All events are family friendly, and many have no cost to attend. We rely on the generosity of our community for donations, volunteers, and participation. Check our Facebook group regularly for the latest details, RSVPs, and ways to get involved!

Luau Day!

July 19th 2026 – First Ever Family Luau at Kiwanis Beach

Aloha, Veterans & Families!

Mark your calendars for a fun, relaxing day at the beach filled with great food, good company, plenty of sunshine, and the spirit of aloha!

Join Operation Ray of Light at Kiwanis Beach (Watchic Lake), Kiwanis Beach Rd, Standish, ME 04084.

What to Expect:

• Delicious BBQ with our guru of the smoker firing up the brisket (special thanks to generous donors making it possible!)

• Potluck style—bring your favorite signature sides, appetizers, or desserts to share

• Hawaiian shirts encouraged—come in your best tropical attire or just as you are

• Family-friendly atmosphere perfect for veterans, spouses, children, and friends

• Time to relax, connect, share stories, and build camaraderie with fellow veterans and families

• “Until the last story is told”—stay as long as the good times roll

This is a free, open event with no tickets required. It’s all about community and shining that ray of light together.

Questions, to RSVP, or to donate/volunteer (we’re still looking for brisket or other contributions!):

Call or text Jim “Doc” Martel at (207) 233-1332 or email operationrayoflight@gmail.com

Join our Facebook group for updates and to connect: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Operationrayoflight/

Frye Island Veterans and Family Day

5th Annual Lt. Scott Milley Frye Island Adventure Series

One of our most anticipated annual events is the Frye Island Veterans and Family Day (also known as the Lt. Scott Milley Frye Island Adventure Series)—a full day of community, celebration, catered lunch, and connection on the beautiful Frye Island in Maine’s Sebago Lake region.

Date & Time: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Frye Island (catered lunch at the Community Center tent; fun day on the beach)

This special day brings veterans, families, and supporters together for a relaxing, fun-filled experience featuring:

• Catered lunch at the Community Center tent

• Fun day in the sun on the beach with swimming

• Corn hole, bocce ball, kayaks

• Music and relaxation

• Camaraderie and peer support in a scenic island setting

What to Bring: Lawn chairs, umbrellas, beach gear, and your smile!

How to Sign Up or Get More Information:

Reach out directly to Glenn Beck for event details, registration, and to reserve your family’s space:

Phone: (757) 504-6024

Email: glennhaggis@mac.com

You can also contact Jim “Doc” Martel for additional information:

Phone: (207) 233-1332

Email: operationrayoflight@gmail.com

This information is taken directly from the official event flyer and announcements shared within the Operation Ray of Light community. Space is limited—contact Glenn Beck soon to secure your spot!

Past events have been highlights for attendees, with great feedback on the welcoming atmosphere, beautiful island setting, and strong sense of community. We look forward to another memorable day in 2026.

Patty’s Pontoon Boat Day – Saturday, September 12, 2026

Annual End-of-Summer Pontoon Ride for Veterans and Families at Long Beach Marina

Join us for our annual Patty’s Pontoon Boat Day—a wonderful, free community event honoring veterans and their families with a relaxing day on beautiful Sebago Lake!

Date & Time: Saturday, September 12, 2026, starting at noon

Location: Long Beach Marina, 81 Sebago Rd, Route 114, Sebago, Maine 04029

This cherished annual tradition (continuing the success of previous years, including the 5th Annual in 2025) is hosted in partnership with Long Beach Marina and Operation Ray of Light / Jim “Doc” Martel. It is held in memory of Patty, an avid supporter of veterans and their families. The event is a heartfelt way for the community to thank veterans for their service through time on the water, camaraderie, and good food.

Long Beach Marina has been a beloved, family-owned staple on Sebago Lake for nearly 40 years (Minervino family). Located on the open lake with a beautiful sandy-bottom beach and crystal-clear water, the marina offers a full range of products and services including:

• Late-model pontoon boat rentals (day or weekly, hassle-free)

• Moorings with shuttle service and an accessible launch ramp

• Full-service high-octane fuel dock

• Professional marine mechanical services

• Boat storage

• A welcoming beachfront experience perfect for gathering, relaxing, and enjoying Maine’s natural beauty

For this special day, Long Beach Marina generously offers up their entire fleet of pontoon boats and coordinates experienced captains to take veterans and families out on the water. Participants enjoy escorted cruises across Sebago Lake with opportunities to relax at the sand bar, adventure around scenic Frye Island, and spot majestic bald eagles. At the conclusion of the rides, everyone comes together on the marina’s beautiful stretch of beach along Sebago Lake for a delicious barbecue, community time, and fellowship with all the families.

Past years have seen over 50 veterans and families participating across multiple boats, creating an unforgettable end-of-summer experience filled with gratitude, laughter, and connection.

This is a free event focused on outdoor fun, fellowship, and honoring our heroes. It’s separate from the Frye Island day but shares the same spirit of connection and adventure.

Questions, to sign up/RSVP, or to learn more:

Call or text Jim “Doc” Martel at (207) 233-1332 or email operationrayoflight@gmail.com

Watch the Long Beach Marina and Operation Ray of Light Facebook pages for registration links, updates, and details as the date approaches.

We’re already looking forward to another amazing day on the water—hope to see you there!

Other Seasonal & Recurring Adventures

Stay tuned for more ways to get out and connect throughout the year:

Bass Fishing Day (early summer at Watchic Lake in Standish):

Join local bass club anglers and avid fishermen for a day on the water targeting bass, followed by storytelling, hotdogs, and burgers at Kiwanis Beach. Our 5th Annual event took place in 2026 and was a great success for camaraderie on the lake!

Ice Fishing Events (winter months, such as January at Otter Pond in Standish, in collaboration with Maine Game Wardens):

Get out on the ice with warming shacks (including disability-accessible options), bait, traps, food, and drinks. A wonderful way to combat winter isolation and enjoy Maine’s outdoors with fellow vets.

Barbecues and More: Spontaneous and planned gatherings to keep the connections strong year-round. We are always looking to add new adventures—your ideas and participation help us grow!

Get Involved and Stay Connected

Operation Ray of Light is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit veteran and family empowerment organization dedicated to providing peer support, resource connections, and opportunities for healing through community and outdoor activities. Our goal is to create an environment where veterans can acknowledge their experiences, share challenges, find comfort in knowing they are not alone, and build good mental well-being alongside their families.

For the absolute latest on all upcoming events, additional pop-up events, volunteer needs, and donation opportunities (food, supplies, or time), please:

• Join our active Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Operationrayoflight/

• Contact Co-Founder & President Jim “Doc” Martel: (207) 233-1332 or operationrayoflight@gmail.com

• Mailing Address: PO Box 634, Standish, Maine 04084

“A ray of light comes out of the darkness daily. Let it shine upon our Veterans and their families.”

We can’t wait to see you at an event soon. Together, we make the light brighter!

For the most current details and any changes, always refer to our Facebook group, as dates and logistics can shift with weather or planning.