Mayor David Smith of Ronceverte was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Christian Giggenbach, president of The Polar Bear Plunge, at the City Council meeting on Monday to thank the city for allowing the annual plunge event to be held at Ronceverte Island Park for the third year in a row. Now in its sixteenth year, the Polar Bear Plunge brings in funding to benefit the Child and Youth Advocacy Center (CYAC) of Lewisburg.
Giggenbach said it took 10 years for the big crowds to arrive at the event when it was held at Blue Bend in the Monongahela National Forest. Although the numbers of polar bear plungers jumping into the frigid waters have dropped with the transition to Ronceverte, Giggenbach said, “I am really upbeat about the Ronceverte plunge venue and its potential to bring in more club members and money for the CYAC.” Next year, the plunge will once again be held at Blue Bend, but will alternate back to Ronceverte Island Park in 2021 and 2023.
In other business:
- In reviewing and comparing franchise agreements between Shentel and Suddenlink, City Manager Reba Mohler said it appears to be an industry standard for contract agreements to automatically renew with a one-year notice if no challenge is raised. Council member Adam Rosin did not agree, stating it is not an industry standard. He moved to amend the motion to approve the renewal of the city’s contract with Shentel with a revision of the agreement from five years to a two year service agreement and include the one year notice prior to approval.
- Valencia (Jeannie) Holly was approved to a position on the Ronceverte Library board of trustees.
- The City of Ronceverte was approved to serve as a sponsor for the Ronceverte River Festival, an annual agreement that allows the festival to operate on city-owned property.
- As a Tree City participant for the past 18 years, the city of Ronceverte will plant a tree in honor of Arbor Day and another with the support of the Ronceverte Womens Club.
- Calling all volunteers! Make It Shine Day is Saturday, April 6, from 8-10 a.m. Bring your own gloves and come down to City Hall to apply some elbow grease to tidying and cleaning up the town.
- Put Saturday, May 11 on your calendar. The City will hold an auction at the Clifford Armory building to raise funds for the Ronceverte River Festival, which is held every year on the second weekend in June. Last year’s auction was a sell-out, so plan ahead and don’t miss out.