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 Rotary Club’s annual partnership with the Bass Federation of Maine

15^th Bass Fishing Tournament at Damariscotta Lake

April 27, 2025

Raffle prizes!

Trophies!

Biggest Bass Prize!

Great Food provided by Rockland Rotarians!

For more information or to register, please contact:

John Lambert, Rockland Rotary at 901-568-0213

Nick Deering, Bass Federation of Maine at 207-239-9128

Entry fee is $135 per boat

All proceeds will go toward Benefaction Grants for the Community.

rocklandrotary6310@gmail.com

Rockland Rotary Club's annual partnership with the Bass Federation of Maine 15th Bass Fishing Tournament at Damariscotta Lake, April 27. In addition to a fun-filled day of fishing, there will be raffle prizes, trophies, Biggest Bass Prize, and great food provided by Rockland Rotarians. For more information call: John Lambert, 901-568-0213. Entry fee is $135 per boat. Registration Forms can be found on Home Page under Home Page Download Files. Register today!

Ken Gricus Receives Award for 50 Years Perfect Attendance

Rockland Rotary President, Mike Flanagan (L), presented Rockland Rotarian, Ken Gricus (R), with a special award honoring his 52 years as a Rockland Rotarian, with 50 years of Perfect Attendance! Ken joined Rockland Rotary in 1972 at the invite of Ed Thompson. He was 35 years old and among the youngest of the club’s members. At that time, Rev. William Robbins was the president and Rotary was a suit-and-tie association made up of professional men. Attendance was essential. If you missed three weeks of meetings in a row, you had in effect signed your resignation. Over the years Ken was on various committees, spent 9 years on the Board of Directors, and became president in 1985. During his presidential year, Ken was sent to the Rotary International Convention in Las Vegas. His wife, Mary, a Rotary Ann, accompanied him. This convention was the one that voted to extinguish Polio by Rotary International’s 100^th Anniversary in 2005. Just three years later at the Philadelphia Convention, Rotary had raised the money to take on Polio, pertussis, red measles and more. During Ken’s presidential year (‘85-’86), Rockland Rotary earned the Rotary Attendance Award for the entire District. The club had approximately 125 members, took the Salvation Army Bell Ringing Award from other service clubs like Kiwanis, the Masons, a women’s group Zonta, and others. Most recently, Ken has had the privilege of being Rockland Rotary’s chaplain and instituting the weekly “Rotary Minute”. He is the club’s Rotary International Foundation chairperson. Ken and Mary generously contributed to the “All-Aboard Inclusive Playground” located at MacDonald Park. Although no one currently in the club was a Rotarian when Ken joined, Ken states, “Rotary has been a lot more than a club to me, it is a way of life. All of the Rockland Rotarians have been like family, and I’m so grateful.”

"The Magic of Rotary" 2024-2025

Float theme is, “On the Road With Rotary”!

Each year the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee, with their creative vision, work together to design, build, and present an inspiring parade float that embodies the might of service and enlivens communities worldwide.

This committee strives to create an outstanding experience for both participants and spectators by bringing the Rotary global community together on the world’s stage to represent its diversity, unity, and to capture the attention of audiences around the globe.

Rockland Rotarians Applaud New Honorary Member

Rockland Rotary President, Mike Flanagan, presents Diane Zollo with an Honorary Membership certificate. Diane was an active, long-time member of Rockland Rotary having served as president from 2002-2003 and again from 2016-2017.

Rockland Rotarians Continue to Support the Red Kettle Campaign

Pictured left: Rockland Rotary President, Mike Flanagan

Right Top: Long-time Rotarian Ken Gricus with Elba-Gloria Rangel Erazo

Right Bottom: Ken Gricus and Salvation Army Envoy, Jenn Thompson

Rockland Rotary Welcomes New Members

One for the History Books! Rockland Rotary Club's first ever remote Induction Ceremony took place during its regular Wednesday meeting, Nov. 20th. Rockland Rotary members are pleased to welcome Patrick and Suzanne McGuire as their two newest members. Congratulations!

