Newsletters

GUESTS: Skip Wilson and Alliyah Gray with Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson and honorary member Colby Davis.

FINES: Brad Thompson and Stan Macgirvin, our morning Sergeant at Arms, began by fining Jeff Roberson the customary weekly presidential tax. They fined Kathy Hanks for being late, Randall Haltom and Tom Hymer for being smart a**es to the Sergeants. All club members paid for not inviting guests.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Andrew Parr presented the slate of officers for the 2015-2016 club year. Andrew Parr President, Dorinda Simmons Vice President, Thad Bartley Second Vice President, Dennis Reiser Secretary and Don Grossardt Treasurer and at large board members Brad Thompson, Harley Macklin and Guy Gann. Committee chairpersons are Randall Haltom Membership/Publicity/Social, Kathy Hanks Programs, Scott Cooley – Sergeant at Arms, Duke Wiggins Big Hats, Tom Hymer Newsletter, Paul Hardenburger Sweet Shoppe, Darren Wicks Special Projects/T-shirts. These will be presented one more time in the newsletter and then voted on by the club.

Former club member Bob Bush was recently diagnosed with health issues. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

The NJCAA National Track and Field Tournament will be held at Gowan Stadium May 14, 15 and 16. Have you signed up to work?

PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks introduced Skip Wilson, Chief Professional Officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson began as Kids After School in 1990 and will celebrate 25 years this year. A community needs assessment in 1990 showed that more than 600 students in Hutchinson Public Schools, 6thgrade and younger, were going home to empty houses. Kids After School sites, which were located at local elementary schools, provided an affordable alternative to sending their children home alone. Today sites at Shadduck Park Community Center, Avenue A Elementary School, Faris Elementary School and South Hutchinson Grade School provide after school services for 460-480 students per day of the 1,000 current club members. The club provides the programs and tools to help students achieve academic success, healthy lifestyles, character and leadership. Since 2012 the Stem program provides 4th through 6th grade students exposure to vocational skills. Skip introduced former club member Alliyah Gray who won the state competition this year for BGCAs Youth of the Year. Alliyah joined the local club at age 5 and will graduate from Hutchinson High School this spring. On June 2nd she will travel to Dallas to represent Kansas at the regional Youth of the Year competition. Alliyah continues to serve the local club as a staff Vision Leader and will attend Sterling College this fall on a cheer, track and academic scholarship.

Lucky Ace Drawing: Fred Conner drew the Eight of Hearts winning $5. The pot increases to $326.00.

Newsletter Drawing: Andrew Parr didnt know the question or the answer.

Newsletter question: For $10Who won the 2015 Kansas Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year?

Calendar: Next meeting May 8 Hmmmm?

Editor: Steve Conard

EDITOR: Paul W. Brown.

GUESTS: State Rep. Steve Becker, guest speaker. Lynn Taylor, Park Place Christian Church, a guest of Jay Pitzer. Fred Conner, long lost member.

SGT. REPORT: Sgt. Stretch and Marvin were in collection mode. President Jeff paid his weekly fine. Dane was late and his tablemates paid as well. Tanned Freddie paid a renewal tax. Dave quiet man Suhler paid. Duke paid for Bob Dole shakes. Doyle was fined for sizing up the members. Colby got in on the action and fined Ward, Guy and Doug. A pin check concluded the fleecing. Dennis bought a fine for Sonyas new position with Elliott Mortuary. Ward D. bought a fine to promote the Reins of Hope golf tournament at Hesston.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

CRITERIUM DISCUSSION: Paul Hardenburger lead a discussion on opening the AMBUC Sweet Shoppe for the Criterium on the fairgrounds on May 24. The club will consider this matter further at the May 1 meeting.

ELECTIONS for the CLUB?

ASK DOYLE when the Rodeo Queens are coming?

Great Plains Regional Convention: May 14-16, 2015, Midwest City, OK.

AMBUCS NATIONAL CONVENTION: Sept. 30- Oct. 3, 2015, Biloxi, MS.

PROGRAM: Rep. Steve Becker, 104th District, gave a summary of this years legislative activity. Bills passing include: concealed carry w/o permit, significant abortion bill, welfare reform and school finance. Matters pending: Uncork Kansas and the BUDGET! He also told a story about the international sign of trouble being a crapper over the Capitol.

Lucky Aces Drawing: Jay Pitzer, only $5.00.

Newsletter Drawing: A winner of $20.00, yours truly.

Newsletter Question: What is the international sign of trouble? (for $5.00)

GUESTS: Tony Finlay, Executive Director of the Hutchinson Recreation Commission and his wife Andrea. Honorary member Colby Davis.

