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HUTCHINSON AMBUCS NEWSLETTER Duke Wiggins, Editor

The bell was rung by Doug Foss at approximately 7:02, causing new President Rick Mitchell to scurry to the front and start the meeting. More about this later.

Guests: Valerie Harper, guest and daughter of Anita Warren for a follow-up visit; Jeff Roberson, guest of Dennis Reiser; Jessica Miller guest of Ward Davis and our program for today; and Colby Davis, guest of Ward. Both Valerie and Jeff became new members later in the meeting, and Doug Foss worked real hard on Jessica from one table over.

Sergeants Playground: Larry Sloan made his first tour of the room as official Sheriff, and while he may be bigger than former Sheriff Knipp, he sure is a lot quieter. As his parting gift to the chapter, he presented Larry with what shall become Knipps pink toilet, a pink bedpan with all kinds of worthless gadgets and do-dads. It now resides in the store room of the Town Club, along with various other AMBUC stuff. With Randy Hendrickson carrying the real toilet, Larry began his year by fining Doug F. for ringing the bell which is outside his authority. Doug claimed he is still fine protected for doubling up as a Big Hatter. A lively discussion ensued, with nobody taking Dougs side. Finally Doug agreed to pay his fine if the two members who put him up to this would match his $1. Since no one came forward, Doug squealed on Jeff B and Stan M. Oh well; more money for the kids. Preston C. was fined for starting his Community Service meeting 2 minutes late this morning. Tim D paid for being late, and Dennis R paid $2, one for being late, a second for making his guest Jeff late. Tony (The Bee Catcher) Powers added some funds to the pot for making the paper but not wearing his AMBUC pin on his protective suit. And Colby got to ring the sergeants out.

Announcements: President Rick announced his first Board Meeting for 6:15 (NOT 6:10) next Friday morning. He also has emailed members with committee assignments. If you have not completed your committee preference sheets please do so. Get them to him by next meeting.

New Member Induction: Its not every President who gets to induct 2 new members at his first official meeting. Valerie Harper, sponsored by her mother Anita Warren and Jeff Roberson, sponsored by Dennis Reiser, were both welcomed as new members. Be sure to get acquainted with both these individuals.

Program: Ward Davis introduced Jessica Miller, who is the coordinator for the Reno County Growth Coalition. This group was formed by Reno County, the City of Hutchinson, the Chamber of Commerce and a number of concerned citizens to lay the ground-work for growing the population in Reno County. As new businesses have been attracted to our community, this group is now ready to focus on providing a quality of life in Reno County that will encourage people to live in Reno County, not just work there. Since joining the staff approximately a year ago, Jessica has worked with her Vitality Team to organize several bike rides to raise funds and encourage local citizens to get out and get active. The response to this active lifestyle has been very positive, affecting all age groups. The entire group will get together in July to re-assess the needs and desires of the citizens and lay plans for the future.

Drawings: The 50/50 drawing for $25 was won by new member Jeff Roberson. Curtis Mitchell was given the opportunity to answer the weekly question, but apparently left early. Pot grows to $20 next week.

Question for Next Friday: How many members stepped up to support Doug Foss on his claim to be fine proof?

Future Meetings: June 11th Rebecca Sandoval of Play Therapy, hosted by Tom Stanton; June 18th Captain Troy Hoover of the Hutchinson Police Dept, hosted by Randy Henderson; June 25th Marc Blackim of the Hutchinson Monarchs, hosted by Randy Hendrickson.

HUTCHINSON AMBUCS NEWSLETTER Duke Wiggins Editor

Guests: Karen Vidrickson, our current District Governor & Vicky Tangeman, incoming District Governor, both from the Salina Noon Network Chapter; Anne Potucek wife of President Scott; Bobbi Gann, wife of former District Governor Guy Gann; Valerie Harper daughter of Anita Warren, for her second visit; and our youngest member Colby, son of Ward Davis.