Photo top L: Patrick & Suzanne McGuire

Photo top R: Membership Chair, Eric Hebert, Elba Gloria Rangel Eraz (sponsor), and club president, Mike Flanagan

Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

Red Kettle History-
"In 1891, Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was distraught because so many poor individuals in San Francisco were going hungry. During the holiday season, he resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner for the destitute and poverty-stricken. According to the Salvation Army, the Red Kettle Campaign, the oldest annual charitable fundraiser of its kind in the United States, helps raise money for those who need it most in communities nationwide – providing toys for kids, coats for the homeless, food for the hungry and countless social service programs." google search

Rockland Rotarians have traditionally volunteered to help the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign by ringing the bell at Walmart in Thomaston and Shaws in Rockland. Thank you Carol, Butch, Emily, Don, Dave, Adreth, Eric, Mike F., Elba Gloria, Doug, and Ferolyn for volunteering on such a rainy, windy, cold day. Also, many thanks to those in the community who generously donate to this worthwhile cause.

Photo top-Ferolyn & Doug Curtis, Jr.

Photo middle-Emily Dillon & Carol Worcester

Photo bottom-Don Bedell & Doug Curtis, Jr.

Rockland Rotarians Generously Donate Food to Hospitality House

Rockland Rotarians generously donated $525 to purchase needed food items for our local Hospitality House for hot, nutritious meals over the holidays. (Top L-R) Emily Dillon, Carol Worcester, Kristin Brown, and Ferolyn Curtis shop for the suggested food items and then delivered them to Lisa Wentzel, Katy Korona, and Talia Sturks at the Hospitality House.

Bottom photo: Lisa Wentzel, Katy Korona, and Talia Sturks pictured with president-elect, Carol Worcester

Rockland Rotary's Centennial Banquet at Samoset Resort

Rockland Rotary had a celebratory evening at their Centennial banquet at the Samoset Resort on October 23rd. Emily Dillon, Master of Ceremony, did a superb job of introducing guest speakers and keeping the evening flowing on schedule. Rockland Rotary's president, Mike Flanagan, gave brief remarks about Rockland Rotary and welcomed dignitaries and guests. Ken Gricus, who has been a Rotarian for 52 years, gave an inspiring invocation. A pre-recorded video highlighted Rockland Rotary's All-Inclusive Playground Project that was gifted to the City of Rockland upon completion for the community to use and enjoy. Susan Ware Page, who spearheaded all the fundraising and ordering of the playground equipment, explained the process of this monumental project and community build. Kermit Voncannon spoke about the history and some of the logistics of the project. Ferolyn Curtis shared some heartwarming, emotional aspects of the community build that encompassed over 160 dedicated volunteers from local businesses and community members. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Nirav Shah, was introduce by Eric Hebert, who added a note of humor to his introduction. Dr. Shah is the principal deputy director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a job he has held since January 2023 after being Maine's CDC director. Shah joked that when people ask him what keeps him up at night, he tells them, "I sleep like a baby, which is to say, I get up every two hours, kicking and screaming and crying. There is a lot going on in the world. Whether it's the next pandemic threat, climate change, ticks finding their way here, or whether it's polio in another part of the world. The challenges facing public health are innumerable." he said.

"We at the CDC have our hands full. But the truth of the matter is that none of those things is the biggest challenge. Our biggest challenge at the CDC is not Ebola, or polio or climate change or hurricanes, or PFAs, or heart disease. Our biggest challenge is trust," Dr. Shah said. "The real thing that keeps me up at night is not a scary virus or the next hurricane or flood, it's those frayed bonds of trust," the deputy CDC director said. "When the real next threat arrives, if the advice of the CDC is ignored and assistance is turned away, that means lives are lost and communities are destroyed. That is where Rotary comes in. Rotary is an example of people from different groups coming together for face-to-face meetings over a long time to work for a common community goal." After Dr. Shah’s powerful message, Past District Governor, Doug Curtis, Jr. closed the evening by sharing information about past hands-on projects and community service that Rockland Rotary has engaged in to help others globally and locally. Doug left us with this query, "What will the next 100 years bring for Rockland Rotary?”

