Category: Uncategorized

HUTCHINSON CHAPTER OF AMBUCS

Editor: Duke Wiggins

Guests: Cheryl Goodell, former member, guest of Brad Thompson; Jason Grossardt, son of Don Grossardt, now know as little Don; Patricia (Tricia) McCooe, Jonathan (Jonny) Hampton, and Philip (Philly) Hamill from Northern Ireland, representing the Ulster Project, guests of John Knipp; and Randy Adair with the Kansas Insurance Commissioners office, guest of Randy Henderson.

Sergeants Playground: Sgts Knipp and Hendrickson started out by fining Sheriff Henderson for reckless driving before breakfast. How about THAT; fake sheriffs fining a real Sheriff for a moving violation; may be a first. About that time Cheryl Goodells cell went off, and being Brads guest, he picked up the fine. How often have we seen Brad do that? Chuck Peterson was fined for being a political extremist. If you really wish to know the details, ask Chuck, as he seemed ready to elaborate. Then, in honor of our program for today, we played Northern Ireland Trivia. Obviously, Sgt Knipp came prepared (as usual), and the rest of us did not (as usual). Doc Powers paid a fine to announce his 85th birthday so we would sing to him. Dave Burton paid to announce he had resigned his position with Pinnacle to move to Las Vegas to share his skills with the performers at the MGM Grande Hotel and Casino. Wow. 55, single and alive again!

Tuit Report: Fred Conner reported on the activities of the TUIT for the week. Fred and Brad discussed whether those who volunteered for the fair work day on the previously Saturday but failed to show should pay a fine. Sgt Knipp, the master of getting the most with the least effort, immediately pronounced that all members who did not participate in the work day be fined. Big money! Fred also fined Dwight W for inquiring too late, and Duke W for not inquiring at all. Jim Shaw fined himself for not helping, because he promised Fred that he would, but failed to read the notice. An honest AMBUC. Fred had re-finished the TUIT in some color he called 38 Chevy Blue, with metal-flake ad all, and passed it on to Curtis Mitchell.

Announcements: Put the following on your calendar of future events:

July 31st – Big Hats are in charge of the meeting; program will by Dr. Bryan Wohlwend, representing CampHope. Aug 7th Annual Golf Scramble at the Highlands; see Jeff B or Steve H for details and sign up. Aug 29th (Saturday) All member cook-out at the Knights of Columbus facility on west 17th Street. All food and drink provided by the Big Hats at no cost to participants. Purpose is to have fun and fellowship, so bring a potential member with you. See Jay P and Duke W as a sign up sheet will be circulated beginning Aug 14th.

Program:

Once again we were fortunate enough to have the three Northern Irish Counselors speak to us at our breakfast meeting. Patricia McCooeTricia, Jonathan Hampton Jonny and Philip Hamill Phily. Patricia and Philip arrived somewhat late as they forgot their Garmin and had difficulty making the curve at Plum and 4th street. Now I am not sure why they came that way and they could not tell me but you have to understand they are used to driving in Ireland and England and not in Kansas. Despite the early morning hour Tricia spoke from the heart for nearly 20 minutes, bringing us up to date on what has happened with the project in the past year and how it continues to affect the lives of those it touches on both sides of the ocean. She emphasized that this is the 10th year of the project in Hutchinson and that this is one of the best projects going in the United States. Both Jonny and Phily offered moral support but I really do not think they were awake. Thanks to John for bringing this program and providing this write-up.

Drawings:

50/50 pot won by Dane Power $18 donated to the Ulster Project

Newsletter Question read correctly by Steve Harmon – $15 donated to the Ulster Project

Newsletter Question for next Friday: Why did Brad Thompson pay Cheryl Goodells fine?

Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS

Duke Wiggins Editor

Guests: Pam Clarke Reno County Sheriffs Officer, guest of Randy Henderson; MaKayla Elwick, latest Amtryke recipient and Debbie and Gale King, her great aunt and uncle guests of the club and hosted by Doug Foss.

