Newsletters

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Newsletter 8-31-2018

GUESTS:  Kerri Ollenburger, Director of Family Ministries, Trinity Methodist Church-speaker and guest of the club.

Big Hat Sgt. Report: Sgt. Jeff B. and Deputy Fred made quick work of the membership.  Big Hatters without Big Hats paid; and all non-Big Hatters paid.

NEXT MEETING, FRIDAY, September 7, 2018 at 7:00 A.M.:  AMBUCS SWEET SHOP, KANSAS STATE FAIRGROUNDS.  The membership will meet at the Sweet Shop for Friday’s breakfast. We will receive final instructions for the operations of the Sweet Shop and pickup gate passes for admission to our shifts.  Then, as a club, we will proceed to breakfast on the Fairgrounds.

Fred Conner and Paul Hardenburger Sweet Shop reminders:  Fred’s cell no. 620-314-6563.  Paul H. cell no. 620-474-0431.  Still a few shifts remaining, view Open Shifts for availability. If there is a problem with being present for your scheduled shift, contact a fellow club member to substitute for you.  If that is not successful, call Paul H.  Use Free Ice Cream Cone cards or your personal business cards to donate ice cream cones to friends or business associates; and it will be billed back to you by the club. AMBUCS is not participating in $2.00 Tuesday.

AMTRYKE PRESENTATION: Troy assisted with presenting six-year-old Isabel Baker her own personal AMTRYKE.  Joining her was mother, Kate, and granddad, John.

PROGRAM:  Duke Wiggins, Big Hat President, introduced Kerri Ollenburger as our guest speaker.  Kerri is Director of Family Ministries at Trinity Methodist Church working with babies through Young Adults.  Keeping youth and young adults in the church involves the following: church people love me and accept me, nurturing intentional relationships, eliminating the separation of youth from adults and continued communication with young adults away at college.

LUCKY ACES DRAWING: Dwight Wiehl-3 of clubs-$5.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Paul H.-not a clue.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION:  Will you forget and show up at the Hutchinson Town Club this Friday?

 

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Newsletter 8-24-2018

GUESTS:  Wes Hoyt-COO of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, speaker and guest of the club.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

President Rod Calhoun was given a President’s pin by Past President Jeff Brewer.

AMBUCS SWEET SHOP: Sign up to fill the remaining slots for the Sweet Shop, September 7 to 16 at the Kansas State Fair.  The club breakfast on September 7thwill be at the Sweet Shop at 7:00 A.M.  The membership will eat breakfast on the fairgrounds.

CAMP HOPE:  The club received a thank you note from Camp Hope for our $2500.00 donation.

BIG HAT MEETING THIS FRIDAY!!!!  Big Hatters wear your Big Hats on Friday, August 31, 2018 at 7:00 A.M.  The club will be giving away an AMTRYKE; and Duke has Kerrie Ollenburger-Director of Family Ministries at Trinity Methodist Church as our guest speaker.

SGT. REPORT:  Sgt. Troy sold a fine to Terry Brigman to announce Bob Tolar’s 80thbirthday (Bob said it is the 41stanniversary of his 39thbirthday).  All AMBUCS were fined that have less than 3 shifts.  Fred bought a fine to thank Darren Wicks granddaughter, Syra Kelly, for cleaning the Sweet Shop as part of a National Honor Society project.  A bunch of AMBUCS were fined for being late.

PROGRAM:  Wes Hoyt, COO of HRMC presented an update on the changes at the hospital.  The Intensive Care Unit had its grand opening last week.  The 18 bed, 25,000 square foot unit is specially designed with all equipment descending from the ceiling.  Electronic health records have been introduced for fully digital recordkeeping.  Microband technology has been implemented for the telemetry system.  The physical plant (sewer-water-generators) is being replaced as well.

LUCKY ACES DRAWING: Fred Connor-9 of  diamonds-$5.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Kal Singh-not present.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: What day is the first day of the KS State Fair?

 

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Newsletter 8-17-2018

GUESTS:  None.

SGT. REPORT:  Sgt. Troy fined Fred for taking his badge home. Everyone at Steve Beer’s table was fined for not wearing a red shirt.  Everyone was fined at this editor’s table for sitting with him. Rich S. was fined for being ditched by his guest and talking.  Paul H. bought a fine for thanking Darren, Dwight and Ward for their hard work on the Sweet Shop. Then, the group reciprocated by thanking Paul H. for his hard work on the Sweet Shop.  Steve Beer bought a fine for announcing the success of the Hutchinson Fire Department school supply drive for this year.

ICE CREAM DELIVERY DAY-SEPTEMBER 2, 2018 at 11:00 A.M.  Darren Wicks circulated a sign-up sheet for delivering ice cream from Braum’s to the Sweet Shop.  If you are available at this time, please notify Darren W.

