by Andy Mattrick on January 25, 2010
Many call them crazy, insane, bizarre and even senseless. However, the people involved with the Polar Bear Plunge should be referred to as caring, compassionate, and kind hearted. These supporters risk hypothermia to raise cash for over 20,000 Special Olympic Athletes across the state. Many of us don’t want to imagine what freezing water feels like, but the volunteers involved with the Special Olympics look forward to jumping in the Susquehanna River every winter for a good cause. I understand it is nearly impossible to describe how cold that water feels this time of the year, but to put it in perspective, large ice chunks have to be dug out by construction equipment in order for the frigid water to be exposed for the event.
We have been involved with this event for the past 4 years and each year we have seen the turnout grow immensely. We have also noticed that year after year, more characters show up to take the plunge. As you can see from the photos, Batman and Robin, Superman, and Mickey Mouse were all in attendance. Last year included custom ice sculptures made during the event and an inflatable obstacle course for all participants and onlookers. This year they plan to have a Tug-a-War event for all teams participating.
This is the largest year-round organization devoted to sports training for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. By being a part of the Plunge experience, you are allowing thousands upon thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities to experience a brighter tomorrow. If you’re bold enough to take the plunge, visit www.sopam.org to register online. The event will be held on February 6, 2010 at City Island. Even if you are not risking hypothermia by jumping in the water, it is just as entertaining to watch a few hundred people splash around in freezing temperatures. Another great place to find them is their facebook site that features a large amount of photos taken by all the volunteers involved. We look forward to seeing a record breaking turnout this year.
The photos shown were taken from the facebook site of the Polar Plunge during last years event.
by Scott Woodruff on January 16, 2010
“Hole in the wall” restaurant
About a year ago I had heard of this restaurant, but never got a chance to try it. Finally last spring, I was looking for something different, and remembered hearing several years ago of an inner city York ”Hole in the Wall” restaurant which was supposed to be renowned for their food, and located near one of the Farmer’s Market.
Google ”Restaurant York PA”
The search triggered a few more synapses to fire and eventually placed me on their phone number. It ended up to be Blue Moon Restaurant. We called to be sure they would be open late, and headed out at 8:30. York’s center city one-way streets always trick me, and after a few extra turns, we passed 
the place without having realized it.
What a Neat Place
You enter up a few steps into a narrow room that housed the restaurant, bar, and kitchen. From the outside, you can also enter an Outdoor cafe, which was being used by a private party. The interior was as warm as any fine restaurant we could have picked. One problem. . . dressed in my Denim Shirt from a past factory tour of Losberger Tent in Heidelberg, Germany, and Jill in her Saw Whet Owl Research Fleece, we were clearly under-dressed, as we looked around at the seated guests. Not to worry, the owner Janine greeted us as we were, and sat us next to the fireplace.
Food Critic
It would be silly for me to try to editorialize food. But I will tell you we came away very impressed with what was clearly scratch food, delivered with a very seasoned staff of professionals like you might expect at a NYC restaurant. Since I first wrote this post in March of 09, we have been back about 5 times, passing dozens of other places each time on each drive from New Cumberland .
Look inside:
Blue Moon Dining Room
Blue Moon Outdoor Cafe
March ‘09 “Do you do Catering?” I ask
After I paid, I talked with the owner, in the interest of introducing Event Central and its services. I learned Janine and Darrell Tobin had purchased and remodeled the restaurant about 2 years ago. Darrell is a past chef of the Country Club of York, who went into business of his own. Blue Moon is now doing Off Premise Catering to expand the services beyond the restaurants capacity. Janine indicated their catering menu’s are all created from scratch after consultation with the customer. Based on my impression of the food, and the way the staff handled the service, I am certain they could provide a very high-quality product. However, I would always expect a reputable Event Service Provider to provide the names of people who have purchased services similar to what you are considering.
In asking about their rentals, I learned they often work with a good friend of mine, Jay of namesake Harvey’s Rent-all. Jay is a second generation equipment and party rental store who has served the South Central PA market. Since his niche is the small to medium events, while ours is with larger high-end events requiring specialized tenting, we don’t often compete for the same jobs.
In writing this article, I found a lot of “Press” on Blue Moon. The Central Penn Business Journal wrote during renovation. There is 
also a News video of an interview with the owner in March by WHTM TV on a promotion they are doing on the Internet site Restaurant.com . Note 1/15/10 coupon was still available.SW
I can’t say enough about how much we enjoy this establishment.
Blue Moon
361 W. Market St.
York, PA, 17401
(717) 854-6664
