THE HUTCHINSON CHAPTER OF AAMBUCS
NEWSLETTER FOR MEETING OF AUGUST 19, 2016
EDITOR: DUKE WIGGINS
GUESTS: Ryan VanZant, director of the Hutchinson Zoo and Jessica Wright, Educator for the Hutchinson Zoo, our program for today.
SERGEANTS CORNER: Sgt Knipp and deputy Hymer collected $2 from President Dorinda, one for the weekly fine, and one for being late. VP Thad Bartley was fined for being late starting the meeting, although he didn’t know he was running the meeting until 8:00. Doyle E and Stan M were fined for talking while Sgt Knipp was speaking. Thad Bartley paid to read a thank you note from daughter Meagan for the additional scholarship funds approved by the membership last week.
PROGRAM: Ryan VanZant, the new director of the Hutchinson Zoo, came to use from Bartlesville, OK. He proudly displayed the new zoo logo on his jacket, a combination of the old zoo logo and the city of Hutchinson logo. Although he has only been here for six months, he and thecity commission have worked hard to promoteour zoo as one of Hutchinson’s prime attractions.They are now working together with Stractica and the Cosmosphere to promote joint programs. The zoo is currently expanding and is offering free admission until the expansion is complete. The long awaited otter display will began construction in October 2016. The petting zoo has undergone changes designed toprotect both the children and the animals for contracting diseases. Mr. VanZant has spent the last decade working to preserve the bald eagle (Americas symbol of freedom) from extinction. He bought his on personal bald eagle to Hutchinson, and we got to meet him. His name is Bensar, and he is a beautiful, yet frighteningbird, Tethered to Mr. VanZant arm, headvised us that the hooked beak is not for bitting but for tearing apart the catch. It’s the talons that catch the prey and if they grip you with their talons, it will go right down to the bone.We thank Mr. VanZant for afascinating program, and I thank Kathy H for noticing the last bite of egg on my plate a few yards from Bensar and covering it with a napkin.
DRAWINGS:
Lucky Aces – 50/50 drawing won by Dwight Wiehl whose $5 is in care of Dennis Reiser – New total is $371.Newsletter award went to Terry Brigman, who was not present to answer the question. Next week’s question is “What exhibit at the Hutchinson is about to begin construction?”
FUTURE PROGRAMS:
8/26/16 – Charlotte Summers and Joan Brown – White House Museum on the State Fair Grounds.9/2/16 – To Be Announced9/9/16 – Meet at the Sweet Shoppe for a short instructional meeting – Breakfast will be served.