They'll be diving for the dogs in Portsmouth on Jan. 1

New Year’s Day polar plunge will benefit dog park

Jim McGaw
Posted 12/29/16

PORTSMOUTH — The New Year’s Day polar plunge in Island Park is going to the dogs.

All the money that’s raised for the annual dive, set for noon on Sunday, Jan. 1 across from …

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They'll be diving for the dogs in Portsmouth on Jan. 1

New Year’s Day polar plunge will benefit dog park

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — The New Year’s Day polar plunge in Island Park is going to the dogs.

All the money that’s raised for the annual dive, set for noon on Sunday, Jan. 1 across from Schultzy's Snack Shack on Park Avenue, will benefit the new Portsmouth Dog Park.

Bunny Miller, chairwoman of the all-volunteer Portsmouth Dog Park Planning Committee, said the park was the surprise receiver of benevolence after a November Town Council meeting. She presentepd the committee’s final report, thanked everyone for their support and noted an additional $20,000 was still needed to be raised to outfit the park with benches and other amenities.

John Vitkevich of the Portsmouth Business Association (PBA) happened to be in the audience, listening with great interest. Years ago, Mr. Vitkevich said he had asked a previous animal control officer about the town establishing a dog park, but his idea was shot down.

In addition, he was still looking for a beneficiary of the 2017 PBA-sponsored plunge. The 2016 event had raised $1,800 for Matthew Pierce and Mary Tobin, two local residents battling Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

“When Bunny Miller spoke to council, I was impressed by the scope of the park and how much they had raised. I offered to help her out,” said Mr. Vitkevich.

“He came running out of the meeting and accosted me in the parking lot — bless his heart,” said Ms. Miller with a chuckle. “He said they were looking for someone to benefit.”

She gratefully accepted.

“We’re very pleased to be the beneficiaries of this because it’s hard to come up with money,” said Ms. Miller. “We’re also pleased that the Business Association wants to be a part of it. From day one we wanted (the dog park) to be a community-driven thing, and they’re certainly a big part of the community.”

Plunging at noon sharp

“Were calling this a ‘Polar Dive for the Dogs,’” Mr. Vitkevich said, adding that the music will start at 11 a.m. on Jan. 1 “and at 11:18 we light the fire.” 

The Island Park event is known for its large bonfire — lit under the watchful eye of Portsmouth firefighters — that helps keep swimmers and onlookers warm. 

Mr. Vitkevich recommends beach shoes for anyone taking the plunge. “You don’t want to run into the water and step on a rock and hurt your foot,” he said. 

However, what usually stings the most is putting your head underwater. “It’s a rush and you can get a  little goofy,” Mr. Vitkevich said.

Leashed dogs are welcome, but he urges visitors to exhibit common sense. “I don’t recommend any dogs going into the water,” he said.

Ms. Miller, who’s not bringing her dog, agreed. “It’s not really a dog event. It’s benefiting the dog park,” she said.

After the noontime plunge — don’t be late because it’s over in a flash — everyone’s invited back to The Beachcomber restaurant and bar, 506 Park Ave., for refreshments — and to watch the New England Patriots/Miami Dolphins game, which starts at 1 p.m. Raffle tickets benefiting the dog park will be sold there and donations will also be accepted at the beach.

“The (dog park committee) members will be having bandanas on at the plunge and we will have donation cans, because not everybody goes back to The Beachcomber,” said Ms. Miller.

Preview days

The off-leash park, located within Melville Park, won’t open officially until spring, but preview days were held Dec. 10 and Monday. More are anticipated throughout the winter as long as the grass holds up, Ms. Miller said.

Mr. Vitkevich said he’s proud that the PBA can assist such “dedicated volunteers” on the dog park committee.

“This is part of 02871 that excites me — the fact that we can do this and have a good time and it’s for a good cause, the dog park,” he said.

There’s a plunge on Prudence, too

Prudence Island residents aren’t being left out of all the fun on New Year’s Day.

Islanders are invited to gather at Farnham Farm at 11 a.m. for a walk down to Sand Point for the plunge at noon, followed by a pot luck lunch at 1 p.m. back at the Hope Brown Center. 

Bring a dish to share from your favorite Prudence cookbook along with the beverage of your choice. 

Space is limited for the lunch; contact Rose Giarusso for reservations at 401/683-2940 or egro5@msn.com.

Portsmouth Dog Park, Portsmouth Dog Park Planning Committee, Portsmouth Business Association, polar plunge

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