Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS
Editor: Duke Wiggins
Three of todays guests will be sworn in as new members next week Mark Johnson of JCI Industries; Anita Warren, a retired paralegal from Florida; and Ryan Thompson, Brads nephew and employee.
Our normal sergeants were back on patrol this week. Sheriff Knipp started by collect a $1 from Doug Foss for showing him up last week by collecting over $50 in fines. Next, he fined President Scott for starting the meeting late, then moved on to Preston C. whose committee meeting let out late, causing the meeting start late. Past Pres Bob advised Scott that the President is in charge, thus start the meeting on time and X$q$ Preston. So much for the kinder, gentler leader. Dean B was fined for sneaking into the meeting late. Since Bob B doesnt really care about the TUIT, he kept it hidden all week, paid his $1, and passed it on to Ron Williams.
Announcements: Darren Wicks announced a T-shirt inventory workday for 8:00 next Saturday, April 10th at the Ben Franklin storage area (enter from the alley just east of Main between 5th and 6th). Bob Bush, our webmaster, distributed data sheets to update member information on the website. If you missed the meeting, get with Bob to obtain your sheet. Jay Pitzer reminded everyone to write down a name of a friend or co-worker who would make a good AMBUC. Then invite them to Steak Night II on April 24th.
Program: Darren Wicks introduced Craig Williams, President of the Family Childrens Theatre. The FCT is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing wholesome family entertainment for all ages. They purchased the Flag Theatre in 1994 and converted it into the only festival stage complex in Kansas. FCT produces eight main stage productions annually providing theatrical experiences for pre-school children through adults. Our own Randy Hendrickson has volunteered countless hours making sets for stage performances. He has joined with his son on one production, but prefers to work behind the scenes. With so many worthy not-for-profit organizations competing for limited local funding, Craig provided a power point presentation that outlined the number of attendees coming into Hutchinson to enjoy the theatre. These attendees spend an average of $28 plus the price of the ticket each time they visit our community. Including the organizations $88,000 budget which all goes to production costs (there is no paid staff), this amounts to approximately $230,000 annually going back into our community. To learn more about Family Childrens Theatre, go to their website at www.familychildrenstheatre.com.
This weeks 50/50 pot totaled $21, and was won by Bill Long, who donated it to the FCT. Knowing the answer to the newsletter question would have earned Jim Shaw $10. Alas, he was not in attendance, so the pot goes to $15 for the next meeting.
Next weeks question is what is an exoduster? If you listened carefully Craig mentioned this during his comments on Kansas history.
Future Programs:
April 9th Rusty Hilst, hosted by Tom Stanton
April 16th Jim Linebarger on home brewing, hosted by Guy Gann
April 23rd The Buhler Jazz Band, hosted by Jim Kicklighter & Don Grossardt
April 30th Deb Hagan of Friends in Action, hosted by the Big Hat Cub