The first meeting of the new year will be January 9th at USM, Abromson Hall (connected to the parking garage). Details on how the set up, parking, and more was sent to everyone via email, and we'll have another one coming the week of the meeting with all the details on parking.
Until then, the reporters and staff of the Windjammer wish everyone the very best of the holiday season! We're looking forward to bringing you all the weekly Portland Rotary news in 2026, celebrating our opportunity to work together and sharing the joy of Rotary. Let's invite others to join in our mission of serving and improving both our community and the world, while building lasting friendships. That's the truth!
BITS AND PIECES | by Laura Young
Co-President Bowen opened the Club’s final meeting of the year at the Elk’s Club. Dan Fahey led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Cyrus Hagge offered the Moment of the Day by reciting the words to America the Beautiful.
David Patterson introduced our guests: Brian Batson, a potential rejoining member; Jeff Robbins, guest of Greg Hansel; and Julie Forbes, Assistant Governor.
UNLUCKY AT CARDS: Kathryn Nagle led the raffle, giving Tom Talbott a chance to pick the Queen of Hearts, but he drew the 3 of Clubs which is about as far away as you can get.
FLAGS FOR HEROES - We Need Volunteers in Record Time!
Tom recovered to announced a public relations opportunity at the Maine Celtics game on Friday, January 2nd. The cost is $13 per ticket, and 35 volunteers are needed. Participants need to arrive at 3:45 p.m. to rehearse the flag presentation and will carry our flags during halftime of the 7pm game. (You can leave at 4:30 and then come back later to the 7pm game) Everyone participating must wear their yellow Rotarian at Work shirts. If you do not have a t-shirt, let us know. They are a deal at $15! Contact Tom here if you can help us in this fast-turn around event! This really is a great chance to showcase Rotary, and have some holiday fun. Yes, friends and family members can join in the volunteer effort to carry a flag. It will be a very memorable experience!
USM: Co-President Laura provided an update on planning for Portland Rotary’s new meeting location at USM. In early January, Rotarians will receive an email with details on purchasing parking passes. USM is offering a six-month parking pass (January–June 2026) for $25. If the meeting contract continues for the remainder of the year, a second six-month pass will be available. Alternatively, Rotarians may purchase $3 parking tickets per meeting. Meal options will rotate among three choices: a build-your-own salad bar, sandwiches, and a pizza party. All options will include gluten-free and vegetarian selections.
WHO’S UP: Laura also presented the 2026–2027 Nominating Slate, which was approved by a vote of the membership: Club Executives 2026–2027: President: Justin Lamontagne, President-Elect: Jake Bourdeau, Vice President: William Milliken, Treasurer: Ian Nagle, Secretary: Niki Merrill. Serving as Director (Term Ending 2027): Bruce Moore, (Term Ending 2027): Laura Young. Director (Term Ending 2028): Mary Pat Donnellon, Director (Term Ending 2028): David Patterson. Taking over at Sergeant-at-Arms: Zach Newell. Congratulations to the team, and thank you for your service and dedication to our club!
A MOMENT: Greg Hansel shared a Rotary Moment, reflecting on his first exposure to Rotary as an exchange student. He was sponsored into the Portland Rotary Club by John Houghton in 1998.
CLYNK: Bowen reminded Rotarians to pick up Clynk bags to support Project Heat, which helps seniors with their heating bills. The holidays always produces a bumper crop of recyclables, so let’s jump on this easy and effective fund-raiser!
ANOTHER FEATHER Finally, Bowen congratulated Dick Hall on his selection as District Finance Chair and as a member of the Rotary International Council on Resolutions and Legislation for the 2026–2028 term. Dick’s Rotary experience and guidance is not only a valuable asset to the District, but a tremendous resource for our club. A calm problem solver. Congratulations Dick!
LAST WEEK'S MEETING: Holiday Jazz | By Tom Talbott
As a holiday special treat, we were wonderfully entertained by two highly talented musicians, guitarist Gary Wittner and trombonist Eyezaya Mcfetridge. Together they wove a catalog of all-time holiday favorites in a most interesting fashion. One doesn't normally think of an electric guitar and trombone duo, but it only served to show just how skilled they were. Gary spoke a bit about how quickly the 40 years he's been teaching at USM have just flown by, and how lucky he feels having toured the world playing, teaching, and learning his craft. Eyezaya, (pronounced Isiah) a USM student, let his trombone do the talking, and everyone marveled at the control and smooth melodies he elicited from his instrument. Special thanks to Doreen Rockstrom and Laura Young who set this up with Gary and Eyezaya pictured below. Great way to end our 2025 meetings....see you next year!
Speaker Schedule
December 26 - No Meeting
January 2 - No Meeting
January 9 - Drew Dumsch, The Ecology School, AT OUR NEW SPOT: USM!
January 16 - Mary Ann Linderman, Coffee By Design
January 22 - Thursday Night Social
January 23- No Meeting
January 30 - Greg Dowty, District Protection Officer
Club Executives
Co-Presidents Bowen Depke, Laura Young President Elect Justin Lamontagne Vice President Jake Bourdeau TreasurerDick Hall Secretary Juliana L'Heureux Board of Directors Dick Hall, Patty Byers,
Art Howe, Niki Merrill, Bill Milliken, Bruce Moore
Sergeant-At-ArmsZach Newell
The Windjammer is published online by
The Rotary Club of Portland, Maine.
The first meeting of the new year will be January 9th at USM, Abromson Hall (connected to the parking garage). Details on how the set up, parking, and more was sent to everyone via email, and we'll have another one coming the week of the meeting with all the details on parking. 
Co-President Bowen opened the Club’s final meeting of the year at the Elk’s Club. Dan Fahey led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Cyrus Hagge offered the Moment of the Day by reciting the words to America the Beautiful.
FLAGS FOR HEROES - 
USM: Co-President Laura provided an update on planning for Portland Rotary’s new meeting location at USM. In early January, Rotarians will receive an email with details on purchasing parking passes. USM is offering a six-month parking pass (January–June 2026) for $25. If the meeting contract continues for the remainder of the year, a second six-month pass will be available. Alternatively, Rotarians may purchase $3 parking tickets per meeting. Meal options will rotate among three choices: a build-your-own salad bar, sandwiches, and a pizza party. All options will include gluten-free and vegetarian selections.
As a holiday special treat, we were wonderfully entertained by two highly talented musicians, guitarist Gary Wittner and trombonist Eyezaya Mcfetridge. Together they wove a catalog of all-time holiday favorites in a most interesting fashion. One doesn't normally think of an electric guitar and trombone duo, but it only served to show just how skilled they were. Gary spoke a bit about how quickly the 40 years he's been teaching at USM have just flown by, and how lucky he feels having toured the world playing, teaching, and learning his craft. Eyezaya, (pronounced Isiah) a USM student, let his trombone do the talking, and everyone marveled at the control and smooth melodies he elicited from his instrument. Special thanks to Doreen Rockstrom and Laura Young who set this up with Gary and Eyezaya pictured below. Great way to end our 2025 meetings....see you next year! 
