THIS WEEK'S SPEAKER: Bill Merchant, Revolution Fitness
Bill Merchant, inspired by his own healing journey through recovery and physical injuries and accompanied by the love and encouragement of his fiancée, Kylee, leaned into his faith, stepped away from a 24-year medical career, and committed fully to this mission. What started as personal growth evolved into a life-altering calling. After years of helping others through healthcare, Bill recognized that real healing goes far deeper than medicine alone. His passion for serving others, especially those who serve our country and communities, lit a fire that couldn’t be ignored. Fueled by conviction, grit, and faith, Bill set out to build something lasting—not just a program, but a movement.
BITS AND PIECES |By Tom Talbott
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! Our 100% Initiative asks everyone in the club to participate in some manner, and we have five easy paths to take. One avenue is to sponsor a flag and honor your hero.
Visit www.flagsforheroesmaine.com. Other options, help carry a flag at the July 5th Sea Dogs game - buy a game ticket on the website. Or, help us set up our display at the Maine Mall. More options too... something for everyone! Let's rally this Friday - our first club meeting in 3 weeks!
CRUTCHES FOR AFRICA:
District 7780 will load its 15th 40-foot container on Saturday, June 13, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM at 128 Saco Ave., Old Orchard Beach. Volunteers are needed to help load crutches, walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids that will be shipped to Africa. Event chair Dennis Robillard of the Saco Bay Sunset Rotary Club is coordinating the effort and welcomes additional help. To volunteer, call or text Dennis at 207-468-0443 or email risc@maine.rr.com.
Crutches 4 Africa was founded in 2006 by polio survivor David Talbot after a trip to Uganda, where he saw disabled people without access to mobility aids. The program collects lightly used equipment from the United States that might otherwise sit unused or end up in landfills. These donated items can dramatically improve mobility, independence, and quality of life for people in developing countries.
DISTRICT CELEBRATION STARTS THIS FRIDAY!
For more info, including overnight accommodations, click here!
NEW DISTRICT: This Friday we will set aside some time for Q&A on the formation of a new District by combining our 7780 with 7590 to our west. Our District Governor Emma Bodwell has sent information out via email to all club members across the District. At our meeting, Dick Hall and Tom Talbott can share some of the questions that have come up, as well as address questions from our club.
What is a Rotary Sustainer? Sustainers personally contribute US$100 or more in cash each year to TRF. These contributions count toward designations as a Paul Harris Fellow, multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society, Major Donor, and club recognition banners.
Speaker Schedule
June 5 - David Turin, David's Restaurant
June 12 - Emily Davis, Recovery Friendly Workplace Maine
June 18 - Club Social
June 19 - No Meeting
June 26 - Portland Rotary Year in Review
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.
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! Our 100% Initiative asks everyone in the club to participate in some manner, and we have five easy paths to take. One avenue is to sponsor a flag and honor your hero.
CRUTCHES FOR AFRICA:
What is a Rotary Sustainer? Sustainers personally contribute US$100 or more in cash each year to TRF. These contributions count toward designations as a Paul Harris Fellow, multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society, Major Donor, and club recognition banners.