Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS

Editor: Duke Wiggins

GUESTS: Mark Blackim, President of the Hutchinson Monarchs, invited by Jeff Roberson

SERGEANTS PLAYGROUND: Ward held and Colby rang the bell, and theyre off. Almost immediately, Ward discovered he had no place to put the $$$ rolling in except his pocket, which didnt seem kosher. So they retraced their steps and retrieved the TOILET. Their first stop was Don G to recognize Jasons scholarship to Kansas State. He tried to beg off claiming his last $ had gone to the Wildcats Band Fund, but Colby got a buck anyway. John Knipp paid his $ for the 3rd bank in row-phase 2. Jeff Brewer paid for having his and Pats names on Trinity United Methodist Churchs sign saying Thanks for everything- Jeff and Pat. Wrong church, much confusion. Dwight Wiehl paid for early withdrawal last week, just before his name was drawn for the newsletter drawing. Leaving early cost $30. Returning to Don G, he paid for his parents 60th anniversary celebration this week, and his and Margrets 32th last weekend. Brad T paid a $, and when asked for what, he had no idea. Stan Macgirvin won the pot at the Moose recently and the Sergeants got their cut. Jim Seitnater paid to thank all those who attended last nights 3rd Thursday celebration. One of the biggest crowds ever, and if you did not attend, you got fined. BIG BUCKS. Mark Treaster paid his fine to announce his campaign for the Kansas Senate and not indicating his affiliation with AMBUCS at his kick off celebration earlier this week. Jim Jacobs announced that he has a new granddaughter to spoil, and Harley Macklin shared the sale of his house in Kansas City, which means he is in Hutch to stay, except for a few side trips to somewhere (who knows).

PROGRAM: Jeff Roberson deferred to Doug Fosss earlier glowing introduction of Mark Blackim, a Hutchinson native who is making his name in support of baseball in our fair city. When he and his wife Kim returned to Hutch they set their sights on promoting sports for kids as fun activity and lessons for life. After 4 years in the business, the number of both girls and boys participating in softball and baseball is up. Their Junior League teams have grown from 1 to 4 and are managed by parents and friends who subscribe to the Monarchs code of conduct. The college-age team started out hot, winning their first 9 games, but currently on a big slide. Mark stood behind his players for their effort and attitude. During the question and answer period he was asked about the players who were kicked off the team recently. Mark explained that each player signs a code of conduct when they agree to be a part of the Monarchs. When they fail to live up to that code, they are dealt with appropriately. He also was asked about how his team is funded. He relies on corporate sponsor nights, advertising on the outfield fencing and in the program. He and Kim put $24,500 of their own funds into the Monarchs last year, and will continue to support them financially as long as they can. He and Kim are excited and proud of the support the Monarchs receive at their home games. Next weekend is parents’ weekend for the players’ family and friends. He encouraged all to attend the game on Saturday, June 7th, when all the proceeds will go to Victory in the Valley, a cancer support group. The game starts at 7 PM and admission costs a donation to Victory in the Valley. Several members expressed their appreciation for his efforts and the decisive way he handled the recent articles in the local newspaper.

DRAWINGS: Terry Brigman won the 50/50 pot of $18 and donated it to Victory in the Valley. The Newsletter pot just keeps growing, as no one was able to decipher the name on the chip drawn. Who is in charge of those chips? The question for next Friday is How many guests, not including the guest speaker, have we had for the last 4 weeks? The correct answer is worth $35.

NEWSLETTER for 6/15/12 Editor: Duke WigginsGUESTS: Richard Shank Guest of Jeff Roberson and our program for today.Hey Guys and Gals! This is our 3rd week in a row with our only guest being the speaker for the day. If you cant find a guest you might bring some extra $$$ with you for the kids.SERGEANTS PLAYGROUND: Until Ward and Colby give up the Sergeants role, this editor is going to have to pay more attention. Once they get on a roll, I tend to become mesmerized with their activity and forget to make notes on everybody being fined. Pat Fallon paid for having a smart daughter who was just awarded a Presidential Scholarship from HCC.That leaves more money for K-State. Pat was also fined for being the 3rd bank in a row to sponsor a Chamber event. Guess we know who has all the bucks. While picking on members with smart kids, Randy Hendrickson paid for Zacks full ride scholarship to Columbia University. I know others were fined for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or maybe just sitting there with a smile on their face. Just 2 more weeks!!PROGRAM: Richard Shank, retired ATT and Southwestern Bell executive, now finds himself with several part-time positions to keep him out of trouble. He spends much of his time learning about running a hospital and how and why medical costs just keep going up for the newly renamed Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He has visited a number of area facilities being amazed at the quality of medical care available within 150 mile radius west of Hutchinson. He also spends a lot of time in Topeka lobbying for the HRMC. He is also a private lobbyist for a number of clients who need their issues represented during the legislative sessions. And he still finds time to write periodic articles for the Opinion section of the Hutchinson News. Thanks to Richard for an interesting and informative program.DRAWINGS: Brenda Janda won the 50/50 pot of $20, donating it to New Beginnings, our program from last week. The newsletter drawing could have been won by Dwight Wiehl if he would have stuck around for it. Fridays question (for $30) is What MIGHT happen if you dont bring a guest on the 22nd?