Sergeants Playground: Sheriffs Knipp and Hendrickson patrolled the meeting for their last time as a team. Remember the front-page article in the Hutch News sometime last spring featuring our own Jim Seitnater? Apparently Sgt Knipp was reading back issues and noticed no AMBUC pin on his lapel. $1 for the oldest fine in history. Randy Henderson, the real Sheriff, paid for his email sent to John to update him on programs through June and not referring to the TUIT which John was carrying at the time. But, enough with old fines. Dan P had a stand-off at the food line this morning, as Dan refused to enter the line before the Sheriff (as is the rule) and John just stood there and smiled. That cost Dan $1. Guy G paid for not informing Bobbi of the TUITs whereabouts before John got to her. And, finally John paid a $1 to recognize Ward D for being a good AMBUC citizen for helping a damsel in distress with a flat tire.

The TUIT finally returned from Jamaica, and with pictures, too. Most featured the TUIT with someone with a drink in his hand. One even had some topless sunbathers in the background. I think Mr. Harmon discovered the Tequila Sunrise while in the islands. No wonder he was gone for two weeks. Also, the TUIT was present at the Main Street Hops, as a whole list of AMBUC attendees were having too much fun to notice the TUIT sneaking up on them. The TUIT has now taken up residence with BILL LONG, so beware of unexpected clothing sales next week.

Announcements: Karen V and Vicky T from Salina were in attendance to announce the nomination of two Hutchinson AMBUCS for special rewards at national this year. Randy Henderson is Karens choice for National Program Chairman of the year and Jay Pitzer is her choice for National AMBUC of the Year. Both will be ratified by the Great Plains Region and will be submitted to National, with the award to be handed out at the National Meeting in Naples, FL. Congratulations to both Randy and Jay and a big AMBUC thank you for all their hard work during the year.

Program: Scott Saylor introduced Don Rogers, director of Sales and Operations for Stutzman Refuse Disposal, Inc, located in South Hutchinson, KS. The company has been in business since 1957, providing residential, commercial, and industrial refuse services to an expanding market in Kansas. Their newest and most exciting expansion is into the multi-billion dollar recycling industry. SRD has the only single stream recycling processing plant in central Kansas, placing all recyclable products in one container and processing through their facility in South Hutchinson to recycled by-products for the market place. Their largest single customer for these by-products is Johns Manville in McPherson, KS. Check their website at www.stutzman refuse.com for more information.

Drawings: The 50/50 pot went to Rick Mitchell; the newsletter drawing would have gone to Jeff Frizell, had he been there. The pot goes to $15 next week. The question for next week is name the Hutchinson AMBUCS who were honored at the meeting on the 28th and for what awards were they nominated by Karen V?

Future Meetings: June 4th Jessica Miller, hosted by Ward Davis; June 18th Captain Troy Hoover of the HPD, hosted by Randy Henderson.

HUTCHINSON AMBUCS NEWSLETTER Duke Wiggins, Editor

Guests: Jeff Roberson, guest of Dennis Reiser, is employed by Bethel College in Newton as the manager of their computer operations. He attended Steak Night II and this is his second meeting visit. He also signed up to work at the T-shirt Booth this Saturday. Think we might get a new member next Friday.

Sergeants Playground: Sheriff Knipp returned to the nest this week and gave Pam Brooks a chance to carry the toilet and collect fines instead of paying them. Doug Foss invested in the kids to celebrate his 60th birthday. Late comers were Eric S and Darren W. The Dead Butt Society has raised its ugly head again. Brad T was fined for being the youngest of the group, while Fred Conner paid for being the oldest of the group. Tom Hymer & I were fined for misspelling Goeff Tolberts name for about the 81st time. Randy Hendrickson was fined for not being aggressive enough when he offered the toilet to Pam. After all, its been his all year long. They finished up by selling Breakfast Invitation Cards to those who didnt have one in their possession. There was no TUIT report again this week as we think Steve H has moved to Jamaica.

Announcements: President Scott thanked everyone that served in his administration for making it a great year. The new chapter in Wichita is off and running. We have been asked to support them by attending a special meeting in mid-June. Stay tuned for future information. An update provided by Dennis R on the success of the Track and Field T-shirt sales indicates gross sales to be over $10,000, which is about $1,800 over last year. Don G will provide net figures as soon as all the bills are in and the credit charges have cleared.

