Home Page | Rotary Club of Rockland

ROCKLAND ROTARY MAILING ADDRESS:

P O Box 1811

Rockland, ME, 04841

Welcome to our Club!

Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.

Meeting Address:

Rockland Elks Lodge
210 Rankin St
Rockland, ME 04841
United States of America

District Site

Bulletins

Venue Map

Rockland Rotarians Host a Successful Craft Fair

Rockland Rotary sponsored its annual Craft Fair at Ash Point Community School, which was another huge success! The gym was packed with talented crafters with a variety of many unique items. There was a steady flow of people perusing, shopping, and chatting with crafters and friends. Rotary's "Baked Goods" tables offered an assortment of irresistible tasty treats (especially Carol's raspberry coffee cake), and the Straw Raffle enticed people to try their hand at winning a fabulous prize donated by the many generous crafters. The camaraderie with fellow Rotarians, crafters, friends, family, and shoppers made for a fabulous day. Thank you Rose Woodward and all who made this annual event such a success so that Rockland Rotary can continue its mission to serve those in need within our community!

Photos left, top to bottom: Rotarians Emily Dillon with granddaughter, Charlotte, Kristin Brown and her husband, Charlie, Kermit Voncannon, and Mike Flanagan.

Photos right, top to bottom: Rotarians Gene Reil, Butch Worcester, Carol Worcester, Patrick Long, and Ferolyn Curtis. Doug Curtis, Jr. volunteered, as well. Thanks to all the volunteers who baked goods for the Bake Sale.

World Polio Day, October 24

Scott Boucher, our guest speaker, gave a factual and powerful presentation about Polio Plus. One of Scott's greatest passions is Rotary's Polio Plus initiative to eradicate polio worldwide. Some of the Facts presented are as follows:

Polio mainly affects children under age 5.
There is no cure, but polio is preventable with a vaccine.
1 in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis.
Among those paralyzed, 5% to 10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.
We’ve reduced cases by 99.9% since 1988. In 1988 there were over 350,000 cases of polio.
Rotarians have helped to immunize more than 3 billion children in 122 countries.

We must continue our efforts to eradicate this preventable and crippling disease.

The photo shows an iron lung machine that saved the lives of thousands of polio patients by artificially forcing their paralysed chest muscles to breathe. Some patients needed the machine for a couple of weeks until their bodies fought off the polio virus, while others had to rely on the machine for decades.

Rockland Rotary Sponsors Annual Craft Fair

Trading Banner Exchange

Guest Rotarian, Lori Rowe, from the Topeka South Rotary Club exchanged her club's banner with Rockland Rotary President, Lexi Zable at Wednesday's regular meeting. Lori gave the Rotary Minute for our club and shared information about their active Rotaract club, which brings young adults and professionals together to develop leadership skills, network, and participate in community needs through local and international service projects.

Rockland Rotarians Support Camden & West Bay Rotary Clubs

Rockland and Belfast Rotarians supported Camden and West Bay's Rotary fundraising events Saturday, September 5th. Camden Rotary hosted an all-you-can-eat blueberry pancake breakfast, while West Bay served up Maine lobster, corn on the cob, coleslaw and whoopie pie. Both events were held during Camden's Windjammer Festival on the waterfront. Proceeds from these fundraisers benefit local and international causes.

Photo L-R: Tiffany Nemec (Belfast), Doug and Ferolyn Curtis, Jr. (Rockland), Butch Worcester (Rockland) and Jill Goodwin (Belfast)

"Flags for Heroes" Presentation at American Legion in Camden

Rotarians Mike Flanagan and Carol Worcester were guest speakers at the at the American Legion War Memorial Post 30 in Camden, September 3rd. They gave a presentation on Rockland Rotary's "Flags for Hereos" will be on display at the MacDougal Park in Rockland a week before and after Veteran's Day. Flags are sponsored to honor Veterans and local heroes recognized for outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Proceeds from this event will go toward local causes for those in need. Information on how to sponsor a flag will be posted this month.