HUTCHINSON CHAPTER OF AMBUCS

NEWSLETTER 06/08/12

EDITOR: DUKE WIGGINS

WELCOME GUESTS: Shara Gonzales, our program for today, guest of Jeff RobersonFor the second week in a row, our only guest has been our program for the day. We wont grow much if we dont bring guests. Lets share Ambucs with our friends.

SERGEANTS PLAYGROUND:

Once again Ward Davis and his sidekick Colby (just give me a dollar) cruised the room calling out names and demanding money. This editor couldnt write fast enough to catch everyone, but here is a short list: President Darren Wicks (several times), Paul (whats his face) Brown, Larry Sloan, Dan Power, Dane Power, Steve Conard, Tim Davies, Dean Brigman, Curtis Mitchell, Brad Thompson, Dwight Wiehl, Doug Foss, Harley , and Guy Gann. Dwight paid a second time to announce the births of a new grandson and great grandson within 24 hours of each other. Lots of money for the kids!!

BOARD MEETING REPORT

President Wicks reported that most of the boards time was spent discussing our support for the Headstart Christmas program, one of this chapters first out-reach projects. The club has provided gift boxes to children in the Headstart program, including arranging for the goodies, packaging them up and delivering them, with the help of Santa Clause, to schools throughout Reno County. Last year, the club managed to cover the cost of the project through contributions. At todays meeting, the board voted to eliminate spending any AMBUCS funds in support of this project.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Committee preference sheets will be available at the meeting on June 15th. They will be distributed to committee chairpersons to aid in filling slots on their committees. Please say YES when you are asked. Every member is expected to serve on a committee each year.

As chairperson of this years NJCAA Basketball Tournament T-shirt project, Curtis Mitchell reminded those present of the change in format of the 2013 tournament. This will likely affect most areas of this project. He will keep the club informed as he receives information from the American Legion.

There will be an Ice Cream Booth Committee meeting on Friday, June 15th, at 6:30AM

PROGRAM:

Shara Gonzales, President of New Beginnings, Inc., shared with us they how serve our community and where they are headed in the future. New Beginnings has been providing shelter for those who are displaced from their homes, and offers affordable housing so that other will not have to experience homelessness. They offer transitional housing for those who need time to reach their goals. Permanent supportive housing for those who wish to live independently even with disabilities, affordable housing to insure people can be the masters of their own lives, and job training and employment for those who need to redirect their lifes work. Shara also spends her time studying the reasons for local hard-core unemployment and how the community can work to solve these problems. New Beginnings is the catalyst for bringing local agencies and employers together to provide opportunities for those who cant find or hold jobs.

DRAWINGS:

The 50/50 drawing was won by Reta Joy Campbell , who donated the $23 pot to New Beginnings.

The Newsletter drawing WAS NOT won by Harley, who could not remember the question.

Fridays Newsletter is What to say when asked to serve on an AMBUC Committee?

MEETING: Friday June 1, 2012 EDITOR: Tom Hymer

WELCOME GUESTS: Jim Unruh with Circles of Hope, guest of Doug Foss.

SERGEANTS: Ward Davis and his son Colby took the traditional route of fining the President right off the bat. With stealth intel Larry Sloan was busted for his daily 3PM ice cream snack. In the category fined because of the accomplishments of your children John Knipp and Dennis Reiser paid for their kids going to Boys State and Girls State, respectively. Eye docs Vern and Tony also were fined for their accomplishments in the optometry profession. Colby made up some stories about a few members resulting in some laughs and more revenue. Double secure sergeant dirt hotline is ambucs.dirt@gmail.com Here you can rat-out other members and they wont even know your name.

