While many of you enjoy spending time cruising on the water, we wanted to take a moment to mention how you can take some time this off season to get in the water and support a great Vermont organization.

We had the pleasure of getting in touch with Chris Bernier, Director of Marketing & Development at Special Olympics Vermont, to learn more about their upcoming Penguin Plunge and how you can jump into one of the best events taking place on the water this time of year. Here is some information he shared with us regarding this frigid fundraiser:

The Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge began in 1995 with only 15 individuals and has since grown to become one of the largest winter events in Burlington, VT.

In 2009, over 1,200 participated in the three Penguin Plunges around Vermont to raise awareness and donations for the 850+ athletes of Special Olympics Vermont.  This event is Special Olympics Vermont’s largest fundraising event and makes up over ½ of our annual budget.

Over the last 15 years, brave Vermonters, from businessmen and women to school children, have arrived on the Burlington waterfront in February to raise money and take a running jump into the icy waters of Lake Champlain.

Here are some dates and further information regarding each location:

• January 30: Penguin Plunge – North Bennington, North Bennington, VT
• February 6: Penguin Plunge – Burlington, Burlington, VT
• February 13: Penguin Plunge – Newport, Newport, VT

We are very thankful for all the dedicated workers, volunteers and supporters of VTSO and we hope you take part in the action while contributing to a very valuable cause here in Vermont.

Our friends at the ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center are asking members of the Lake Champlain and Vermont communities to take some time completing their new survey . This survey is an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas about Lake Champlain and tell them a little about how you spend your time and how you use social media.

Burlington Boatyard is one many local lake stewards (LCI, LCSC, Outdoors Magazine to name a few) that understand the essential role social media plays in promoting environmental and ecological awareness in both our local lake community and other watersheds around the country. We ask that you take a moment to provide your insight, opinions, thoughts and concerns with ECHO via this survey, and appreciate your continued support for all of us who strive to make positive impacts on Lake Champlain and beyond.

Media Summary

“Will Fish For Fun” Kids Derby is an open fishing derby for kids up to the age of 14 from anywhere or from any means. Our goal is to give them a connection with nature. This is a free event with no restrictions. The grand price is a Lifetime Vermont State Fishing License (for the oldest age group only). It is held and headquartered at the Burlington boat house every year, the Saturday after Labor Day (September 12th this year). Fishing is limited to the Burlington Waterfront from shore. Only kids are allowed to fish, and parents are encouraged to coach by all means. There is a coaching crew but our coaches can get overwhelmed very quickly. People who are interested in becoming coaches can apply directly with the Event Organizer, Pete Thayer (send requests to “therocknvt@yahoo.com”).

The derby kicks off at 8am, rain or shine, and ends at 11:30am. We are happy and proud to have Charlie Papillo from WVMT Radio’s “The Charlie and Ernie Show” on AM620 weekdays early morning, not only hosting our derby, but also helping us promote the event and gain sponsorship, and in general keeping the kids smiling.

If you and your children would like to participate, go to the website www.willfishforfun.com, and click on the Contact Us page to fill out the information for each child (we need it for t-shirt and pole sizes). Once the information is submitted, you will receive an email containing your registration paperwork, which you will need to bring on the day of the Derby.

Last year we had a moving line with over 100 kids in it for over an hour. Need to get’em kids fishing. We have given away over 300 fishing poles since our start 2 yrs ago and we hope to be able to buy and give away that many this year alone. We are doubling the bait order, which is partly donated by Hog Island Bait in Alburg, so nobody will go wormless. Junior’s Italian, which has been supporting us since our 1^st derby, is also donating again this year.

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Yesterday I read a nice piece in the Free Press about our friends at the ECHO Center that truly speaks to what holiday spirit, and being a thoughtful business within the community, is all about.

If you are interested in becoming an annual member of ECHO, or are renewing your already existing annual membership, ECHO will provide that same level of pass to a low-income family within the community.

The ECHO Center is an unbelievable resource for the city of Burlington and the state of Vermont in general. Their exhibits attract everyone from kids in their strollers to those who have been residents for decades. Not to mention, it is a great tourist attraction for those that visit the Burlington area, and displays with pride all that Champlain is about and has to offer. The history, presentation, remarkable research and beneficial school programs are just a few things that make ECHO an invaluable asset to our community.

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If you’re looking to make plans for this weekend that involve great entertainment and educational activities for you and the family, then come on down to the Burlington Waterfront for the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival! Burlington Boatyard will be a sponsor sharing in the great atmosphere and list of activities due to set sail Friday through Sunday.

“Stroll along the shores from venue to venue, view the Classic Boats. Watch long boat, canoe, kayak races and Dragon Boat demonstrations.  Experience boat building, sample local fare, enjoy music and bring the children for hands on exhibits that will serve to entertain as well as educate. Take a walking or bike tour, or a train ride.”

This weekend Guy, Jimmy and a few other BBY members plan on being front and center to meet with all those who want to come by and check out our display, shoot the breeze about boating and, more importantly, get a chance to meet all those interested in celebrating Lake Champlain.

And if you are unable to make it out, we will keep you updated with write-ups, pictures and possibly even videos as we will be doing live blog feeds from the LCMF over the three days. So be sure to check back here for the latest going on at the waterfront!

For more information about the 2008 Lake Champlain Maritime Festival and a complete schedule of events and bands that are performing, then visit the LCMF site or call (802) 482-3313 for details.

See you at the Lake!

- Jimmy & Guy