Newsletters

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Newsletter 06-22-2018

GUESTS:  Frank Berry, guest speaker, Jim Remar, Cosmosphere, Tracey Tomme, Cosmosphere and Tim Carey, Emmanuel Lutheran were all guests of Harley Macklin.  Owen Mitchell, WWII veteran, was a guest of Terry Brigman.  Fred Davis, Plaza Astle, guest of Randall Haltom.

SGT. REPORT:  Sgt. Troy fined Stan Macgirvin for selling tickets for the raffle at the Moose and magically there was no winner.  The Sarge then fined everyone who was not a WWII veteran (all but Owen)! Lucky Freddie gave back $10.00 of his winnings out of guilt.  Colby is looking forward to the Sweet Shop.

PROGRAM:  Franklin Berry was introduced by Harley as our guest speaker to inform the club about the “Doc” B-29 restoration.  Wichita first produced the B-29 in May of 1941.  This particular aircraft had multiple issues with only 16 of 97 planes actually flyable.  “Doc” was named after one of the seven dwarfs.  It became obsolete in 1956 and spent 31 years in the desert.  In 2000, the plane was disassembled and brought to Wichita in seven boxcars.  It made its first flight after restoration on July 17, 2016.  A new hanger is being built at Eisenhower Airport for Doc’s Hanger and Education Center.  You may order a brick to support the project at:  www.b-29doc.com/bricks.

BIG HAT FRIDAY-June 29, 2018:  Big Hatters, you are in charge this Friday!  Wear your Big Hat, bring a guest and be on time!

PROGRAM 6/29:  Paul Hardenburger will be outlining the next steps to prepare for our ONLY fundraiser, the AMBUCS Sweet Shop at the Kansas State Fair.  Clear your calendars now from Friday, September 7 through Sunday, September 16 to participate.  Also, think about former AMBUCS who could assist in the Sweet Shop and have them join you for a shift.  Since there are many former AMBUCS still in our community, even one shift would go a long way in providing the workforce necessary to make this year’s Fair a success!

LUCKY ACES DRAWING:  Darin Ackley-4 of spades-$5.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING:  Stanley M.-NOPE.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION:  Which of the seven dwarfs is the Wichita B-29 named after?

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Newsletter 06-16-2018

GUESTS:  Andrew Soule, Special Olympics, our guest speaker.  Honorary member Colby Davis and his brother Kayden.
 
FINES:  Brad Thompson and Larry Sloan were our morning Sergeants as Troy Thode was working harvest.  Fred Conner “Mr. Lucky” returned a few dollars of his winnings in the form of a fine.  Stan Macgirvin also was fined for winning or whining.  I’m not sure it pays to win.  All members who didn’t recruit this week paid a $1…all but 3.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Paul Brown paid $6 to announce a new 6# Granddaughter Charlotte Jo Sanders born 6/6.  Rich Shelton paid to announce that his daughter was a finalist selected for a PT Assistant Program.  Don Grossardt paid to announce his 76 years of Marriage to Margaret (38 each).
 
PROGRAM:  Rod Calhoun introduced Andrew Soule with Special Olympics.  Andrew had to fill in at the last minute for Mitch Guthrie who could not attend due to a death in his family.  The club presented Andrew with a check for $250 for Reno County Special Olympics.  Andrew is also a Deputy with the Reno County Sheriffs Department.  Law enforcement agencies have been involved with Special Olympics and the Torch Run for the past 36 years.  The Torch Run is now a national movement.  In prior years the Torch Run was done across the state but due to limited resources in Western Kansas each city participating handles their own Torch Run in their own way.  Our Torch Run usually ends with food and is a fundraiser for Special Olympics.  Special Olympics encompasses many sports such as Track, Swimming, Bowling, Basketball, Soccer, Bocce, Power- lifting, Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowshoeing, Floor Hockey and Cheerleading.  Events are held year-round and 1,000’s of individuals across the state participate.  The US World Games will be held in 3 weeks in Seattle.  The club is also donating $500 to Kansas Special Olympics.
 
