Hutchinson Chapter of Ambucs
Editor: Tom Hymer
Guests: Ward Davis brought his son Colby. Guy Gann introduced his high school sweetheart and wife Bobbile. Bob Bush introduced Bob Davis also of City Beverage.
The Big Hats led by the ever cheerful Duke Wiggins conducted todays meeting because it was the fifth Friday of the month.
The Sergeants Playground: Big Hats Jay Pitzer and Jeff Brewer became the de facto sergeants at arms and went about collecting money from innocent members like John Knipp for washing windows at his bank. He was only trying to cut bank expenses in uncertain economic times. Jim Seitnater paid for being late. Randy Henderson was fined because his wife called some cheap appliance repair joint instead of our own expert Stan Macgirvin. A whole bunch of people went through the breakfast line in front of Doyle Ehling. Guy Gann never wears his big hat so he was crowned with the official field service cap slightly modified in the Ambucs tradition. Doug Foss, Dean Brigman, and Preston Clark were fined for unknown issues. However Steve Harmon paid because his daughter is getting married. President Scott bought a fine to announce the birth of a granddaughter with no name at this time, congratulations Scott.
Adventures of The Round Tuit: Apparently Mark Clark cares deeply for Tuit because he did not show up to get rid of it -for the second week in a row.
Club Announcements: President Scott complimented the members who have submitted their committee preference sheets and urged those who have not indicated their preferences to do so. The Membership committee needs the most help in filling its ranks for recruiting and retaining members, an essential part of our clubs health and growth.
About $9,000 was generated from making T-Shirts at the NJCAA track and field event far exceeding expectations. Thanks to Dennis for directing this event and a round of appreciation to all who donated their time and support.
New committees are already going into action and making their plans.
1. Randy Henderson announced a meeting for the Program committee on June 5th at 6:15am.
2. The Community Service committee is also meeting on the same date at 6:00am.
Amtryke donation: This is a follow-up on an Amtryke donated to Trinity Pacheco in April of this year. Doug Foss introduced family members Carolyn Kitchens of Belle Plaine, KS and her twin sister Cris Lowery of Gadsden, Alabama. They wanted to express their appreciation for the Amtryke that we provided for Trinity. Trinity was born May 1, 2001 weighing just 2 lbs 5oz and has cerebral palsy. They left a photo album that shows Trinitys progress using the Amtryke. The album will be available next meeting on the head table.
Program: Our own Chuck Peterson related his experience diving off the coast of Pensacola, FL and viewing the former air craft carrier Oriskany of WWII vintage. This ship is over 900 feet long and 185 feet wide, and sits at a depth of 212 feet on the ocean floor. Chuck talked of his experiences roaming deep inside this ship, swimming through its control rooms and work areas. He felt the sailors talking and working, and the urgency of the ships mission. He feels that the silence of the deep water brings to life for him what was happening on the ship many years ago. This is the special result of diving that motivates Chuck and his dedication to the sport. Chuck discussed the technical aspects of diving at these depths and precautions taken. While there are several potential emergencies situations that can happen, much effort is devoted to preventing the bends. This condition occurs when the diver rises too quickly to the surface causing bubbles to develop in the blood vessels of the body causing serious and threatening medical conditions. Thank you Chuck for a great program.
Drawings: Someone won the 50/50 pot of $22, was it Jeff Brewer? Duke apparently was unprepared for the Newsletter question and therefore did not draw a name. The question for the meeting on June 5th is: What is the Orinskany?
Future Programs: June 5th – Dean Brigman will present a program on the Antique and Hot Rod car show in Branson, MO. June 12th Tony Powers on honey bees.