Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCSDuke Wiggins Editor
Guests: Cody Clark, son of Mark Clark; Brenda Maxey & Marci Kauffman of Tech, Inc. guests of Darren Wicks; and Anita Warren, a retired paralegal who moved to Hutchinson recently from Florida. She will be on next new member.
Sergeants Playground: Doug Foss filled in for Sgt Knipp this morning and Randy Hendrickson carried the toilet as usual. Doug started by stating that we are waaay behind in fine collections this year which sounded like a threat to me. I grabbed my wallet just in time to pay for another upside down t-shirt. I paid my buck, but the shirt disappeared before I could claim it. Fred C bought back his NJCAA program with the brackets filled in. Randall H paid for being late. Then we found out why Doug hung around at the back of the food line. Everyone who went through the food line before him paid $1 for that privilege. Who knew he was Sergeant for the day? Obviously, no one. Next a pin check produced some additional funds for the kids. The total fines collected for the day was $50.25. Way to go guys.
TUIT Report: Larry S carried it proudly and fined Dean B and Preston C for not recognizing the TUIT during the week. Jay P paid for not telling Donna who had it. I thing she got caught a church. This is known as paying for your sins. Larry then passed it on to Rick Mitchell, the only member to ask Larry at the appropriate time. Youre dammed if you do and dammed if you dont.
Presidents Ruminations: President Scott started by paying a fine for not recognizing Mark Clarks return. Its great to have him back. Our regions spring training is scheduled for April 23th & 24th in Enid, OK. He promised to be back in time for Steak Night II that Saturday evening. The Pepsi Challenge is for real. Log on to our website www.hutchambucs.org and click on the National Ambucs link. When the Natl Ambucs home page comes up, click on Ambucs applies for new Pepsi grant and follow the instructions. Vote every day as the project with the most votes wins. The Wichita Area now has an AMBUC chapter Air Cap Ambucs. They have been chartered with 31 new members.
Program: Darren introduced Brenda Maxey, President/CEO of TECH, Inc. who gave a brief overview of the current financial status of the corporation. There has been a $500,000 shortfall in their budget during the first 9 months of this year, and though the current fallout of the 2009 legislature is not completely known at this time, things will get worse for funding as the 2010 session with even bigger budget problems for the coming year. TECH has been reacting to their fiscal crisis by cutting 14 staff positions and seeking out new partnering opportunities both locally and state-wide. For more details, go to www.techinc.org and read Brendas latest comments in the Spectrum. Marci Kauffman discussed upcoming projects to raise funds and bring awareness to the needs of the children and adults with disabilities. The Walk-a-Mile campaign is scheduled for later this spring. Contact Marci if you would like to participate in this awareness project. The next big fund raising event is Main Street Hops, scheduled for Friday, May 7th. If you enjoy good beer (what Ambuc doesnt) and great fun, plan to participate this year. Tickets go on sale for March 31st at $40 to sample beer and $15 for non-drinkers and are limited to the first 400 takers. You can reserve tickets by going online or calling TECH at 663-1596.
Drawings: Jeff Brewer won the 50/50 pot and donated his winnings to TECH. Jeff is one of TECHs newest board members. Guy G left before his name was drawn for the newsletter question, so the pot goes to $10 for next Friday.
Next Fridays question is how many persons are on the waiting list for services in Kansas? Brenda mentioned this is her presentation or check out her article in Spectrum.
Next Meeting is hosted by John Knipp and features Craig Williams from the Little Theatre.