Rockland Rotary Welcomes Mary Watson As Its Newest Member

President Lexi Zable inducted Mary Watson as Rockland Rotary's newest member. Mary helped park cars during the Lobster Festival and has become an active participant of the Fundraising Committee. She shares the values of service and fellowship, and has a desire to give back to the community. Welcome to our Rotary family, Mary!

Photo L-R: Membership chairperson, Eric Hebert, Mary's sponsor Kermit Voncannon, Mary Watson, and President Lexi Zable

President Lexi Zable Presents Re-Classification Talk

Lexi Rackliff-Zable grew up in Spruce Head, on Wheeler's Bay, and comes from a lobstering family. Her first job was at the Dip Net when she was 16. Her childhood dream was to attend a culinary arts school and to own and run a restaurant. Lexi earned a degree in Food Service Management. She became the owner and operator of the Dip Net, a seasonal restaurant in Port Clyde. She met her husband, Luke, while working at the Dip Net. Lexi also became owner and operator of The Barn Café in Port Clyde and the Eclipse at the Trade Winds in Rockland, operating the Grey Owl Bar & Grill. In 2022, she closed the Eclipse to focus energy on the Dip Net and her family. In Sept. 28, 2023, a fire destroyed both the Dip Net and the Port Clyde General Store. However, Lexi pivoted operations to a mobile food trailer on the docks to continue serving locals and visitors. In 2024 she became the Food Service Director at the St. George school. She serves on the Parks & Recreation Committee, coaches sports, and is involved in Girl Scouts. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, Colin and Finley. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and participating in winter sports. Lexi became Rockland Rotary president July 1, 2026 for Rotary year 2026-2027.

Patrick Long Gives Classification Talk

Patrick Long, one of Rockland Rotary's new members, gave his Classification Talk at Rotary's weekly club meeting. Patrick is a descendent of "Gaelic" Ireland and the oldest of 7 siblings. He and his wife, Maureen, have been married for 40-years and have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. He started his working career as a newspaper delivery boy delivering papers at 5:30am and collecting money at night. He was Chief Engineer in the hotel industry before retiring. Patrick has been an advid traveler both internationally and domestically. Traveling in his motor home, Patrick has visited 50 states and half of the 63 National Parks. He decided to settle in Maine to enjoy the seasonal changes and coastline.

An American Patriot and Future Rotarian

Rotarian Kristin Brown's 8-year old grandson, Maverick Rogers, visited our club meeting to recite The American Creed written by William Tyler Page. He recited the creed with a steady, clear, and respectful tone that reflected its solemn nature.

Photo: Aunt Ferolyn Curtis, Maverick, and Kristin Brown.

Rotary District Governor Serge Poulin Embodied Service Above Self

There are some people whose goodness is so powerful that when they're gone, the world immediately feels different.

Our hearts are broken by the tragic loss of Rotary District 7790 Governor Serge Poulin. His passing has sent a shockwave through Rotary and every community fortunate enough to know him.

Serge embodied Service Above Self. His kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to others inspired everyone around him. Even in his absence, he continues to unite us, reminding us to reach out, support one another, and lead with compassion. That is the measure of the life he lived.

The members of the Rockland Rotary Club extend our deepest condolences to Marie Christine, Serge's family, his friends, and our entire Rotary family. We will honor his memory by carrying forward the goodness he shared so freely.

Rest in peace, Serge. Your light will continue to guide us.

Photo: Serge, Marie Christine, and Doug Curtis, Jr.

Rotarians Fundraise for Local Community

Rockland Rotarians volunteered approximately 72 accumulated hours parking cars and directing visitors to the festival grounds during the Maine Lobster Festival weekend at the Camden National Bank and ReMax lots. Proceeds from this fundraising event will support local community neediness.

Top Photos L-R: Mike Flanagan, Doug Curtis, Jr., Scott Velte, Emily Dillon, Bill Gay, Gene Reil, Patty Barry (from Pittsfield Rotary Club), and Sherree Craig.

Bottom Photos L-R: Gene Reil, Kristin Brown, Carol Worcester, Kermit Voncannon, Mary Watson, Doug Curtis, Jr., Butch Worcester, Ferolyn Curtis, and Kermit Voncannon.

