Guests: Kristine McKeown of Solid Financial Solutions, Inc came to her second meeting and Reta Joy indicated she is ready to become a member. Dennis Bockenstedt has now attended his third meeting and will be accepted into membershiplater this morning. Dean Brigman introduced Shirley Faulkner of Prairieview, who will be our speaker this morning. Larry Sloan introduced Don Rogers, of Wells Aircraft. John Potter was back for another visit. Too bad Craig Johnson was too late to introduce him.

Sergeants Playground: Scott P and Jerry R. began by fining late arrivals. Since they all set at the same table, it made Jerrys job easy, and he collected from Mr. Bush, Mr. Kicklighter, and Mr. Seitnater. Mr. Knipp was supposed to be part of this group, but was given a get out of jail free card since he had been in a committee meeting since 6:00. However he did rat out Jeff Brewer, who is supposed to be committee co-chair, but did not chose to attend the meeting. Jeff responded that his is a consultant, not-co-chair and not expected to attend meetings. Neither sergeant cared and fined him anyway.

New Member Installation: Dennis Bockenstedt and his sponsor, Jeff Roberson, faced President Mitchell prepared for the swearing in ceremony, while Past President Bush had to interrupt to ask the members to stand. The rest of the installation went as planned and Dennis is our newest member. Take time to get to know him.

Program: Dean Brigman introduced Shirley Faulkner, Director of EAP & Substance Abuse Programs for Prairie View in Hutchinson. After enjoying breakfast with her, this editor came to the conclusion that she just needs to say no to more involvements. Seriously, Dean asked to tell about herself, and all her involvements in this community. She has been with Prairie View for over 10 years, and has done about everything that can be done with her training. She and Georgia Premer started the Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in Hutchinson. She helped establish the Employee Assistance Program in Hutchinson and is currently active in the Youth Friends program at USD 309, considered one of the most successful of its kind in the state. You can learn more about Shirley by googling her or going to www.prairieview.org.

Drawings: The 50/50 pot of $26 went to Paul Brown. The Newsletter question went unanswered since Curtis M. obviously did not read his newsletter.

Next weeks question for $30 is When and where is this years AMBUC National Convention? If you dont know, go to www.ambucs.org/ and look around.

Next weeks program will Peter Miller from the Hutchinson Airport.

Guests: Kristen McKeown of Solid Financial Solutions, Inc. and Debbie George of Luxury & Import Motors, both guests of Reta Joy Campbell; Mike Strickland of Collins Bus, guest of Tim Davies and our speaker for today; and Dennis Bockenstedt, guest of Jeff Roberson, with check in hand. He will be joining at our next meeting.

Sergeants Playground: Scott P and Jerry R combined to levy fines on many unsuspecting members. Tim Davies was fined for arriving after his guest. Chuck P was fined for his diving trip to the Cayman Islands (10 days in paradise for just $1). Steve Conard received a speeding ticket for trying to outrun last weeks storm. At this point Jerry R took over and celebrated Flag Day earlier this week by asking questions pertaining to our flag and its history. Answers were provided by a group of 4th graders, according to Jerry. Many of us flunked, resulting in fines.

Announcements: Curtis pointed to a small pile of t-shirts left over from the recent track meet. They are free for the taking, so top by the table on your way out and pick up a slightly unsellable shirt. Dont forget the Ice Cream Booth Committee this Friday (the 24th) at 6:15AM.

Program: Mike Strickland is the Environmental, Health, & Safety Manager for Collins Bus. He has been with the company for less than three years. He was hired because of his experience in this area, and his task was to make Collins a more efficient and effect user of materials and processes. We he arrived in 2008, there was no specific program for processing waste materials. In fact, figures indicated that the company was taking 648 lbs of waste to the landfill for each bus sold. Since that time, Mike and his staff have instituted a major recycling program involving pallets and cardboard, resulting in a savings of $14,000 in landfill charges and generating $8.500 from cardboard taken to Stutzmans. They have begun working with suppliers, encouraging them to ship in packaging that is returnable. If you or your company would like more information, contact Mike at mike.strickland@collinsbus.com or 662-9000 (Ext 420).

Drawings: The 50/50 pot of $22 went to Jerry Regier, who did not share it with Collins or Tim D. The Newsletter question went unanswered since John Knipp left the meeting too early

Next weeks question for $25 is How much did Steve Conards speeding ticket cost him? If you dont know, try calling him at 662-7220. I sure he and Nancy will appreciate the extra attention.

Dean Brigman is hostingnext weeks program, featuring Shirley Faulkner of Prairieview.

Guests: Donna Pitzer, wife and chauffer of Jay Pitzer. Devin Gagnebin, guest of Dan Power and our program for today.

Sergeants Corner Scott P. started off by fining those who were late. Both Dennis R and Curtis M paid for being tardy. Stan Mcgirvin apparently has a problem with his greens, bidding on a Weedeater instead of the Deere he expected. Fred C paid for his comment about Board meetings in general. Jim Jacobs paid to announce his sons marriage. Scott concluded with a pin check.

