ROCKPORT — Sani Fogel was surprised to see several of her close friends, her daughter and various Select Board members crowded into the small ‘round table office’ May 30 at the Rockport Town Office. 

“What’s going on here,” she asked, raising an eyebrow as she scanned the room.

“Have a seat,” said Select Board Chair Michelle Hannan, gesturing to the lone chair.

“Definitely looks like a set-up,” said Fogel. 

“Surprise!” said board member Mark Kelley. “We have dedicated the town report to you.”

“You have gone over the top,” said Fogel, breaking into a large grin, and looking down at the 2022 Rockport Annual Report, with its dedication page to her.

The annual town report dedication is a tradition in Maine towns, and is often a secret right up to the day when the reports arrive back from the printers, in boxes.

Likewise, the annual in memoriam page in the town report, which is dedicated to a citizen who has passed, but who is long remembered for doing well by their community.

This year, and just two days after meeting with Sani Fogel, a contingent from the town — Town Manager Jon Duke and Select Board members Hannan, Kelley and Denise Munger, made another surprise visit to Rollins and Sons Autobody in West Rockport.

This time, it was to let the Rollins Family know that the 2022 in memoriam page is dedicated to Scott Rollins, who died July 31, 2021.

There, they gathered inside the garage, surprising Scott’s wife, Sandra Rollins, son Greg, daughter-in-law Trina, and grandson Levi, with the honor.

The 2022 Rockport Town Report dedications read:

Alexandra ‘Sani’ Fogel

 If anyone should have been destined for a musical career, it is Sani Fogel. When she was born in 1936, her grandmother, the legendary violinist Lea Luboshutz, had been spending summers in Rockport for almost a decade, as had her great aunt and uncle, the duo-piano team of Luboshutz & Nemenoff. But Sani’s career as a music student was brief and unfulfilling. Instead, she followed in the footsteps of her father, Billy Wolf, becoming an avid boater as a child and purchasing her first sailboat at the age of sixteen. 

Her five brothers and sisters and her parents all contributed to the purchase price of $500, hence the boat’s name—the “Chip-in.”  She has had a boat on a mooring in Rockport Harbor and has sailed the Maine coast ever since.

Sani’s devotion to the town of Rockport has been life-long. Starting her career as the Executive Director of Young Audiences Inc. in Philadelphia, she shifted to the world of philanthropy when she became Director of Delaware Valley Grantmakers. But Sani eventually realized that she wanted to live in Rockport as a full-time resident.

After moving here, her activities on behalf of the community she loves were extensive. She served two terms as a Rockport Selectman from 2006 to 2012 and chaired the board of Bay Chamber Concerts (playing a major role in the creation of its community music school).

She has served on the Opera House Committee, the Harbor Committee, on the board of United Mid-Coast Charities as well as the Camden Conference. Her board assignments also took her further afield, including Jackson Labs and Bigelow Labs. During all that time, she somehow managed to establish the Maine Philanthropy Center as its founder and first director, commuting to Portland on a regular basis. When she retired, the Center named its Library in her honor.

But Sani is not someone who simply wants to add organizations to an already distinguished resumé. As one admirer put it: “Sani is a doer. She has strong opinions (which are usually right). But at the same time, she is open to what others think and she is always willing to change her mind when someone has a better idea. She has no patience with people sitting around and waiting for others to volunteer. She likes to make things happen.” 

It seems that Sani’s energy, talent, and love of Rockport have been passed on to the next generation. Her daughter, Alexa, winner of several television Emmys is the founder of Beech Hill Films. Daughter Marya Flanagan is a writer and producer. Like her mother, Irene Goldovsky Wolf, Sani is beloved by the community for her selfless devotion to Rockport.

In Memoriam: Scott Gregory Rollins

 Longtime Rockport resident Scott Rollins passed away on July 31, 2021. 

In 1960 Scott purchased his first home in West Rockport with his wife Sandra and raised their children Teri and Greg. During this time, he opened Rollins Auto Body. 

Scott’s passion was working on cars and that is evident based on the successful business that he built. 

Scott believed in high quality workmanship, providing great customer service, had a good sense of humor, was outgoing, and made friends wherever he went. 

Rollins Auto Body remains a thriving business today, having recently celebrated 56 years in business and is currently under the leadership of his son Greg and grandson Levi.

Scott also was passionate about community service. Scott served the Town of Rockport as volunteer firefighter and Lieutenant of Engine #23 for many years and was a 46-year member of the Rockport Federal Masonic Lodge.

The Town of Rockport appreciates Scott’s dedication and the legacy he left with his son and grandson as they continue to volunteer with the Rockport Fire Department today.