Program: Tom Stanton introduced himself as the program for today. Becky Sandoval of the Kennedy Counseling & Play Therapy Center became ill at the last moment. Hopefully she will be available at a later time. One of Toms outside interests is the Top Gun training program sponsored by the KBI. Kansas is one of six states who provide this training yearly, with this years to be the 8th. Tom is the head of the Legal Staff for each training session. Top Gun is designed for narcotics investigators and prosecutors with 0-5 years of experience. The purpose of the training is to make those involved in the hands on process of investigating narcotics violations more effective in handling their jobs. The training is highly intensive, with this years experience scheduled for the week of Sept 19-24 at the KNG Training Center in Salina. You can learn more by logging on to www.kansas.gov and clicking on Drug Enforcement and Top Gun. Thanks to Tom for an interesting program. Most of us did not know this side of Tom Stanton.

Drawings: The 50/50 collection provided Don G with $25. I think he knows how to obtain his money. The Newsletter Drawing went unclaimed by Dave Suhler, who left early. The pot goes to $10 next week.

Question for next Friday: Tom Stanton played the part of Maverick in the movie Top Gun True or False.

This Fridays program will be presented by Stutzman Refuse hosted by Scott Saylor.

Hutchinson AMBUCS meeting, Duke Wiggins, Editor

Our guests for today were as follows: Darla Wilson, hosted by Randy Hendrickson, and our program for today; Paul Hartman, hosted by Doug Foss; and Jeff Roberson hosted by Dennis Reiser. Paul came prepared to join and was sworn in later in the meeting.

Since our regular Sheriff Knipp flew the coop today, President Scott commandeered Jeff Tolbert to raise some money for the kids. Late fines were levied on Board Members, who were late for this mornings meeting, including Pam Brooks and this editor. Jay paid an in and out tax for wandering in and out of the meeting, confusing several of our less attentive members. They tried some down and dirty attempts to pick up quick fines and actually did a darn good job. Watch out Sheriff Sloan they may be after your job next year.

The TUIT was also missing this morning, as Steve Harmon has taken it to Jamaica. It may even be gone next Friday as well. Hope he has enough money left to get it back home. We all know Bob B and several other members care very deeply about the Tuit and will gladly pay $1 to welcome it back.

As was mentioned earlier, the Board of Directors met this morning and reviewed the Nominating Committees proposed slate of officers to take over June 1st. Their recommendation is as follows: President-Rick Mitchell; 1st V.P.-Curtis Mitchell; 2nd V.P.-Darren Wicks; Treasurer-Don Grossardt; Secretary-Jim Seitnater; Sergeant of Arms-Larry Sloan. A motion was made and seconded to accept this slate of officers. A vigorous discussion followed, then a motion to cast a unanimous ballot carried overwhelmingly. Incoming President Mitchell presented his recommendations for Board of Directors for the next year. They were as follows: (2 year terms) Jim Jacobs, John Dreasher, Dave Suhler, and Randy Hendrickson; (1 year terms) Preston Clark, Jeff Brewer, Scott Potucek, and Eric Steinle. These individuals were also approved by the membership. Thanks to all who stepped up to serve. Our District Governor Karen Vidrickson will be at our meeting on May 28th to officially swear in our new officers and directors.

President Scott conducted the induction ceremony for Paul Hartman and Mark Johnson (who has been a member since March 30th, but had not been officially inducted due to an extended illness). Todays Induction qualifies for Blue Chip recognition by National for the 09/10 year. Scott also encouraged us to watch the local news for recognition of the National Big Hats qualifying for the $50,000 Pepsi Challenge to provide Amtrykes to those on the waiting list.