Lucky Ace Drawing:  Dwight Wiehl drew the 9 of Hearts for $5.  The pot is $?
 
Newsletter Drawing:  Tom Hymer didn’t know.
 
Newsletter Question:  For $30…Who represented Special Olympics at our meeting?
 
Next Meeting:  6/22 – Fred Berry, Wichita “Doc” B-29 Restoration Project.
                        6/29 – Paul Hardenburger speaking about our Sweet Shoppe.
 
Editor: Steve Conard
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Newsletter 06-08-2018

GUESTS:  Charlie Dixon, Camp Hope, speaker and guest of the club.

SGT. REPORT:  Sgt. Troy and Deputy Steve Beer fined everyone who had not signed a new member within the last two weeks (pretty much everybody).  Jeff Brewer bought a fine to recognize Kathy Hank’s journalism award.  Paul Hardenburger bought a fine for his son’s 4.0 at K-State.  Larry Sloan bought a fine to announce the birth of his new great grandson.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

NEW MEMBER:  President Rod Calhoun administered the membership oath to Ray Lewman, sponsored by Tony Finlay.

GRANTS:  The Board approved donations to Kansas Special Olympics for $500.00 and to Reno County Special Olympics for $250.00.

PROGRAM:  Charlie Dixon said that the number of campers at Camp Hope had now grown to over 80 kids. A new program is being developed for the siblings of campers with 19 pre-enrolled.  120 volunteers, including 35 former campers, 3 physicians and 18 oncology nurses assist with conducting the camp.  The Hutchinson AMBUCS have been a supporter of the camp since its inception (a proud record!).

LUCKY ACES DRAWING:  Fred Conner-Ace of Spades wins the cumulative pot.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING:  Pat Fallon left early.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION:  Who is the luckiest AMBUC in the entire existence of this club?

 

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Newsletter 06-01-2018

GUESTS:  Gene Pflughoft, former member and guest of Fred Conner.  Jim Remar, Kansas Cosmosphere, our guest speaker.  Steve Lundblade, Publisher of the Hutchinson News, guest of Kathy Hanks.  Ray Luman, father-in-law of Tony Finlay.  Honorary member Colby Davis and his brother Kayden.
 
FINES:  Troy Thode with help from Steve Beer were our Sergeants.  Dan Power was ratted out for racing his Porsche and paying a fine.  Larry Sloan was fined for sin pantalones (no pants).  Duke Wiggins was fined for wearing his “Bite Me” shirt last week.  Stan Macgirvin, for being overly happy looking toward retirement.  Everyone else was fined a $1 for NOT being happy.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS: First (New) Board Meeting next Friday at 6:15 AM.
 
PROGRAM:  Harley Macklin introduced Jim Remar, President and Chief Executive Office of the Kansas Cosmosphere and past member.  Jim presented a great PowerPoint presentation of the Johnson Space Center, Houston, console restoration project being done by SpaceWorks.  SpaceWorks is a division of the Cosmosphere specializing in restoration and conservation of space artifacts.  They are also known for building realistic working mock-ups and displays for air and space museums worldwide.  The Mission Control Center (MCC) console was used from 1965 through the early 1990’s for the manned space launches.  The Launch Control Center at the Kennedy Space Center is in charge of the rocket for liftoff and initial flight.  Once the rocket separates and reaches atmosphere MCC takes over until the flight is completed.  The new MCC which oversees the space shuttle and space station is one floor below the previous MCC and operates   24-7 because of the space stations operation.  The MCC console will be restored to its Apollo 11 “look” in time for the July 29, 2019 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 flight.  When completed and reinstalled the former MCC consoles will look and appear to work as they did in 1969 for the first manned walk on the moon.  Because the facility is a national historic site both state and federal requirements must be met.  The MCC will not be open to public like it has been in the past but viewed by the public from the viewing gallery at the rear of the former MCC to protect the restoration for future generations.
 
Lucky Ace Drawing:  Brad Thompson drew the 5 of Spades for $5.  The pot is $?
 
Newsletter Drawing:  Keith Geist was not here.
 
