Polar Bear Plunge earned more than $5,000 for Special Olympics

Ted Rupert, general manager of Rupert's Auto Body in Carson City, once again braved chilled temperatures and the frigid Lake Tahoe water to raise money for the Special Olympics.

Fewer participants showed for this year's Polar Bear Plunge on Feb. 10 due to the rain and snow, but more than $5,000 was raised.

"Next year, we are going to get each chapter of the Special Olympics in the surrounding areas to join forces in this great cause," Rupert said. "I am still looking for a brave soul to join me in the plunge, though."

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition to those with developmental disabilities. Programs are free to all eligible athletes ages 8 and older.

"I would like to thank everyone who donated this year. The money was greatly appreciated by the organization and the parents of Special Olympians," Rupert said.

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Seniors at the Douglas County Senior Center laughed heartily at the Valentine's Day celebration on Wednesday.

When senior services supervisor Warren Bottino announced they were going to play the "Not So Newlywed Game," he had three couples volunteer to go to the test.

When Bottino asked a question, both husband and wife were given the opportunity to write the answer on a card, then their answers were compared.

When he asked everyone where they had their first kiss together, most of them answered, "In the car."

He asked the women what was the last meal their husband made for them.

Betty Miller, an onlooker who organizes the center's Alzheimer's support group, said that question used to be more pertinent than it is now.

"I will say in my generation the men didn't cook that much, but they've learned to cook and do the wash," Miller said.

"What one item of your husband's would you throw away if you had the chance," Bottino asked the women.

Lots of laughs ensued with answers like "old pants."

George Adams said his wife would throw away his memory.

In the end, all the couples were winners, taking home a heart-shaped box of candy - Helen and George Adams, Dee and Jerry Rasmussen and Harriet and Howard Althouse.