Rockland Rotarians Volunteer to Support the Maine Lobster Festival

Rockland Rotarians volunteer in the Maine Lobster Festival food tent dishing up local Maine lobsters with melted butter, native sweet corn, fresh coleslaw, steamed clams & mussels, seafood chowders, and strawberry shortcake or warm blueberry cobbler for dessert for our Festival visitors and local folks. It's such a pleasure to meet such nice people who come to enjoy our delicacies and beautiful Rockland Harbor, while supporting this non-profit event that raises funds for local charities, scholarships, and community projects in Mid-coast Maine.

Thank you Rotarians Mike Flanagan, Bob Bird, Adreth Rackliff, Carol & Butch Worcester, Kristin Brown, Doug & Ferolyn Curtis, Chris Gallagher and their family members Jackie McLain, Stephanie McLain, and William Harrison for your "Service Above Self".

Rockland Rotarians Volunteer at the Pittsfield Rotary Pancake Breakfast

Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Rockland enjoyed serving pancakes and sausage at the Pittsfield Satellite Rotary Club's annual pancake breakfast at Manson Park. It was such a perfect day to bask in the warm sunshine and gentle breeze, eat buttermilk pancakes and grilled sausage patties, while engaging in conversation with friendly local folks and fellow Rotarians. This event provided an ideal opportunity to meet community members, share information about Rotary, and potentially recruit new members.

Group Photo L-R: Frank Tolman, Dekk Monteyro, Angel Aquirre, Nancy Monteyro, Ferolyn Curtis, Carol Worcester, Gene Reil, Butch Worcester, Doug Curtis, Jr., Patty Barry and kneeling, William Harrison.

Special Guest and Speaker from Kumbo-Cameroon, Africa

Reverend Father Daniel Ache is a Roman Catholic priest and the Coordinator of Caritas Kumbo (the humanitarian and development arm of the Diocese of Kumbo in the North West Region of Cameroon). He has witnessed much tragedy during Cameroon's civil war. Approximately, 300 people in the Diocese have been killed, over 1,300 homes have been destroyed, and 10,000 people displaced. While Father Daniel is not a member of the Rotary Club of Kumbo in Cameron himself, he works extensively with Rotarians and organizations, like the Knights of Columbus and Caritas, to help communities in Cameroon by providing humanitarian intervention initiatives to relieve the difficulties many are faced with. Father Daniel Ache exemplifies Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” in his mission to improve the lives of others in his community. President Lexi Zable presents Father Daniel Ache with a Rockland Rotary Trading Banner and a Commemorative Rotary Coin.

Members Honored with Paul Harris Fellow Pins

The Rotary Club of Rockland’s President/Past-president Carol Worcester presented Paul Harris Fellow pins to seven meritorious members for the Rotary year 2025-2026. The Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) award is one of the highest honors presented by Rotary International in recognition of individuals who have contributed an accumulated amount of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation and/or Rotary’s Global Polio initiative to eradicate this crippling disease. Congratulations to each of these deserving members and recipients.

Top Group Photo:

Left-President Lexi Zable (L) with presenter Carol Worcester

Top right-Kristin Brown (L)

Bottom right-Ferolyn Curtis (R)

Bottom Group Photo:

Top Left-Butch Worcester (L) with presenter Carol Worcester

Top Right-Ken Gricus

Bottom Left-Carlton Winslow

Bottom Right-Jacob Post with Past-president Carol Worcester (L) and President Lexi Zable (R)

Benefaction Grants Awarded to Area Non-Profit Organizations

The Rotary Club of Rockland Awards a total of $11,000 in Benefaction Grants to the following non-profit organizations in our area:

Mid-coast Music Academy for music programs for special needs children.
Trekkers for Oceanside High School partnership
Sundog Outdoor Leadership Initiative for operating support for children’s outdoor education.
Strand Theatre for Sunshine series for children
Knox County Health Clinic for dental care expansion in Knox County
Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO) for summer weekend meals
Homeworthy for social services barrier removal
Making Community Happen (MCH) for Meals on Wheels
Merryspring Nature Center for environmental education outreach
Pen Bay YMCA for Hands-on “Mattering” crafts for all ages.
Rockland Emergency Warming Center

Thank you Sherre Craig, Benefaction Grant Chairperson and committee members, for your Service Above Self!