Sergeants on duty: Sgts John and Randy fined Randy Henderson for being late to this mornings board meeting. Guy Gann paid a big ($5) fine for failing to have a program for todays meeting. Dan Power, the carrier of the TUIT for the last 2 weeks, got both Jay P and Darren W for not asking, Mark T for not remembering he passed the thing on to Dan several weeks ago, Vern (Doc) P for not asking at the YMCA (something about no pockets in his swim trunks), Jim S and Randall H. Dan passed the TUIT on to Fred Conner, who promised to get even at State Fair time.

Club Announcements:

Upcoming Social Activities: Jeff Brewer announced our annual Golf Tournament will be on Friday August 7th at the Highlands. Breakfast will be served at 7:00 downstairs at the 19th Hole.

Golf will start at 8:00. Breakfast is on the club as usual. For those playing golf, fees for both Highlands members and guests will be $40.00. This is one of those times to invite potential members (not just golf pros) to join in the fellowship of one of our best social events of the year.

Jay P announced that the Big Hats have reserved the Knights of Columbus facility on West 17th street for the all member cookout in August. Another great place to bring potential new members. He also announced a joint meeting of the Big Hats, Membership/Publicity, and Social committees for 6:15 at the Town Club on Friday July 17th to plan this momentous event.

Jeff Brewer announced last week that his new granddaughter (Chloe Marie) was being treated for a respiratory condition in Newton. She is much improved and is currently home with his daughter and son-in-law. Also Ward Davis and family are still in Wichita keeping an eye on Erica during her pregnancy. Please keep these AMBUC families in your thoughts and prayers this week.

Amtryke Presentation:

Doug Foss had been told before the meeting that Makayla Elwick was quite familiar with Amtrykes and might be a little impatient to get her new one motivating. We are all calculating Brad T fine for being to slow with the adjustment process. Once Brad completed the process. she took off by herself and motored all over the Town Club. Aunt Debbie remarked that the rear hand device on the toddler version was going to be a hang on for dear life device in Makaylas case.

Drawings: 50/50 drawing went to Doc Powers

The Newsletter drawing went begging and the pot goes to $15 next week.

Future Programs: July 17th Ulster Project

July 24th – Chuck Peterson will complete is program on deep sea diving.

July 31st Big Hats in charge

Newsletter Question of the week: How do you spell newest Amtryke recipients first name?

Weekly Meeting of the Hutchinson Ambucs: Tom Hymer, editor

Guests: Dr. Mark Fesen and his niece from Pennsylvania Marie Fesen were introduced by Jim Kicklighter. Dennis Reiser brought his daughter Allison who will be a freshman at HHS.

Sergeants on duty: John Knipp and his favorite toilet carrier Randy Hendrickson dinged white-legs Vern Powers for a no-tan penalty. Next on their hit list was Tony Powers for driving a tractor with no tools on board, a violation of The Farmer’s Code of Ethics. Dennis Reiser and Bob Bush were late arrivals at the meeting and discovered that their excuse of wrestling in the parkinglot wasan unacceptable excuse. Therefore they were also fined for wrestling without a permit. The sergeants checked out after collecting one dollar from everyoneforThe Bob Bush T-Shirt Fund.

The RoundTuit:DanPower has the Tuit and he wasabsent forthe second meeting in a row.You mightsend an email toDan andsay – well – whatever you want.

Club Announcements:

Jeff Brewer announced the birth of his granddaughter Chloe Marie and he asked for prayers for her as she is being treated for a respiratory condition in Newton.

Also we keep in our prayers Ward and Erica Davis. Erica has pregnancy complications and is receiving treatment in Wichita. Erica’s due date is in September.

Coming up on Friday August 7thThe Annual Golf Outing will take place at the Highlands Country Club.Breakfast will be at 7:00am. Golf will begin at 8:00am for those members who will be playing. $40 will cover the cost of green fees and cart use. A sign-up is going around, call Jeff Brewer with any questions.

Jay Pitzer talked about membership recruitment and had more little Tuits to hand out to possible guests inviting them to one of our weekly meetings.Now . . .take action. . . Mark your calendaron Saturday August 29th 6:00pm for The Big-Hat Steak Cook-out Membership / Social at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Spouses and guests are invited. What you can do now is tovisit with potential members so they can put this event on their calendars. Dont forget to hand out those little Tuits.