Randy Hendrickson introduced our program for today. Darla Wilson has been the Executive Director of Hospice & Home Care of Reno County for the last 10 years. This not-for-profit organization has been in operation since 1981 and is one of the oldest successful organizations of its kind in the country. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for their patients and preserve their dignity, while allowing them to remain in the familiar surroundings of their home for as long as possible. They are qualified to provide Medicare benefits, which greatly benefits the patient and family by providing $128 per day toward end-of-life expenses. You can learn more about their services by contacting Darla @ 620-665-2473 or by clicking on www.hospicerenocounty.com.

Our Drawings this week produced 2 more winners Stan Macgirvin won $28 from the 50/50 pot and Doug Foss won $5 by correctly answering the newsletter question and donating it to Hospice.

This Fridays question (for $5) is: Who is Karen Vidrickson, when will she be at our breakfast meeting and why is she coming?

Upcoming Programs: May 21st Becky Sandoval of the Kennedy Counseling & Play Therapy Center hosted by Tom Stanton. May 28th Stutzman Refuse Disposal hosted by Scott Saylor.

Hutchinson AMBUCS Newsletter, Duke Wiggins, Editor

We had 5 guests at todays meeting. Steve Conard brought Lt. Clay Rothe, Chief of Detectives for the Hutchinson Police Dept. Anita Warren brought her daughter, Valerie Harper with the Convention & Tourism Bureau, and Belinda McClanahan of the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce. Doug Foss brought Paul Hartman and Dennis Reiser brought Jeff Roberts (both attended Steak Night II). There should be a couple of new members out of this fine group.

Sgts Knipp and Hendrickson roamed the room at will again this morning. Since the 1000 drop in the stock market this week made us all take a deep breath, they picked on Edward Jones Senior Financial Counselor, Dan Power, to pay for that experience. Before they were done, I think they extended that benefit to Dane P and Jay P. Dan was fined for wearing his annoying KU attire. Sheriff Hendrickson paid for his son Zack being named Buhler High School Band Drum Major for the 2010-11 school year. Jay P was fined for trying to sing the Beverly Hillbillies Theme Song at his table. Doug F got in on two fines one paid by Sgt Knipp for raising over $50 as Big Hat Sgt at last weeks meeting, and one for cell phone interruptions. Tony P paid 4 tonies to announce that his daughter, Tonya, has been named an Academic All American by the National Forensic League, the first such award given to a Hutchinson High School student in the schools history. Since Sgt Knipp carried the TUIT last week, he got to nail the following for not respecting his pocket friend: Don G, Ward D, Steve H, Steve C, and Guy G (whose wife Bobbie was uninformed). He then passed it on to Steve H, so look out if you are shopping for paint this week.

President Scott P had lots of announcements. He and Rick M will report to the Board on new ideas from the recent Regional Meeting. The BOD meeting will be at 6:10 at the Town Club next Friday morning. The National AMBUCS finished in the top ten in the Pepsi Challenge, so we have $50,000 to supply Amtrykes to those where local chapters are not available. Thanks to Jerry Regier and Dean Brigman for making space available for the Regional Amtryke Trailer during the Rod Run this summer. Dennis R reminded everyone that the NJCAA Track & Field Meet will be will be on May19th thru May 22nd at Gowans Stadium. We are selling T-shirts again this year. The signup sheet has been going around and will be available this Friday. Contact Dennis at 620-200-4859 if you have not signed up.

The Steves (Conard and Harmon) are local history buffs, and they entertained us with their collection of photographs from the late 1920s of downtown Hutchinson. They have spent many hours studying buildings from that era, tracing their history up through today. They also have put together a power-point presentation following the development of the Hutchinson Municipal Airport from its beginning up to current time. It was a fascinating presentation and most of us left with a renewed sense of pride in Hutchinsons place in Kansas history. If you wish to view some of the pictures of the downtown area, click on www.atsfry.com , click on the 1920 bar, then Photo Archive, then scroll down to Hutchinson.

Finally we had some members walk out with sizeable $ this week. Ron Williams left with $32 from the 50/50 drawing and Rita Joy Campbell knew the answer to the Newsletter Question and won $35. The pot goes back to $5 for next week. The question for next Friday is What tune did Jay P try to sing at last weeks meeting?