BIG HAT FRIDAY: August 31, 2018-7:00 A.M. Hutchinson Town Club.

BREAKFAST AT THE FAIR: Friday, September 7, 2018 at 7:00 A.M. Our meeting on this date will be at the Sweet Shop.  Please attend to receive your gate passes and last minute instructions for the club’s annual (and only) fundraiser.

PROGRAM:  Harley Macklin introduced Tony Finlay, Director of the Hutchinson Recreation Commission (HRC), as our guest speaker. Tony was born on a farm near Syracuse and is a Fort Hays State graduate.  HRC collaborates with other organizations in the community.  Dillon Nature Center recently completed the Butler Cabin, Elmdale Community Center converted to senior social and wellness programming and HRC continues to involve hundreds of youth in multiple athletic activities.

LUCKY ACES DRAWING: Steve Beer drew a Joker-$00.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Ward Davis was not present.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: When is ice cream delivery day?

PROGRAM:  8-24-18  Mr. Hoyt from the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

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Newsletter 8-10-2018

GUESTS:  Jack Wortman, retired physician and guest of the club.  Shari Thompson, guest of husband Brad.

SGT. REPORT:  Darren W. was fined for being late two weeks ago. Craig D. and Tom H. were fined for guilt by association.  Then, all AMBUCS were fined that did not have four shifts for the Sweet Shop by 6:30 A.M. that morning.  Jeff Brewer bought a fine for turning 65 on August 10 (they said he had hair until he was 3).  Guy Gann bought a fine for Guy and Bobbie being married 94 (47 apiece) years on Saturday.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Darren Wicks will lead a crew on Sunday, September 2, to pick up and deliver the ice cream to the Sweet Shop (be ready to volunteer).  Also, the Hutchinson AMBUCS will meet for breakfast at the Sweet Shop on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 7:00 A.M. for our regular breakfast (stay tuned for further information.

PROGRAM:  Dr. Jack Wortman, was our guest speaker; and spoke about healthcare history in Hutchinson. In the 1960’s, the local ambulance was dispatched from McVay’s garage with a cot and oxygen tank as the only equipment. The Korean War changed things by developing out of hospital care.  The ambulance service was advanced by a cooperative effort of the City of Hutchinson, Reno County and Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.  Ambulance attendants (EMT) now have 83 hours of college level training.  Paramedics have 2 full years of college level training plus required working hours. Communications and effective community health care are vastly improved today.

LUCKY ACES DRAWING:  Fred Conner (again)-7 of hearts-$5.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING:  Brian Goodheart not present.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION:  What is the date for loading ice cream for the Fair?

8/17 Program:  Tony Finlay, club member and Director of the Hutchinson Recreation Commission.

 

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Newsletter 08-03-2018

GUESTS: Senator Dr. Ed Berger, our guest speaker. Dr. Jack Wortman wanted to hear what Senator Berger had to say. Honorary member Colby Davis and his brother Kayden.


FINES: Troy Thode soloed as our Sergeant. Rod Calhoun paid a Presidential fine. Did Darren Wicks pay for being late the week before? Those who didn’t help cleanup the sweet shop paid $1. Short and Sweet!


ANNOUNCEMENTS: Board Meeting this Friday at 6:15 AM.


PROGRAM: Harley Macklin introduced Senator Dr. Ed Berger. Dr. Berger said one of the major annual agendas each session is the passing of the budget. This year with little changes and no veto. The Governor developes and presents the budget, the Ways & Means Committee fine tunes it and sends it to the House and Senate to be voted on and the Governor signs it. A major accomplishment this session was to begin paying borrowed money back to the KPERS fund. Also, the Department of Transportation received funds this year and a $530 Million 5 year school finance plan was enacted. A future goal is to reduce the tax on food if they can get everything else in line. Keeping the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson was very important to our local economy and also to the Fair with their sales tax receipts going to their capital improvement fund. A bill for the addition of slots at race tracks under the guise of improving horse racing was defeated because it would have harmed existing casinos and cost the state for breaking a contract with those casinos. The passage of a Hemp (not Marijuana) Bill to add more agriculture diversity. Two new state parks Jerusalem and Flint Hills. Improved amusement park ride regulations without harming local park and swimming pool slides. The creation of a new Broadband and Highway task force. A future issue to define “suitable” when it comes to education. Especially when population West of I35 is declining. Schools must be taken care of and watched over in Western Kansas. While the session may be only 90 days long it is much closer to a full time job for most Senators and Representatives. Dr. Berger said that he is doing his best to represent the interests of Reno and Kingman County in the 34th district.


Lucky Ace Drawing: Mr. Lucky alias Fred Conner drew an Ace but it was the Ace of Hearts for $5. The pot continues to grow!


Newsletter drawing: Larry Sloan knew the answer of 4 work slots to win $55.