Top collage: Rockland Rotarians, Emily Dillion, President Mike Flanagan, Eric Hebert, and guest speaker, Dr. Nirav Shah

Bottom collage: Ken Gricus, District Governor Dino Marzaro and his wife, Karen, and PDG Doug Curtis, Jr.

View professional pictures of the banquet in Photo Album, on right side of our webpage.

Rockland Rotary Receives Trading Banners

Top Left: Newly inducted Rockland Rotarian, Don Bedell, presents a Rotary Club of State College-Downtown Pennsylvania, USA trading banner from his previous club.

Top Right: President Mike Flanagan trades banners with Rotarian Courtney Hampton, who was a guest visitor from Summit County, Fresco, Colorado.

Bottom Left: Elba Gloria Rangel-Eraz receives a banner from Club Quebec Val Belair during her visit to Quebec.

Bottom Right: Kristin Brown receives a banner from Rotary Club of Clovis, New Mexico during her visit to Clovis, NM.

"I Am Rotary"

2024 Benefaction Grant Recipients

Rockland Rotary was pleased to award Benefaction Grants to the following non-profit organizations for their community projects:

Knox Clinic- Mental Health Project
Methodist Conference Home- Meals on Wheels Project
Sundog Outdoor Leadership Initiative- Outdoor Art/Children's Health
Merryspring Nature Center- Environmental Education
Mid-coast Recreation Center-STEP (Skating/Tennis/Exercise Program)
Mid-coast School of Technology- Student Recognition Program
Friends of the Strand- Sunshine Series

Top photo: Sarah Glenn, Community Engagement Director at Mid-Coast Recreation Center, receives a check from Sherree Craig, Benefaction Chairperson.

Bottom photo: (front) Brittany Parker, Education Director for Friends of the Strand, Meredith Batley, Executive Director for the Knox Clinic, and John Fromer, Program Director for Merryspring Garden each receive a check from (back) Past-Presidents, Ferolyn Curtis and Bob Bird.

Rockland Rotary Opens the Fall Season with a Craft Fair

The Rockland Rotary sponsored Craft Fair at Ash Point Community School was a 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, and the Straw Raffle winners' cheering enticed other curious shoppers to try their hand at winning a prize. The camaraderie with fellow Rotarians, crafters, friends, family, and shoppers made for such a fun day. Thank you all who made this annual event such a success so that Rockland Rotary can continue to serve those in need within our community!

Opening Day of the All-Inclusive Playground at MacDougal Park

Build it, and they will come!

Past District Governor, Doug Curtis, Jr. Presents Check to WindowDressers

Photo L-R: Past District Governor Doug Curtis, Jr., Jessica Williams, and Past President Bob Bird

Past District Governor Doug Curtis, Jr. presents a check for $17,600.00 procured from overwhelming participation in WindowDresser Projects. Approximately 78 Rotarians participated at 6 different sites in Maine. Jessica Williams, WindowDresser's Executive Director, accepted the check. Doug's District Governor's Project focused on protecting and preserving the environment. The Governor's Project is an annual project chosen by the District Governor to support a cause that they are passionate about. Doug selected WindowDressers because it is "a volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to helping Northern New England residents reduce heating costs, fossil fuel consumption, and CO-2 emissions by lowering the amount of heat loss through windows."

Special Rubberized Service is Applied to Playground Pathways

A black rubberized base surface is applied to the pathways that meander to all the playground apparatuses. This was followed by a final coating of blue rubberized surfacing the next day. It took 48 hours for the surface to set. Rotarian volunteers took 4-hour shifts, day and night, to make sure people stayed off the equipment and pathways to protect the surface. There were over 160 dedicated volunteers who helped prepare surface, assemble equipment, spread mulch, erect fencing, and guard the site.

District Governor, Dino Marzaro Participates in Playground Project

Rockland Rotarians gathered at their Playground Project site at MacDougal Park to install temporary fencing around the playground. District Governor, Dino Marzaro assisted in pounding in stakes and securing fencing with zip-ties. A brief meeting followed where President, Mike Flanagan, shared our club's goals and achievements. Mike presented Dino with a $1,500 check from our club to go toward his district project to eliminate the taboo of menstruation in Madagascar, which is an obstacle to women's emancipation an educational opportunities. Honorary member, Doris Vertz, present Dino with "lobster" theme gifts from local establishments in our area.