Upcoming Meetings:

May 14th Darla Wilson, Executive Director of Hospice of Reno County, hosted by Randy Hendrickson;

May 21st Becky Sandoval of the Play Therapy Center, hosted by Tom Stanton;

May 28th Stutzman Refuse, hosted by Scott Saylor.

Hutchinson Ambucs Weekly Meeting – Tom Hymer, editor

It was the 5th Friday of the month, and when that happens it is Big Hat Day. Taking charge was Duke Wiggins, the Big Chief of the Big Hatters. Click here to learn more. http://www.hutchambucs.org/big_hat_club.php

Welcome guests: Janet Regier, Jerrys spouse; Ray Schoonover, former Big Hat National President and lives in Enid, OK; Rays daughter, Toni Cornejo; Angie Ely of New Beginnings and her son Cole; Eric Steinle introduced his son Cole and a friend Austin Perry; Cindy Kotshegarow also of New Beginnings; Todays program Deb Hagan introduced by Jerry Regier; Doug Foss introduced his guest Paul Hartman.

Sergeants at work: After a peaceful breakfast Big Hatters Doug Foss and Brad Thompson tried to make everyones day a little better by fining them. While somewhat short of fine material they came up with some quality and creative ways to extract money to make their fine quota. For example, they fined everyone except former Ambucs presidents. Then the former presidents were fined for something, maybe disobedience. Doug fined Eric Steinle for mooching breakfast for his son and a friend. Steve Harmon tried to leave early but was snagged by the Brad. Duke paid $5 for losing his jacket, provingthat it is possible to be fined every week. Then Doug and Brad conducted an auction for a new and handsome Big Hat pin which Jeff Brewer won with the high bid of $10.

After three weeks of toting The Tuit, Dane Power was finally allowed to give his report. All the people who failed to ask him about the Tuit were absent today, a strange thing. He gave the Tuit to John Knipp, absolutely one of the most dangerous men to have that thing, fair warning.

Angie Ely of New Beginnings announced to the membership her appreciation for the support Ambucs provide. Especially the Casino event that occurred Saturday to help raise some money for New Beginnings.

Program: Jerry Regier introduced the program Deb Hagan who is director of the Friends in Action organization that is part of the Reno County Department of Aging. Their goal in Reno County is to assist the home bound elderly to improve their quality of life and remain independent as long as safely possible. They do this through volunteers who visit an elderly client one or two hours a week and perform various chores to assist the resident. These chores can be grocery shopping, doctor visits, going out for coffee, and other activities. Jerrys wife Janet is a volunteer and she talked about her client, a 92 year old lady. They go shopping at Walmart, and visit the beauty shop. Her friend is up-to-date on everything including KSU and KU sports. Janet claims she is the one who benefits the most from their friendship. Deb said that her main effort is to get the word out about FIA so that there is more public awareness about the organization and how it benefits the community and is fulfilling for the volunteers. http://cms.hutchcc.edu/hcc/home.aspx?menu_id=164&head_id=2878&id=3458&ekmensel=c580fa7b_164_0_3458_6

Closing ceremonies: Rich Mitchell won the 50/50 pot of $23 and donated the money to FIA. The Big Chief of the Big Hatters Duke seemed to have a problem in locating the chips for the Newsletter drawing. It is not known whether a drawing occurred due to end of meeting distractions. However the question for the next meeting, who is Deb Hagan?

HUTCHINSON CHAPTER OF AMBUCS

Editor: Duke Wiggins

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY TO US!! Ray Schoonover from Enid. OK will be here to help us celebrate. Ray chartered our Chapter 30 years ago this week. He is a Past national Big Hat President, National President andhas been Mr. AMBUCin Oklahoma for many years. Come and meet Ray and his daughter who is a threpist in Wichita.