Newsletter Question: For $5…How may days is the normal legislative session?


Next Meeting: Dr. Jack Wortman


Editor: Steve Conard
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Newsletter 07-27-2018

GUESTS:  Craig Davis, Astle-Realty-guest of Randall Haltom.  Ulster Project guests:  Keith Neill, Paul, John, Peter, Wyatt and Shawn.

No Sgt.-Darren Wicks will pay for being late next week.

President Announcements:  1. If any member knows the contact information for the eating establishment the club utilizes on the first Friday of the Fair, please notify Rod Calhoun.  2. The newly established Program Committee is still looking for volunteers.  Contact Harley Macklin to help.

NEW MEMBER:  Craig Davis, Astle-Realty, was sworn in as a new member by club President, Rod Calhoun.  Please welcome him!

AMBUCS SWEET SHOP:  Our only fundraiser of the year is 36 days away!  Every member should sign-up for 4 4-hour shifts. Members may view the open shifts and sign-up at:  wheniwork.com.  If you are having difficulty, please contact Fred Conner or Paul Hardenburger.

PROGRAM:  The Ulster Project teens joined us for breakfast.  This group is the largest at 41 people in the program’s 19thyear.  The project is designed to take Protestant and Catholic teens from Northern Ireland and bring them together to narrow the divide between the groups that is maintained by their society.  Activities here in Hutchinson are designed to foster working together.  The young men reported participating in water fights, dance, mud volleyball and the ropes course.

LUCKY ACES DRAWING:  Tom Hymer-Jack of Diamonds-$5.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING:  Bob Tolar had just left!

NEWSLETTER QUESTION:  How many shifts does each member need to sign-up for at the AMBUC SWEET SHOP?

8/3 Program:  Dr. Ed Berger, Kansas State Senator.

8/10 Program:  Dr. Jack Wortman.

 

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Newsletter 07-20-2018

GUESTS: Mimi Meredith with the Cosmosphere, our guest speaker. Honorary member Colby Davis and his brother Kayden.


FINES: Troy Thode with help from Rich Shelton were our Sergeant’s. In honor of our guest Mimi they fined everyone who had not been to the Cosmosphere in the past 2 weeks. Needless to say that was almost everyone.


ANNOUNCEMENTS: Program Committee Meeting this Friday at 6:30 AM.
The T.E.C.H. Annual Golf Tournament will not be held this year due to scheduling problems.


PROGRAM: Harley Macklin introduced Mimi Meredith, Senior Vice President of Development and Chief Development Officer for the Cosmosphere. Mimi oversees the organization’s fundraising and marketing program. In the past 6 years just over 5,200 campers have attended space camps at the Cosmosphere an average of 876 per year. There are day, overnight and camps up to 6 days for youth Second thru Tenth Grade or above held at the Cosmosphere. As the campers advance they travel to visit other space sites such as Space 301:Texas, Space 401:Florida and Space 501:California. There are also Adult camps and special camps for International students. Students have attended from 44 states and 6 counties. The majority of students have been from Reno and Sedgwick counties but there has been and increase from Johnson county because of advertising efforts in the Kansas City area. Approximately 75% of campers are male and 25% female. A new Drome Dome program will begin this year for campers. New remodeling of the Planetarium, Dr. Goddard’s Lab and the Cafe continue to enhance visitor attendance and keep things fresh. For the future a new CosmoKids area, remodeling of the lower level and classroom renovations will proceed as funds are raised. Local lobby banners showcase other visitor opportunities in and around Hutchinson to encourage visitors to stay and see more while they are in town. Continued joint marketing of the Cosmosphere and Strataca with a special discounted pass for attending both attractions. Did you know the Cosmosphere is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program?


Lucky Ace Drawing: Rod Calhoun was chosen but to keep it fair he allowed Mimi to drew the 5 of Hearts for $5. The pot continues to grow!


Newsletter drawing: Duke didn’t have a clue.


Newsletter Question: For $50…What additional affiliation has the Cosmosphere garnered?


Next Meeting:


Editor: Steve Conard
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Newsletter 07-13-2018

GUESTS:  Paul Waggoner, 104thcandidate, Lowell Peachy-guests of the club. Shantai Montford, guest of Troy Thode.

SGT. REPORT:  Sgt. Troy and Deputy Dwight fined the president and everyone who did not bring a guest.  Troy introduced his guest Shantai Montford from New Mexico.  She is currently accepted in the HCC physical therapy program and plans to complete her studies at WSU.  She desires to work with disabled veterans and would appreciate financial assistance.

PROGRAM COMMITTEE:  Harley Macklin is looking for up to 12 members to serve on the program committee to provide speakers.  Harley will continue his role, but needs help.  Five or six have volunteered, but more are needed.  Please contact Harley to help.

