News of The Rotary Club of Portland, Maine
June 24, 2026
THIS WEEK'S SPEAKER: Co-President Bowen Depke, with the “Year in Review”.
It's important that we take a look back at our last Rotary year, to take in all that we have accomplished, all that we're currently doing, and all that we have ahead of us. Bowen and Laura Young stepped in as Co-President's midway through the year, and guided us gracefully through the transition from the Elks to USM. There's a lot to share and a chance to recognize the work that we did, and recognize everyone who had a hand in our success. Join in and be proud that you're part of a wonderful organization that combines action with friendships. The meeting will conclude with the passing of the gavel to our incoming President, Justin Lamontagne, so be here to give a cheer! 
BITS AND PIECES  | by Tom Talbott
 
CRUTCHES HEADED OUT: On Saturday June 13, a hearty crew of District 7780 members a 40-foot tractor-trailer with the following items:  1162 Crutches, 821 Walkers, 79 Wheelchairs, 788 Canes, 149 Boots, 37 Rollators, plus 106 miscellaneous parts and accessories, a total of 3142 pieces, headed for Africa under the heading of “Crutches 4 Africa”. This is the 15th trailer District 7780 has packed and shipped over time, helping the overall program exceed 250,000 items. As each item was packed it was a reminder that it was going to help someone, it was going to have an impact to someone half-way around the world. Packing the trailer is indeed an art form. Helping out – Roger and Liz Fagan, Tom Talbott, and Roger Berube. (Roger is with the Falmouth club, but has been actively attending our meetings!) Special thanks to Dennis Robillard from the Saco Bay Sunset Rotary, who chaired and directed the event – it was a perfectly executed jigsaw puzzle of packing perfection! 

FLAGS FOR HEROES:  Charlie Frair made an impassioned speech at our last club meeting, and this week he's going to announce some great news!
 
That said, we do need more help at the Sea Dogs game on Sunday, July 5th. It's a holiday weekend of course, but it's also Military Appreciation Day at the game, which is traditionally when we present our flags on the field. It's a blast, and we highly encourage you to make it a family outing. Whether if it's your kids, or your grandkids, it's something they'll always remember doing with you. 
Game Tickets can be purchased at FlagsForHeroesMaine.com 
CIRCLES: This Friday, witness Foundation Chair Jerry Wall who will draw the winning recipients from 3 of our "Circle of Five" groups, to receive a Paul Harris Fellow Award. These individuals have earned a PHF through their individual contributions. Eventually all five members receive the award, but some have to wait longer than others. Place your bets….
 
DUES: Please remember that our dues are due in by June 30th, and this Friday is our last meeting of the Rotary year to remind you! 
 
WE PROMISED A CORRECTION: Two weeks ago special guest Corey Hascall introduced our USM Promise Scholar, and we mistakenly identified Corey as being the USM President/CEO. She is actually the President of the USM Foundation. Thank you Roxzne Cole for the catch! 
What is the Bequest Society? Individuals who commit $10,000 or more to the TRF Permanent Fund, via estate plans, are recognized as Bequest Society members. Donations from spouses are often combined upon request. Membership is recognized by a pin with jewels indicating the level of giving.
Speaker Schedule
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.
 
Contributing Editors
Jake Bourdeau, Larry Gross,
Erik Jorgensen, Julie L’Heureux,
 Zach Newell, Bruce Moore,
Tom Nickerson, Dave Patterson,
Tom Talbott, Laura Young
 
Program Chair  David Putnam
4th Quarter Programs: Laura Young
Managing Editor  Tom Talbott