ROCKPORT — They call themselves the “Unofficial Ladies Auxiliary Club of Rockport.” This unique club consists of five women, who last winter held their first responders appreciation luncheon for the Camden and Rockport fire and police departments.

On September 8, they are hosting their second recognition lunch at the Rockport Masonic Lodge. The event will include all of the Knox County responders including police, fire and EMS.  

Michelle Hannan, one of the club members, is also the sister of Camden-Rockport Police Chief Randy Gagne.

“This has been a difficult summer for first responders so we want to give back to all of those in Knox County,” she said.

The other club members in addition to Hannan are Rockport and Camden residents Keirsten Delano, Maggie Timmerman, Catherine Erskine and Michelle Chamberlain.

They initially all worked together on the Rockport 125^th celebration committee and then joined the Keep Rockport Beautiful initiative with roadside cleanups throughout the community.

“After we completed those projects, we were looking for other ways to be involved in the community and we came up with the idea of recognizing our local first responders,” said Hannan.

The committee is coordinating the appreciation lunch from “soup to nuts” but needs the support of the community with donations of all kinds, especially since they are including more departments this year. They are also seeking raffle donations, like gift cards or merchandise.

The lunch will be a barbeque beginning at noon and flyers have been sent to all of the Knox County first responders inviting them to the event.

Hannan said that the club members all feel that the work of these men and women cannot go unnoticed.

“Sometimes we do not realize the sacrifices they have to make in their personal lives while they are on duty.”

Any businesses or individuals who would like to make a donation should contact Hannan at 975-4317 or  mhannan@roadrunner.com.

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com