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Newsletter 05/08/2009

HUTCHINSON CHAPTER OF AMBUCS

Duke Wiggins, Editor

Guests:

Ann McDanel President of KS-COPS, our program for today

Larry McConnell Realty Executives, guest of Scott Potucek

Sergeants Playground:

The reining AMBUC COPS came unprepared, so John and Randy roamed the room making up things as they went. Brad T paid for slowness; Dennis R. was found guilty of a sign violation; Jay P paid for chiming in (can you imagine that??). Eric S paid $1 to relate a rather long story about Doyle & Bonnie Ehling getting stuck in a ditch after swerving to miss oncoming traffic on a little used dirt road. Apparently Doyles explanation of why he ended up in a ditch so embarrassed Bonnie that she blushed upon hearing it. Well, expect a good ole farm boy to come up with a better excuse then Uh, we ran out of gas.

TUIT Travels:

Darren W carried the proudly carried the TUIT to his Edward Jones meeting, where Dan P, Dane P, Jay P all failed to ask. Must have been a lively market day to miss such an opportunity. Maybe they all had to P. Darren also visited Bill L, who had just passed the little bugger on several hours earlier, who failed to ask. Later in the week Bills son-in-law failed to inquire about the TUIT, earning the club another $1 from the Long family. The Tuit then passed to Scott Saylor, who will give it a good cleaning at 600 North Adams, just south of the friendly gun and bait shop.

Announcements:

President Scott distributed Committee Preference Sheets to all those in attendance. They are to be completed and returned to Scott ASAP so that new committee chairs can begin their work in early June. Please pick several places to serve, although you will only be asked to serve on one standing committee each year. Since some committees fill up fast, rank them in order of preference to give the committee chairs some flexibility in making assignments. Scott expressed his desire to focus on membership this year, so please consider joining the Membership Committee. Also, the Ice Committee is a semi-permanent committee of 6 or 7 members appointed by the President and the Board. Currently this committee is full, but indicating interest in this committee will allow some OTJ training to be prepared to replace current members as they wish to move on. In their meeting this morning, the Board recommended 2 Amtrykes for the clubs approval. Both recipients are in the 2-4 year age range. One resides in Hutchinson, the other in Wichita. Both came at the recommendations of their therapists. The members in attendance unanimously approved the purchase, and Don G and Doug F were instructed to move ahead.

May Events:

Those who wish to help Jan Strecker relocate her household goods for auction, meet at her house at 10205 Riviera in the Highlands at 3:00 on Friday the 15th. If you have a pickup please contact Jeff Brewer. We will be selling T-Shirts at the NJCAA National Track & Field Meet on the 21st thru the 23rd at Gowans Stadium. Sign up sheets have been going around for several weeks, so if you havent had a chance to add your name to the list, contact Dennis Reiser or check on the Website. Jan Strecker will be at our meeting on Friday the 22nd for a presentation of an AMTRYKE in Als honor. The May 29th meeting will be hosted by the Big Hats and will feature our own Chuck Peterson, who will bring some of his diving equipment and explain how it works. He will be offering club members a chance to attend training sessions to qualify to do some REAL DIVING. Come help install our new officers at Samplers Downtown on Saturday, May 30th. Tickets are $20 per person and BYOB if you wish to imbibe in alcoholic libations. If you have not signed up, contact Jeff Brewer or Steve Harmon as they need a count for reservations.

Program:

Randy Henderson (the REAL SHERIFF) introduced Ann McDanel, who is the president of KS-COPS, who told of her life changing experience of having a cop in her family. COPS is the acronym for Concerns of Police Survivors, and she has been involved with this organization for 10 years as of April 2009. Her daughter Jennie Thacker was married to a law enforcement officer who was killed in the line of duty on April 15, 1998. Overnight her life went from as good as it gets to complete chaos. Overnight Jennie changed from a well-adjusted occupational therapist to a complete basket case. It took over a year, with much help from Ann and a local COPS group, for Jennie to begin putting her life back together. She now travels all over the country sharing her recovery experience, giving hope those who are fighting the same battles she went through. She has a particular concern for the surviving children, who have lost their father figures. Ann will be meeting Jennie in Washington, DC next week to attend the annual national rally for COPS. They have been told that Michelle Obama will be in attendance and that a tour of the White House may be possible. If you desire more information about COPS, you can go to nationalcops.org or KSCOPS.org.com.