PAID ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Doug Foss commented on the effective use of mosquito nets in Africa and donating to send more nets to save the lives of little kids. 2. Tom Hymer, Newsletter Chairman, appealed for one more editor to complete the schedule. The commitment is to write for 10 weeks, specifically August 17TH through October 19TH, thymer@cox.net . 3. Chuck Peterson made a pitch (pun intended) for the Hutchinson Monarchs baseball games and urged people to go see a game. http://www.monarchsbaseball.net/

NEW PRESIDENT Darren Wicks offered an ata boy to outgoing President Curtis Mitchell and his leadership. There are 62 current members and Darren set a goal of one new member each month to bring up the membership to 74. Talking about a new Ice Cream Parlor, Amanda Boyd has been contracted to write grants for funding. Amanda will be attending a meeting(s) to better understand the Ambucs Ice Cream Project.

BOARD MEETING Friday June 8TH at 6:15AM.

PROGRAM: Jeff Roberson introduced todays program Circles of Hope speaker Jim Unruh, Pastor of Faith Mennonite Church. Circles of Hope is a targeted system to guide people out of poverty. It is based on allies, also referred to as role models, who have various skill sets such as, managing money, getting a better job, how to shop wisely, how to apply for employment, and setting realistic goals. Getting Ahead Classes take place over 18 months. To volunteer for Circles of Hope contact Jill Foss at Trinity United Methodist Church djfoss@sbcglobal.net (620) 665-5547. http://trinityhutch.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=25323&PID=898104

50/50 DRAWING: Steve Conard won the 50/50 pot of $20 and donated the money to Circles of Hope. NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Randy Hendersons name was drawn but he was not present to claim $15. For $20 who is the Pastor at Faith Mennonite Church?

EDITOR: Paul W. Brown

GUESTS: Vickie Tangeman-District Governor. Josh Moler-incoming District Governor. Colby Davis-son and guest of Ward. Virgil Bockenstedt-father of Dennis.

SGT. REPORT: Sgt. Scott Potucek and Asst. Brad T. were closing out the 2011-2012 AMBUC year in search of cash. Accommodating them were the lates: Brenda, David R., Anita and Bob B. Soon to be Past President, Curtis Mitchell, was fined for either his last hurrah or his bowling attire. Darren was fined for his last minute call for AMTRYKES. This editor was fined for last weeks suggestion to fine everyone to save time (and NO ONE complained). Tim D. was fined for the Oklahoma motorcycle ride. Scott P. fined himself for misidentifying the last day of school (Colby had it right). The following were fined for wearing ties: Darren, Tony, Dane, Jim J. and John K. Then everyone else was fined for NOT wearing a tie. Fittingly, the Sgts. saluted our veterans. Doc Powers asked for all the WWII veterans to stand (yes, he IS the only one). Remember, the money laundering is all for the kids.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.

PROGRAM: District Governor, Vickie Tangeman, swore in Darren Wicks as the 2012-2013 President. The other officers, board members and committee chairs were sworn as well.

AMBUC NATIONAL CONVENTION, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA: JULY 11-14, 2012. Have you registered for the convention? It is within easy driving distance. Take this opportunity to meet AMBUCS from across the country.

50/50 POT WINNER: Brenda Janda-$15.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Jim Kicklighter was not present. ($15.00 next week)

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: What is the name of the incoming District Governor?

EDITOR: Paul W. Brown

GUESTS: Jason Grossardt, graduating son and guest of Don Grossardt. Our other guests will be listed in the PROGRAM section.

SGT. REPORT: Sgt. Scott and Deputy Anita limited their activities to saluting Doc and Avon for the photographs in the foyer and by collecting a buck from everyone in attendance. It saved time for the AMTRYKE presentations, but we actually finished the meeting early! (Now the Sgt. is threatening this editor with fines for suggesting it.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The club voted for the suggested slate of officers without further nominations. The officers and board members for the 2012-2013 AMBUC year are as follows: President-Darren Wicks, 1st Vice-President-Dane Power, 2nd Vice-President-Jeff Roberson, Secretary-Jim Seitnater, Treasurer-Don Grossardt, Sgt. at Arms-Scott Potucek and board members Reta Joy Campbell, Dennis Bockenstedt, Dave Suhler, Paul Brown and Brenda Janda. (Technically committee chairs are not elected so they are not shown here, but you may review last weeks newsletter for that listing.) Curtis Mitchell will be serving as Special Projects chairperson. (He is the only one that Darren did not mention the previous week!) Darren Wicks announced that installation would be at the next meeting (or some meeting after that).