Our guests were:

Tanya Hendrickson, wife of Randy and mother of Zack (baritone sax player) Kristen Jacobs, wife of Jim Kathy Turner, fuest of Anita Warren Raymond Bretton “work wife” of Ron Williams Eric Stambaughand the Buhler High School Jazz Band Jason Grossardt, son of Don & Margaret, who played the tenor sax

Program: Don Grossardt introduced Eric Stambaugh, Director of Bands at Buhler High School. The ensemble he brought with him was the Crusader Jazz Band, and they preformed a variety of music from jazz to pop to improvisation. This group makes appearances locally as well as attending contests, clinics, atheletic events, and jazz festivals. The members are advanced players who are expected to prepare and practice on their own. Their music was outstanding, and they received a standing ovation.

Announcements & Upcoming Activities

Steak Night II – tomorrow evening at 6:00PM at the Dillion Pavallion on the Kansas State Fairgrounds New Beginnings Casino Fundraiser – May 1st at 6:00PM at the Town Club. AMBUCS provides the labor, they provide one of the Town Clubs special buffets. Community Service Meeting at 6:10AM on May 7th Board of Directors Meeting at 6:10AM on May 14th

Because the band members needed to be in class by 8:15, we enjoyed their programfirst and saved the business for later. Guess What! We ran out time for the Sergeant’s weekly fundraiser. Sgt’s John and Randy did not seem too upset by the decision, but Dane Power (carrier of the TUIT) seemed highly disappointed to get stuck for a second week.

Drawings: Brad Thompson left with $27 in his pocket from the 50/50 drawing.. Tony Powers left too early and missed his chance at the newsletter drawing. Goes to $30 next Friday. Question – What was the name of the baritone sax player?

Future Programs:

April 29th-Big Hats in charge – Deb Hagen of Friends in Action is the program May 7th-our own Steve Conard & Steve Harmon-Photos of Downtown Hutchinson taken from 1928-1930 (they may both be that old)

Hutchinson AMBUCS NewsletterEditor: Duke Wiggins

This Weeks Guests: Bob B invited Rory Woods for his 2nd visit. Doug Foss brought 3 business associates: Cara O’Hara of Morton Chicago; Lindsey Kelly of Graphic Packaging; Marc Klaisle of Graphic Packaging.

Sergeants Playground Sgt Knipp immediately jumped on Doug Foss for letting the AMBUCS pay for his business breakfast. Although he is fine-proof per National Headquarters, he did put $5 in the 50/50 pot. Ron Quick of Culligan paid for trying to sneak in late and for wearing his jacket to breakfast (which advertises his business). Mark T, Doc P, Chuck P, and Bill L each paid a fine for not remembering the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission. The Kansas Cosmosphere has a big celebration planned for this weekend. Poor Ron Williams had a bad morning. Not only did he have to carry the Tuit for 2 weeks, but he forgot the name of his newest facebook buddy Eric Steinle. Ron passed the Tuit on to Dane Power.

Announcements & Other Important Stuff

Our newest member is Ryan Thompson, sponsored by his Uncle Brad. Ryan works for one of his uncles numerous enterprises and plans to attain many of Brads numerous skills. Welcome Ryan.

Kathleen Kennedy is our newest lawyer, having passed her bar exam.

President-elect Rick Mitchell is still needing a recording secretary for his new administration. Contact him at 663-3393 or rmitchell@woodworkmfg.comif you are interested.

Continue to vote in the Pepsi Challenge. We are currently in 7th place so vote every day. Post the website in your facebook page and send it to friends & relatives.

Ice Cream Booth Committee meeting next Friday (April 23rd) at 6:10AM at the Town Club

