a seabass but he is my brother-in-law.
I felt it was my duty to have shrinkage with the rest of the Jarosh's.
With any luck I'll be able to do this till around 90.
– Chris Giese, 30
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A Polar Bear for 9 years. My son is the founder of JPBC and after filming it
for 7 years he talked me into joining him in the water. It's a great
way to start the New Year and a nice way for me to share a unique
experience with my sons.
–Joe Jarosh, 57
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Since '92. Keith Kolberg persuaded me to become a Friend of the Frozen Toe.
–Larry Fish, 45
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I've jumped in about 11 different years.
Rules of Polar Bearing:
- Don't drink beforehand
- Wear something on your feet
- Show off for the cameras
- You must SUBMERGE your whole body INCLUDING YOUR HEAD (It
doesn't count if you don't go all the way).
We do it, like mountain climbers, because it's there and aren't we glad
to be alive?
When people say, "You must be brave," I say, "People saving babies from
burning buildings are brave, we're just crazy."
–Lynn Gilchrist, 51
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7 years. I remember the first time I ever jumped. There were maybe
50 people and now there are so many that it's unbelievable.
–Amanda Skippon
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I'm just very proud to be the Polar Bear's mom.
J.R. says he originally did it because I said it was too cold that
time of year and he shouldn't go in. From a mother's
perspective if I hadn't told him "NO" none of this would
ever have come to pass!
–Sue Jarosh
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DoorCam: Daily Lake Michigan pictures!