Winners & Losers:

The winner of the 50/50 pot was Dennis Reiser, who took home $24.

The loser of the newsletter drawing was Scott Saylor, who left too early to answer the question.

Next weeks newsletter question is: What does the acronym SCUBA stand for?

Posted on

Newsletter 05/01/2009

HUTCHINSON CHAPTER OF AMBUCS NEWSLETTER

Tom Hymer, editor

Guests: Randy Henderson introduced Steve Culp who presented todays program.

The Sergeants Playground: Sergeant John Knipp and his toilet toting side-kick Randy Hendrickson uncovered some so-called whiners in the group and fined them for – – – – you guessed it – – – – whining. Their identities remain anonymous. Then there was an intense session of questions about chamber membership and attendance at the After Hours event. They determined some innocent people were guilty of not attending the aforementioned chamber event and so they had to pay their fines. Jeff Brewer did not include a writing instrument with the social sign-up clip board, an offence that cost him one dollar. Speaking about the social, Dane Power signed up for himself only. He was fined for the failure to find a date. Hey Dane, if you find a date, you will be fined for that too. Fine take for the day . . . $40.

Adventures of The Round Tuit: Ol Bill Long, as he called himself, had a brief report about his adventures with The Round Tuit because no Ambucs came to his store. OK, sounds reasonable. Darren Wicks is now the proud carrier.

Club Announcements: Don Grossardt said that emails are going out to each member for the last 3 months of dues, so dont be surprised and just pay. Jeff Brewer reminded the membership about the Installation Banquet and Orientation for New Members that will be held May 30th at the Downtown Sampler $20 per person BYOB with sign-up again this Friday. So far about 34 people have signed-up. Preston Clark reported from the Community Service Committee that they are working with a child in Wichita that needs surgery. This out-reach project will be presented next week for a vote by the membership. Dennis Reiser reported that the T-shirt Committee met at 6:15 AM today. Our next concession work opportunity is Memorial Weekend May 21, 22 and 23 for the Track & Field Championship. After the sign-up sheet went around today about half the schedule is filled which is good progress. President Scott Potucek spoke to the work we Ambucs do for community service and that next week he will circulate a sign-up sheet for committee preferences. Also he reported on the Ambucs officer training session in Enid. Our region raised more money than all the others combined.

Scott announced that Jan Strecker is relocating to Lawrence, KS and has some furniture that needs to be moved for an auction. The date is May 15th at 3:00pm to meet at her house. A crew of about 12 men is needed. Equipment and vehicle is being provided by Gary Carson. Call Jeff Brewer or Bob Bush with any questions and if you can help.

Board meeting next week, May 8th, at 6:15AM at the Town Club

Program: Randy Henderson introduced Steve Culp, the Executive Director of the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (KS-POST). KS-POST oversees and regulates the law enforcement profession that is composed of 436 agencies and about 8,000 police officers in Kansas. The Governing Board of KS-POST is run by a civilian appointed by the governor for a 4 year term. KS-POST is funded solely by the $2.50 docket fee on cases brought before the judicial courts in Kansas. KS-POST has written rules and requirements for law enforcement candidates to attain before they can be commissioned and receive certification. The system is designed for preliminary screening of candidates and to provide on-going requirements to maintain certification. Officers are accountable for meeting requirements and standards and failure to meet them can result in dismissal. KS-POST maintains a data-base to prevent dismissed officers from finding employment in an agency elsewhere. Also KS-POST has an investigation arm to promote the quality of the 436 agencies and to take corrective measures if needed. Mr. Culp provided recognition to Sherriff Henderson for operating a well-run agency in Reno County that exceeds requirements and expectations.

Drawings (another term for money-making opportunities) Steve Conard won the 50/50 pot of $24. The name of a member who does not come to meetings was drawn for the Newsletter question. Question for next week May 8th is: What is the meaning of the acronym KS-POST?