Top Photos:

Top- Alan Kearl from Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO) with Rockland Rotary President Lexi Zable

Middle (L)-Brittany Parker from Strand Theater with Lexi Zable

Middle (R)-Lexi Zable with Shannon Shimer & Chrys DeLorimier from Homeworthy

Bottom-John Fromer from Merry Springs Nature Center with Lexi Zable

Bottom Photos:

Top-Luca Melon & Jessica Berglund from Rockland Emergency Warming Center pictured with Lexi Zable

Middle (L)-Lexi Zable with Jamie Lovely from YMCA

Middle (R)-Lexi Zable with Kienan Brown from Sundog Outdoor Leadership

Bottom-Lexi Zable with Elizabeth Schuh from Making Community Happen (MCH)

Scholarships Awarded to Local High School Seniors

Members of the Rotary of Rockland had the pleasure of awarding $14,000 in scholarships to eighteen well-deserving and highly qualified Oceanside and Medomak Valley High School seniors this year. Rockland Rotary congratulations all our local graduating seniors and extends our best wishes for much success in their future endeavors.

Rockland Rotary would like to thank all the Marcel Lacasse Memorial Golf Tournament sponsors, team players, silent auction donors, the Samoset Resort, and volunteers who supported this annual scholarship fundraising event which made these scholarships available for our local high school students.

Front Row (kneeling) L-R: Donovan Guptill, Henri Weymouth, Evan Riley, Reese Drinkwater, Rebecca Spearing, and Isabelle Tyler

Back Row L-R: Marci Lambert (Scholarship Chairperson), Lyric Murgita, Morgan Erickson, Kaleb Pietroski, Laiken Parent, Ashley Corbett, Joshua Stone, Hayley Chandler and Carol Worcester (Rockland Rotary President).

Scholarship recipients not in photo: Renee Ripley, Laney Files, Olivia Hillgrove, Jayden Drost, and Henry Scheuzger.

Rockland Rotary Changes Leadership at the Change of Command Banquet

On June 25^th Rockland Rotary held their Change of Command banquet at the Elks. It was a special evening to recognize Carol Worcester for her unwavering efforts, devotion, and accomplishments as she prepared to pass the Rotary gavel to incoming president Lexi Zable. Under Carol’s leadership, the club had three successful signature fundraising events. Rockland Rotary hosted two Marcel Lacasse Golf Tournaments to raise money for local high school scholarships. The club sponsored Flags for Heroes and partnered with the Federation of Maine Bass Fishing Tournament, both raising money for Benefaction Grants to assist local non-profit organizations. During her year the club engaged in several fundraising projects and provided service to AIO, Home Worthy, Landings Place, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Pittsfield Rotary Club, and the Maine Lobster Festival, just to mention a few.

During this year's District Conference in Rangley, Maine, Carol accepted the Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Membership Growth for the 2025-2026 Rotary year. She was instrumental in the process of sponsoring a Satellite Club from Pittsfield, Maine, bringing in 10 new members.

Carol also accepted the District Governor's Citation honoring the Rotary Club of Rockland for creating a strong silver-level club experience for its members and carrying on the goals of Rotary International during Rotary year 2025-2026. Thank you, Carol, for your outstanding service and for guiding our club to be an example for your year’s motto, “United for Good.”

At the Change of Command, Rockland Rotarians also offered their warmest welcome to our new president, Lexi Zable, for Rotary year 2026-2027. She received her president pin, badge, and the Rotary gavel. President Lexi is ready to lead the club through another exciting and successful year following Rotary's new theme, "Create Lasting Impact."

Photo-Top: Out-going president, Carol Worcester, passes the Rotary gavel to incoming president, Lexi Zable.

Photo-Bottom: President Lexi presents Carol with the Past- president, traditional engraved gavel plaque to recognize her year of exceptional leadership.