Playground Equipment Arrives and Assembly Begins

Excitement builds as the truck carrying the playground equipment arrives at MacDougal Park. Our Community Build was a huge success. The equipment was assembled, posts set in cement (thanks to John Ferraiolo's cement mixer), playground sets attached to posts, and specialized mulch spread in 4 days, a day ahead of schedule. This was made possible by 140+ hard working community volunteers and rotarians.

Preparing Foundation Work for Playground

Kermit Voncannon, Jake Barbour, Mike Parody, from Ulti-play, and Susan Ware Page meet to plan the ground work for Rockland Rotary's Inclusive Playground at MacDougal Park.

Patrick Long Inducted into Rockland Rotary

Photo: Membership Chairperson, Eric Hebert, Patrick Long, and President, Mike Flanagan.

Rockland Rotary is please to have Patrick Long inducted as the club's newest member. Patrick was Chief Engineer for hotels in Annapolis, Nashville, and Miami. He is originally from Washington D. C. Upon retirement, Patrick traveled around the US in his 16 foot motor home. He became fond of the Rockland area an decided to spend half his time here and the other half in Miami, Florida.

Don Bedell, Rockland Rotary's Newest Member

Photo: Membership Chairperson, Eric Hebert, Don Bedell, and President-Elect, Carol Worcester.

Rockland Rotary is pleased to welcome its newest member, Don Bedell, who transferred from the State College Downtown Club in Pennsylvania where he was past president and volunteered at nearly every Rotary event. He was the Market Manager for its two Midcoast Maine region stations and brings more than three decades spanning programming, production, and on-air roles across radio, television, and digital. Don's most recent role was as the Director of Business Support for WPSU and WPSU-TV at Penn State University, where he also co-produced a weekly local music show. Don was sponsored by Bob Bird and inducted by Carol Worcester.

Rotarians Volunteer in Festival Food Tent

Thank you Rockland Rotarians for volunteering your time in the Festival food tent for Rotary! What a turnout! It was a slow night, but we all kept busy. Marci and John, were saddened their chowder station closed

, but they were very flexible in filling other positions. Sandy served steamed clams and mussels. Paul did a great job turning out the corn, and EG was plating those lobsters to perfection. Adreth dished out the coleslaw, while Ferolyn prepared the trays for the lobster dinners. Carol and Chris did a great job running the cash registers. Emma and Jennifer were replacement lobster handlers and clam chowder runners. Kristin washed and disinfected tables, after she found her misplaced bucket! Doug was jack of all trades. And finally, Bob, kept things moving and made sure we all had jobs. Guest helpers for Rotary were William (Carol's son), Jane Newcomb, Olsa (Doug's cousin from Albania), and Jackie (Ferolyn's mother).

Wayne Sawyer Rockland Rotary's 2024 Community Person of the Year

Photo: Rockland Rotary President, Mike Flanagan, Waynes Sawyer, wife, Meg Sawyer, and Rockland Rotarian, Jeff Boutaugh

Wayne Sawyer, honored as Rockland Rotary’s 2024 Community Person of the Year

President Mike Flanagan presented Reverend Wayne Sawyer with Rockland Rotary’s 2024 Community Person of the Year award, while Rotarian Jeff Boutaugh highlighted Sawyer’s unwavering community service. This award singles out one non-rotary individual who has contributed significantly to the betterment of the community and goes above and beyond Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self.”

Sawyer grew up in Bar Harbor and attended college and seminary in Massachusetts, where he met his wife, Meg. They married in 1983. In 1984 he accepted the pastorate of Thomaston Baptist Church. He served as their pastor for almost 40 years, retiring in December.