Amtryke Recipient Presentation: Two Amtrykes were donated today. Doug Foss introduced Gregg and Tonya Rempel and their 2 year oldson Jake. Jake will benefit fromusing the Amtryke to improve his motor skills. Next was Dave Matthews and his son Ianwho is 15 years old from Eldorado. Dave said that at Jake’s birth a woman told him that heneeded to accept Jake and his condition, otherwise the infant would pass away.

Program:Jim Kicklighter introduced today’s program presented by Dr.Mark Fesen whopractices oncologyat the HutchinsonClinic. Dr. Fesen graduated fromRutgers and in 1993came to Hutchinson to begin his practice at the Hutchinson Clinic. During his years ofpracticing oncologyhe has come to realize that cancer patients need essential information in order to guide them through the cancer treatment process. He has recently published his book “Surviving the Cancer System” whichhelps patients to understand their disease and to navigatethe treatment options. He spoke to various kinds of cancerfor which regular examscan detect, e.g.cancersof the breast, prostate, andcolon. These cancers areregarded as treatable with good results. Other cancers, e.g.cancers of the pancreas, lymph nodes, and lungs are not easily treatable and often quickly result in death. In fact lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of men and women. The doctorhasobserved the “curse of the self-employed.” This group of people spend their time and energy on the health of their business while at the same time they neglect their own physical health by ignoring regular check-ups and tests. The doctor offered two points of advice should one be diagnosed with cancer: 1. Develop an honest relationship with the physician, 2. Be your own patient advocate. His book is temporarily sold out at Hastings but can be ordered at Amazon.com. For more information go to: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Now-Available-Surviving-the-iw-2826758469.html?x=0

Drawings:Fred Connerwon the 50/50 pot of $22.Doug Foss correctly answered the newsletter question and won an undetermined amount of money. The newsletter question for next week is: “What cancer is the leading cancer killer?”

Future Programs:

July 10th – Camp Hope July 17th – Ulster Project July 24th – Chuck Peterson’s deep sea diving video July 31st – Big Hats in charge

Weekly Meeting of the Hutchinson Ambucs: Tom Hymer, editor

Guests: Dayna Lange, therapist at the Early Education Center.

Sergeants on duty: John Knipp and his favorite toilet carrier Randy Hendrickson concocted a weird story about beer cans discarded in some lake in MO. It seems that only 1 can out of 4 was a Budweiser product,and they concluded the ratio should have been greater. Therefore they collected begrudging money from Bob Bush. Then they fined Pam Brooks forher husband’s dog business.Because the sergeants seemed to have limited material they decided to do a pin check and get out of Dodge.

The RoundTuit:DanPower has the Tuit and he wasabsent for today’s meeting. He’s probably cooking up an extensive report of negligent Ambucs for his next meeting appearance, fair warning.

Club Announcements: Pam Brooks asked if anyone had a little Round Tuit from last week’s meeting. The answer, nobody. OK pilgrims, the little Round Tuits are to be a reminder to invite guests to our club in order to grow the membership.

The Big Hats are planning a social during the month of August at the Knights of Columbus Hall. No date is available at this time, although it is promised.

Dennis Reiser, King of T-Shirts, announced that the Track and Field eventgenerated a profit of $2869. Congratulations to all members who donated their time and efforts that made this event a big success.

Amtryke Recipient Presentation: Doug Foss introduced Digiamon Hippen, age 2, and his mom Heather Hippen, and a grandfather. Also Dayna Lange, the therapist who istreating Digiamonfor a condition known as Arthrogryposis which causes decreased movement of the joints of the arms and legs. The Amtryke will help Digiamonto excercise his arms and legs and improve his mobility.

