ROCKLAND ROTARY MAILING ADDRESS:
P O Box 1811
Rockland, ME, 04841
Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Rockland

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
Home Page Stories
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
 
 
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 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 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.
 
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.
 
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.
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!
 
 
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." 
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.  
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.
 
 
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. 
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.
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.
 
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.
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 closedEmoji, 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).
 
 
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” 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 19th.
 
Rockland Rotary is seeking volunteers for the Playground Community Build Project to assemble the equipment. On August 19th, 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 19th-23rd, 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 26th-27th.
 
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#/ 
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. 
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
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 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 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. 
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 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 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'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 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
 
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, 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.
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 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
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!
 
 
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 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
 
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 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.
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
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.
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.
 
 
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)
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 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)
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.
Rockland Rotarians had a jolly good time participating in Rockland's annual Festival of Lights parade, to kick off the Holiday Season.  With exceptional teamwork, Rotarians decorated our Rotary float in the shelter of Eric's garage, along with Kermit and the group who marched in the parade.  Butch and his co-pilot, Carol, drove the truck.  Emily was our "Mrs. Claus," who engaged the crowd. Kristin, Mike F. and Ferolyn were red-nosed reindeer, and Mike C. pushed his daughter, "Snow Princess," Evie, in a sleigh created by Stephanie McLain.  President Bob and Kip joined in the march up Main St.  The floats were spectacular and crowds of people lined the length of downtown Rockland, despite the freezing 26 degree temperatures.
Rockland Rotarians generously gave monetary donations to purchase turkeys, ham, hamburger, and other food to help fill-up the Hospitality House Family Shelter's freezers and pantry.  Rotarian, Lexi Zable, obtained a list of items the shelter needed. Then she went on a massive shopping spree and delivered the food to the shelter in time for the holidays. 
 
Rockland Rotary President, Bob Bird, presents our District Governor, Tina Chapman, with a check for $1,500 to go toward her District Project to decrease chronic childhood malnutrition in two villages in the Highlands of Guatemala. "Chronic childhood malnutrition is a complex problem that requires a wide range of interventions. Many efforts to reduce chronic childhood malnutrition in Guatemala address only one or a few of the interrelated causes. In this project we will address all of the causes identified in two communities and have identified 33 necessary malnutrition interventions. Such an integrated approach in neighboring villages has been shown to have a much more dramatic impact of reducing chronic childhood malnutrition than projects using just a handful of interventions. The project will be based on a community empowerment approach to ensure that the changes brought about by the project continue after Rotarians leave." (DGE Tina Chapman's District Governor's Project shared by Deb Walters)
Rockland Rotary partnered with WindowDressers to keep our neighbors in Maine warm this winter.  There will be approximately 75 Rotarians taking part in this project from Ellsworth, Castine, Hallowell, Rockland/Camden, Belfast, Calais, Waterville and Winthrop.  For every shift a Rotarian works, our district will make a donation of at least $100 to the WindowDressers program from our Rotary District 7790, which includes most of Maine and Quebec. This effort is part of Past-District Governor, Doug Curtis, Jr's, District Environmental Project.  As Rotarians, it's our mission to do good in the world.
Top: Rockland Rotarians Doug & Ferolyn Curtis, Jr., Tena Wallace, and Kristin Brown
Bottom: Rockland Rotarian Butch Worcester
Also participating but not pictured were Emily Dillon, Mike Flanagan, Adreth Rackliff and Lexi Zable.
(More photos can be found in our Photo Album.)
Club Executives & Directors
President
President Elect
Treasurer
Immediate Past President
Assistant Treasurer
Membership
Sergeant-at-Arms
Vice President
Links
Volunteers for ROTARY playground build
Speakers
Speaker-Jayne Van Bramer, President & CEO Sweetser
Dec 18, 2024
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day- Sweetser, a nonprofit community mental health provider
Speaker-John Romac, CDR USN (ret)
Jan 08, 2025
Travis Mills Foundation
Speaker- Mike Flanagan
Jan 15, 2025
Club Assembly
Speaker-Don Bedell
Jan 22, 2025
Classification Talk