In addition to church activities, Sawyer has been involved in the Mid-coast Community Band, Thomaston and St. George Fire Departments, Rockland District Nursing Association, Jackson Memorial Library, St. George Select Board, and Special Olympics. At one time he performed in a play at Watts Hall. Sawyer has also served as a chaplain for the Thomaston Police Department and Penobscot Bay Medical Center. During Covid-19, Sawyer opened his church doors to assist people in the community in meeting their basic needs.

Sawyer embodies the true Rotary spirit of selflessness, compassion, and service that has touched many lives in our community. His spirit of service is an inspiration to others.

Great "All Aboard" Playground News!

Great “All-Aboard” Inclusive Playground News!

Rockland Rotary has reached its fundraising goal and is excited to announce that the “All-Aboard” Inclusive Playground has been ordered and will be arriving at MacDougal Park, Monday morning, August 19^th.

Rockland Rotary is seeking volunteers for the Playground Community Build Project to assemble the equipment. On August 19^th, Volunteers will be unwrapping the playground equipment on the arrival date and will be given instructions on assembly by experienced installers. Volunteers may be using small hand tools to assemble some of the equipment.

Approximately 20-25 individual or business volunteers from our community are required each day from August 19^th-23^rd, in order to complete this project. The Community Build will be very much like an old fashioned “barn-raising”. Any unfinished assembly and groundwork will be completed August 26^th-27^th.

With the community’s support, soon our community will be able to witness the smiles of children and families as they enjoy a playground with accessibility, especially designed equipment, and safe surfaces for play and fun. This will be the only playground of its kind in the Mid-Coast area. Pictures of some of the equipment are below.

Signup link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DADA72AA2FCC16-50425825-volunteers#/

Art Supplies Donated to The Landing Place

Top photo: Butch Worcester, Carol Worcester, club president, Mike Flanagan, Youth Empowerment Advocate, Jason Boutaugh, Cecilia Boutaugh, and Jeff Boutaugh

Bottom photo: Carol Worcester, Jeff Boutaugh, Jason Boutaugh, Mike Flanagan, and Butch Worcester

Rockland Rotarians paid a visit to The Landing Placed with totes full of art supplies for area youths. The large donation of coloring books, crayons, markers, and take-home drawing kits are valuable tools for fostering coping skills, creativity, and self-expression, which are essential components to promote good mental well-being. In addition, Rockland Rotarians presented The Landing Place with a check for $400 to assist with youth needs.

Sign-up for a Fun-filled Day of Golf at the Samoset Resort!

Marcel Lacasse

Memorial Golf Tournament

Sponsored by Rockland Rotary

Friday, September 20, 2024

Samoset Resort

Rockport, Maine

$160 Entry Fee

Scramble Format

8:00 AM Registration, 9:00 AM Shotgun Start

For Registration & Sponsorship Information go to www.rocklandrotary.org

Kermit Voncannon - (207) 593-6853 or nkvoncannon@aol.com

Rockland Rotary's annual Marcel Lacasse Memorial Golf Tournament to raise scholarship money for local high school seniors is fast approaching. Now is the time to form your teams and sign-up to join us for a fun-filled day of golf and camaraderie, while supporting our local seniors. The tournament will be Friday, September 20th at the Samoset Resort. To register contact Kermit Voncannon (207) 593-6853) or nkvoncannon@aol.com

Change of Command

Out-going President, Bob Bird (R), turns command over to our new Rockland Rotary President, Mike Flanagan (center) at the Change of Command Banquet, July 24th. Carol Worcester now becomes the club's new President-Elect. The club members thank Bob for all his efforts in leading our club through a very successful and productive 2023-2024 Rotary year. President Mike was ready to assume command and has already exhibited leadership qualities that will spearhead us through a promising 2024-2025 Centennial year. Congratulations to all!

Rockland 2024 Rotarian of the Year!

Rockland Rotary President, Bob Bird, presents Susan Ware Page, with this year's prestigious Rockland 'Rotarian of the Year' award at the July 3rd weekly meeting. 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 involvement. Susan has spearheaded the successful fundraising efforts for the Centennial, "All-Aboard" Inclusive Playground Project. She actively participates in many club and community activities and events, while serving as vice-president on the Oceanside Little League Board of Directors. Congratulations, Susan, for receiving this well-deserved award!