PROGRAM:  Paul Waggoner is running for state representative for the 104thdistrict.  He is a Hutch native and graduate of the University of Kansas.  He is on the board of the Open Door Pregnancy Care Center and the President of the family business, Waggoner’s Inc.  The primary is August 7th.

LUCKY ACES DRAWING:  Brad Thompson-$5.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING:  Not in attendance.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION:  Who was Troy’s guest last week?

 

 

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Newsletter 07-06-2018

GUESTS:  Rep. Jason Probst and Rep. Steven Becker, our guest speakers.  Craig Davis, returning guest of Randall Haltom.  John Knipp, past member and guest of Brad Thompson.
 
FINES:  Troy Thode with help from Paul Brown were our Sergeants.  Yours truly was fined since it was (almost) my birthday and…I had to pay an extra buck to listen to Paul Brown sing a pathetic rendition of Happy Birthday.  Marsha McConnell was fined for being late.  Jeff Brewer was fined for no blue shirt.  You know…it was only 5 days ago and I don’t remember the details.  The center table was fined for talking, then our table and finally the whole room.  You two lost control fast…but you did raise $$.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Board Meeting at 6:15 AM this Friday!
 
Kathy Hanks announced that she would be leaving our esteemed group, The Hutchinson News and our fine city at the end of July to take a job as a Senior Reporter with the Lawrence Journal-World.  You will be missed by all!!
 
PROGRAM:   Kathy Hanks introduced Representative Jason Probst and Representative Steven Becker.  Jason was chosen to fill the term left by the late Patsy Terrell for the 102nd District.  Jason does not have an opponent this year.  He spoke about the real possibility that we could have lost the Kansas State Fair to another city and the efforts made to secure its place in Hutchinson with a special sales tax bill.  Steven Becker, on the other hand, does have an opponent for the primary election Paul Waggoner.  Steve was elected in 2012 for the 2013 session.  He spoke about Brownback’s failed income tax relief and the financial fiasco it has caused the state with no safety net.  The House and Senate have made steady strides to dig us out of the hole but we’re not out yet.  He said that it would take several more years of improved relief until we are out of the hole with past debt paid off.  He also discussed a recent Medicaid expansion bill that failed for the second year in a row.  The school finance bill had to be addressed and took the lead this session.  Remember to vote Tuesday, August 7.
 
Lucky Ace Drawing:   Scott Potucek drew the Ace of Clubs for $5.  The pot is $?
 
Newsletter Drawing:   Terry Brigman didn’t know the answer.
 
Newsletter Question:  For $40…Lets play reporter.  Who’s leaving, When are they leaving, Where are they going and What will they do?  We can guess Why.
 
Next Meeting:  7/13 – It’s Friday the Thirteenth…maybe your lucky day?  Come find out.
 
Editor: Steve Conard
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Newsletter 06-29-2018

GUESTS:  None.

SGT. REPORT:  Big Hatters Stan M. and Jeff B. worked the membership for “contributions.” Rich Shelton repurchased his hat. Don G., Guy G. and Duke paid for not wearing their Big Hats.  Dwight paid for insulting Fred’s Big Hat.  All the non-Big Hatters were fined.

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE MEETING:  Friday, July 6, 2018 at 6:30 A.M., Hutchinson Town Club.

PROGRAM:  Paul “Sweet Shop Guru” Hardenburger was our speaker this date.  This is the 5thFair since the major renovation of the “Booth,” now “Shop.” The presentation began with a PowerPoint of the transformation which was completed in 60 days (a continuing club thank you to Paul for his leadership)!  Proposed projects and changes for the 2018 State Fair include:  waffle cones stored in tubs instead of trays and bags, discontinuing bomb pops and commercially made ice cream sandwiches, creating our own cookie and ice cream sandwiches, relocating the “Earl Campbell” AMTRYKE, self-service water, menu cards in freezers and (wait for it) a selfie station featuring a giant ice cream cone and AMBUC i.d. (sure beats the deflated rabbit that used to hang from the corner of the building!).  For our upcoming 30thKansas State Fair (it’s really the 31st, but Paul H. wants it to be the 30thfor marketing purposes), we may have “celebrity scoopers” such as senators, representatives and media personnel to attract attention to the “Shop” and give us an opportunity to tell our “story” and market our “brand” (AMBUCS, of course).  The presentation ended with a YouTube video of Kapuchin monkeys competing for cucumbers and grapes (Paul said it was comparable to our club, the monkeys have threatened suit).

LUCKY ACES DRAWING:  Harley-six of clubs-$5.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING:  Scott Potucek was absent.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION:  What kind of monkeys were in the YouTube video?

PROGRAM 7/6/18:  State Representatives Steve Becker and Jason Probst will inform the club about the activities of the 2018 Kansas Legislature.