President Duane Clark called the meeting to order at 7:08 pm.  He welcomed members and guests and introduced the guest speaker: Kevin Steen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Ferry Information: On Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at the Rotary Club lunch meeting, guest speaker David Moseley will speak on the state of the Washington State Ferries.  All who wish to attend please call Duane for a reservation.  The meeting will be held at the Masonic Hall, 8th Street and O, at 12 noon. (Lunch charge $11.00)

Sidney Holiday Celebration: Saturday, November 28th...leaving via ferry at 7:45 am, joining the Sidney Sister City members in their annual PARADE at 5:00 pm on November 28th...and returning to Anacortes on Sunday, November 29th, leaving Sidney, BC at 11:40 am, arriving in Anacortes at 2:45 pm.).  Please notify David Rapella, 588-8781 or Jo at fuqua4@comcast.net or Jo phone: 293-6923.

Highway 20 ASCA Sign: The sign has been replaced; however, the lighting needs to be improved and will be discussed at the next board meeting.

ASCA New Program: Duane presented the idea of a new ASCA Fund, a “Grant Program”. This would provide opportunity for Anacortes residents to present an idea (for ASCA to “partner” in) to bring groups or individuals to Anacortes to enjoy.  Don presented the example of the Romanian group that they observed on their trip to Romania.  Duane expressed interest in looking at the guidelines of the Anacortes Arts Festival philosophy and goals prior to designing the ASCA philosophy and goals.  The concept was approved by the Board at the Sept. 24, 2009 meeting and a proposal is being developed.

Our friend Joyce:  Duane commented on our great loss – the death of Joyce Lapworth.  A $500.00 check was presented to ASCA in Joyce’s name.  The board will consider various ways that the funds can be spent to honor Joyce.  Duane then presented a beautiful Power Point Presentation of Joyce and Don’s trips abroad.

Treasurer: October, 2009
Checking Account Balances:  $5,390.40
Savings Account Balances:
General Reserve:  $3,134.60  
Operating Reserve:  $29,581.26
Dedicated Reserves: $19,103.68
Golf Tournament Reserve:  $12,944.64
Official Travel Reserve:  $1,000.00
Cookbook Reserve:  $703.00 
Sidney Committee Reserve:  $116.34
Student Travel Fund:  $4,000.00
Vela Luka Reserve: $318.52
Lomonosov Reserve:  $21.18
Total Assets:  $57,209.94

Custodial Funds: $3,896.80
Kisakata Student Exchange:  $3,896.80

Significant Items:
We received an unrestricted general fund donation of $250 from Wells Fargo Bank.
The Audit Committee consisting of Rick Davidson, Cliff Harris and Tom Evans met on March 23, 2009 and performed the annual audit for fiscal year 2008.  A copy of the report is attached.  The delay in publishing the audit results is due mostly to my oversight combined with some conflicting travel schedules.  I thank the committee members for their hard work.

Audit Report: ANACORTES SISTER CITIES AUDIT REPORT
Fiscal year 2008
Performed by Cliff Harris, Tom Evans and Rick Davidson on March 23, 2009    
In the course of the audit, we did the following:
1.  Reviewed year end financial statements
2.  Compared categories on the year end statement with individual accounts
3.  Verified checks paid out to invoices
4.  Reviewed major categories
Findings:
·   Majority of expenses and receivables are well documented
·   The peculiarities of the Quickbooks software we are using make some aspects of our finances hard to follow. However, the alternatives, manual bookkeeping or thousand dollar-plus specialized software,are not recommended.
Recommendations:
5.  Members engaged in financial transactions for ASCA should keep accurate and detailed records.
6.  Receipts should always be turned in for reimbursement.
As always, Mark should be congratulated for doing a difficult job well.

Respectfully submitted,
Rick Davidson, Cliff Harris, and Tom Evans

Vice President:  John Lovric reported that the 2009 Croatiafest in Seattle, was again very successful.  He reviewed the various activities and referred us to:  www.croatiafest.org for additional information.  
Assistant to the President:  Don Lapworth remarked about the beauty of the new sign on Highway 20, and agreed that the lights need upgrading.

Lomonosov:  No report

Kisakata:  Co-chair, Cora Amburn-Lijek announced that the students going to Kisakata are raising funds by selling coffee.  The cost is $13.00 per pound (students receive $5.00 for each pound sold).  Please call Mattie or her mom to order.  The coffee that the students are selling is”Coyote Coffee” with our logo on it which will make great Christmas gifts.  The coffee will be delivered at the Dec. 10th meeting/lunch at which time the cost will be collected.  Please call Mattie or Mishella at 299-8150 to order. 

One of the chaperones for the students’ Kisakata trip has withdrawn from the program.  The other two chaperones are talking to two previous chaperones about joining this group.  If that does not work out, we will begin a search for a third chaperone.  The students are continuing to make and sell lanterns at the monthly art walks.  The McCool Gallery also sells them on an ongoing basis. 

Sidney:  David reported that the new chair of the Sidney/Anacortes committee is Don Baron.  Jeanette Nunn (of Sidney) has compiled a list of 3 homestays as well as motels that will be convenient for our members to use as they attend the November 28th holiday celebrations.  The Sidney members will come to Anacortes to march in our December 5th Holiday parade.  Duane read the letter of invitation to all members of the Anacortes Sister Cities Association to come to the November 28th parade.

Vela Luka:  Three students will be traveling to Vela Luka in the summer of 2010.

Guest Speaker:  Kevin Steen presented a delightful review of his many months adventures in Brazil…complete with pictures. 

Reminder: The December dinner meeting will be held at the Anacortes Senior Activity Center on December 10 at 6 pm.  The menu includes:  Turkey, Ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, and cranberry sauce which our Hospitality committee, chaired by Stan Stewart, will prepare.  Attendees need to supply: dessert, bread, salad or vegetable and $5.00. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Jo Fuqua, ASCA Secretary