FINES: Brad Thompson and Stan Macgirvin began their Sergeant duties by fining Jeff Roberson the customary weekly presidential tax. Scott Cooley and Paul Hardenburger were fined for being late. Randall Haltom, Doyle Ehling, Tom Hymer and Darren Wicks paid for sitting at the unlucky corner table. Andrew Parr was fined a break-in presidential tax. Several rounds of Trivia questions followed with more fines and a few pardons.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 667 T-shirts were sold this year at the NJCAA Mens Basketball Tournament which was an increase of about 150 over last year thanks to more team orders.

The NJCAA National Track and Field Tournament will be held at Gowan Stadium May 14, 15 and 16. Work schedules will be available soon for sign-up.

PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks introduced Tony Finlay, Executive Director of the Hutchinson Recreation Commission as our guest speaker. Tony came to HRC in 2012 previously serving as the director of parks and recreation for the city of Grandview, MO. HRC has been in existence in Hutchinson since 1947 serving all members of the community regardless of age, abilities or disabilities. They serve ages pre-school through seniors and serve almost every individual in the city at some point in their lives. Their mission is to provide our community with lifelong wellness, cultural, natural and recreational opportunities that promote healthy minds and bodies through innovative programs, state of the art facilities and protected open spaces. Some of their programs include Youth Development, Adult Wellness, Sports Tourism, Neighborhood Development, the Dillon Nature Center, Senior Services and Inclusive Services. Tony brought a number of flyers promoting the Sand Plum Bicycle Classic on May 3. The Salt City Criterium Classic on May 23-24. The Hutch Rec Race Series, Firecracker 5K on June 27, Salty Dog Triathlon on August 8 and Run for the Rocks half marathon and New! Classic Rock 5K September 26 & 27. A baseball tournament schedule and summer camp schedule were also provided. The HRC vision is to inspire all residents to actively enjoy a healthy life as they strengthen our community spirit.

Lucky Ace Drawing: Rod Calhoun drew the Two of Hearts winning $5. The pot increases to $280.00.

Newsletter Drawing: Fred Conners name was drawn but he was not here.

Newsletter question: For $20Our guest speakers name was?

Calendar: Next meeting April 24 Steve Becker, State Representative 104th District

Editor: Steve Conard

Members of the Board conducted a meeting today discussing plans and Ambucs activities.

The Board approved a $500 scholarship for Nathan Woods proposed by Dan Power and it was approved by the membership. Mr. Woods is a student at KU Medical Center in the field of physical therapy. Also the board and the membership approved an amtryke for a three year old boy. Guest and program was John Fairbanks, with service of 29 years in the USA Army. He is organizing a racing bicycle event entitled Salt City Criterium Classic. Presented by the Hutchinson Regional Health Care System~May 23 Downtown Hutchinson, DCI Park 3-8 p.m. ~May 24 Kansas State Fairgrounds, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ~FREE for spectators~Vendors, entertainment, and food. Related to the Salt City Criterium Classic was a discussion on opening the Sweet Shop and to sell ice cream cones on May 24. Further decision with the Fair and a plan is needed. Darren Wicks announced that NJCAA Track Meet is May 14, 15, 16. Our club will be printing T-shirts for this event. Darren will soon have a sign-up schedule to cover working time slots. Upcoming program for April 17th is Tony Finlay, Executive Director of Hutch Rec. Lucky Ace drawing, Dwight Wiehl drew the Ace of Diamonds and won $5. The pot increases to $264. Newsletter drawing, Randy Henderson could have won $10 but he was absent. For the meeting of April 17, 2015 win $15 if your name is drawn and you can name our guest at last weeks meeting. Please remember prayers for Jill Foss knee surgery and Tony Powers cancer treatments. Sergeants Brad and Stan did a quickie money maker, a.k.a fines levied on Carol, Dorinda, Randall, and Duke. Also there was a trivia contest on famous people. Then the Bell rang. Tom Hymer, Editor

GUESTS: Honorary member Colby Davis.

FINES: Ward Davis and Stan Macgirvin, with assistance from Colby levied this weeks fines. Jeff Roberson paid the customary Presidential fine to start things off. Since there were no guests everyone paid a dollar fine.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: This message is for Andrew Parr: You need a slate of officers very soon!

There will be a special biking event in Hutchinson over Memorial weekend. The Hutchinson Recreation Commission has asked if we would like to open the ice cream booth for the Sunday activities which will be held on the fairgrounds. A decision will need to be made soon if we plan to participate.