Newsletter Question:  For $25…
 
Next Meeting:  6/8 – Come and bring a guest to find out.
6/15 – ?
6/22 – Wichita “Doc” B-29 Restoration Project
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Newsletter 05-25-2018

GUESTS:  Susan Sankey, 4-H Director, guest of Harley Macklin.  Ray Luman, father-in-law of new member, Tony Finlay.  Kelly Laswell, Good Samaritan, guest of Brenda Janda.  (32 members and guests present at breakfast-Priceless!).

SGT. REPORT:  Sgt. Troy and Deputy Rich picked on President Jeff one last time for the presidential tax.  Harley was fined for not having his AMBUC pin in the HCC cover shot.  Everyone without blue on their shirt was fined.  Duke bought a fine and was wearing his “Bite Me” shirt in honor of Jeff’s last meeting as president.

PROGRAM:  Harley Macklin introduced Susan Sankey, Director of Development for the Kansas 4-H Foundation as our guest speaker.  Kansas 4-H started in 1905 with the Arthur Capper’s boys and girls clubs. Rock Springs camp just south of Junction City started in 1952.  4-H includes: the Reno County Fair, livestock judging, beekeeping instruction, innovation program for agriculture solutions, Citizenship in Action and parliamentary procedure training.  Ages 7 to 18 are eligible for 4-H participation.

LUCKY ACES DRAWING:  Cayden Davis-four of hearts-$5.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING:  Steve-O Conard-not a winner (he shouldn’t be allowed to answer his own question anyway!).

NEWSLETTER QUESTION:  Where is Rock Springs camp?

FUTURE PROGRAMS:

June 1-Jim Remar-JSC Console Restoration Project.

June 22-Frank Berry-B-29 Refurbishing.

July 20-Mimi Meredith-Cosmosphere .

 

 

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Newsletter 05-18-2018

GUESTS:  Tony Finlay, Hutchinson Recreation Commission, returning guest of Kathy Hanks.  Ten Rodeo Queens graced our presence this morning, see program notes below.
 
FINES:  Troy Thode fined those who didn’t wear boots or a rodeo belt buckle in honor of the visiting queens a $1.  That was almost everyone.  Jeff Brewer said that at Third Thursday a girl came up and paid a dollar wanting to ride an AmTryke.  He took the dollar and said that he would turn it in at the meeting.  Jeff also had to pay an extra dollar for taking her money.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:   Jeff Brewer announced that tomorrow 5/25 is the last Friday of the current AMBUC year and the new offices will assume their duties the following week.
 
PROGRAM:  The Abbyville Frontier Days and PRCA Rodeo were held last weekend and they outdid themselves this year by having ten Rodeo Queens in attendance to help with the festivities.  Doyle Ehling was the program host and asked the Rodeo Queens to  introduce themselves and the state they represent.  They also provided a little information about themselves.  Several had taken this year off from school because the travel schedule is so hectic.  A few had already graduated.  Most of the girls had been involved with the various levels of Rodeo pageants since they were little.  Some began competing as young as age five.  These ladies are cowgirls.  They all ride horses, sometimes daily, and have for many years.  Most have been on riding teams and have competed in various forms of horsemanship.  They also must have poise, elegance, public speaking and modeling skills for these pageants.  They raise their own funds for the pageants, clothing and travel usually by coronation dinners, live and silent auctions.  A few were lucky enough to get the use of a car for the year.  They get to keep their buckles but the crowns that fit on their cowgirl hats are passed on each year.  Our Miss Rodeo guests this morning were:  Alex Hyland, Colorado, Ivy Weirather, Illinois, Jenna Kool, Iowa, Mikhayla DeMott, Kansas, Sarah Sheffl, Minnesota, Taylor McNair, Mississippi, Kristin Kohmetscher, Nebraska, Kiana Elder, New Mexico, Taylor Spears, Oklahoma and Morgan Wallace, Wyoming.  Doyle has been involved with the Abbyville Rodeo since he was a youngster beginning in 1961.
 
Lucky Ace Drawing:  Fred Conner (again) drew the Jack of Hearts for $5.  The pot is $?
 
Newsletter Drawing:  Brad Thompson was not here.
 
