WOW! We did it! 61' 9-1/2" of lobster roll for a new world record! Still to be authenticated for the Guinness Book of World Records, of course, but officially judged and declared by none other than State Representative Herb Adams and Portland Mayor Jill Duson. The best part...approximately $7,000 was raised for WENA's swim scholarship program.

The brainchild of Reiche Branch Library guru Michael Whittaker, this was a team effort by participants near and far. Linda Bean's Perfect Maine provided 45 lbs. of lobster meat and lots of other supplies free of charge; Amato's donated ingredients, expertise and ingenuity in baking the roll; Kraft Foods was so delighted that Miracle Whip was being used that they matched sale proceeds with a $3200 check. Additional sponsors included Sysco, the Maine Lobster Council, Lucky Catch Cruises, Maine Root, Summit Spring, Portland Lobster Company, Madhouse Munchies and Kate's Homemade Butter. Our thanks go out to all of the many individuals and organizations that helped make this a success, with a special round of appreciation for the able supervision of Linda Bean's Executive Chef Margaret Salt McLellan.

While the swim scholarship fund is used primarily to provide free swimming lessons for children from the West End/Parkside/St. John-Valley neighborhoods, a portion will be used for free summer swiming at Reiche pool. Thanks to support from WENA and generous donations from Maine Medical Center, LearningWorks and Sprague Energy/Merrill's Marine Terminal anyone under 18 may swim free June 22 - August 14, during the open swims scheduled at Reiche on Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 1 - 3 p.m., and Tuesday-Thursday, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Click here for more information.

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Photos courtesy of Greater Portland Landmarks