President Laura Young
began by briefly explaining all the major line items in the Club Operating budget....pointing out that the Operating Budget is how we run Portland Rotary. She then went on to talk about the Charitable budget, again with a discussion on the sources and uses of funds. The Charitable budget has now been expanded to include an Endowment Fund.

The Maine Outdoor Challenge is our largest fundraiser for the Charitable budget. Expenditures from this budget include International service in the Dominican Republic, youth services (primarily directed to education/literacy), and community services (primarily directed to feeding hunger programs).
 
Laura informed us of a proposed bylaw change and an email being sent to all with the details. The change to the bylaws will address the termination of the Service and Memorial Fund and the creation of the Endowment Fund. In the same email will be a copy of the endowment investment policy.
 
CHE Reading: Focus is on 3rd grade reading scores. Danielle Conway, Dean of School of Law, wanted law students to join with Rotarians for a reading program in the schools. We have a new partnership with Lyseth Elementary School where we will read monthly to grades K-3, along with law students. In addition to reading to the children, we will give each child a copy of that book to take home each month. There is a need for Spanish-speaking Rotarians to work with the Spanish-speaking law students, as there are three Spanish immersion classrooms. Please contact Lili Brown at lilinbrown@gmail.com if you want to read. There are 8 slots left. The Club needs to raise $5,000 to pay for the books for the year. Laura and Kris Rosado are looking for volunteers to help approach others for this worthy ask. 
 
The literacy PSA was shown to the club, to demonstrate good reading techniques, which is circulating on social media. Rotarians are asked to share it or link to it at: https://vimeo.com/180732144.
 
Portland Rotary Endowment Fund: Past President Kris Rosado presented the new "fund's" objective. The goal is to raise money for long-term planning. The club wants to create a pot of money to fund $30-40,000 per year. To do this we will need $1 million. Several people have already pledged, including the entire Board of Directors. With this being the end of the year, please consider a commitment to this 501(c)3 tax deductible charitable endowment fund. Kris explained how funds can be accepted in a number of ways. Feel free to contact him or Laura if you want to discuss non-cash giving.
 
Rotary Foundation: Presented by Amy Chipman. November was Rotary Foundation month. Sustaining members will get a reminder letter in the next two weeks to make year-end donations. The Rotary Foundation, as part of its 100th anniversary, is also trying to expand its funding. The District has set a goal of 100 new commitments of $10,000 by the International Convention in May. Several in Portland Rotary have made the commitment.
 
George Crockett talked about how Portland Rotary is really exciting right now...with a new energy in our club. It is a great place to meet, especially as we move around to different locations for our meetings. George gave a Paul Harris Fellow to Eric Greven, our Community Service Chair, for all the work he has done in organizing the volunteers to help feed the homeless at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen each month.
 
Rob Chatfield said that he appreciates Bill Blount’s choice of songs, including “I love to Sin.” Rob reminded us that the friend raiser "Holiday Beverage Bazaar," will be held on Dec 14, 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Maine Craft Distilling...and he encourages you to invite a friend. This is an easy and fun fundraiser. You may register online at: portlandrotary.org
 
Recap of the Veterans' Appreciation Lunch: A thank-you note was read from John Houghton’s brother. Paul Tully reported that this was a successful and outstanding event. 300 seats were reserved, and 260 were filled. We received many letters of appreciation. We have a net profit of $2,200-$2,500 in funds to distribute - 25% will go to the Maine Vet portal and 75% to SMAAA for the Vet-to-Vet program. The committee is already planning for next year, so if you are interested in participating on the committee, contact Paul (ptully@maine.rr.com) or Charlie Frair (cfrair47@yahool.com).
 
 
Laura played two podcasts featured at MPBN, Voices of Giving:
John Curran’s 3H Dominican Republic story:
 
 
 
Roger and Liz Fagan's Hearts for Hearing
 
 

 
 
Did everyone see Jan Chapman's incredible photo she took of the young girl in La Romana (shown here) that was featured on page 20 of the December 2016 Rotarian magazine?
 
 
 

The Club Assembly concluded with Leisa Collins explaining our mentoring program with new members within our club and then having a new member at each table conduct a "getting to know you" Q&A for their table. Very informative!