Niki serves as the Community Engagement Director at Journey Magazine. Her heart beats for one mission: breaking down the barriers that keep people from living their fullest lives. More than a Director, she’s a visionary who sees the power of community in turning the tide against addiction. 

 

As a proud member of the Portland Rotary, Niki has recently spearheaded a partnership between Journey and District 7780. This collaboration isn't just about meetings and handshakes; it's about stitching the fabric of community tighter, turning every conversation into a step toward mutual support and understanding. Niki pours her passion for truth, compassion, and optimism into every project, believing that these values can transform the way we support each other. Her work is about more than just strategies and outcomes; it's about creating spaces where people feel seen and supported.

 

When she’s off the clock, Niki doesn’t slow down. You might catch her at a morning CrossFit class, unwinding at Cyclebar, or diving into a new adventure that challenges her beliefs. It’s her way of living the change she wants to see—a life full of energy, challenge, and service.

 

Another week on the road, this time meeting at the Maine Mall. At noon, Rotarians gathered in the Food Court area, choosing from the array of vendors for a lunch of their choice. Nothing formal, just a prelude to the walk down the hall to our Flags For Heroes display in the Mall Rotunda, that got under way at 12:45.

Paul Tully was master of ceremonies for the Flags for Heroes dedication ceremony with the colorful and majestic backdrop of 171 American Flags, each honoring a special hero in someone’s life. Nannette Ranger-Duncanson started us off with a beautiful and amazing a cappella version of our National Anthem that set the tone for the day.

 

Dave Small followed with an invocation sharing the definition of a hero, via Dictionary.com. A “person noted for noble acts of nobility or character. A person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal.” For our heroes who are amongst the living, may they have a blessed life, and for those who are deceased, may they rest in peace. He concluded by thanking the individuals who have honored their hero in this unique and memorable fashion.

 

Paul Tully thanked the many sponsors of the Flags for Heroes event. Our major sponsor, Rowe Auto Group, attended the ceremony, represented by Wally Camp Jr, and his son Mark Camp. We thanked DiMillo’s, Barridoff Auctions/Eastern Art Services, Clark Insurance/Marsh & McClennan Agency, Conroy-Tully/Walker Funeral Services, Roxane Cole Commercial Real Estate, Varney Insurance & Bonding, Freedom’s Edge Cider, and Port City Graphics. We also recognized the Portland Sea Dogs, Portland Radio Group and The Maine Mall for all their contributions.

 

President Patty Byers thanked the numerous sponsors and gave her thoughts on heroes.  She told us that standing surrounded by 171 flags, with each flag representing a person - a mother, a grandfather, a mentor, a friend, and in particular the 85 Maine veterans who have passed away since 9/11, she was awe struck that each flag represents someone who made a big difference in someone else’s life. She went on to detail some of the community projects that would benefit by the sponsorships of these flags. Scholarship funds for Portland High School seniors. Pairs of warm winter boots for new Mainers seeing snow for the first time. Books-in-the-hands of young readers at Lyseth Elementary and the summer reading program at Sagamore Village – books that will go home with these students. The planting of more trees on Bayside Trail. Support for those in substance abuse recovery thru Milestone. The smile on the face of a child in the Dominican Republic, whose new hearing aids let them hear their mother’s voice for the first time. “You see, you are all heroes - thanks to your generosity, you are making a difference in someone’s life - here in Portland and in the wide, wide world - and that’s what Rotary is all about.

 

Tom Talbott, after acknowledging that it was better part of valor to just listen to Nannette sing rather than sing along, noted that we all have a different definition of a hero, but the common trait of a hero is that they care about people, and is willing to risk, sacrifice and go to extraordinary lengths to help or serve others.

 

Paul Tully introduced Mark Camp, General Manager at Rowe Ford. Noting Rowes’s commitment to Veteran’s, both as individuals and organizations, he also shared that Mark, a former Marine, was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery on the field of battle. Mark chose to share several stories of fellow marines, including his grandfather who also had earned a Silver Star, and was most certainly one of his heroes. Hearing Mark detail the bravery of his fellow Marines, and how they impacted his life, was a strong and powerful reminder of the risk and sacrifices heroes will make for others.

 

Roxane Cole shared her thoughts on her hero, the late Jerry Angier, our Portland Rotarian who recently passed away. In a moving tribute, Roxane said that in a word, Jerry was engaged. He actively volunteered to advance big goals in the many organizations he supported. He was visionary, tenacious and had a twinkle in his eye when working with other volunteers.  He was special. Roxane’s words represented the way that we think about those people in our life who made an impact, and why they deserve to be called a hero.

 

 

Our last speaker was Bob Bull, a BIW worker with a fun take on the heroes he has worked with for decades, building the greatest ships in the world. In a unique twist, Bob broke into song, “You’re A Grand Old Flag”. Now that was totally apropos!

 

Nanette took us to the finish line with another memorable song, "God Bless America", a fitting tribute.

 

The flags will be on display for another week, ending this coming Sunday, August 5^th. Please be sure to see them!

Speaker Schedule