Rockland Rotarian Receives District Governors Award

Rockland Rotary President, Bob Bird, hands Ferolyn Curtis, the District Governors Recognition Award, that was announced by District Governor, Tina Chapman, at the 7790 District Conference in Waterville, ME.

Neptune Returns - Me Lobster Fest gofundme Campaign

Richard is a local sculptor and long-time Lobster Festival volunteer. He is working to recreate a bronze King Neptune statue destroyed by recent winter storms. His goal is to include two mermaids to the final sculpture. If you'd like to support this local project, check out the Neptune Returns - Me Lobster Fest gofundme campaign to make donations. The final home for the sculpture is yet to be determined, but it will most likely be somewhere around the Rockland Harbor where locals and visitors can enjoy this unique and magnificent piece of local art.

Rockland Rotary Awards Scholarships to Local High School Students

Rockland Rotary was pleased to award $1,500 scholarships to each of the 8 outstanding and highly qualified high school students from Medomak Valley and Oceanside High Schools. The scholarship recipients and their parents were invited to a special Rotary luncheon in honor of their accomplishments. Receiving scholarships are Sara Nelson, Maya Cannon & Evelyn Overlock from Medomak and Jean Muriro, Sophie Daggett, Hannah Erickson, Geneva Alley, and Hayley Tufts from Oceanside.

Group Photo L-R: Rotarian Kermit Voncannon, Club President Bob Bird, Scholarship Committee Tena Wallace, Jean Muriro, Hannah Erickson, Sara Nelson, Sophie Daggett, Geneva Alley, Hayley Tufts, and Scholarship Chairperson Marci Lambert. Not pictured are Maya Cannon & Evelyn Overlock.

Rockland Rotary Kicked off Annual Fishing Tournament

Rockland Rotary Club, in Partnership with the Bass Federation of Maine, kicked off their annual fishing tournament April 28 at Damariscotta Lake. It was a perfect day to find that special fishing spot to hook the prize-winning bass.

Rockland Rotary would like to thank the boaters, sponsors, donors, and all who purchased raffle tickets in generous support of this annual fundraising event, which provides Benefaction Grants for area nonprofit organizations within our community.

The sponsors and donors were: Home Depot, FW Webb, Johnson’s Sporting Goods, Premier Garage, Auto Zone, NAPA, Bixbee Chocolate, Back Cove Yachts, E.L. Spear, and Car Quest.

South School Presents Check for Rockland Rotary's Inclusive Playground Project

South School's leadership students present a $1,100.00 check to Rotarians Emily Dillon (2nd from L) and Mike Flanagan (far L) for Rockland Rotary's "All Aboard" Inclusive Playground Project. Under the guidance of South School's music teacher, Victoria Hamilton, the students raise money by collecting coins for this fundraising event. Rockland Rotary members heartily thank all the students and staff at South School for their smashing success in support of this project, which is specifically designed to benefit children of all abilities, within our community.

Rockland Rotary Inducts Two New Members

Rockland Rotary inducted two new members, Jennifer Thompson, an Envoy at The Salvation Army in Rockland, and Emma Davis, a chiropractor working at Bay Chiropractic Center. These newest members exemplify the true spirit of Rotary and are eager to fulfill Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self."

Photo: Sponsor-Jacob Post, Membership Chair & Sponsor-Eric Hebert, Jennifer Thompson, Emma Davis, and Past-President, '21-'22-Ferolyn Curtis

Knox County Retired Educators Donating Raffle Proceeds to Inclusive Playground

Rockland Rotary would like to thank Nancy West Eugley (L) and Joan Hall (R), members of the Knox County Retired Educators (KCRE), for visiting our club Wednesday to announce they are donating all raffle proceeds from this gorgeous, queen-size quilt to our All Aboard Inclusive Playground Project. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. The drawing will be July 1st.