Program: Jim Seitnater presented today’s program on the upcoming city-wide event of Hutch Fest. Hutch Fest is celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary with events beginning June 26th and ending July 4th. Hutch Fest was born out of two other events known as Prairie Fest and the Main Street Event. After 6 years these two events were combined to form Hutch Fest. Events are staged at different venues around Hutchinson, including Downtown, Avenue A Park, Carey Park, and the Kansas State Fairgrounds. A person really needs to get a Schedule of Events and go to the ones of interest. Two major events occur on Saturday July 4th. The Patriots Parade begins at 10:00am on Main Street from Avenue B to 12th Avenue. The Fireworks Extravaganza begins at 8:00pm to 10:00pm at the Grandstand at the Kansas State Fair. Hutch Fest obtains part of it’s funding from the sale of Hutch Fest Buttons which sell for $4 and can be purchased at Dillons and Kwik Shop Stores. Thanks to Jim for an interesting and informative program. For more information go to www.hutchfest.com .

Drawings: Tom Hymer won the 50/50 pot of $20. John Knipp could not answer the newsletter question. The newsletter question for next week is: “20 years ago Hutch Fest was formed out of two other events, what were these two events?”

Future Programs:

July 3rd – Dr. Mark Fesen about surviving cancer July 10th – Camp Hope July 17th – Ulster Project July 24th – Chuck Peterson’s deep sea diving video July 31st – Big Hats in charge

Newsletter for the meeting of Friday June 19, 2009. Tom Hymer, editor

Guests: Our guest today is John Deardoff, Hutchinson City Manager

Pseudo Sergeants : Our very own president Scott Potucek and Eric Steinle were stand-ins for Knipp and Hendrickson whose absence went unexplained. Preston Clark was assessed a fine for amtryke confusion, fill in the blank now with whatever you think this means __________________________________________________ . People who missed their committee meeting this a.m. were properly fined as well as Bob Bush for harassing Potucek, and Guy Gann for passing dollars, again fill in the blank now with whatever you think this means ____________________________ .Dave Suhler was fined for something, maybe being himself.

Adventures of The Round Tuit: Mark Treaster delivered his report on Tuit happenings. Each member of the Dan Power family expressed their care of the Tuit when Mark came into their line of vision. Also Doug Foss. Neglectful Ambucs were Jeff Brewer, Verne Powers at Church, Bill Long via Bill Long, Jr., and Jim Seitnater who all were rejoicing about paying a dollar. Mark was so much impressed with the care and concern that the Dan Power family showed for the Tuit and its carrier that he chose Dan Power to carry the nuisance token.

Club Announcements:

Brenda Janda spoke about a letter of appreciation for an Amtryke donated to a girl with Rhetts.

Jay Pitzer spoke about membership recruitment. Everyone got a pair of miniature Tuits to serve as a reminder of this import function of the club. Ice Cream Booth maintenance and fix-up is scheduled for Saturday July 11th at 7a.m. 5 to 6 people are needed to paint and make some repairs. See Eric Steinle and tell him youre coming.

Program: John Deardoff, Hutchinson City Manager, presented the program today. He spoke of the process that Siemens used that resulted in Hutchinson being selected for the nacelle manufacturing plant. This is a huge economical development for Hutchinson, indeed Reno County and the surrounding area. Their process began with a selection of 80 potential sites. Then there 46, then 24, then 13, then 7, then 4, and finally Hutchinson was chosen. In late August Siemens will break ground at a ten year old industrial site that other people developed. The City Manager talked about a change in mosquito control which eliminated the mobile fog machine. In exchange the city workers are throwing briquettes in standing water which is considered a more effective method and much less expensive than the $20,000 expense for the mobile fog machine. Another savings $20,000 in the city budget was the elimination of parking control in the Downtown area. In speaking about the city budget the City Manager mentioned that more spending is taking place than the incoming revenue, a situation that is untenable. Generating a balanced budget will demand analysis of where to make spending cuts. Each service that the city performs will have to be graded in priority resulting in some services at the the bottom of the list to be eliminated. Thank to John Deardoff for an interesting program. Its always good to know about our city government.

Amtryke recipient presentation: Brett Lies, a 5 year old toddler boy received his Amtryke with the assistance of Ward Davis making some adjustments. Brett has cerebral palsy and occasional epileptic seizures. With Brett was his mother Jessica Lies, grandmother Lynn Nash, and intern physical therapist Hy Vong Ha, all from Wichita.