"Rotarian of the Year-2026" Announced at Change of Command Banquet

Rockland Rotary President, Carol Worcester, presented Ferolyn Curtis with the Rotarian of the Year award at the 2026 annual Change of Command Banquet. The Rotarian of the Year award is given to a member who exhibits “Service Above Self” in their daily activities and who promotes Rotary by their actions and involvements. Ferolyn joined Rockland Rotary on January 18, 2017 and became the club president for Rotary year 2021-2022. She served on the Board of Directors from 2017-2024 and serves on numerous committees. Congratulations on receiving this distinguished award!

John Ferraiolo Honored as Rockland Rotary Community Person for 2026

Rockland Rotary recognized John Ferraiolo with the prestigious Community Person of the Year 2026 award at the Change of Command banquet held at the Rockland Elks, for his community “Service Above Self.” John is a key figure in the family-owned enterprise, Ferraiolo Construction Co., Inc., which has deep roots operating in the Mid-coast Maine region since the late 1960s. John has served as primary contact president and secretary/treasurer for the company. John serves as director for the Maine Lobster Festival, which celebrates the local lobster industry with food, entertainment, and fun activities. This five-day annual non-profit community event is volunteer-run. John has spent many years volunteering countless hours overseeing and working in the food tent.

John also generously volunteered “In-Kind” his time, equipment, and concrete at the building site for Rockland Rotary’s All-Inclusive Playground and pavilion at MacDougal Park.

Photo: President Carol Worcester, John, & Past-District Governor Doug Curtis, Jr.

"Tee-rific" Day for the Marcel Lacasse Golf Tournament!

Rockland Rotary had an exceedingly successful annual Marcel Lacasse Memorial Golf Tournament Wednesday at the Samoset Resort thanks to all the generous sponsors, golfers, all those who donated fabulous items for the Silent Auction, and the Samoset Resort. The weather couldn't have been more perfect! All proceeds from this event will go toward local high school senior scholarships. This year 18 scholarships were awarded to very deserving students at Oceanside and Medomak high schools from last year's Golf Tournament event. See all photos from the tournament in the home page Photo Album.

Rockland Rotary Presented with a District Governor's Citation

Rockland Rotary President, Carol Worcester, accepts the District Governor's Citation honoring the Rotary Club of Rockland for creating a strong silver-level club experience for its members and carrying on the goals of Rotary International during Rotary year 2025-2026.

Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Membership Growth

During this year's District Conference in Rangley, Maine, Rockland Rotary President, Carol Worcester accepted the Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Membership Growth for the 2025-2026 Rotary year. PDG Doug Curtis, Jr. was instrumental in the process of sponsoring a Satellite Club from Pittsfield, Maine. Satellite Rotary Club members are technically members of the sponsoring Rotary Club and operates under the parent club's charter. The club grew a total of ten (10) new members.

End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign Award

The Rotary Club of Rockland was presented a certificate in appreciation for its financial support to End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign at this year's District Conference for the 2024-2025 Rotary year. This campaign served to fulfill Rotary's promise to the children of the world to eradicate polio. Rockland Rotary President, Carol Worcester and Immediate Past President Mike Flanagan accepted this award on behave of the Rockland Rotary Club.

Eileen Hawkins speaks on Stroke Awareness

Eileen Hawkins spoke on Stroke Awareness at the May 13th meeting.

Annual Marcel LaCasse Memorial Golf Tournament-June 17th!

Click here to register for the tournament.

Click here to Sponsor the tournament.

We thank you in advance and look forward to seeing you there!

"Fin"-tastic Day for Bass Tournament

It was a "Fin"-tastic day for Rockland Rotary's 15th Bass Fishing Tournament at Damariscotta Lake in partnership with the Bass Federation of Maine. For efficiency and to avoid bottlenecks, launch numbers were assigned during registration for the 8:00am takeoff. Watching boats reach speeds of 70-80+mph during takeoff in order to reach a preferred fishing spot is an impressive sight. Weigh-in was 4:00pm at Moody's Island. Fishermen were treated to a hot meal of homemade chili, American chop suey, baked beans, little smokies, sweet cornbread and an assortment of deserts by Rockland Rotarians. Thank you Nick Deering and fishermen who partner with Rockland Rotary for this fundraising event. Also, thanks to all the Rotarians who organized, prepared meals, sold raffle tickets, secured sponsors, and worked to make this tournament such a success. All raffle proceeds from this fundraiser go for Benefaction Grants to assist other local non-profit organizations. Photos from the tournament are in Bass Fishing Tournament 2026 on Webpage, right of the Home Page Story.