Rockland Rotarians Attend Rotary Meeting in Spain

Rockland Rotarians, Doug and Ferolyn Curtis, Jr., had the opportunity to attend the Rotary Club Marbella while vacationing in the Costa del Sol region of Spain. During this particular meeting, a new Rotarian was being inducted into their club. It was interesting learning the differences in their induction process. In order to become a new member, the candidate has to deliver their classification speech and field questions from the club's members before being approved and inducted. In turn, the Marbella members were very interested in learning about the process our club uses to induct new members. It's amazing how Rotarians, from all over the world, make you feel welcome and at home in their respective clubs.

Fishing Frenzy at Damariscotta Lake!

The Rockland Rotary Club, in partnership with The Bass Federation of Maine, held its 14th Annual Fishing Tournament at Damariscotta Lake, Sunday, April 29th. Thanks to all the generous support from sponsors, boaters, and participants, this was another successful fundraising event that helps provide Benefaction Grants to community non-profit organizations.

Rockland Rotary Inducts New Member

Rockland Rotary is fortunate to have Elba-Gloria Rangel-Erazo inducted as their newest member. EG not only brings her professional skills as a software consultant, but also brings artistic talents and endless energy. Her commitment to Community Above Service is evident by her eagerness to join numerous committees and participate in club events. Welcome EG!!

Photo: Membership Chair-Eric Hebert, President-Bob Bird, Elba-Gloria, and Sponsor-Kristin Brown

3rd Annual Cornhole Tournament Sponsored by Rockland Rotary & the Midcoast Cornhole Committee

Mark your calendars for June 1st because this cornhole event you won't want to miss! All skill levels are welcome! So, whether you're a cornhole pro or just a beginner, snag a partner and come join us for some friendly competition. There will be cash prizes! The more teams that participate, the bigger the prizes. It will be a fun-filled day with delicious food, baked goods, music, and plenty of cornhole. This event is not only going to be entertaining, but it's for an amazing cause. Proceeds from this event will go toward Rockland Rotary's All-Inclusive Playground project. Please help push us over our $200,000 goal!

Rockland City Council Votes to Accept Rockland Rotary's All-Inclusive Playground!

https://www.penbaypilot.com/article/deposit-submitted-specialty-company-first-midcoast-alternative-playground/184853

In 2022, Rockland Rotary received approval from the Rockland City Council to fundraise for an All-Inclusive playground to be placed at MacDougal Park, on Broadway. April 1st, the Rockland City Council voted unanimously to accept Rockland Rotary's All-Inclusive Playground gift. The project fundraising is in its final stages of reaching their $200,000 goal. Once the fundraising is complete, the playground will be ordered and a community build can proceed. On completion, the city will take over ownership and future maintenance of the playground.

Rockland Rotary Participates in the 2024 Community Expo

Rockland Rotary participated in the annual Community Expo at the Samoset Resort to network with local businesses, organizations, and community members. Rockland Rotarians had the opportunity to promote Rotary’s humanitarian work.

They also had the opportunity to share the exciting progress being made with our Centennial All-Inclusive Playground project that will be located at the MacDougal Park in the very near future!

Sincere thanks go out to the following Rockland Rotarians who helped make this fun day such a great success: Gene Reil, Lexi Zable, Kristin Brown, Kermit Voncannon, Mike Flanagan, Butch & Carol Worcester, Adreth Rackliff, and Ferolyn Curtis.

Photo: Carol Worcester, Kermit Voncannon, & (bottom) Gene Reil

14th Annual Bass Fishing Tournament

Please join Rockland Rotary's annual Bass Fishing Tournament at Damariscotta Lake, in partnership with the Bass Federation of Maine, on Sunday, April 28, 2024. Contact Rotarian, John Lambert at 901-568-0213 to register.

Ash Point Community School Presents a Check for Rockland Rotary's Inclusive Playground Project

Ash Point Community School Principal, Ben Tripp, and 5th Grade teacher, Wendy Jacques, present a $686.50 check for Rockland Rotary's "All Aboard" Inclusive Playground Project. Rotarians, Kermit Voncannon and Emily Dillon were invited to visit APCS to give a presentation about our Inclusive Playground Project. Under the guidance of Ben, Wendy, and the APCS staff, inspired students decided to raise money by collecting pennies for this project. Rockland Rotary heartily thanks the students and staff at Ash Point Community School for their whopping success in supporting this project, which is specifically designed to benefit children, of all abilities, within our community. Pictured L-R: Kermit Voncannon, Rockland Rotary President, Bob Bird, Wendy Jacques, Ben Tripp, and Emily Dillon.