Drawings: Terry Brigman won the 50/50 pot of $23 and gave the money to the Lies family. Brenda Jandas name was drawn for the Newsletter question, however she did not know the answer to the question which is 100 150 pounds. The question for the meeting on June 26th is: How much money is the City of Hutchinson saving by discontinuing the mobile spray fogger service?

Future Programs:

June 26th Upcoming Hutch Fest events

July 3rd Program for July 3rd will be Dr. Mark Fesen will be talking about his new book… “Surviving the Cancer System” which was released on Monday, and featured in the Hutchinson News recently.

July 10th Camp Hope

July 17th Ulster Project

July 24th Chuck Petersons deep sea diving video

July 31st Big Hats in charge

Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS

Editor: Tom Hymer

Guests: No guests were present today as 2nd Vice President Curtis Mitchell opened the meeting in the absence of the reigning president Scott Potucek.

Sometimes merciful Sergeants : John Knipp and his faithful side-kick Randy Hendrickson extended a welcome back to Mayor Bob Bush at no charge. However that was their only moment of benevolence as they fined Mark Treaster for winning Royal tickets by calling KWBW radio. Steve Harmon was dinged for selling the sergeants wife an excessive amount of primer paint although Harmon tried to defend himself by muttering something about covering orange paint. By a show of hands the sergeant asked those members who have brought at least one guest to the club meeting in the last six months. Unfortunately too many people, although honest, did not raise their hands and forked over a dollar. Jay Pitzer was fined for talking while the sergeant was talking thereby proving talk is not cheap. Brenda Janda bought a fine to announce that her niece Amber is taking a trip to Europe for 10 days. There was something else Brenda said in her announcement which the editor has forgotten, failed to write it down, or was simply not listening, your choice.

Adventures of The Round Tuit: Tuit lover Ward Davis seemed to take too much pleasure in delivering his report of negligent members. People who paid for the failure to express care for the Tuit were Steve Harmon within 15 minutes

of meeting on June 5th, Randy Henderson for a prolonged delay, Bob Bush who received an email from Ward, Mark Treaster at Wendys, Duke Wiggins in an email, Brad Thompson at his shop. Preston Clark did ask about the Tuit and avoided a fine. The dangerous Mark Treaster has the Tuit this week, so watch out.

Club Announcements: Important committee meeting coming on Friday June 19th and 6:15am. The committee chairmen are appealing to their people to make every effort to attend.

Newsletter committee, chairman Duke Wiggins

Ice Cream committee, chairman Eric Steinle

Community Service committee, chairwoman Brenda Janda

On the agenda for next weeks meeting

Community Service has approved two kids for Amtrykes and will present this initiative to the membership.

Two Amtrykes will be presented to kids who have completed the process.

Program: Our own Tony Powers presented the program today on his hobby of bee-keeping and honey production. Bees are interesting creatures and on their own will create a colony in weird places as pictures of Tonys rental property revealed. The bees found an entry point around a poorly installed dryer vent and built nests within the studs of the exterior wall. Chuck Peterson assisted Tony in locating these bees using his heat detection infra-red technology. Tony demonstrated hive boxes and how they work, clothing and protection to wear when handling bees, and how care is administered so the bees produce honey. One hive can produce 100 to 150 pounds of honey. When bees take pollen from flowers and introduce an enzyme the result is honey in the hive. Tony explained that in North America there a four main species of bees that are cold weather tolerant. The so-called killer bees of Africa are not cold tolerant and have not migrated into Kansas. Unpasteurized honey will spoil in a short time. Pasteurizing honey with heat will remove the enzyme that causes mold and does not change the taste and nutrition benefits of honey. Thank you Tony for an interesting and informative program.

Drawings: Dean Brigman won the 50/50 pot of $23. Jim Shaws name was drawn for the Newsletter question, however he was not in attendance. The question for the meeting on June 19th is: How much honey can one bee hive produce?

Future Programs:

June 19th Hutchinson City Manager John J. Deardoff on the happenings in the city.