Newsletter Question:  For $15…Who is the reining Miss Rodeo Kansas?
 
Next Meeting:  5/25 – Come and bring a guest to find out.
 
Editor: Steve Conard
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Newsletter 05-11-2018

GUESTS:  Nikkee Byard, Salt Hawk Community Support-speaker and guest of Harley Macklin. Tony Finlay, Hutchinson Recreation Director-guest of Kathy Hanks.  Thad Bartley, mountain man-guest of the club.

SGT. REPORT:  Sgt. Troy and Deputy Rich Shelton were checking shorts!  The ones normally worn on the outside this time (AMBUCS are easily confused)!  Rich, Terry Brigman and Larry did not pay, but everyone else did.  Thad Bartley bought a fine thanking the club for its support of daughter Megan’s education.  Terry Bisbee bought a fine announcing that our own Harley Macklin is Hutchinson Community College Alumni of the Year!

ABBYVILLE RODEO:  Doyle Ehling announced that 10 state rodeo queens will be at next Friday’s breakfast promoting the Abbyville Rodeo!  Friday and Saturday are big days for the rodeo so plan now to attend!

PRESIDENT’S REPORT:  President Jeff (short-timer) Brewer thanked the club for the privilege of serving as President and encouraged the membership to continue to bring guests.  Also, the Board approved three AMTRYKES to be given away in the near future.

PROGRAM:  Harley Macklin introduced Nikkee Byard of the Salt Hawk Community Support as our guest speaker.  The program maintains a “closet”  providing clothing and personal hygiene items for approximately 250 kids every month. Needs for the program include mentors, food for the summer programs and funding for an additional position.  If you can help, contact Nikkee at Hutchinson High School.

LUCKY ACES DRAWING:  Fred Conner-Ace of Diamonds-$5.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING:  Don Grossardt-close, but not quite.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION:  Who is the big AMBUC man on the HCC campus?

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Newsletter 05-04-2018

GUESTS:  Tracey Tomme, Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, our guest speaker and Brian Goodheart, General Sales Manager at Midway Motors a guest of Terry Brigman.
 
FINES:  Troy Thode fined those who did not have 6 smoke detectors in their home a $1.  I believe that was everyone.  The Fire Department was promoting smoke detectors and even giving some away last Sunday from 1-6 PM.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Brian Goodheart was sworn in as our newest member.  Welcome to the Hutchinson AMBUCS Brian!  Brad Thompson and Terry Brigman each received a star for their Big Hat.  Doyle Ehling said to get ready for Abbyville Rodeo Queens on 5/18.
 
PROGRAM:  Harley Macklin introduced Tracey Tomme, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center.  Tracey came to the KCSC in August 2014 from being President/CEO of the Colorado Consortium for Earth and Space Science Education the company responsible for running the Challenger Learning Center Colorado Springs where she previously taught.  The Kansas Guide Book II by Marci Penner ranks KCSC as one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas.  The Cosmosphere began in 1962 in the Poultry Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds when founder Patty Carey setup a used Planetarium Projector.  Tracey came to the KCSC with the goal of driving the institution’s commitment to STEM education initiatives.  She wanted to make Engineering degrees more attractive to America’s youth studying to be Mathematicians, Scientists, Engineers, Astronauts and Pilots through KCSC Camps.  The KCSC offers many types of camps for students to adults and day camps to week long camps.  They are trying to get more girls involved with the camps.  The State of Kansas offers scholarships to migrant children to attend camp.  Last year 101 scholarships were awarded.  The camps pull children from about 35 states.  The KCSC offers paid positions for summer camp Directors usually college students.  They also have a need for adult volunteers to assist with the camps.  You can find out more at www.cosmo.org.  Jim Remar, President and CEO of the KCSC will be here June 1 to speak about the NASA OSC Console restoration project.  Mimi Meredith, Senior Vice President of Development and Marketing and Chief Development Officer will be here on July 20 to speak on “Life Without the Cosmosphere”.
 
Lucky Ace Drawing:  Rich Shelton drew the 10 of Hearts for $5.  The pot is $?
 