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Newsletter 04/24/2009

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GUESTS Bob Harris, retired and former charter member of our club was visiting. Del Metcalf, Marketing Director for Peterson Predictive Maintenance, guest of Chuck Peterson.

TUIT No help. See last weeks newsletter.

T-shirt Committee meeting at 6:15 AM this Friday. Our next concession work opportunity is Memorial Weekend May 21, 22 and 23 for the Track & Field Championship. Sign-up to begin this week.

Installation Banquet and Orientation for New Members will be held May 30th at the Downtown Sampler $20 per person BYOB with sign-up again this Friday.

PROGRAM Since we met off-site to tour the Hutchinson Water Treatment Center none of the regular business, drawings etc. were held. A very special thank you to our new Mayor Bob Bush, for arranging a tour of the facility. Also, special thanks to Dean Brigman, former Mayor when the project was conceived, for making the introductions and carrying on in Bobs absence. Reg Jones, Director of Public Works, provided a PowerPoint presentation with background information as to why the facility was built, costs and operation information prior to the group breaking up into three groups to tour the facility. The project began with advertisement of bids on December 21, 2006, bid opening February 13, 2007, award construction contract March 6, 2007, start construction May 7, 2007 and construction completion April 2, 2009. Two handouts were provided to us. The first, showing a drawing and written description of how the center processes the water. The second, listing five of the most commonly asked questions and answers about the reverse osmosis water treatment plant project. Both of these handouts are available online at www.hutchgov.com. The plant is in its final testing stage at this time and should be fully functioning within 7-10 days. Once processed, the raw water from several contamination sites will provide essentially pure drinking water and will be blended with existing city well water to provide a 60% RO and 40% City blend. The process will also lower the water hardness from its present 18 grains to 8 grains per gallon. In case you did not see enough or you wish to bring your family a public open house of the facility will be held Saturday, May 9th from 1:00 until 4:00 PM.

This weeks newsletter drawing question is: Who was the first President of our club and in what year?

Steve Conard, Editor

Posted on

Newsletter 04/17/2009

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GUESTS Michael Woods, guest speaker. Rick McKinnie, Director of Chaplain Services, Tonya Reed, HR Manager and Sandra Spencer, HR all with Tyson Foods and guests of Reta Joy Campbell.

FINES John Knipp and Dennis Reiser picked up where they left off last week, fining those who had signed up but failed to show to help inventory t-shirts: Dan & Dane Power and Steve Harmon. DUKE WIGGINS WAS THERE TO HELP INVENTORY T-SHIRTS! Due to this omission in last weeks newsletter, I was fined. The usual pin check and fining followed.

TUIT Larry Sloan had those fined for not inquiring about its well being: Chuck Peterson, Jim Kicklighter, Ward Davis, Reta Joy Campbell, Dan & Dane Power, Bob Bush, Darren Wicks and Preston Clark. Larry unloaded the TUIT onto ole Bill Long.

ANNOUNCEMENTS NEXT MEETING, APRIL 24 OFF SITE, with a tour of the Water Treatment Center. In case you have missed your e-mails, with special thanks to our new Mayor Bob Bush.

Regional training in Alva, Oklahoma this weekend for President Scott Potucek and ??

Our next concession work opportunity is Memorial Weekend May 21, 22 and 23 for the Track & Field Championship. Sign-up may begin this Friday.

Installation Banquet and Orientation for New Members will be held May 30th at the Downtown Sampler $20 per person BYOB with sign-up again this Friday.

PROGRAM Randy Henderson introduced Michael Wood, Family Services Supervisor with the Kansas Childrens Service League. Michael spoke about their new affiliation with Healthy Families Hutchinson. Healthy Families Hutchinson is one of four HF Kansas programs sponsored by the KCSL and one of the over 330 Healthy Families America programs now in 38 states. This program helps to establish home-visiting support services for new parents. HFA is supported by the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse America and Ronald McDonald House Charities. KCSL, a not-for-profit agency founded in 1893, mission is to protect and promote the well-being of children. HFA usually works with the families for the first three years after birth but can stay with the families for up to 5 years if necessary. The home visitor offers the family information and emotional support in coping with the stress and challenges of parenting. Healthy Families goals are to prevent child abuse and neglect, to enhance child health and development, to promote positive parenting and to improve the families self sufficiency. They also have a bi-lingual Spanish speaking coordinator. They served 40 families in 2008 and there plan is to increase to 55 families this year. KCSL and HF Hutchinson are located at 400 W. 2nd Ave., Suite D.