June 26th Hutch Fest

Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS

Editor: Tom Hymer

Guests: Ward Davis brought his son Colby. Dean Brigman introduced Connie Johnson of the City of Hutchinsons IT (Information Technology) department.

No mercy Sergeants : John Knipp and his faithful side-kick Randy Hendrickson collected bucks from Steve Conard, Terry Brigman, Reta Campbell, and Diane Saunders for getting in the breakfast line in front of said sergeants. Thomas Stanton was fined for leaving early, Tony Powers for his honey making business, Steve Harmon for correctly mixing orange paint, new member/installation banquet social no show people Ward Davis, Pam Brooks, and Jerry Regier, whew!

Adventures of The Round Tuit: Mark Clark reported that absent members Jim Kicklighter and Larry Sloan ignored him and the Tuit and need to pay upon their next meeting attendance. Lets see if the sergeants can actually remember to do that. Mark made a visit to The Paint Store and Steve Harmon had to cough up a dollar for Tuit absent-mindlessness. Ward Davis now has the Tuit thus keeping it in the construction trade association within Ambucs, hmmmm, we guess they like each other?

Club Announcements: President Scott Potucek recognized and expressed appreciation for members Tony Powers and Bill Long for their work for the club. Tony handles the 50/50 ticket sales and Bill offers club support to those members with health issues and other life events.

Scott reported that the Salina Ambucs are forming a bowling event and fund raiser and have offered our club the opportunity to participate. A committee will meet and gather more information about this event and determine the possibilities.

Program: Our own Dean Brigman presented the program today with the assistance of Connie Johnson who managed the Power Point presentation. In April he and his spouse along with three other couples attended an antique car show and auction in Branson, MO. Individual owners bring their vintage cars that have been restored. Cars of all makes and styles are represented at the auction that is conducted by the organization Autoevents at the Branson convention center. Dean presented a slide show of many of the cars at the show and discussed the process of people bidding on the cars. Perhaps the most interesting car offered was a very rare 1933 Duisenberg manufactured in Europe and sold on the auction block at $750,000. Other cars on display were a Fiat Jolly, 1948 Buick, 1930 Model A, 1937 Ford Pick-up, 1967 Corvette, in all 400 cars went through this show and auction. Most cars sold in the price range of $8, 000 to $40,000. Thanks to Dean for a very interesting program. To learn more go to http://bransonauction.com/

Drawings: Reta Campbell won the 50/50 pot of $23. Nathan Meiers name was drawn for the Newsletter question, however he was not in attendance. The question for the meeting on June 12th is: What is the year and make of a car that sold for $750,000?

Future Programs: June 12th Tony Powers on honey bees. June 19th Hutchinson City Manager John J. Deardoff on the happenings in the city.

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.

Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS Editor Tom Hymer

Guests:

Jan Strecker was introduced by Jeff Brewer. Matt Henderson and his son Christopher were introduced by Preston Clark.

Rick Mitchell opened the meeting in the absence of Scott Potucek.

Larry Sloan reached his momentous and celebration-worthy 60th birthday this very day. A cake appeared out of nowhere and it appears that Guy Gann was somehow involved. We liked the cake for breakfast.

The Sergeants Playground:

Sergeant John Knipp and his toilet toting side-kick Randy Hendrickson went after Jeff Brewer for failing to close the door on Brad Thompsons trailer containing Jan Streckers furniture for an auction. Pat Fallon coughed up a fine for making the occasional member apparition. Rick Mitchell and Bob Bush were fined for playing golf in Scotland and polluting the waters with golf balls. Dennis Reiser was fined for his 8th grade daughter winning the American Legion award.

Adventures of The Round Tuit:

Apparently Mark Clark cares deeply for Tuit because he did not show up to get rid of it.

Club Announcements:

Bob Bush related the significance of the trip he and Rick Mitchell made to Ireland and Scotland. About a year ago Al Strecker spoke of making this trip to play golf on the great golf courses in these countries. Even after Als passing away in December Bob and Rick were still committed to making this trip in his memory. While carrying Als driver they enjoyed great weather and great golf on the famous old courses of these countries. Also it should noted that $5,000 has been raised for Amtrykes in Al Streckers name.