New Rotarian Receives Permanent Blue Badge!

Rotarian, Caeden Bross, completes Rockland Rotary's Red Badge Program and receives his permanent "blue" name badge. The Red Badge Program is a structured process designed to help new members integrate into the club and learn about Rotary's mission. New participants wear a red name badge until they complete specific tasks, such as serving as a club greeter, attending a board meeting, visiting another club, and joining a committee.

Rockland Rotary Participates in Local Expositions

Rockland Rotary participates in the United Midcoast Charities (UMC) Spring Volunteer Recruitment Expo, on April 22 at the Flanagan Community Center. This event lended an opportunity for Rotarians to meet other non-profit organizations in Knox and Waldo counties. Rotarians Butch Worcester, Ferolyn Curtis (front), Don Bedell, and club president Carol Worcester volunteered to share the numerous ways the club supports community needs.

Rotarians Gene Reil, Kristin Brown, Ferolyn Curtis, and Mike Flanagan had the opportunity to meet community members at the 2026 PenBay Showcase & Job Fair held March 25th at the Samoset Resort. Both of these events allowed Rockland Rotary to promote their presence in the community and share the many way our club provides humanitarian service and advances goodwill worldwide.

Rockland Rotary Provides Hot Meal to Local Youth Center

Rockland Rotarians provide hot pizza and homemade brownies to The Landing Place in Rockland. This local youth center and drop-in facility is operated by Homeworthy (formerly Knox County Homeless Coalition) that supports at-risk youth, young adults, and families.

Photo L-R: Director Joseph Hufnagel, Rotarian Ferolyn Curtis, and The Landing Place staff members.

Excited to host our Annual Bass Fishing Tournament: 4/26/2026

The Rotary Club of Rockland is proud to host our 15th Annual Bass Fishing Tournament at Damariscotta Lake on April 26, 2026.

This tournament has grown into one of the premier fishing events in the state, bringing together anglers from across Maine for a great day on the water—all in support of our community.

Help us fund local benefaction grants—become a sponsor:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/support-local-charities-through-the-damariscotta-open-bass-fishing-tournament

Rockland Rotary Welcomes New Member

Rockland Rotary is pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Irven A. Gammon as our club's newest member and member to the global Rotary community. This community has a network of over 1.2 million men and women dedicated to building a better world through service. The Rockland Rotary Club members are confident that Irven will add his skills, experience, and enthusiasm to make our club stronger as we together.

Photo: Membership Chair Eric Hebert, Sponsor Butch Worcester, Irven A. Gammon, and Rockland Rotary President Carol Worcester.

Importance of Being Mindful of Those Around You

Long time Rotarian Ken Gricus, with help from Rotarian Kristin Brown, performed a skit at Rockland Rotary's Club meeting Wednesday as a reminder of the importance of being "mindful of others". This means to reach out to those who are alone and/or unable to mobilize well. It's important to visit with them, hold their hand, and to actively pay attention to their feelings, needs, and perspectives with empathy and without judgement. It necessitates being present in interactions, considering how your actions affect others, and encouraging connection through respectful communication and thoughtful, considerate behavior. Thank you Ken and Kristin for this very important reminder.

Happy 121st Birthday Rotary!

Here's to many more years of dedicated service, lasting impact, and bringing hope to communities around the world in the spirit of Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self".

Special Guests from Pittsfield

Rotarian Angel Aquirre (far right) is tirelessly enlisting enough interested members from her community to create a Satellite Club for the Pittsfield area. Angel, along with a few prospective rotarians, traveled from Pittsfield to meet Rockland Rotarians and to attend a regular Rotary meeting. This potential Satellite Club would be an extension of the "Host" Rockland Rotary Club. Like all Rotary clubs, satellite clubs hold regular meetings, have bylaws and a board, and get involved in community service projects. The host club sponsors the satellite club and provides advice and support. Satellite club members would be Rotarians and officially would be members of the sponsor club.