50/50 DRAWING Ward Davis won $25.00 and donated it to the Kansas Childrens Service League. Thank you Ward!

NEWSLETTER DRAWING Steve Harmon did not know the answer to the question: What year was the AmTryke established, and to date, how many AmTrykes been placed? In the early part of 1990, Susan Haywood, a physical therapist, spoke to the Longview Texas AMBUCS Chapter about an expensive, hand-driven tricycle she used that enabled her patients, children with disabilities, to experience the fun of riding. Haywood, Gene Allen, an engineer, and AMBUCS got together and the first AmTryke was born! The Longview Chapter introduced the AmTryke at the AMBUCS 1990 National Convention held in New Orleans. In 1994, AMBUCS Resource Center took over AmTryke Inc. To date over 9,400 AmTrykes have been placed. This weeks question is: Who was the first President of our club and in what year?

Steve Conard, Editor

Posted on

Newsletter 04/10/2009

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GUESTS Bill Herr, guest speaker.

FINES John Knipp and Dennis Reiser wielded the toilet and levied this weeks fines. John paid first but would not say why. Rumor has it that he lost his cell phone. Dennis fined the seven members who signed up to inventory t-shirts but didnt show up. Myself, I had a good excuse but paid anyway, Dane and Dan Power who were not here and owe, Steve Harmon and Stan Macgirvin. Great BIG thank you to Doyle Ehling and Tom Hymer for showing up to help Dennis Reiser inventory the shirts. And last but not least, Rick Mitchell was fined for not knowing who the Sgt.-at-Arms is.

TUIT Preston Clark re-painted the TUIT Red and White for his University of Houston and had those fined for not asking: Chuck Peterson, Dennis Reiser, Jeff Brewer, Bob Bush, Randy Henderson, Brenda Janda, John Knipp, Randy Hendrickson, Larry Sloan and many more, who would have been fined, had they been here. Preston gave it to Larry Sloan for safe-keeping.

ANNOUNCEMENTS T-shirt Committee Meeting, 6:15 AM, Next Friday. Our next concession work opportunity is Memorial Weekend for the Track & Field Championship.

Installation Banquet and Orientation for New Members will be held May 30th at the Downtown Sampler $20 per person BYOB with sign-up beginning next Friday.

The board approved an AmTryke for a 5 year old child in Nickerson.

PROGRAM John Knipp introduced Bill Herr, Director of the South Central Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station. The station began in 1932 with fields at Goddard and Kingman. The Hutchinson field was added in 1938 on South Dean Road. A former Coast Guard Radio Receiving Station building and grounds were added in 1949 when they closed following the war. However with the stipulation that if the Coast Guard ever needed to reopen it, it would be returned to them. The Hutchinson station began collecting research data in 1951 and the Goddard and Kingman fields were closed in 1950-1952. Many varieties of spring and winter wheat are grown here with other crops such as Oats, Barley, Rye and Tricale. Off season a variety of crops rotate through such as: Canola/Rape Seed/Crambe, Grain Sorghum, Soybean, Winter Pea, Corn, Cotton, Sunflowers, Sesame and Quinoa. The station is also home to the federal and state college weather stations. In 2004 a donation of 250 acres of land was given as a permanent foundation for research. May 19th will be the next field day at the facility.

50/50 DRAWING Dean Brigman won $21.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING Amy Chambers was not present. Since there was not a drawing last week, we will use the same question this week. What year was the AmTryke established, and to date, how many AmTrykes been placed?