Jeff Brewer announced the Installation Banquet and Orientation for New Members that will be held May 30th at the Downtown Sampler $20 per person BYOB. The banquet will begin at 6:30pm and dinner served at 7:30pm. About 36 people have signed-up and Jeff made the appeal for a few more. Call him with your reservation.

Jay Pitzer reported that the first day at the T-Shirt booth at the NJCAA Track and Field Event has produced outstanding results far exceeding expectations. Friday and Saturday were also equally great days. Thanks to all who signed up to help at the booth with helping customers and printing the T-Shirts. Our projects make our club a great club. We know our participation will benefit others as we enjoy the fellowship of working shoulders together.

Amtryke donation:

Especially significant was that Jan Strecker was present to witness the gift of an Amtryke in Als memory. Preston Clark introduced Matt Henderson and his son Christopher. Christopher is 6 years old and suffers from various congenital birth defects. Brad Thompson and Ward Davis provided their service in making the adjustments on the Amtryke to properly fit Christopher.

Drawings:

Brad Thompson won the 50/50 pot of $16 and gave the money to Matt Henderson. Dave Burtons name for drawn for the Newsletter question, however he was not present. The question for the meeting on May 29th is: Who is Christopher Henderson?

HUTCHINSON CHAPTER OF AMBUCS

Editor: Tom Hymer

Guests: Tom Stanton introduced Shara Gonzales and Jack Manske who presented todays program.

The Sergeants Playground: Sergeant John Knipp and his toilet toting side-kick Randy Hendrickson fined Jay Pitzer for neglecting to wear his Ambucs pin for an unknown occasion that this editor has forgotten. Ward Davis evidently made the mistake of saying that his construction company has increased its business for which he was fined. Hey Ward, it only cost you one dollar, a mere pittance compared to the taxes by the Feds and other taxing entities. The sergeant then collected a dollar from those members who did not have a Committee Preference Sign-up form. Why Mark Clark was not fined is unknown, however there was some prattle about pin-checks.

Adventures of The Round Tuit: Scott Saylor announced the Tuit had morphed into a common wire coat hanger which he proudly held up for all to see. Funny and clever. People who were negligent to ask about the Tuit were Bill Long, Randy Hendrickson, Don Grossardt, and Tom Hymer who chatted with Scotts wife Lisa while shopping at Dillons. Mark Clark now has the Tuit.

Club Announcements: President Scott urged everyone to fill out their Committee Preference sign-up forms or else. He defined else by saying he would make the assignments. Dennis Reiser announced that there are a few slots to fill on the upcoming T-shirt project at the Track and Field competition at Gowans Stadium May 21 23. Thanks to Dennis for his great leadership on organizing this project. This is a reminder about the Installation Banquet and Orientation for New Members that will be held May 30th at the Downtown Sampler $20 per person BYOB. Contact Jeff Brewer with any questions.

Program: Tom Stanton introduced Shara Gonzales and Jack Manske with New Beginnings. This Organization is celebrating its 20th anniversary as it works to solve the problems for the homeless people in rural communities. Shara explained that many people have temporary issues that make them homeless. Some of the resources that New Beginnings have available are transitional housing while the clients are in job training, apartments that rent at $280 to $320 per month, hotel vouchers for fire, storm and other emergencies, three bedroom houses that rent for $395 to $445 per month. They always have a waiting list. Jack talked about the friendship that has formed with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The Band is very supportive of New Beginnings as they offer benefit concerts for qualified non-profit organizations. The Band will be in concert on May 24th at 7pm on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. $60 is their normal ticket price, but this concert is a benefit performance for New Beginnings, therefore the General Admission price is $10. You may purchase your tickets on the Kansas State Fair web-site, by phone or by coming in to the ticket box office, located in the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds. 100% of the ticket sales go to benefit New Beginnings, Inc.

http://kansasstatefair.tix.com/Schedule.asp?OrganizationNumber=1437

Drawings (another term for money-making opportunities) Bill Long won the 50/50 pot of $26. Dave Shulers name for drawn for the Newsletter question, however he left early. The question for the meeting on May 22nd is: Who is Shara Gonzales?