Steak Night II April 24th at the Dillon Pavillion at the Fairgrounds – 6:00PM to ? No cost to members & guests. J.P.s instructions are as follows: 1) Bring your own steak knives; 2) Bring dessert if last name is A-M 3) Bring salad or veggie if last name is N-Z 4) BRING A GUEST IMPORTANT NEWS FLASH THERE WILL BE BEER AMBUCS Learn to Brew Beer At Home Major scary headline. Jim Linebarger & Robert Suther representing the Salt City Homebrewers brought their passion to our meeting this morning. This group is a dedicated bunch of individuals committed to brew and drink the finest beer possible. Jim offered that he really got into homebrewing when he found he could make beer in a couple of hours for 30 cents a pint. The group meets every 2nd Thursday of the month to share recipes and sample members latest brewing discoveries. Robert compared brewing beer to cooking a meal, which means there is always something new to learn. There website (www.saltcityhomebrewers.com) even offers Beer tasting Tips for the serious consumer. Win Drawings Take Home Money 50/50 Pot – $30 Kathleen Kennedy not only a new lawyer, but collected her first fee!! Newsletter Preston Clark apparently did not read his newsletter no winner pot goes to $25 next Friday. Question: What name did Ron Williams blurt out when referring to his newest facebook buddy? Ask around & come prepared. Future Programs April 23rd Come hear the Buhler High School Jazz Band, including Jason Grossardt. Don says they will knock your socks off (or something like that) April 30th The last Big Hat Breakfast of this year. Expect the worst from this wild bunch. Deb Hagan of Friends in Action will be the program.

Hutchinson Chapter of Ambucs Editor: Duke Wiggins

Guests: Craig Jones of Ramsey Oil, hosted by Scott Potucek; Rusty Hilst of HHS, hosted by Randy Henderson & our program for today.

Sgt’s Playground: Our “normal” crew of John K and Randy H pulled duty today. This editor was fined for numerous errors in the newsletter (such as phantom people). President Scott paid fines for several announcements (why he didn’t wait for his “President’s Message” and save his money was somewhat unclear, but I’ll bet Bob B knows).

Board of Directors Actions from this morning’s meeting: The Community Service Committee recommended a donation of $850 to the Special Olympics of Kansas, which the Board approved. After a lengthy discussion, The Board approved a one-time donation of $500 to come from next year’s budget. The discussion concerned our policy of committing funds at budget time to a group of organizations that wel try to help each year. With those totaling between $10,000 and $12,000 annually. this leaves very little left for other opportunities during the year. The discussion was tabled to the May meeting after Eric S (our attorney) and Don G (our Treasurer) have reviewed this policy.

Announcements and Upcoming Events: Dennis R reminded everyone about the NJCAA tract meet will be May 19-22, and we will once again sell t-shirts. More details coming at future meetings & newsletters. Jeff Brewer reminded everyone about Steak Night II, scheduled for 6:00PM on April 24th at Dillon Hall on the State Grounds. There will be no charge to members, spouses,and their guests. One more meeting to make reservations, so be there this Friday or contact Jeff B or Jay P. Pres Scott sent around a signup sheet to provide labor only for New Beginnings Casino Night fund raiser on May1st. Food will be provided for those who work. The Pepsi Challenge is going strong, so get on the internet and VOTE The easiest way to access the proper site is to get to our website at www.hutchambucs.org and click on www.ambucs.org. Once you reach the National website, click on the Pepsi can and follow the instructions. You can vote once per day, 7 days a week, 24 hours per day during the month of April. The goal is to gather as many votes as possible and win $50,000 to supply amtrykes to those on the national waiting list – that’s 100 amtrykes.

Program: Rusty Hilst has been in the business of broadcasting Hutchinson sporting events for over 40 years. He has also been a full time teacher and part time coach during that same period. For the last several years, he has cut his time as a teacher, but is still going strong in the broadcasting business. He related that his best experience has been working with Coach Randy Dreiling and the HHS football team. He sees these young people as some of Hutchinson best ambassadors for the community. Coach Dreiling emphasizes the Team Concept (We vs. I) and his program builds leaders in football and life.

Drawings: The 50/50 drawing put $24 in Terry Brigman’s pocket. Jim Seitnater missed his chance at the newsletter pot, so it goes to $20 next Friday.

The Question of next week’s newsletter drawing is: When asked to name his favorite sports announcers, Rusty offered up several. Name one to win the pot.

Future Programs: April 16th – Jim Linebarger on Home Brewing, hosted by Tom Stanton April 23rd – The Buhler Jazz Band, hosted by Jim Kicklighter & Don Grossardt April 30th – Deb Hagen of Friends in Action, hosted by the Big Hat Club

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