Newsletter Drawing:  Dane Power knew the answer for $10.  He better, since it was his Mother’s project which was discussed in the newsletter the past 2 weeks.
 
Newsletter Question:  For $5…When and where did the Cosmosphere begin?
 
Next Meeting:  5/11 – Nicki Byard, Hutchinson Salthawk Program
 
Editor: Steve Conard
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Newsletter 04-27-2018

GUESTS:  Shirley Power, guest of Dan Power.  Jackie Ashcraft, speaker and guest of Harley Macklin.  Colby Davis (welcome back!) and brother, Cayden.

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1stVice-President, Rod Calhoun, will be in charge next Friday.

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE Mtg.:  May 4, 2018 at 6:30 A.M.

BOARD MEETING:  May 11, 2018 at 6:15 A.M.

AMTRYKE Trailer Display:  May (17) Third Thursday-Avenue A area.

SGT. REPORT:  Preempted!  Look out this Friday, he will return with an attitude!

SHOE PROJECT:  Shirley Power is conducting a fundraiser to benefit St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital by collecting gently new or used shoes.  The shoes will be sent to Haiti, Nicaragua, etc., but proceeds remain with St. Jude’s.  Shirley may be reached for donations at shirleyjpower@hotmail.comor on her Facebook page.

PROGRAM:  Harley Macklin introduced Jackie Ashcraft of Reno County Crime Stoppers as our guest speaker.  Crime Stoppers encourages members of the community to assist law enforcement by overcoming their fear and apathy of personal involvement.  Crime Stoppers receives tips anonymously by telephone (620-694-2666), via the mobile app (P3Tips.com) or by text messaging (www.twitter.com/stoprncocrime).

LUCKY ACES DRAWING:  Brad Thompson-4 of clubs-$5.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING:  Duke Wiggins-no idea.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION:  Where do you send gently used or new shoes?

05/04 PROGRAM:  Tracy Tommee of the Cosmosphere.

05/11 PROGRAM:  Nicki Byard-Hutchinson Salthawk program.

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Newsletter 04-20-2018

GUESTS:  Homer Gilson a guest of Scott Potucek.  Pam Calhoun, Rod’s wife.  Dee Bisbee, Terry’s wife.
 
FINES:  Troy Thode and Rich Shelton shared the Sergeant-at-Arms duties this morning.  All those who did not bring a guest paid a dollar.  Dan Power paid to announce that Shirley collects gently used shoes to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:  The AMBUCS demo trailer was manned during Third Thursday.  We are planning to do this again the third Thursday in May from 5:30-8:30 PM.  If you can join us there please do so.
 
PROGRAM:  Kathy Hanks introduced our very own Terry Bisbee who presented a PowerPoint presentation about living in Germany.  Before retiring in Hutchinson, Terry worked for 40 years for Sandia National Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  During that tenure he was able to move to Germany for two 3 year stints 1998-2001 and 2004-2007 working with U.S. Air Force bases doing security assessments.  Living in a suburb of Stuttgart Germany and working from the J-5W Nuclear Surety Branch offices he and his wife were able to see much of Germany and the surrounding countries.  It just happened to work out that they were able to live in the same house both times.  He showed photos of the Mercedes Museum which is in downtown Stuttgart with lots of photos of castles, palaces and many towns.  They visited Berlin which still has a 100 yard section of the original wall with a brick trail where the wall was located.  Photos of the Oktoberfest festival which occurs in September (go figure) in Munich.  Neuschwanstein and Lichtenstein castles and others.  Along with riverboat photos taken along the Rhine River.  If you haven’t been to Germany you need to add it to your bucket list.  Auf Weidersehen!
 
Lucky Ace Drawing:  Stan Macgirvin drew the Ace of Spades from the last 5 cards winning over $1,000 and finishing this round.
 
Newsletter Drawing:   Darin Ackley knew the answer.  We just don’t know how much he won.
 
Newsletter Question:  For $5…For whom and where did Terry Bisbee work the majority of his life?
 
Next Meeting:  4/27 – Crime-stoppers of Reno County
 
Editor: Steve Conard