Our very own Rod Calhoun won the Hutchinson News Press Run that was held March 28 in his age class. His prize was a golf foursome at Highlands which he is donating to the club to be raffled off with the funds going to the club. Thank you Rod!

PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks did not have a speaker scheduled for this week so she asked that each member tell something about themselves that the other members probably didnt know. It was very interesting and creative. Everyone was careful not to give away anything too sizzling.

Lucky Ace Drawing: Jay Pitzer drew the 8 of diamonds and won $5. The pot increases to $244.00.

Newsletter Drawing: Dean Brigman knew that Greg West was the other guest last week and won $25.

Newsletter question: For $5Who provided the golf foursome that we are raffling off?

Calendar: Next meeting April 10 – Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

Editor: Steve Conard

EDITOR: Paul W. Brown

GUESTS: State Rep. Joe Siewert, guest of Dan Power. Greg West, guest of Jay Pitzer.

SGT. REPORT: Brad and Marvin made their tour around the room. Pres. paid. A pin check was conducted. Greg West was fined for having a pin and not wearing it. He said he was a recovering AMBUC-holic! Yours truly bought a fine for one of the worst March Madness commercials ever by our Marvin. He did not pay!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

No Community Service meeting this Friday.

Bring a guest this Friday and avoid a fine!

PROGRAM:

Rep. Joe Siewert serves on the Agriculture, Telecommunications and Energy Committees in the Kansas House of Representatives. Issues arising this session involve prairie chickens, wind energy, Keystone pipeline, wholesale electric supply, school funding, impeachment legislation and concealed carry of weapons. For further details, see the webpage for the Kansas legislature.

Lucky Aces Drawing: Guy Gann-$5.00.

Newsletter Drawing: Duke Wiggins-Nope!

Newsletter Question: Who was a guest last week other than Rep. Siewert?

GUESTS: Mary Ellen Leicht, NJCAA Executive Director and Bryce Roderick, NJCAA President. Honorary member Colby Davis.

FINES: Brad Thompson and Stan Macgirvin provided the entertainment portion of the meeting. Jeff Roberson paid the customary Presidential fine to start things off. Randall Haltom was fined for disrespecting Brad. Darren Wicks was fined for handing out pens promoting his business at the T-shirt booth. All those who had not yet worked a shift at the booth were fined.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Kathy Hanks announced that The Hutchinson News sponsored Press Run for journalism scholarships will be March 28th. Kathy said you can walk if you choose.

PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks introduced Mary Ellen Leicht, Executive Director of the NJCAA and Bryce Roderick, NJCAA President. Mary Ellen is no stranger to AMBUCS as she was director when the club hosted the womens NJCAA fast-pitch softball tournament held at fun valley for many years. Marry Ellen has been with the NJCAA since 1989 and is just the third director in its history. The NJCAA is the only national governing body of intercollegiate athletics for two-year colleges. Its current membership of 510 institutions is second only to the NCAA. She spoke of the proposed renovations to the Hutchinson Sports Arena. If those renovations become a reality the NJCAA will sign a 25 year commitment to host the mens basketball tournament here. The present contract is good until 2020. The womens tournament will be leaving Salina this year to move to Lubbock, Texas for the next 3 years. The renovation of Gowans Stadium helped to secure the NJCAA National Track and Field Tournament held here.

Bryce Roderick is the 18th president in the organizations 76 year history and the first from Kansas. Bryce lives in Arkansas City. His past position was NJCAA Second Vice President for Women since 2008. Prior to that he was commissioner of the Kansas Jayhawk Community Conference of 19 community colleges across the state since 2003. Bryce spent 12 years as the athletic director at Garden City Community College. He also officiated multiple sports including track and field, football and wrestling.

Each academic year, nearly 60,000 student-athletes compete in 28 different NJCAA sports. Strengthening education in the classroom for those athletes and improving their GPA so they can later transfer, if they choose, is a priority goal for the NJCAA.

Lucky Ace Drawing: Terry Bisbee drew a 6 of hearts and won $5. The pot increases to $224.00.

Newsletter Drawing: Don Grossardt was not present.

Newsletter question: For $20Name both of our guests from the NJCAA.

Calendar: Next meeting March 27.

Editor: Steve Conard

GUESTS: Steve Dechant and Darryl Peterson, both candidates for Hutchinson City Council Southeast District. Honorary member Colby Davis.

FINES: Master Sergeant Brad Thompson with his trusty sidekick Stan Macgirvin fined Jeff Roberson the customary Presidential fine. Kathy Hanks, Randall Haltom, and Andrew Parr were fined for being late to the board meeting. Brenda Janda would have also been included, but she left early, so her fine doubles. Dane Powers was fined for being late to the meeting. Colby ratted out Jay Pitzer for a fine. Everyone was fined for not bringing a guest.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sign-up sheets for the NJCAA Tournament were circulated. Be sure to sign-up to work or expect to pay a fine until you do.