Steve Conard, Editor

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Newsletter 04/03/2009

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GUESTS Jerry Janzen of City Beverage guest of Bob Bush. Dr. Ed Berger, President of HCC; Cindy Keast, Director of HCC Endowment; Travis Booe, Director of the new Physical Therapy Assistant Program and HCC students Jessie Showalter and Jordan Cline.

FINES John Knipp, with assistance from his right hand man Jeff Brewer, leveled the fines on all the masses today. Latecomers Steve Conard and Dane Power paid for their tardiness. (Did Steve tell you he was late because he locked his key in his van, with it running?!) Dean Brigman paid for mistaking a two dollar bill for a one dollar bill. Dean needs to keep a closer watch on those denominations. Darren Wicks paid to keep his high school picture under wraps. Apparently his hairdo is something to see. Inquiring minds want to know Darrendid you hair resemble the 70s flowing mane, 80s hair band or 90s grunge? Brenda Janda paid a fine to advertise her nieces need for sponsorship. Amber Janda was one of two chosen from the State of Kansas to participate on the USA Volleyball Team in Italy this summer. This is a program through 365 Sports. Amber is an 8th grader at Prairie Hills Middle School this year and is in need of financial help in order to make the trip. If youre interested in learning more about the program, check out their website at www.365sports.org. See Brenda if you are interested in helping sponsor Amber.

TUIT Stan Macgirvin is back from his trip to Texas looking rested and refreshed. Unfortunately, his fines were harsh holding Duke Wiggins, Randall Haltom, Larry Sloan and Steve Conard to the fire for not asking about the tortuous metal ring. Preston Clark will give the TUIT a home for the next week. Dont forget to ask

PROGRAM Darren Wicks introduced Dr. Ed Berger, HCC President, to speak on the newest programs at the college and how they will impact not just our club, but our community and our state. The new Physical Therapy Assistant Program will be the first in the state south of I-70. Dr. Berger sees the college as being a Center of Excellence for Allied Health. At this time, there are more CNA graduates from HCC than any other college in the state. Also, there will be a new Respiratory Therapy Program beginning in January 2010. The new HCC BioTechnology Center will open soon. This will bring a big boost to the college and our community. Travis Booe was then introduced. He explained what new programs and curriculums in the fields of physical and occupational therapy will be offered at HCC. It should be noted that Travis and his wife were both awarded AMBUC scholarships which helped to further their education. Travis is Doyle Ehlings son in law. Cindy Keast introduced Jessie Showalter and Jordan Cline. Both students were awarded AMBUC Scholarships to help fund their college education at HCC. Ms. Showalter is a physical therapy major. She graduated from Buhler High School and will plan to attend WSU, after completed her Associates program at HCC. Ms. Cline is from Lyons, KS and is majoring in Occupational Therapy. Both thanked the club for our generosity and involvement in education.

NEXT WEEKS PROGRAM Bill Herr, Director of South Central Agricultural Experiment Station will be our guest speaker next week.

50/50 DRAWING Steve Conard won $27.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING Lavern Powers didnt know William L. White founded the first American Business Club in Birmingham, Alabama on May 18, 1922 with 50 charter members.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK What year was the AmTryke established, and to date, how many AmTrykes have been placed?

A huge thank you to Dennis Reiser, chairman of the NJCAA Tournament T-Shirt Concession and to EVERYONE who volunteered at the t-shirt booths. It was another successful year for AMBUCS at the NJCAA Tournament. Thanks to all!

There will be a T-Shirt Inventory meeting on Tuesday, April 7th at 5:30 at the warehouse located at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, 514 N. Main. This will be the final piece of the project that will wrap up the Basketball Tournament. Be there if you can!

Steve Conard, Editor

Posted on

Newsletter 03/27/2009

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GUESTS None. Did you forget to ask?

FINES John Knipp was back as Top Sgt. with help from Randy Hendrickson. Those fined were Larry Sloan for early storm profits. Jim Seitnater, Bill Long, Vern Powers and Tom Stanton for trying to hold a private meeting while the Sgts. were at work. Rick Mitchell fined for being late and talking, a double whammy. Duke Wiggins fined for putting out too many banners. You just can win, can you Duke? Last but not least, were all those who did not have an invitation to breakfast card with them. Once fined they were given one or two.

