Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS
Editor: Duke Wiggins
GUESTS: Mark Blackim, President of the Hutchinson Monarchs, invited by Jeff Roberson
SERGEANTS PLAYGROUND: Ward held and Colby rang the bell, and theyre off. Almost immediately, Ward discovered he had no place to put the $$$ rolling in except his pocket, which didnt seem kosher. So they retraced their steps and retrieved the TOILET. Their first stop was Don G to recognize Jasons scholarship to Kansas State. He tried to beg off claiming his last $ had gone to the Wildcats Band Fund, but Colby got a buck anyway. John Knipp paid his $ for the 3rd bank in row-phase 2. Jeff Brewer paid for having his and Pats names on Trinity United Methodist Churchs sign saying Thanks for everything- Jeff and Pat. Wrong church, much confusion. Dwight Wiehl paid for early withdrawal last week, just before his name was drawn for the newsletter drawing. Leaving early cost $30. Returning to Don G, he paid for his parents 60th anniversary celebration this week, and his and Margrets 32th last weekend. Brad T paid a $, and when asked for what, he had no idea. Stan Macgirvin won the pot at the Moose recently and the Sergeants got their cut. Jim Seitnater paid to thank all those who attended last nights 3rd Thursday celebration. One of the biggest crowds ever, and if you did not attend, you got fined. BIG BUCKS. Mark Treaster paid his fine to announce his campaign for the Kansas Senate and not indicating his affiliation with AMBUCS at his kick off celebration earlier this week. Jim Jacobs announced that he has a new granddaughter to spoil, and Harley Macklin shared the sale of his house in Kansas City, which means he is in Hutch to stay, except for a few side trips to somewhere (who knows).
PROGRAM: Jeff Roberson deferred to Doug Fosss earlier glowing introduction of Mark Blackim, a Hutchinson native who is making his name in support of baseball in our fair city. When he and his wife Kim returned to Hutch they set their sights on promoting sports for kids as fun activity and lessons for life. After 4 years in the business, the number of both girls and boys participating in softball and baseball is up. Their Junior League teams have grown from 1 to 4 and are managed by parents and friends who subscribe to the Monarchs code of conduct. The college-age team started out hot, winning their first 9 games, but currently on a big slide. Mark stood behind his players for their effort and attitude. During the question and answer period he was asked about the players who were kicked off the team recently. Mark explained that each player signs a code of conduct when they agree to be a part of the Monarchs. When they fail to live up to that code, they are dealt with appropriately. He also was asked about how his team is funded. He relies on corporate sponsor nights, advertising on the outfield fencing and in the program. He and Kim put $24,500 of their own funds into the Monarchs last year, and will continue to support them financially as long as they can. He and Kim are excited and proud of the support the Monarchs receive at their home games. Next weekend is parents’ weekend for the players’ family and friends. He encouraged all to attend the game on Saturday, June 7th, when all the proceeds will go to Victory in the Valley, a cancer support group. The game starts at 7 PM and admission costs a donation to Victory in the Valley. Several members expressed their appreciation for his efforts and the decisive way he handled the recent articles in the local newspaper.
DRAWINGS: Terry Brigman won the 50/50 pot of $18 and donated it to Victory in the Valley. The Newsletter pot just keeps growing, as no one was able to decipher the name on the chip drawn. Who is in charge of those chips? The question for next Friday is How many guests, not including the guest speaker, have we had for the last 4 weeks? The correct answer is worth $35.