December 2010

Some of the Dippers before the 3rd annual Plunge.

Brownie Carson, Retiring Director, of NRCM

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 675)

Today’s 3rd annual Polar Bear Plunge will be the last one for Brownie Carson, as director of the National Resource Council Maine.  Under a warmish sun in moderate  temperatures for the last day of 2010, Carson said that next month there will be an annoucement of his successor and that he will continue for a transition period yet to be determined.

Carson said he has no plans for his upcomng retirement, except that he will participate in next year’s Polar Bear Plunge again, although without an official role with the non-profit he has headed for over 20 years. During a group photo, Carson thanked everyone for coming and the dippers for participating.  He also expressed a hope that the new Governor of Maine, Paul LePage will not “take any liberties with our environment” during his tenure as Governor.

At least 50 dippers participated in this plunge which was a fundraiser for NRCM  – to assist in  continuing their war against global warming, although no one was complaining about the moderate weather today.   According to Stacie Maines, of NRCM, every year the plunge has grown in dippers as well as in funds raised.  She noted that the huge “Lobster Dip” started on the East End Beach in 1989. It’s a benefit for the Special Olympics.  The Dip stayed there until it outgrew the location and moved down the coast to Old Orchard Beach.

Don Perry, Cumberland, said:  “This is my first dip in Maine.  I’ll be back next year.  The last  dip I was in was in Nashville, TN for the local YMCA.   “Next year I’ll be in better condition, though,” he said to his supportive wife and daughter, laughing.

“I keep trying to get my wife, Dana, and dog to dip, but so far no luck,” said Carson.  “But I’ll be back.  It doesn’t get any better than this!”

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Much of the snow from the recent blizzard has blown off the Hill, but these sledders managed to find a white area.

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 674)

The third annual Polar Bear Plunge is scheduled for Friday, December 31 at noon at the East End Beach here on the Hill.  The bone-chilling dip is a fund-raiser to help the Natrual Resources Council of Maine fight global warming.

About 40 people are signed up to take the plunge to help fight global warming.  Brownie Carson, director of the NRCM, dipped for the first time last year and plans to take his last dip this year as the non-profit’s executive director.  He has announced his retirement.

To participate, please contact Stacy at (207) 430-0127.  NRCM asks that plungers raise at least $50 in pledges.  Anyone can pledge to encourage the plunger of his or her choice by using the online pledge forms at http://supporters.nrcm.org/polarplunge.

The two top fundraisers will receive $50 gift certificates to LL Bean, while additional top fundraisers will receive commemorative NRCM tote bags or caps.

For more details, please visit http://www.nrcm.org/polarplunge 11.asp

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By Carol McCracken  (Post # 673)

Maine is one of the states in which Whole Foods Market, Inc. distributes its assembled Ginger Bread Houses produced by Rolf’s Patisserie, Illinois.  Last week Whole Foods announced that it is recalling the Ginger Bread Houses that have been sold in Maine and 21 other states.  Products produced by Rolf’s have been connected to several outbreaks of food poisining.  As of last week, “Sustainable Food News” reports that no illnesses have been reported from consumers eating products sold by Whole Food Market.

“Sustainable Food News” is published by Dan McGovern who resides on the H ill.  It’s a daily, on-line newsletter to the organic food market.  Please call Dan at:  (207) 749-5249 for more details.

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David Burnhnas & Hilary See Digging out Their Cars on the E. Promenade

Some Found Skiing an Easier Way to Get Around on the E. Prom

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 672)

“It’s been a significant blizzard affecting Portland and  its transportation systems all day.  The storm began yesterday afternoon.  The department of public services had been preparing the streets,  the  Hills and intersections for several hours before the storm hit,” said Michael J. Bobinsky, Director of Public Services, for Portland late this afternoon.  “Public Services personnel have pretreated the streets with salt and sometimes sand,” he said. “There were wind gusts of up to 50 miles an hour last night. Struggles with the wind created visibility problems for drivers, equipment operators and pedestrians.”

According to Mark Spiller, operations coodinator for the department, the  snow drifts  on the roads  have been especially troublesome in places such as the Munjoy Hill area, Baxter Boulevard, Riverside Street, and out Congress Street by UNUM. That accounts for the snowy areas on the Eastern Promenade found at both ends of the Prom.  The middle section was clear of snow this afternoon. MHN.com found High Street to be clear of any snow on a quick tour of the area.  Spiller said he was unaware of any power outages in Portland.

Bobinsky said that the Metro Bus canceled servives today out of concern for the safety of passengers waiting for busses.  The City decided to go ahead and collect trash today for those on the regular Monday pickup.  “It has been a difficult day for our employees and they did a great job,” he said.

“How many days are there until spring?” Bobinsky asked.  “I’m counting,” he said laughing.

Please visit www.portlandmaine.gov  and click on parking ban for the latest details.

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