Just a reminder, if you can help, they still need workers for the New Beginnings Casino Night Fundraiser to be held this Saturday night at the Town Club. Contact Scott Potucek.

Bob Bush announced to those wanting tickets to the Brewmasters Dinner or Main Street Hops tickets should act fast as tickets are selling quickly and will sell out. Youre too late because tickets for Main Street Hops SOLD OUT today, Thursday, at 1:00 PM. However there are still about 20 tickets left for the Brewmasters dinner. Call T.E.C.H. NOW!

TUIT Stan Macgirvin was gone on an appliance buying trip to Texas. Dont forget to ask if you see him or he sees you.

PROGRAM Tom Stanton would have introduced Jack Manske, a developer from Wichita working with New Beginnings. But Jack called and did not make the trip due to the weather. Tom made the announcement for him that New Beginnings will have another fund raiser on May 24th bringing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to town for a concert. Also appearing will be an opening act from Belle Plaine, Robin Macy and The Cherokee Maidens & Sycamore Swing. Robin was one of the four original founding Dixie Chicks. This editor met her when the group was performing at the Winfield Bluegrass festival as a new, all girl, county and bluegrass band. She left the band when they moved from country and bluegrass to more pop/country and returned to Wichita to form another western band, Big Twang which dissolved in 2003. Her new band was formed late last year. The concert will be held Memorial weekend Sunday, May 24th at 7:00 PM at the fairgrounds grandstand. Reserved section seating will be $20 each with general admission seats for $10. For Tickets 24/7 call 877-286-7853 or go to the newbeginnings-inc.org website.

50/50 DRAWING Tim Davies won $18.00 and since he could not find a worthier cause to give it to, he took the money and ran.

Since the newsletter drawing chips have been found I will need to have a new question: Who, when and where was AMBUCS founded?

Steve Conard, Editor

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Newsletter 03/20/2009

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GUESTS Harold Evy, past member and annual tournament guest of Fred Conner; Jason Jones past member and annual tournament guest who knows where to find a free breakfast; Steve Bowman & Steve Stacey, instructors at HHS and Michael Stacey, student at HHS, our guest speakers. Gail Kroker, Connie Dillon, Robin Sanders, Angie Ely and Barbara Betzold with New Beginnings and guests of Scott Potucek.

FINES I cant remember who the Sgt.-At-Arms were but they fined Pam Brooks for being late; Bob Bush for speaking out of turn; Guy Gann for working but not at the tournament; Eric Steinle for appearing in a Hops ad with no mention of AMBUCS; and Dan Power for being moderator at the Chamber Breakfast without the usual mention of AMBUCS. I hear he did try to repair the podium microphone with a paperclip; he should have used Viagra.

Just a reminder, they still need workers for the New Beginnings Casino Night Fundraiser to be held at the Town Club April 4th. Contact Scott Potucek if you can help.

Just a reminder, Randy Henderson still needs a few more sponsors for his entry in the Annual Interfaith Housing Golf Fundraiser which will be held March 30th.

TUIT Doug Foss changed the color yet again of the infamous TUIT to his favorite WSU Black & Gold and had fines levied on Randy Henderson, Terry Brigman, Guy Gann, Dennis Reiser, Scott Potucek, Jay Pitzer, Rod Fry and Mark Buckley for forgetting to inquire about its color. He passed it on to Stan Macgirvin.

PROGRAM Randy Henderson introduced Steve Bowman and Steve Stacey, both instructors at Hutchinson High School and Steves son Michael Stacey, a student, who are all involved with the Engineering program and Robotics class at HHS. The Engineering Technology program and Project Lead the Way began 10 years ago because of a need for both male and female students to experience engineering. It is project based with both math and science curriculum for freshman through senior years. Over the next three years Civil Engineering & Architecture, Architectural Engineering and Engineering Design Development classes will be added to the curriculum. Students who complete 4 classes can earn college credit and be well prepared for college engineering classes. BEST, Inc. which stands for Boosting Engineering Science and Technology is a non-profit corporation who provides materials and helps organize and mentor engineering students and provide scholarships to hub colleges. WSU, the local hub college, hosted a robotics competition at Henry Levitt arena. The HHS robotics class entered the competition for the first time this year. There were 32 teams who entered, which was one of the largest competitions held in the nation. WSU designed the competition with an airplane robotics assembly time limit of 3 minutes called Just Plane Crazy. The group did not place but did win an award for Best Project Design. Past member Al Strecker was one of three engineers working as a mentor with the engineering classes and students. Michael will be attending WSU next year taking Mechanical Engineering classes.

