Arctic Splashers Make Waves With Camp Donations

Saturday's annual Arctic Splash at Valley Falls Pond raised enough money to send 33 young people to camp, recreation officials said on Tuesday. 

It was the fifth year of the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department-sponsored event, part of Vernon's Send a Kid to Camp program.  

The air temperature was 29 degrees this year, and the water temperature in the pond was 42 degrees. The event had approximately 60 participants and a total attendance of about 150, recreation officials said. 

Notable splashers were:

• Director of Parks and Recreation Bruce Dinnie.

• Superintendent of Schools Mary Conway. 

• James Harrison, principal of Vernon Center Middle School

• Sandye Simon, principal of Skinner Road School

• Chef Chris Avtges, the director of food and nutrition services

• Many students, patrons, and other town employees.

Awards included: 

• Business sending the most children to camp: Superior Energy.

• School sending the most children to camp: Skinner Road School.

• Individual sending the most children to camp: William Nicholson.

• Best individual costume: Dalton Sunderland

• Best Group Costume: Skinner Road School staff

• Most School Spirit: Vernon Center Middle School.