PROGRAM: AMTRYKES were presented to two children. Andre Nisly, age 7, was present with his parents, April and Jon Nisly and brother, Tristan. Also present was Andres therapist, DarronVeh (Reno County Educational Cooperative) and Darrons daughter, Taylor, who is headed to KU Medical School. Even on the carpet, Andre had no difficulty in making tracks with his AMTRYKE.

Our other recipient was Sabrina Miller, age 17 months. She was present with her parents, Keith and Miriam Miller and siblings, Trevor, Elyssa, Benjamin and Jackson. Sabrinas therapist, Dayna Lange (Early Education Center), was also present.

Kari Bell, therapist, and Bonnie Samuelson, teacher, for Malachi Mekalson were present. We will try to reschedule that presentation.

50/50 POT WINNER: Duke Wiggins-$22.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Guy Gann didnt know. ($10.00 next week)

NEWLETTER QUESTION: What is the age of the youngest AMTRYKE recipient from the May 18th meeting?

EDITOR: Paul W. Brown

GUESTS: None? (Invite a friend to breakfast!)

SGT. REPORT: Officer Potucek and his sidekick, Steve-O, mostly Potucek, were not giving any tax breaks to the membership. John K. was fined for signing his name in the wrong spot (never mind it was just an X, it was in the wrong spot). David Roe dodged the 50/50 fine. Randall H. and Jim K. threw Tom Hymer under the bus for a ringing phone. The Sgt. took a break from revenue sharing to tell this joke: Q. What do a pigeon and an investment broker have in common? A. They both make deposits on BMWs! (Jack, is that you?) Bob B. was pelted with trivia from an Anheuser-Busch history book. Tables of AMBUCS were fined for beer trivia including the youngest of the 21 Busch children (Eberhard) and the year with the largest number of breweries (1910). The following subjects were used as table fines: Samuel Gompers, Kansas dirt, tubeless tires, Bob Marley and a South American scientist. What do they have in common? They separate hapless AMBUCS from their cash!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Graduates-Jim Jacobs daughter with a masters from KSU, Guy Ganns son with a doctorate from KU and Anitas granddaughter from H.S.

Thank you to those assisting with the T-shirt inventory which would have been completed by the time you receive this newsletter.

PROGRAM: 1st V.P. Darren Wicks filling in for President Curtis Mitchell announced the slate of officers and board members for election to serve in the 2012-2013 AMBUC year: President-Darren Wicks, 1st V.P.-Dane Power, 2nd V.P.-Jeff Roberson, Secretary-Jim Seitnater, Treasurer-Don Grossardt, Sgt. Committee-Scott Potucek, Board members-Reta Joy Campbell, Dennis Bockenstedt, Dave Suhler, Paul Brown and Brenda Janda. The vote will occur at the May 18th meeting.

The following AMBUCS will chair committees: Doug Foss-Community Service, Randy Hendrickson-Social, Craig Johnson-Membership, Jim Jacobs-Ice Cream Booth, Tom Hymer-Newsletter and Jeff Roberson-Program.

50/50 POT WINNER: Tim Davies-$25.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Dennis Bockenstedt answered correctly for $25.00!

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: What was the first name of the youngest Busch child?

NEXT WEEKS PROGRAM: Elections, Installations and AMTRYKES. Please come!

EDITOR: Paul W. Brown

GUESTS: Zach Hendrickson-son of Randy H. Laura Meyer-Dick, guest of the club.

SGT. REPORT: The quiet crew of Scott Potucek and Chuck Peterson deftly maneuvered into position for the removal of cash from the pockets of the membership. Uncharacteristic fines were assessed for S. Eric being early to the meeting and Duke being late. The Community Service Committee was fined for mimicking the Dead Butt Society. Doug, Ward and Curtis were fined for ridiculing the Sgt. Steve C. was fined for the lack of a sign-up sheet. Dean B. was fined for taking a call during the introductions. Jim K. was fined for being on time. Cosmosphere trivia was the new fundraiser including a question that was asked about a planet that should never be named in mixed company. The remaining trivia involved: when Rhode Island declared its independence from Britain, where was Lincoln buried and what does Cinco de Mayo celebrate. Yes, the entire membership paid.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Contact Jay Pitzer for further information on the 2012-2013 Community Concert Series.

2. Proud Dad, Randy Hendrickson, announced son, Zach, would be attending Columbia University in New York this fall.

3. BOARD MEETING-May 11, 2012, 6:15 A.M. All officers and directors are to be present (and on time).

PROGRAM: Soon to be President (but 1st Vice President currently) Darren Wicks introduced Zach Hendrickson and Laura Meyer-Dick who spoke about the upcoming bond election for U.S.D. 313. The bond issue, if passed, will address major repairs and renovations of Prairie Hills Middle School, Buhler High School and Buhler Grade School. Prosperity and Obee schools will be replaced by a new grade school on 43rd Avenue. 25% of the bond issue would be funded by the State of Kansas. Election Day is June 5, 2012. One of our greatest freedoms is to participate in government. Please vote!