Ken Gricus Recognized for 51 Years of Perfect Attendance

Ken Gricus, a devoted Rockland Rotarian, receives recognition for 51 years of perfect attendance. Presenting Ken's 51st lapel pin is Rockland Club Secretary, Elba-Gloria Rangel-Erazo. Rockland Rotary President, Carol Worcester (L), looks on. Congratulations, Ken for your commendable "Service Above Self."

Collecting Donations for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

Several Rockland Rotarians rang the bells at Shaw's and Walmart to collect donations for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign. Our community is so generous and willing to help give joy to families in our community during the holidays by putting Christmas dinner on the table and by providing food, shelter, and beyond. Rockland Rotarians would like to thank all those who freely donated for this worthwhile cause.

Photos L-R: Bill Gay, Doug Curtis, Jr. & Ferolyn

Rotarians not pictured: Carol Worcester, Butch Worcester, Emma Davis, Scott Velte, Emily Dillion, and Don Bidell

Rotary International Honors The Rotary Club of Rockland

Rockland Rotary's president, Carol Worcester, receives a certificate and letters sent from Rotary International Presidents Stephanie A. Urchick (2024-2025) and Francesco Arezzo (2025-2026) congratulating The Rotary Club of Rockland members on its 2024 Centennial.

Rockland Rotary Welcomes Its Newest Member

Rockland Rotary is pleased to announce the induction of its newest member, Jason Merriam. Jason is the owner of Merriam Architects here in Rockland. His sponsor is Rotarian Susan Ware-Page. Pictured L-R are Susan, Jason, and Rockland Rotary President Carol Worcester.

Rockland Rotary Donates Food to Homeworthy

Rockland Rotarians donated over $500 for the Homeworthy shelter to purchase food for a hardy Thanksgiving dinner, plus extra food for their pantry and freezer.

Top Photo: Accepting the food donation is shelter manager Shannon (L) and Lisa (R). Emma (center) helped the rotarians deliver the food.

Bottom Photo L-R: Rotarians Ferolyn Curtis, Carol Worcester (President), & Kristin Brown fill 3 carts of groceries for Homeworthy.

Veteran Christy Gardner Founder of Mission Working Dogs

Christy Gardner, a veteran, was severely injured 18 years ago while serving in the army. Now a double amputee, with both legs removed below the knee, she relies on sophisticated prosthetics for her mobility. She is the founder of the nonprofit group that trains service and therapy dogs for those with disabilities, mostly veterans, to help them live more independently. Overseeing the entire operation was Doug, Christy’s own certified service dog. Doug warns Christy of any impending seizures (a result of traumatic brain injury), fetches items, and provides moral support. Christy is a full-time athlete who trains for the Paralympic track-and-field Shot-put competition team. She represents the U.S. in track-and-field and sled-hockey game events.The Mission Working Dog’s new campus in located in Oxford. Donations can be sent to: Mission Working Dogs, 152 Moxie’s Place, Oxford, ME 04270

"Flags for Heroes" Ceremony at MacDougal Park

Mayor Penny York (L) acknowledged the importance of the occasion and gratitude for all the heroes, seen and unseen, being honored. Rockland Rotarian Mike Flanagan (Center) initiated this project. Rockland Rotary President, Carol Worcester (R), read the names of each dedicated hero and their sponsor(s).

At noon, the "Flags for Heroes" ceremony, organized by Rockland Rotary, was held at MacDougal Park in Rockland. Rockland Rotarian, Ken Gricus, gave the invocation.

Photo by Stephen Betts

"Flags for Heroes" Banner Erected by Rotarian Veterans

Not only did each of these brave men serve our country, they each have continued a life of service as Rockland Rotarians!

Thanks for putting up the sign this morning, fellas!

Pictured: (L-R) Butch Worcester,

Kermit Voncannon, Doug Curtis, Jr., Gene Reil, and Mike Flanagan.

Join us this Veterans’ Day at 12 pm at MacDougal Park in Rockland for our "Flags for Heroes" ceremony.