50/50 DRAWING Scott Potucek won $23.00 and presented it to New Beginnings. No Newsletter drawing, again, since the chips with the names cannot be found.

The answer to last weeks question was: The brand of the ice cream establishment that we purchased and made our own was formerly a Baskin-Robbins booth. No more trivia until the chips are found.

Steve Conard, Editor

Posted on

Newsletter 03/13/2009

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GUESTS Gordon Roth, Farmers Co-op Nickerson, guest speaker and guest of Dean Brigman

FINES Tom Hymer and Fred Conner substituted as Sgts-at-arms today and had to dig deep as they did not have much dirt on anyone. Scott Saylor paid a membership renewal tax as they thought he had missed a few meetings. Tom reported that the stock market had made some improvement this past week advancing 200-300 points a day for several days so Jay Pitzer was fined for supposedly helping with that since the rest of the Edward Jones guys were gone making money. Since accountants are busily making money at this time of year Don Grossardt and Guy Gann were also fined. Jerry Hill paid for leaving early. Dave Suhler was fined for not yet signing up to work the tournament. Pat Fallon and Lee Gleason were fined for talking and not paying attention to the Sgts. The Sgts followed up with a pin check.

TUIT Steve Harmon, did not keep it purple, having removed the purple goop as he referred to it and returning the TUIT to its Blue and Red appearance. Several who forgot to ask about it this week were not here but Preston Clark and Bob Bush did pay fines. Steve handed the TUIT off to Doug Foss.

BOARD BUSINESS Rick Mitchell reported that during this mornings board meeting they had approved funding of $200 for a carnival fund raiser for the Early Education Center. Also, $850 for Special Olympics held this June in Wichita.

PROGRAM Dean Brigman introduced Gordon Roth with Farmers Co-op as our guest speaker. Gordon is the Fuel Department Manager for Farmers which operates a main office in Nickerson and also has locations in Hutchinson, Adams Corner, Partridge and Whiteside. At the main office they have 10 full time employees and 6 full and 1 part-time at the Agronomy Plant at Adams Corner just South of Nickerson. They have 6 full-time employees in Hutchinson and 3 full-time and 1 part-time shared at Partridge and Whiteside. They operate 24 hour card-trol gas pumps at Nickerson, Hutchinson and Partridge. Besides gasoline sales they also sell several types of Ag fuels, kerosene, diesel, and may types of oils and lubricants. They also offer bulk fuel and oil delivery, a fuel tank program and remote monitoring of your fuel tanks to dispatch fuels when and where you need it before you run out. Their newest addition this January in Hutchinson and Nickerson was Ethanol blend-at-the-pump for E-20, E-30 and E-85 blended unleaded fuels. While these fuels have not yet been approved for use except in flex fuel vehicles, they are showing a greater savings in fuel economy and 51% less harmful emissions than regular gasoline in vehicles that are using them. The Farmers Co-op purchases its Ethanol from the Lyons plant, who produces its Ethanol from a blend of 20% field corn and 80% Milo from area farmers. Farmers Co-op also sells a large variety of feeds, animal health products and pet foods.

NJCAA TOURNAMENT Do not forget to show up for the times you signed up to work. A copy of the schedule has been posted on the website. It takes all of us working together to make this project a success.

50/50 DRAWING Steve Conard won $21.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING No Newsletter drawing was held because no one knows where the chips are for drawing the names.