Rotarians Meet Mandatory Requirement for Blue Badge!

Rockland Rotarians, Gavin Elliott and Kristin Brown, have met all the Mandatory Requirements for New Rotary Club Members. Requirements included actively serving on at least one Committee, participating in a Club Hands-on Project, giving a brief personal history at a club meeting, attending a monthly Board of Directors meeting, visiting another Rotary Club meeting, attending a Club Social Event, serving at the Welcome Desk for two weekly club meetings, and attending any District sponsored Rotary meeting. Congratulation!

Left photo: Rotarian and Membership Chairperson, Eric Hebert with Gavin Elliott

Right photo: Rotarians Kristin Brown and Eric Hebert

Foreign Exchange Student, Marc Hering, Guest Speaker

Top photo: Marc Hering, Oceanside High School's Foreign Exchange Student from Germany, shared information about how his educational program in Germany differs from his experience at Oceanside. In Germany he studies 3 different languages, German, English, and French. He shared information about the German culture and personal interests.

Bottom photo: A Rockland Rotary Trading Banner is presented to Marc by Rotarians Adreth Rackliff, Bob Bird (President), Jane Newcomb, and Ken Gricus.

Rockland Rotary Welcomes a New Member, Joyce Mohr

Top photo: Rockland Rotary Club President, Bob Bird, formally inducts Joyce Mohr as our newest Rotarian. Joyce is the owner of Taxes Plus, a tax preparation and consulting business in Rockport Maine.

Bottom photo: Membership Chairperson, Eric Hebert, President Bob Bird, Joyce, and President-elect, Mike Flanagan (sponsor) welcome Joyce as a member of the Rockland Rotary Club.

Rockland Rotary's Holiday Inventory Sale was a Mega Success!

Our Rockland Rotary Club had a successful 2-day Holiday Sale over the weekend of December 16th & 17th. Over 17 Rotarians, plus friends, and family members, donated many hours of personal time setting up and working this event. Thank you! Our club would also like to thank the Ash Point Community School for the use of their gym and the community for purchasing items which supported our efforts in raising money for our "All Aboard" Playground Project to benefit all children, especially those with physical/emotional challenges. (More photos from this event in Holiday Inventory Sale Photo Album)

Rockland Rotary's 50% Discount Holiday Sale!

Holiday Sale- Saturday and Sunday, December 16th & 17th at the Ash Point Community School in Owls Head from 10:00-4:00 both days. Come get amazing bargains on all brand new stock. There's sterling silver jewelry, unique birdhouses, signs, paper lanterns, artwork, toys, clocks, novelty socks, towels, and many more remarkable items. You won't want to miss this opportunity. All proceeds will go toward the Rockland Rotary's "All Aboard" Playground to benefit all children, especially those with physical and emotional challenges.

Rockland Rotarians Ring in the Holiday Season

Rockland Rotarians shared a holiday-spirited evening of fellowship and barrels of laughter at our annual Holiday Party! The Elks prepared a delicious meal, tables were festively decorated, and Carol Worcester entertained everyone with her merrymaking activity. Rockland Rotary extends their wishes for a peaceful holiday season. (More photos can be found in our Holiday Party 2023 Photo Album)

Five Local Rotary Clubs Meet to Socialize and Share Ideas

Top photo L-R: Camden President-elect, Bruce Cole, Augusta President Merry St. Pierre, Belfast President Steve Norman, Rockland President Bob Bird, and West Bay President Trina Kuykendall.

Each Rotary leader shared what their respective club is doing for fundraising, projects they have participated in, and the different ways they are helping our communities. We thank Rockland President-elect, Mike Flanagan, for spearheading this social event and organizing a delicious meal for the 45 local Rotarians who gathered for this evening of fellowship.