This Week's Meeting Will Be At The Wishcamper Center, Room 102
(The opposite side of USM Abromson Center, closer to Forest Ave)
THIS WEEK'S SPEAKER: David Turin, Turin's Restaurant
Chef David Turin has been a fixture in Maine’s culinary community for more than 40 years. Since 1983, he has owned and operated restaurants and today serves as chef and owner of David’s Restaurant and David’s Opus Ten in Portland, and David’s 388 in South Portland.
A highly respected industry leader, David has been named Maine Restaurant Week’s “Spirit Quest” Best Chef of Portland 19 times, was recognized as Maine’s Chef of the Year in 2012, received the American Culinary Federation’s Presidential Medallion in 2025, and earned HospitalityMaine’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
His career includes more than 100 television cooking segments, appearances on Guy’s Grocery Games, cooking at the James Beard House, and mentoring culinary students throughout New England.
Beyond the kitchen, David is deeply committed to community service and hospitality leadership, serving on numerous industry, education, and civic boards while helping shape the next generation of culinary professionals.
BITS AND PIECES |By Laura Young
Co-President Laura Young called the meeting to order and asked Paul Tully to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Tom Talbott gave a memorable Message of the Day, a Zen reminder that when life bumps into us, we spill out what we are holding inside. Is anger, jealousy, frustration, or is it love, kindness, empathy, and understanding? When you wake up each morning, ask yourself what’s inside you today?
FLAGS FOR HEROES: There's many ways to help our program, a powerful and emotional tribute to the heroes who make a difference in people's lives. In addition, the fundraising component allows us to help many different organizations and people in our community. It has impact! Have you thought about sponsoring a flag to honor the hero in your life?
WELCOME: Laura started the business portion of the meeting by welcoming Assistant Governor Julie Forbes, visiting guest Brenda Hayes, and the recipients of this year’s PATHS Vocational Service Scholarships.
JON YOUNG: Before the meeting got underway, members signed a get-well card for Jon Young, who is recovering in the hospital after a fall that resulted in broken ribs and other complications. The Club sends Jon its best wishes for a speedy recovery.
GERVIN'S BACK! Gervin Kah, who immigrated to the U.S. from Gabon in 2022, and joined our club in March, was detained by ICE for 2 weeks in early May. We were all so glad to see him again at our meeting! Many hugs and a rousing cheer from all!
CARD LUCK: Marla Keefe led the weekly raffle, now up to $148. Gary White earned the opportunity to draw for the Queen of Hearts, but once again the elusive Queen remained hidden and the jackpot continues to grow.
PATHS SCHOLARS: Brian Nickerson introduced Kevin Stilphen, Director of PATHS (Portland Arts and Technology High School), who presented this year’s Portland Rotary Vocational Service Scholarship recipients. Cody McKay of Yarmouth High School, a Culinary Arts student who will spend a gap year traveling, including trips to Vietnam and Bermuda, before attending Southern Maine Community College to study firefighting. Landin Harthorne of Scarborough High School, a welding student who will attend Central Maine Community College while continuing his work at H.P. Fleming, a South Portland steel fabrication company. Both students were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and bright futures. Congrats! Phot0: Landin, Cody, Kevin, and Laura.
THREE JOIN OUR COMPANY: The Club welcomed three new members!
First, John Terry was introduced by Bruce Jones. A former Peace Corps volunteer in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, John spent his career in municipal finance and banking. Since relocating to Portland, he has looked forward to becoming involved in the community through Rotary fellowship and service. Photo: Bruce and John
Gary White was introduced by Peter Goffin. A lifelong entrepreneur, bookseller, chef, farmer, builder, and outdoor enthusiast, Gary brings a remarkable variety of experiences to the Club. Members were delighted to learn that after years of encouragement from Bill Blount, Gary finally said yes to Rotary.
In what may be a Club record, Gary immediately introduced the day’s third new member, his wife, Pam White. Pam owns and operates Balanced Ledger Services and has been active in numerous nonprofit leadership roles. She joins the Club with a passion for community involvement and service.
The Club extends a rousing Rotary welcome to all three new members!
Photo: Pam, Gary, and Peter. Cheers!
FLAGS CALLING: Bill Milliken and Katharine Wall encouraged members to participate in the upcoming Sea Dogs Flags for Heroes event on July 5. Volunteers are needed to carry flags on the field and assist at the Rotary information table. To participate with the Sea Dogs program, please visit our website - www.flagsforheroesmaine.com.
The Club’s goal of achieving 100 percent member participation in service activities continues to gain momentum, with participation now reaching approximately 35 percent. Bill and Katharine, reeling in the gears.
FOUNDATION FINAL STRETCH: Jerry Wall reported that the Circle of Five campaign is nearly complete, with only two members remaining to fulfill their commitments. He also noted that the Club is close to achieving its Annual Fund and Polio Plus giving goals for the Rotary year. Jerry finished with a quick quip: “I don’t want to make you mad. I just want your money.” Photo: Jerry
CRUTCHES FOR AFRICA: Laura shared an email from Dennis Robillard, District Chair of Crutches 4 Africa, who invites Rotarians to help load the District’s 15th 40-foot container on June 13th, at 9 am at 128 Saco Ave, Old Orchard Beach. Questions can be directed to Dennis at 207-468-0443 or risc@maine.rr.com.
ROTARY TENNIS: Bill Blount announced that the Rotary Tennis League, now in its 33rd year, will hold its annual social gathering on June 9. Current and former tennis participants are invited to attend. Photo: Bill
IMPORTANT DISTRICT VOTING: The Club conducted two district-related votes. First, members voted to select Brenda Cressey as the Zone nominee for Rotary International’s Nominating Committee for RI President.