Katie Haas was approved for sponsorship by the club for a national scholarship.

PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks introduced Steve Dechant and Darryl Peterson, both are candidates for Hutchinson City Council Southeast District. Steve has a BA degree from Fort Hayes and graduate study at WSU. Steve is a retired deputy warden for Hutchinson Correctional Facility. He also owns and manages residential rental property the past 22 years. He has lived in the SE district since 1988. He has sat on numerous boards and is the current board chairman at Interfaith Housing Services. You can read more about Steve on facebook.com/electstevedechant .

Darryl Peterson is no stranger to City Council helping open city council meetings with prayer the past 20 years. Darryl has been a pastor at Grace Christian Church for the past 25 years. He has lived in the SE district since 1997. Prior to that he was farming near Pretty Prairie, operating a live stock farm and managing farm operations for Ralph Krehibel. Darryl served on the citys recent storm water advisory committee and in past years was on a committee that helped with the citys downtown parking project and a group that helped form Hutchinsons Communities That Care organization. You can reach Darryl by email at dpmn.gcc@juno.com if you have any questions.

Lucky Ace Drawing: Steve Conard drew a 7 of diamonds and won $5. The pot increases to $206.00.

Newsletter Drawing: Monte McConnaughy was not present.

Newsletter question: For $15Name both candidates running for City Council Southeast District.

Calendar: Next meeting March 20.

Editor: Steve Conard

EDITOR: Paul W. Brown

GUEST: Ron Sellers, Luminous Neon, guest speaker.

SGT.REPORT: Brad and Stan were back again. President Jeff B. paid. Dean paid for being back from vacation. Everyone paid for not having guests.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

NJCAA Tournament T-Shirt Booth: From set-up on Sunday, March 15th to take- down on Saturday night, March 21st, there are multiple opportunities to help with the T-Shirt operation. A previous e-mail with the schedule and contact information was sent to the membership on Wednesday. Volunteer now and sign up before breakfast on Friday (You dont want to give the Sgts. more incentive!).

SPONSORSHIP APPROVAL: The club approved sponsoring an AMBUC scholarship for Katie Haas. Club sponsorship greatly increases the likelihood of the individual receiving a scholarship at the national level. For more information on AMBUCS scholarships see the national website.

PROGRAM: Ron Sellers appeared on behalf of Hutch Wins, the organization promoting the Sports Arena renovation and repairs. Crumbling supports, leaks and lack of ADA compliance are just a few of the concerns for the structure built in 1952. Upgrades will include air conditioning, multi-purpose rooms and modern restrooms. The sales tax issue is on the ballot for April 7.

LUCKY ACES DRAWING: Harley drew a Joker! Not so lucky. Pot: $190.00 next week!

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Dwight left too early. $10.00 next Friday.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: What organization promotes the Sports Arena project?

Editor: Paul W. Brown

GUESTS: Paul Roberts-District Governor. Jim Cunday-guest of Terry Bisbee.

SGT. REPORT: Ward Davis and Colby imposed their will on the membership and extracted their funds. Doug paid a noise tax. Thad paid a muscle tax. Marvin the washer guy paid for broken pipes and water heater. A pin check resulted in further revenues. Jeff B. was fined for no stocking cap.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.

PROGRAM: Duke Wiggins introduced Paul Roberts, District Governor, as the first speaker for our orientation program. The Great Plains Regional Convention will be held at Midwest City, OK on May 15-16. The AMBUCS National Convention will be held in Biloxi, MS in September. Paul encouraged attendance at both to have fun and reconnect with other AMBUCS. Doug Foss presented information about AMTRYKES. Our chapter donates five to ten AMTRYKES per year. Brad and Troy assemble the AMTRYKES. AMBUCS have developed an adult size AMTRYKE for our veterans initiative. Jay Pitzer focused on the Big Hat Club. Three new members in a 12 month period will qualify you as a Big Hatter. Bring a new member into the club during March, April or May (Spring Roundup) and you will earn dollars towards AMBUCS clothing. AMBUCS supports scholarships for therapists with our National Living Endowment Fund.

LUCKY ACES DRAWING: Stanley came away with a whopping $5.00. The big money is still out there!

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Dane Power had the right answer for $10.00!

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: Where is the next regional convention? (for $5.00)

NJCAA T-Shirt Booth: Sign up this Friday to work at the tournament!