50/50 POT WINNER: David Roe-$32.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Craig Johnson-No chance ($25.00 next week).

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: What percentage of the Buhler School District bond issue would be paid by the State of Kansas, if passed?

NATIONAL CONVENTION-OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA-2012: Have YOU registered?

EDITOR: Paul W. Brown

GUESTS: John Miller-guest of John Knipp. Megan Gottschalk-Hammerschmidt and Jennifer Green-guest speakers.

SGT. REPORT: Our short team of Sgts., Brad T. and Jeff B. proceeded to gather the dough from the membership. Eric was fined for being late (and was rather nervous about putting a $20 in the pot and receiving change-you can trust THESE Sgts.). President Curtis was fined for being nearby. Steve C. was fined for soliciting free legal advice; and this editor was fined for being foolish enough to give it. A blanket fine was imposed thanks to Tim D. Ward was fined for adjusting mirrors on Brads truck. Duke was fined for his 66th birthday, a day late. Fred and Dwight were fined for failing to maneuver Siemens booties over their shoes. Ward paid a voice tax. Doug paid for whining. Sgt. Brad declared that if the club thinks he fines too much, he really doesnt care! Terry B. was fined for asking, Is this the Sgts. last week? Mark T. paid for leaving early. Tom Hymer got fined for actually MAKING changes to the website. Sgt. Brad ultimately donated all of his winnings from last weeks 50/50 Pot to Living Endowment. Duke Wiggins bought a fine to announce his new granddaughter, Amaya.

PROGRAM: First Vice-President Darren Wicks introduced Megan Gottschalk-Hammerschmidt and Jennifer Green of the Hutchinson chapter of the American Red Cross as our guest speakers. Megan has been with the local chapter for seven years and directs chapter services. Those services include disaster response, communications with military members and health and safety training. Jennifer is in charge of blood services for the local chapter. There is a constant need for blood since it has a shelf life of 42 days. The Red Cross supplies 40% of the nations blood supply. Look for further information on the blood drive scheduled for June 4-6 at First United Methodist Church. Golfers may have an interest in a fundraiser scheduled for Friday, July 13, at Sand Creek Station golf course for the American Red Cross (limited to 80 golfers).

50/50 POT WINNER: Curtis Mitchell-$25.00 (which he promptly donated to the Red Cross).

NEWSLETTER QUESTION WINNER: Harley Macklin did not know ($20 next week).

NEWSLETTER QUESTION:How longis the shelf life of blood?

MAY 4, 2012 PROGRAM: Laura Meyer-Dick will present USD 313 information.

EDITOR: Poindexter Titsworth

GUESTS: (See PROGRAM below)

SGT. REPORT: Paul Brown was fined for refusing to sit with the Sgts. (He has standards!). Those sitting with him were fined for the same reason (Craig, Doyle, Randall, Mark T. and Ward). Preston and Duke were fined for being late. Don G. was fined for an unknown reason. Multiple tables were fined for not participating in Third Thursday. Tony was fined for not filling John K.s coffee cup. Jay was declared a chick magnet. Dan P. and Dane P. were fined for lack of information on the website. Tom H. will apparently keep on paying rather than update the website. President Mitchell paid because he IS the President. Don G. paid for being flush with cash (after all, he is the Treasurer). Paul Bs table was fined again. Steve C. was fined for a new house and name badge controversy. Doc Powers was recognized for his 65th Wedding Anniversary. Doc commented and with the same lady.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember Rita Joy, Christian Jacobs and Jason Lehman in your prayers.

PROGRAM: The 20-plus member Buhler High School Jazz Band performed for the club. The band includes Jason Grossardt, son of Don Grossardt, Zach Hendrickson, son of Randy Hendrickson and Garrett Wilkinson, nephew of Doyle Ehling. The jazz band, led by Director Eric Stambaugh, performed Tiger of San Pedro, Sun Gods by Earth, Wind and Fire and a Blues Brother Medlay. 99% of the band competed in the solo and ensemble district competition and is moving on to the state level. Their schedule includes 5 or 6 performances a year.

50/50 WINNER: Brad Thompson-$25.00 (will he fine himself this week?).

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Dorinda Simmons was not present ($15.00 next week).

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: How many years has Doc Powers been married?