THIS WEEK: Walk For Polio on Thursday!

Under the leadership of Jake Bourdeau, we’ll gather at 5:30 p.m. at the Rotary Armillary, down by the Portland Harbor Hotel area near the ferry terminal.  We will divide into groups for walks of varying lengths. Wear your Rotary gear, particularly if you have the red Polio shirt, dress for the weather, and bring a friend! The idea is not only to enjoy some exercise and fellowship but also to raise awareness about Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio. Following the walk, everyone will gather at Brickyard Hollow for food, beverages, and socializing. Jake also offered a helpful parking tip: Portland’s metered parking is free after 6:00 p.m.

Jerry Wall announced that he has several red End Polio T-shirts available for anyone who would like one. Donations are welcome but not required.

A little exercise, Rotary fellowship, and a great cause—what could be better? For the record, World Polio Day is Sat the 24^th, and Rotary clubs around the world are having events of all sizes. We’re so close to..let’s End Polio Now!

President Justin rang the bell to bring our meeting to order on a rainy Friday afternoon. Penny Harris led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and we were off to another busy Rotary gathering!

BELIZE BOUND! Justin shared some exciting news: Charlie Frair has been selected to participate in the Rotary District Outreach trip to Belize next spring! Charlie was selected through a competitive application process and will be one of 6 representing our District on this international service adventure. Congratulations, Charlie!

Charlie also shared our Message of the Day, reflecting on Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self. He included favorite quotes from Martin Luther King Jr., Helen Keller, and George Bernard Shaw, all reminding us of the difference we can make by helping others and working together. Charlie left us with a thought worth remembering: As Rotarians, we’re fortunate to have so many opportunities to make a difference in someone else’s life. And often, we get just as much out of the experience as those we help.

WELCOME! Following lunch, Tom Nickerson introduced our guests, including:Harrison Lambert, President of the Saco Bay Rotary Club, and Joe Quinlan of the Maine Celtics, both guests of Tom Talbott. Jessie Graham, Susanna Liller, and Karen D’Silva, guests of Penny Harris. Susanna and Karen were also our featured speakers. Julie Forbes, Assistant Governor, who is becoming a very welcomed regular at our meetings! Welcome to all!

READ AND DISCOVER: For her Rotary Magazine Minute, Roxane Cole shared the story of a remarkable woman who overcame discrimination and countless obstacles to become a scientist and help in the fight against polio. The story hit close to home for Roxane, whose brother-in-law is a polio survivor. She didn’t want to give away all the details, encouraging everyone to read the article and discover the story for themselves. And, of course, a friendly reminder to keep reading your Rotary magazine!

WHODUNIT: Justin also thanked our hardworking Meeting Day team, including Brian, Mac, Jan, Tom, and Charlie, for helping everything run smoothly.

FUTURE LEADERS! Laura Young announced the formation of this year’s Nominating Committee, which will develop the slate of club leadership for the coming Rotary year. Committee members include Dick Hall, Ellen Niewoehner, Bill Milliken, Bruce Jones, and Laura Young, who will chair the committee. The committee expects to present its recommendations in early December, with a club vote anticipated on December 18. Have someone in mind who would make a great club president or board member? Please share your suggestions with any committee member.

QUEEN HIDING: Niki Merrill stepped in to run the weekly raffle. Bill Milliken held the winning ticket and had his chance to find the elusive Queen of Hearts. Unfortunately, he drew the three of spades instead! The Queen lives to see another Friday, and the suspense continues.

FLAGGED: Tom Talbott introduced his guest, Joe Quinlan, who manages sales for the Maine Celtics. Joe shared some wonderful feedback about last season’s Portland Rotary Flags for Heroes halftime presentation. Even longtime season ticket holders, accustomed to all kinds of halftime entertainment, were moved by the tribute. Many stayed in their seats rather than heading for refreshments, and the response from fans was overwhelmingly positive. A proud moment for Portland Rotary! (Photo: Joe)

LET’S DO IT AGAIN! Tom and Joe have set Friday, January 29, at 7 PM for our Rotary flag presentation at a Maine Celtics game! We'll need 35 volunteers to carry flags and signs and help with the 50/50 raffle. Important: Everyone must meet at the Portland Expo from 2–2:30 PM, following our club meeting, for a quick rehearsal. Tickets are $18, and family and friends are welcome! It's also First Responders Night, making the occasion even more special. Tom recalled how much Dave’s granddaughter enjoyed participating last year. Sign-ups are coming, so get ready for a fun evening showcasing Rotary!

