ROAMING SHORES – The Rome Rock Association celebrated its newly renovated clubhouse on Saturday, May 23, with a dedication ceremony.
The dedication was part of the opening weekend for Roaming Shores, as it kicked off its “Rockin’ 60th Anniversary Celebration” for 2026.
The day included the opening of the pools and beaches, as well as a half marathon, Longest Member Reception and a golf cart and bicycle parade, dampened some by the rain.
The dedication of the renovated clubhouse began with the raising of the flag by the Rock Creek VFW Post 4953 and the playing of the National Anthem.
At the dedication, back inside the renovated building, Deacon and RRA member Jim Kovats led everyone in a prayer.
Guests then heard remarks from 60th Anniversary Committee Chair Mark Dougherty, RRA Board President Scott Soble and Village Councilor Holly Mayernick.
“It feels so good to be in this space,” Soble said.
He thanked the community for its support during the process.
“It wasn’t just about community support – it was about our team,” Soble said.
He also thanked the group of contractors and subcontractors, some of which reside in Roaming Shores.
The project started in November, and with the weather getting bad, they questioned if they should hold off a year, Soble said.
But Crandall Construction said they could get the footers in and get the project started.
“Everyone went above and beyond to make this project happen on time,” Soble said.
Soble said the project started out with the purpose of painting a wall.
It transformed to the renovation project.
The project involved engineering out all but two posts in the building, so it’s fully open, with windows lining the back, creating a full view of the lake.
With Village Mayor Duane Helms unable to attend, Mayernick spoke on behalf of the Village.
“We’re pleased to pay homage to the great improvements to this long-standing icon,” Mayernick said of the clubhouse.
Almost every time someone considers buying a home in Roaming Shores, the clubhouse is used as a draw.
Mayernick praised the good working relationship between the RRA and the Village.
“Hat’s off – let’s continue that,” Mayernick said.
Immediately following the dedication, a reception was held to honor those members who have owned for 40 years or more.
Led by RRA IT/Communications Jen Addair, members shared memories and stories from their time in the Shores.
Addair shared a slide show of the earliest members.
The original property owners were Murphy/McMurphy, who sold land to the original developers.
The RRA’s longest-owning member, Dave Emick, attended with his family. Emick bought his first lot in Roaming Rock Shores in 1966, before there was even a lake.
Other early members were:
• Wade – 1966
• Baitt – 1967
• Cup – 1967
• Hocevar – 1967
• Kline – 1967
• Pugh – 1967
• Sbrocco – 1967
• Crandall – 1968
• Franklin – 1968
• Loy – 1968
• Juillerat – 1969
• Fain/Gambol – 1969
