A chilly start to 2021
After running from the John Kelley statue in downtown Mystic (L-R) Jeff Billing of West Hartford, his father, Bill Billing of Mystic, Geralson Withrow of Niantic, and Tom Fagin of Ledyard react to the cold water after taking a plunge at Groton Long Point Main Beach on Friday, while participating in the modified annual New Year s Day run and swim. Amby Burfoot of Mystic, not shown, and three friends made the first plunge at the beach in 1969. His small group this year opted to return to Main Beach, where the run ended for the first several years before switching to Esker Point Beach. They returned to Main Beach this year because two members of the group, Bill Billing and Steve Fagin of Ledyard, not shown, were celebrating their 50th consecutive year participating in the event. The event this year had people participate individually or in small groups throughout the day to maintain social distancing. (Dana Jensen/The Day)