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Lobster Dippers 'Motivated,' Not Cracked

January 05, 2010 - OLD ORCHARD BEACH -- Alan Reed was ready to run into the chilly Atlantic more than a half-hour before Friday's annual Lobster Dip to benefit Special Olympics Maine.

The Gorham resident was one of 325 people who braved freezing temperatures and crashing waves to raise more than $71,000 to support athletic competition for people with disabilities.

"I'm excited and I can't wait," Reed said, jumping up and down, his legs bared on a 30-degree breezy day with gently falling snowflakes.

A first-time dipper, Reed stood out in the crowd, waving a large U.S. flag to fortify his effort. A retired Army helicopter pilot, Reed said the flag hung in the Black Hawk helicopter that he flew over Iraq and Kuwait in 2006.

"There were some days when it hit 150 degrees over there, and I could use some of that heat today," Reed said. "I also want to remind everyone that there are American service people around the world who aren't having such a great day today."

The dip happened at noon in front of the Brunswick hotel, where organizers, dippers and gawkers gathered before and after the event. Dippers of all ages dashed in and out of the surf in seconds, many of them screaming and hurdling over waves. Some wore lobster hats and costumes.

The New Year's Day fundraiser generated a record number of dippers and dollars, up from $52,000 last year, said Special Olympics Maine spokeswoman Lisa Bird.

"It's absolutely unbelievable, especially in these difficult economic times," she said.

About 20 volunteers helped to register participants, maintain public safety and generate a festive atmosphere. Volunteers included Chris Gregory of Portland, who oversaw the music system that blasted summer memories across the snow-covered beach.

The weather was near perfect despite a high tide and a roiling surf, according to organizers and participants.

"The water's about 38 degrees, which is warmer than the air, and we have an offshore breeze, with the ambiance of snowflakes," said Mark Capano of New Gloucester, program director for Special Olympics Maine.

Bob Schatz, treasurer of Special Olympics Maine, disputed the assertion that people must be a little crazy to brave such frigid temperatures, even for a good cause. He should know. The Cape Elizabeth resident has done the dip several times, including Friday.

"You've got to be motivated beyond the norm," Schatz said.

Dawn Lazorchak of Saco was talked into doing the dip by sister Holly Culloton and Culloton's fiance, Ray Patracos. She didn't take much convincing.

"They said let's do it and I agreed," Lazorchak said. "It's a cause you can believe in."

After the dip, Reed wrapped himself in a towel and joined his family. Drenched and ruddy from the cold, he still clutched the aluminum pole of his now-wet U.S. flag.

"It was great," he exclaimed, grinning. "I fell coming out, but it really wasn't that bad."

Less-motivated folks will have to take his word for it.

By KELLEY BOUCHARD, Staff Writer, Portland Press Herlad, January 2, 2010


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Regions: Sebago, Sanford


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