Rockland Rotary Supports Our Community

Rockland Rotary was pleased to welcome our District Governor, Sue Pratt, from the Rotary Club of Farmington, who visited our club during our Wednesday meeting. After the meeting, a group of Rotarians gave her a city tour of some of the projects Rockland Rotary has done and donated to our community like the park benches at Harbor Park & Snow's Marine Park, the brick walkway around the flag pole at Chapman Park, the little league field dugouts on Pleasant St., the All-Inclusive Playground, handicap accessible picnic tables, and pavilion at MacDougal Park, and lastly our "Flags for Heroes" project at MacDougal Park that's dedicated to honoring heroes.

Supporting Safe Passage District Project

Rockland Rotary presents District Governor, Sue Pratt, with a $1,500 check to support the purchase of library books for the Safe Passage District 7790 Project in Guatemala. The Safe Passage Project is a nonprofit school working in Guatemala City since 1999 and is registered as a Pre-K through 9th grade school. It utilizes a holistic approach that expands the definition of education to mitigate underlying factors that contribute to poor educational outcomes. Additional programs include educational reinforcement for high school students, health care, social and nutritional services. T goal is to bring hope, education, and opportunity to the children and families trying to make a living around the city’s garbage dump—one of the largest landfills in Central America.

Photo L-R: President-elect Lexi Zable, president Carol Worcester, and DG Sue Pratt.

Exchanging Trading Banners

Our District 7790 Governor Sue Pratt (M), presents a trading banner from her Rotary Club of Farmington. Guest Rotarian Tony Wagner (R), from Cape Elizabeth, presents banners from his Rotary Club of So. Portland-Cape Elizabeth. While Rockland's President-Elect Lexy Zable (L), present a banner to our guests from the Rotary Club of Rockland.

Rockland Rotary's "Flags for Heroes"

Rockland Rotary would like to thank all of our "Flags for Heroes" sponsors! These commemorative flags will proudly be on display at the MacDougal Park in Rockland from November 4th-18th. Each sponsored flag will have a special placard with the hero's name, a brief biography, photo (optional), and the name of the sponsor. Our mayor, Penny York, will be a guest speaker at our Dedication Ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, November 11th at noon. All proceeds from this project will go toward scholarships for local high school seniors.

Rockland Rotarians Make Things Happen!

Thank you Rockland Rotarians for volunteering and making this special project happen!

Photo L-R: Jeff Boutaugh, Mike Flanagan (who initiated the project), Scott Velte, Elba Gloria Rangel Erazo, Bob Bird, Emily Dillion, Carol Worcester (president), Butch Worcester, Ferolyn Curtis (with granddaughter, Emma), Kermit Voncannon, Kristin Brown, and Gene Reil.

Thank you Carol for the donuts & coffee, Kristin for the homemade pumpkin muffins, and Rotarian Chris Gallagher from the West Bay (Camden) Rotary Club, who came to helped.

Rotarians Speak About Highlights of Rotary International Conferences

Rotary International Conferences provides an opportunity to meet and connect with fellow Rotarians from around the world, which can lead to new friendships and partnerships as was evident at Rockland Rotary's regular meeting this week. It also provides a deeper understanding of Rotary's worldwide impact. Rotarians who attended this year's Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada are (Top Photo L-R) PDG Doug Curtis, Jr., PDG Chris Gallagher, Stephen Savrann, Elba Gloria Rangel Erazo, Kate Taube, Tom Glasgow, Mike Flanagan, Ferolyn Curtis, and Gene Reil. (Doug, Elba Gloria, Mike, Ferolyn, and Gene are from the Rotary Club of Rockland).

Chris (bottom L) from Rotary Club of West Bay Camden, ME shared her experience in attending several RI Conventions over the years.

Photo bottom R: Stephen from Rotary Club of Sharon, MA, Elba Gloria from Rotary Club of Rockland, ME, Kate Taube from Rotary Club of Duxbury, MA, and Tom Glasgow from Rotary Club of Cranston, RI all spoke about their positive and enlightening experiences in attending the RI Convention in Calgary. Scott Pralinsky from the Rotary Club of Braintree, MA also attended Calgary, but was unable to be present at this meeting.