The answer to last weeks question was: The brand name of the Ice Cream sold at our Ice Cream booth at the Kansas State Fair BEFORE we began using Blue Bunny Ice Cream was Jacksons Ice Cream. Prior to our purchasing the booth it was also used as an ice cream establishment. What brand name was that?

NEXT MEETING The Hutchinson High School Robotics Club will be our program from a contact that Al Strecker had made previously.

Steve Conard, Editor

Posted on

Newsletter 03/06/2009

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GUESTS Martin Miller, KDOT, guest of Tom Stanton; Angela Overman, Therapist, guest of Doug Foss; Seth Ross, Trust Dept. Central Bank and Trust, guest of Pat Fallon; and Colby Davis, guest of his proud papa, Ward Davis.

FINES John Knipp and Randy Hendrickson were the Sgt.-At-Arms. This week presented slim pickins for the Sergeants. Latecomers who were fined for such were Nathan Meyer, Dave Burton and Eric Steinle. Mr. Steinle not only was late, but he came to pass around the sign-up sheets. As someone was already passing them around, Mr. Steinle turned and left as suddenly as he appeared. Stan Macgirvin was fined for poor basketball skills either the only person he can beat at basketball is his dog or his dog is so good that he can beat Stan. Either way, that is some really sad basketball skills, Stan. Finally, Randy Henderson paid for something questionable. Actually, this writer didnt catch why Randy paid a fine. Perhaps it was for attempting to impersonate the one who had the TUIT last week. Wait a minute, I already got fined for that blundernever mind.

TUIT Reta Joy Campbell was the owner of the metal ring of death this week. She cleverly sent an email to the membership requesting suggestions for a color change of our beloved TUIT. Most responded with their suggestions of which color would suit the TUIT best, and like myself, forgot to ask about the TUIT in response. At least half of those present paid for her little game. She passed it onto Steve Harmon. Keep it purple, Steve!!!

AMTRYKE An AmTryke was given away this morning to Trinity Pacheco a client of Wichita State University Pediatric Therapy Department. Trinity was not able to attend this mornings breakfast in person. Angela Overman a student therapist at WSU accepted the AmTryke on her behalf and promised to send pictures to us of Trinitys excitement on having this great gift. Angela will graduate in May from WSU with her doctorate in Physical Therapy.

PROGRAM Tom Stanton introduced Martin Miller, from the Kansas Department of Transportation. Martin recently returned from a leave of absence which took him to Iraq for 11 months. Martin was on a PRT, Provincial Reconstruction Team, which worked to mentor local governments in the 18 provinces in Iraq to implement and maintain a working infrastructure in the war-torn country. The PRTs consist of military advisors and civil affairs advisors, of which Martin was one. Martins team spent most of the time in Kirkuk, a province in Northern Iraq. He worked closely with journalists from other countries who are stationed in Iraq as well as the local Iraqi media. In this part of Iraq, ethnic differences contribute to the difficulties in growth and restructure. One of the largest oil fields in the world is located in the province of Kirkuk. The Kurdish people who live in this area want to call it their own, as do the Iraqi people who also live in this area. One of the missions of the PRTs is to help the ethnic groups work together to improve their communities. This certainly posed a challenge for Martins team. Martin spoke of feeling the call to go on this mission after being spoken to in church by a passage from the Bible. After hearing scripture from Matthew 5:9 one Sunday at church, Martin felt called to be a part of something greater than himself. This mission helped him answer that call. More information about the Provincial Reconstruction Team mission and activities can be found on the U.S. Embassy website.

T-SHIRT SIGN-UP A reminder that the NJCAA Tournament is fast approaching. Have you signed up to work? We need everyones participation to make this fundraiser a success.

50/50 DRAWING Pat Fallon won $28.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING No Newsletter drawing was held because the editor couldnt get it in gear quick enough to get the newsletter online in time. Did someone fine him?!

The answer to last weeks question was: The charter dinner meeting was held in the First National Bank restaurant and its name at that time was The Peppermill Cafeteria. What was the brand name of the Ice Cream sold at our Ice Cream booth at the Kansas State Fair BEFORE we began using Blue Bunny Ice Cream?

Nancy Conard, Ghostwriter for Steve