CAMPUS CONNECTIONS Advance-Titan
A5
Alyssa Grove - Campus Connections Editor
February 23, 2017
Freezin’ For A Reason at Polar Plunge ple, merchandise pricing, stuff by Moira Danielson like that,” Salmeri said. “Yesterdaniem16@uwosh.edu day I worked with the souvenirs Menominee Park hosted the and handed out raf e tic ets Chris Petnarski, an intern for 2017 Polar Plunge fundraiser Saturday, giving UW Osh- Special Olympics, said the internkosh students an opportunity to ship offers him a new experience. “Working here gives me connect with the community. The event is sponsored through a behind-the-scenes look at the Special Olympics organiza- what’s going on,” Petnarski tion which helps provide year- said. “Last year they made over round sports training and com- $400,000, and they’re trying petition for adults and children to raise even more this year.” UWO student K atie Brywith intellectual disabilities. Money raised at Po- an took the plunge with her lar Plunge goes to fund- Buffalo Wild Wings co-working the training and events. ers. She said having the comN icci Sprangers, host of the Os- munity here is important. “It’s a big thing to help hkosh Polar Plunge, said she liked seeing the community coming out out the community,” Bryto show their support for the event. an said. “You just have to “Seeing people from all dif- get out there and volunteer.” Sprangers said the goal for all ferent groups is great,” Sprangers said. “There are people from Special Olympics events is to alall different communities here ways beat last year’s total earnings. “We try to add new elements,” which is wonderful to see.” UWO students also did their part Sprangers said. “This year we to help the cause, by both planning added the 5k race and the secthe event and taking the plunge. ond tent for entertainment.” So far the Special Olympics UWO student Monica Salmeri, an intern for the Special Olympics have reached 75 percent of their organization, said she got to work $1 million goal for this year’s on helping plan the Plunge itself. fundraising. You can also donate “I helped with emailing peo- to the cause on their website.
ALICIA KAHL/ADVANCE-TITAN
TOP LEFT: Two friends react to the freezing cold water as they jump into the lake during Saturday’s Plunge event. TOP RIGHT: Dressed in an inflatable dinosaur costume, Oshkosh local takes a selfie while jumping into the water. BOTTOM CENTER: A group of friends brace themselves as they hit the water. One jumper attemps a backflip. BOTTOM LEFT: A young girl prepares to cross the finish line at the Freezin’ For A Reason 5k Polar Plunge event.
Café hosts local performers by Lauren Freund freunl37@uwosh.edu
For freshman Sara McArthur, Open Mic N ight at N ew Moon Café allows her to become more confident ith performing songs in public. cArthur first started performing at Open Mic N ight in March of last year and she has performed almost every week since then. McArthur started out her three-song set with an original song called “Smoke,” then continued with covers of “Barren Sea” by Charley and the Cynics, and “I’ll follow you into the dark” by Death Cab for Cutie. In addition to McArthur there were some adults, as well as other students, who performed a mix of both original and cover songs with a range of genres. Even though she has played open mic nights at other places like Annie’s Fountain City Café , McArthur prefers N ew Moon Café because it’s the first one she ever ent to, leading her to be more dedicated to coming every week. McArthur recommends
any new and practicing musicians go to N ew Moon Café to perform at Open Mic N ight. here are definitely a group of regulars that come here,” McArthur said, “but if it’s your first time, the people here are really supportive and encouraging… Even if you’re shy or nervous, people will still come up to you after and be like ‘hey, good job’ and encourage you to come back and do it more.” McArthur also enjoys the positive environment, where people are always encouraging you, hether it’s your first time or you’re one of the regulars. McArthur said she remembers going to N ew Moon Café and watching the performers when she was younger. She said seeing them on stage made her think she wanted to perform someday. Although she plays guitar the most, she can also play some keyboard and a little bass. G uitar is what she focuses on most and she uses it to continue to grow as a musician and performer. “I’ve been playing guitar for about seven years,” McArthur said, “I started playing the violin in the fourth grade and I ended up switching to guitar
RYAN DELOGE/ADVANCE-TITAN
Sara McArthur performs at Open Mic Night Tuesday. because my dad played guitar and I would sit down in lessons with him and was like, ‘I want to do this instead’ and I haven’t really looked back since.” She is constantly looking for ways to improve her skills, whether through fellow musician’s advice or continued practice. Check out McArthur and other community members perform at N ew Moon Café ’s Open Mic N ight every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m.