The busy holiday season is upon us with all the baking, grandchildren’s school plays, parties, etc.; there is so much going on. Even so I hope you can take a moment each day to just enjoy the season. I’ll try to keep this E-news short so you can get on with your holiday activities.

December Board Meeting

• The Finance Committee reported that the annual review of ASURA finances for the last fiscal year showed that the expenses were reasonable and consistent with the budget and further were in agreement with the Foundation records. The Foundation acts as the ASURA bank.
• The Special Projects  & Luncheon Committee reported they had received some pushback about the timing of this year’s Holiday Potluck and Bake Sale. The committee will see if they can find a better time for next year’s Holiday Potluck.
• Several topics for the 2019 spring seminars were discussed including one addressing lower cost housing. Past housing seminars have concentrated on high end, rather expensive locations that are beyond the means of many of our members.
• Given the difficulties many of our members experienced during this year's Open Enrollment, the Board asked the Seminar Committee to think about ways to enhance the fall Open Enrollment Seminar.
• Note: the ASURA Committees are always looking for new ideas and input from the membership; so if you have ideas let ASURA  or the Committees know. You might also consider joining the Board (see New Board Member Elections below).
• The number of postal mailings has dropped significantly with the increased use of email but ASURA still mails Prime Times to all members and so having a current postal mailing address is important. The ASURA Vice President asked if it were possible to make sure that ASURA has a correct current address for its members. The answer is yes. Please take a moment to review your address below to see if it is correct. If the address is not correct please call the ASURA Office at 480-965-7668 or send an email to asura@asu.edu.

Barry McNeill

5801 E Lafayette Blvd

Phoenix, AZ 85018-4643

Harkins Staff Council Fundraiser

There is still time to take advantage of this fundraising opportunity. If you are looking for a Holiday gift Harkins has the perfect gifts for family, friends and students. A portion of each item purchased goes to one of several Staff Council programs, e.g., Staff Helping Staff Endowment and the Judy Reynolds Memorial Scholarship. You can order and pay online or call the Staff Council Office at 480-965-0892. Order by December 15 to get your Harkins items by Christmas!

New Board Member Elections

It's not too late to get on the new Board Member ballot. There are still three slots open but you had better hurry before these are snapped up (smile). Reply to this E-news if you are interested.