Second, members considered a proposal to combine District 7780 with neighboring District 7850. Following a thoughtful discussion about membership trends, leadership development, financial efficiencies, and geographic considerations, the Club voted unanimously in favor of supporting the proposed district merger. Club leaders emphasized that while district structures may evolve, continued membership growth and engagement remain essential to Rotary’s future success.
HAPPY EARS! Graviel Jacobo, President and Founde down at the Centro De Protesis in the Dominican Republic, sent Roger and Liz Fagan pictures of a 6 year old boy with a severe hearing loss who can now attend school because of the investment we made in the Rotary Hearing Clinic. A picture is worth 1000 words heard!
LOOKING AHEAD: Following the regular meeting, the Board convened to consider charitable grant requests and a $5 increase in Club dues for the coming year. Details on the results of these discussions coming at our next club meeting.
LAST WEEK'S SPEAKER: Bill Merchant, Revolution Fitness | by Tom Talbott
We welcomed Bill Merchant as our guest speaker, co-owner of Revolution Fitness, Scarborough, introduced by Tom Talbott.
Bill started the meeting asking us to close our eyes and think of a person we know who has served, perhaps in the military, as a first responder, in the fire or police department, or maybe in a hospital trauma center. Imagine what they see, what they deal with, day in and day out. They keep moving forward, blocking out much, but inevitably carrying the burden of the experience. They are respected, they are heralded for their bravery and heroic work, but inside they are hurting, bottled up. Imagine too, times that they are alone. They suffer quietly from the stress, from injuries, and from burn-out. Many turn to self-medication to cope. Some do the unthinkable and take their life.
Bill shared the recent story of a first responder who reached out for help. This man would later say he was within hours, minutes, of taking his life, but he was given the Revolution number to call. “If it wasn’t for Revolution Fitness, I wouldn’t be here today. I would have taken my own life.”
Revolution Fitness is currently using the Dirigo Gym in Falmouth, and Dynamics Fitness in Scarborough, with long-range plans to build or have their own dedicated wellness facility. However, Revolution is not just a gym. It’s a support system. Free holistic wellness support active and retired military and first responders that combines fitness, nutrition, mental health support, recovery resources, and community connection. The mission is to help individuals heal physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
While not going into great personal detail, Bill noted that he and his business partner Jon Ross started the organization was started from personal experiences with trauma, addiction recovery, mental health struggles, and witnessing the gaps that often exist in traditional support systems. Bill referenced his 24 years in the medical field, and the stress involved.
Bill believes healing happens best in community and that lasting transformation requires addressing the whole person, not just individual symptoms. They have seen lives changed through restored relationships, improved physical health, increased confidence, renewed purpose, and individuals finding hope during some of their darkest moments.
This is more than just weight loss or fitness achievements. It is measured by stronger families, healthier communities, improved mental health, and people rediscovering purpose in their lives. At its core, Revolution Fitness exists because Bill and Jon believe the men and women who have sacrificed in service to our communities and country deserve access to resources that help them thrive, not just survive.
Who are Rotary Benefactors? Benefactors contribute $1,000 or more directly to the Permanent Fund whose principle is never touched. Membership is shown by a device attached behind the pin. Rotarians who put TRF in their will or estate as a Beneficiary also are recognized.
Speaker Schedule
June 12 - Emily Davis, Recovery Friendly Workplace Maine
June 18 - Club Social
June 19 - No Meeting
June 26 - Portland Rotary Year in Review with Bowen Depke
July 3- No Meeting, Happy 4th of July
July 5- Portland Sea Dogs, Flags For Heroes Field Presentation
July 10 - Justin Lamontagne, Our New President - Plans For The Year
July 17- Road Trip, Lunch at Hadlock Field
July 24- Matthew Saxton, Shelter Box
July 30 - Club Social
July 31- No Meeting
Club Executives
Co-Presidents Bowen Depke, Laura Young President Elect Justin Lamontagne Vice President Jake Bourdeau Treasurer Dick Hall Secretary Niki Merrill Board of Directors Dick Hall, Patty Byers,
Art Howe, Niki Merrill, Bill Milliken,
Bruce Moore
Sergeant-At-Arms Zach Newell
The Windjammer
is published online by
The Rotary Club of Portland, Maine.
Chef David Turin has been a fixture in Maine’s culinary community for more than 40 years. Since 1983, he has owned and operated restaurants and today serves as chef and owner of David’s Restaurant and David’s Opus Ten in Portland, and David’s 388 in South Portland.
FLAGS FOR HEROES: There's many ways to help our program, a powerful and emotional tribute to the heroes who make a difference in people's lives. In addition, the fundraising component allows us to help many different organizations and people in our community. It has impact! Have you thought about sponsoring a flag to honor the hero in your life? 
FLAGS CALLING: Bill Milliken and Katharine Wall encouraged members to participate in the upcoming Sea Dogs Flags for Heroes event on July 5. Volunteers are needed to carry flags on the field and assist at the Rotary information table. To participate with the Sea Dogs program, please visit our website - 
FOUNDATION FINAL STRETCH: 
HAPPY EARS! Graviel Jacobo, President and Founde down at the Centro De Protesis in the Dominican Republic, sent Roger and Liz Fagan pictures of a 6 year old boy with a severe hearing loss who can now attend school because of the investment we made in the Rotary Hearing Clinic. A picture is worth 1000 words heard! 
Who are Rotary Benefactors? Benefactors contribute $1,000 or more directly to the Permanent Fund whose principle is never touched. Membership is shown by a device attached behind the pin. Rotarians who put TRF in their will or estate as a Beneficiary also are recognized.