For the past two years a group of East Boston residents have braved the frigid waters off Constitution Beach on New Years Day to take a ‘Polar Plunge’.
The small group began with a few residents last year to show their support for local police and law enforcement during a time when there was a backlash and riots across the country against the men and woman in blue.
“Our first one was last year during the time of riots and violence against police,” said Joanne Pomodoro who helps organize the annual event along with Paul Rogers. “I was and still am very worried about good cops being retaliated against for the bad ones. It was to raise awareness for those in my family and friends who wear the badge.”
The first ‘plunge’ last year was dubbed the Cyanosis Plunge.
“Cyanosis is when our skin turns blue from exposure or lack of oxygen but I liked to use the metaphor for our bodies jumping in the Atlantic in the winter and the blue thin line for the police, it was catchy without being redundant,” said Pomodoro.
This year’s plunge was to begin a dialogue on how to make Eastie’s streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, a cause that Pomodoro is passionate about.
As a Bennington Street resident, Pomodoro, who ran unsuccessfully for state representative against Adrian Madaro, made one of the focuses of her campaign on safer streets.
As for jumping into 40 degree water on New Year’s morning, Pomodoro said the experience is, “Baptizing, invigorating, awakening, shocking, awe, and so refreshing,”
Aside from those who took the plunge other like longtime Eastie activists Alice Christopher and Piers Park Sailing Center Executive Director Bobby Martin stopped by to support the group.
Event organizer Joanne Pomodoro emerges from the freezing waters at Constitution Beach as part of an East Boston version of the Polar Plunge. This was the second time Pomodoro and other jumped in the water on New Years Day to raise awareness about local issues.