Some of the more than 25 plungers at today's event.

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 360)

Led by their intrepid leader Brownie Carson, over twenty-five plungers took to the frigid waters of Casco Bay earlier today to draw attention to the problem of global warming and the work that the Natural Resources Council of Maine is doing to defeat the problem here in Maine.  “What an opportunity we have here to jump into the water on this warm and gorgeous day,” said Carson, 62, as he led the plungers into the water just after noontime.  The water temp was 38 degrees; much warmer than the air temp.

Watching from the sidelines was his wife, Dana, and their new rescue dog, Abby.  She said she told him he was “nuts” to do this, but let it go at that.  “Afterall, he’s not forty years old any more,” she said laughing.  Another of the plungers was Jeff West who lives on the Hill.

After his plunge, Carson kidded with the other plungers that “it was tropical today” – that as the snow fell lightly.  The only preparation he’d made for this event was to eat a big breakfast.  “Seriously though,” he said, “please call Senators Snowe and Collins and ask them to support global warming legislation.  If  I’m still on this earth, I’ll do it again next year,” he said kidding.

“My pockets are full of money right now,” said Stacie Haines, membership manager.”  Actually, I know we’ve raised over $3,000 and certainly more than we did at last year’s plunge.”  Part of this event was to celebrate the Council’s fifith anniversary, and so it is uncertain as to whether or not it will be repeated next year.