LOBSTER RAFFLE! Bill Milliken announced that all lobster raffle sales slots are filled and thanked everyone who volunteered! Now it’s time to buy tickets and spread the word. QR code sales are looking strong this year, perhaps helped by signs at Luke’s Lobster attracting cruise ship visitors. Contact Bill for tickets, and remember, you can’t win if you don’t play!

GREAT PROGRAMS DON’T JUST HAPPEN!  President Justin thanked Roxane Cole and Dave Putnam for their great work lining up our weekly speakers, along with Penny Harris for helping arrange today’s program. The calendar looks strong through November, but we need speakers for December, January, and February. Justin reminded everyone that we’re all part of the Program Committee! Know someone with an interesting story or experience to share? Help make the connection!

BOUNTY OF HAPPY DOLLARS: Plenty of smiles, good news, and a few laughs! Dick Hall celebrated the sale of his house, thanks to fellow Rotarian Tom Ranello, and is heading to Rangeley until January. Penny Harris was happy to welcome three guests, while Katherine Wall celebrated her son’s 51st birthday and a fun-filled weekend with the grandchildren. Brian Nickerson marked his daughter’s 60th birthday, and Charlie Frair was excited and grateful to be selected for the Belize Outreach trip. Jake Bourdeau shared a rare $2 bill, while David Small got everyone smiling with his “POETS Day” reminder. Erik Greven reluctantly tucked his boat away for winter but is already looking forward to ski season. And President Justin thanked Jake for filling in while he heads to Charlotte for some family time and a Celtics game!

CHOP CHOP: The Preble Street Kitchen is looking for volunteers. 

Step One -  REGISTRATION

Step Two -  Orientation Video  (Click Photo) (Only 6 mins)

LAST WEEK'S SPEAKERS: Susanna Liller and Karen DeSilver - weheroines | by Tom Nickerson

At Friday’s meeting, we learned about the weHeroines project. Penny Harris introduced and welcomed author, life coach, and speaker Susanna Liller, who shared her transformative work with the nonprofit organization weHeroines. Liller’s empowering mission is centered on helping women recognize their inner strength by reframing their life experiences through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s "Hero’s Journey" framework. By mapping women's real-life challenges, risks, and triumphs onto these classic narrative milestones—transforming the masculine "hero" into the relatable "heroine"—she helps individuals realize their personal struggles are actually vital steps in a deeply meaningful, transformational journey toward becoming their truest selves. 

A cornerstone of this impactful work is the weHeroines conferences, such as the annual "In Her Words" conference, which serves as a powerful incubator for community and connection. Karen Dsilva, the CEO, spoke about how these gatherings utilize collaborative storytelling as a practical tool for healing and self-discovery, providing women with a dedicated space, page, and supportive audience to claim, write, and speak their personal truths. Through structured writing prompts, storytelling workshops, and shared vulnerability, participants learn to step out of the audience and become the active authors of their own lives. Karen then shared her story of adventure and reframing as an example of how the process works.

Both Susanna and Karen explained how the benefits of this storytelling model extend far beyond the conference walls, sparking a courage-driven ripple effect in local communities. By giving voice to their hidden narratives, women break free from self-doubt, reclaim their personal agency, and find the clarity needed to take bold new steps—supported by initiatives like the organization's annual Leap Grants. This project is equipping women with the ultimate internal toolkit to navigate life's unknowns, master their own narratives, and confidently step into leadership roles/ The next conference is set for November 7^th in Yarmouth.

Photo: Jessie Graham, Penny, Karen, Susanna, and Julie Forbes.

Are there restrictions on Global Grants? Yes, Global Grants are large, international, sustainable projects with a minimum budget of $30,000 USD and can contain an 80% World Fund match of DDF. There is no match provided for cash contributions from clubs or individuals. For a humanitarian project at least 15 % of the total project cost must come from outside the project country. Global Grants are subject to extensive scrutiny to assure that they fall within the seven areas of focus and are sustainable.