President Don Zillman opened the meeting with thanks to First VP John Curran who had filled in for him on 12/29 while he was in New Mexico. 2nd VP Amy Chipman was set to fill in for the 1/5 meeting, but due to the inclement weather, it was cancelled. Don graciously said he would cede the podium to Amy for the remainder of the meeting after one brief announcement. The Assistant District Governor (John LoBosco) has asked for some “best of” news and info from each club. Don noted there was a lot we can draw from, but recommended our Veterans Lunch, our extensive Community Service projects, and the number of new members who have joined the club. Without further ado, 2nd VP Amy Chipman took the helm. David Clough led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Kathy Grammer tapped out “America The Beautiful” on the keyboard. .JPG)
Amy (at right) welcomed 61 members, 6 guests and congratulated our members with January birthdays and Rotary anniversaries.
Jake Bourdeau conducted our weekly raffle. Guest speaker Peter Van Allen was all business as he drew the hopeful contestant, PTG, who needs no introduction. Well, OK, Paul T. Gore! Not this time for the savvy player of odds, as he drew the 9 of Clubs.
Past President Dick Hall reported on Portland Rotary’s progress in Rotary Foundation giving. Since July 1st, we are at $11,885 toward our goal of $20,000. 49 club members have contributed to this number. 34 members are currently Sustaining Members with $100 per year pledges. We have 8 “Circles of Five,” where five members join together with $200 donations each for $1000 Circle. (We have 2 members who want to start a new circle - need 3 more.) 7 members have designated $1000 in their will (Sustaining PHF) or made a direct contribution to the Permanent Fund. 2 Members have bequests of $10,000 or more in their wills. Thank you one and all! Portland Rotary encourages all members to contribute at least $25 to the Foundation every year. .JPG)
(Photo: PP Dick Hall and Mike Reed.)
Dick capped off his report announcing that Erik Jorgensen was now a Paul Harris Fellow +2, and Mike Reed a Paul Harris Fellow +6, presenting Mike with his new pin. Erik was unable to attend, and will receive his PHF pin at a future meeting. Thanks to both!
Bob Martin announced the Maine Medical Center Community Action Council will meet on Jan 15th at 5pm to address the needs of homeless with medical needs. See flyer below. If you would like to attend, please reach out to Bob. 
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(Photo L-R: Rusty Atwood, 2nd VP Amy Chipman, Alexis Pathwick-Paszye and Dan Costigan.)
Rusty Atwood, Youth Service Committee, introduced Dan Costigan, Asst Principal at Cheverus High School, who introduced our Youth Service Award recipient.... Alexis Pathwick-Paszye. We are proud to recognize her and her parents Christopher and Deborah, with a check of $1000, plus $100 donated in her name to the Kennebec Valley United Way.
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(Photo L-R: Paul Tully, Kristina Sabasteanski, and Bruce Jones.)
Paul Tully and Bruce Jones were armed with good news for VAST, the Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training program at Pineland Farms. The duo presented VAST Director Kristina Sabasteanski (2x Olympian in biathalon) with $2000 in compound pulley bows. This was a follow up from our Veterans Lunch back in November, where the donation was first announced. VAST provides veterans with disabilities a host of different physical activities and sports. It is free to those who are disabled, or those who provide volunteer support.