Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS
Editor: Duke Wiggins
Guests: Thanks to the article in Wednesdays Hutchinson News (which I believe was through the efforts of Chuck P), we had several special guests in attendance this morning to hear Chuck Ps presentation (see Program below). Jeff Bs better half Pat came to make sure he behaved.
Sergeants Playground: Sgts Knipp and Hendrickson welcomed Luke M back by levying a membership renewal tax. Bob B was fined for wearing too many community hats. Don G was fined for leaving early last week with all the cash. Sgt Knipp had to front the $15 that Steve H donated to the Ulster Project. Good luck with that John. Jay P used the Membership Moment to update members on the cookout coming up on Saturday, August 29th at the Knights of Columbus Facility on West 17th. Be thinking about friends that might have an interest in becoming AMBUCS and get this evening of fun and fellowship on their calendar. Curtis Mitchell is still carrying the TUIT. Maybe well get a report on its travels next week.
Announcements: President Scott shared a thank you note from Jan Strecker, who is getting settled in her new home in Lawrence. A special thanks to those who braved the funky weather to transport her furniture to the auction site. She enclosed a contribution to Als Amtryke Fund in the amount of $100. Scott also announced that he had been contacted to build a ramp and had turned the request over to the Community Affairs committee for their consideration. Eric S announced a second painting day for this Saturday morning (7/25) at 7:30 AM. A good group of volunteers raised their hands, so count on fines for those who dont show.
The Big Hats are in charge of next Fridays meeting. Jay challenged every Big Hatter to wear his/her hat. Our program will be on CampHope with Dr. Bryan Wohlwend from the Hutchinson Clinic, the camps medical consultant. We will be making our annual contribution to this project at this meeting, so be there to learn more about one of our clubs biggest partners.
Program: Chuck Peterson returns for an encore on his program on deep-sea diving, this time concentrating on his dive off Floridas coast to explore the USS Oriskany, the worlds largest artificial reef. The Oriskany earned 5 battle stars for its service during the WWII and Korean Wars and the Vietnam conflict. It was decommissioned in 1976 and set deteriorating for 30 years until in 2006, when it was sunk to become an artificial reef. Chuck has been down to explore this huge aircraft carrier several times and has put together a video of his adventures. Chuck provided the narrative as the video allowed us to view this ship both inside and out. He related that is so quiet this far down below the surface, that he experienced the ghosting effect of hearing the sailors as they moved about carrying about their daily activities. He was especially moved by the POW Flag and plaque that have been planted beside the ship in honor of those who lost their lives while serving aboard the Oriskany. As mentioned above, several members of the public attended who had ties to this ship. Edgar and Emalene Groves son Kenneth served as a crew member. Michael Ruiz lost his brother when the ship sunk during WWII. Don Singletary served several tours of duty on board the ship. Roland Dirks had no ties to the vessel, but read the newspaper article and came as a history buff. Once again, some of our best programs come from our members. If you missed this meeting or have an interest in underwater exploration, contact Chuck at 620-727-1347.
Drawings:
50/50 drawing went to Doug Foss ($21);
Newsletter question was answered correctly by Don Grossardt ($5);
Question for next week:
Where and When will the Membership Cookout be held?
Future Meeting Programs:
July 31st – CampHope Big Hats in Charge;
August 7th Annual Golf Scramble Highlands;
August 14th Darren Wicks in charge Possible Wild Horse Program whatever that is;
August 28th USD 308 Will the buildings be ready for the kids??;
Sept 4th Town Club closed meeting site and program TBA;
Sept 11th – Breakfast at the Fair.