Mr. Speaker, I yield the majority of my time to the delegate from Ellsworth, Mr. Viles, in order that he might bring to you a book report on the untold story of World War II’s 10th Mountain Division ski troops.

But before I hand over the microphone I want you to know that you are invited to join me and the student body of Washington County Community College at noon (high tide) on Jan. 23, 2004, at the Pleasant Point Fish Pier right off Route 190 for the 4th annual Polar Bear Dip.

I promise you the water will be cold and the air temperature is bound to be colder. All you need to do is get a bunch of friends to pledge some money to you (get at least $50 and you get a micro-fleece vest with a neat polar bear dip logo) and you can give it to the folks at WCCC and they’ll turn around and give it to the Ronald McDonald House right here in River City.

Last year the fully independent, not-for-profit facility catered to hundreds of families in northern and eastern Maine during their difficult time of medical treatment.

For the past three years, students at Washington County Technical College (now Community College) have taken the plunge for charity, raising ever-increasing amounts of money to give to the Bangor facility. Last year the tally was more than $19,000. This year the students have set an ambitious goal – $25,000! And Bill Cote, president of the student senate as WCCC wants you to know that every penny of the money raised goes to the Ronald McDonald House.

You might remember my account of last year’s frozen foray. The northwest winds were whistling across Passamaquoddy Bay at more than 20 mph, the water temperature was 34 degrees and the air temperature was 14 degrees, cold enough to satisfy even the most hardy L Street Brownie, I’d say. It was my first time. I’ll remember it forever. My voice has finally returned to normal and I have begun to have feelings in my toes. I’m ready for round two!

A contingent of 20 or so of the college’s finest descended on Bangor Friday to get the word out that next year’s polar dip will be the best yet. Maybe you saw a couple of vans of spiky-haired, painted and beaded kids floating around the city Friday? The shorts, feathers and beads were sort of a hint that this gang wasn’t your typical bunch of skateboarders. Mardi Gras is the theme and you’re invited to show up on Jan. 23 in full regalia, the more off the wall, the better.

And come early, eat a hot dog, drink some cocoa, warm yourself by the bonfire. Do all that prior to taking the big plunge, because after the plunge you’ll not be entertaining thoughts of milling about and hangin’ with the gang. You’ll be chillin’ but not millin’ so to speak.

If you plan to take the plunge, bring someone along to hold your towel and outer clothing. That way when you come out you’ll have everything right there to get you warm again. I think adrenaline works only so long, then you’ll need an external source of heat – like the bonfires blazing on the beach. And if you’re concerned about safety (not sanity) there will be ambulance crews on hand.

New next year (that’s coming right up) will be two box trailers, one for guys, one for gals, to use as changing rooms, and buses to shuttle the expected spectator crowd of more than 2,000 people to their cars.

If the momentum keeps gaining like it has over the past three years, you may want to sign up early, because I predict it’ll be the biggest one in New England real soon! The enthusiasm among the student body is fantastic. At lunch Friday at Miller’s in Bangor, Sam Coes III, one of the more colorfully decorated students, snagged a lady coming out of the restroom and got a $100 pledge!

Last year you didn’t send me any pledges, but you’ve got a chance to redeem yourself in the next couple of months. Or check out the college’s Web site at www.wccc.me.edu and get with the program.

For more information call Tess Ftorek at 454-1048 or John Miller at 853-2518.

I’ll see you there with my skinny, red legs.

Jeff Strout can be reached at 990-8202 or jstrout@bangordailynews.net.