Announcements: President Mitchell reported on this mornings Board Meeting. The Community Service committee recommended continuing our support for Disability Mentoring Day in the amount of $250. The board agreed, and Treasurer Don G was instructed to disburse the funds. Preston C, Committee Chair, reported that the group discussed the Al Strecker Trust Fund. It was recommended that the club should close out this fund by using the funds to purchase a Veterans Amtryke and earmarking any remaining funds for future amtrykes. The Board agreed, however funds for the Veterans Amtryke will not be disbursed until Jerry R completed his negotiations with the Veterans group in Wichita. Committee Chair Jim Jacobs announced an Ice Cream Committee for 6:15Am on June 24th.

Program: Dan Power introduced Devin Gagnebin, a local young who has been appointed to the United States Naval Academy. Devins mother has worked with Dan for years, and he has watched him grow up. Devin played football at both Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College. He was encouraged to pursue appointment to the Naval Academy by classmates Ross Lovett and Robby Fee, who have been at the Air Force Academy and West Point respectively. His favorite pastime is scuba diving and plans to enroll in the Naval Special Forces program (the Navy Seals). He will not try out for the football program at the academy, but has bee accepted as a part of the rowing team. Devin and his parents will leave for Annapolis later this week. We thank Devin for sharing with us and wish him the best of luck.

Drawings: Dan Power won the 50/50 pot and passed it on to Devin to help with expenses. Stephanie Guthries name was drawn for the Newsletter question, but she was not in attendance.

Newsletter Question for next week: For $20, what position did Devin Gagnebin play for the HHS football team?

GUESTS: Dennis Bockenstedt, guest of Jeff Roberson (second consecutive week). Colby Davis, son of Ward. Mark Blackim, our program for today.

SGT. CORNER:

Its a new AMBUC year and a new herd of SGTs. This week featured Jerry R and Scott P. Scott led off by fining Jeff B for not updating the advertising on one of Luminouss billboards. Something about still having a Budweiser winter scene on display in June. Jeff complained about weak fines, paid his $1, then explained that Mr. Bud (Bob Bush) had not supplied new art for the sign. As usual, Mr. Bud didnt care. Moving on, Scott fined Ryan T for not using his turn signals while hauling the T-shirt equipment back to the warehouse. Tim Davies paid for a reported wild weekend in Oklahoma. Tim and Eric S were both fined for being late.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Jay Pitzer underwent knee replacement surgery last week. Everything went good, but keep Jay and Donna in your thoughts and prayers.

Darren W announced a t-shirt inventory for Sat, June 11th. Meet at Monte Ms facility at 7:00AM to help complete this process so we can turn final figures into the NJCAA. Thanks to all who participated in this important fund-raising project.

President Curtis M reminded his team of the Board Meeting Friday June 10th at 6:15AM at the Town Club.

PROGRAM:

Mark Blackim is the President of the Hutchinson Monarchs, a local college-age baseball team that competes in the Walter Johnson League. They play their home games at Hobart Detter Field in Carey Park. Mark is quick to indicate that his team has the best field in the league and certainly has the largest, most enthusiastic attendance. Over 800 people attended the Opening Day game. Mark and his wife, Kim, have rebuilt the Monarchs into a league contender, while programming activities around youth baseball and family entertainment. To learn about the Monarchs and their players, google Hutchinson Monarchs.

DRAWINGS:

The 50/50 pot amounted to $32 and went to Jerry Regier.

The Newsletter Prize stood at $35 and Tim Davies new both the question and answer.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION for this week:

For $15 How many Monarch Jr youth teams are sponsored for this summer? If need help, go to the website noted above.

PROGRAM FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 12TH:

Dan Power will introduce Devin Ganiven, who is a student at HCC and has been accepted to attend West Point.

LAST Meeting: May 27, 2011. Editor: Paul W. Brown

GUESTS: District Governor Vicki Tangeman, guest of the club. Dennis and Julie Bockenstedt, guests of Jeff Roberson. Colby Davis, son of Ward Davis. Teresa Archer, guest of Reta Joy Campbell.

SGT. REPORT: A full platoon of Sgts. descended upon the club without warning (Jerry, Dennis, Larry and Brenda). Same old story, they want cash! Darren W. was fined for being late. Steve H. and Larry S. paid birthday fines. Darren W. was fined for not having a program and for spilling the water in the vase at his table. Jeff R. amended his ways and was fined for being ON time. Randy H. paid for winning the 50/50 Pot last week. Rick M. still could not memorize the membership oath, but yours truly was fined instead at the urging of Brother Bush. Members present with double letters in their names were fined. AMBUCS without their pins were assessed. Darren Wicks bought a fine to brag about his new grandson, Jack Michael, 8 lbs. 2 oz., 20 inches long.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

District Governor Report: National Big Hat raffle tickets are available for $25.00. The grand prize is valued at $4500.00. The AMBUC National Convention is fast approaching on July 20-23 in Memphis, Tenn. The next District Board Meeting will be in Salina on the 2nd Sunday in August. Regional Convention will be in Oklahoma City, OK from Oct. 14-16.

Outgoing Presidents Report: President Rick Mitchell thanked the club for a successful year. The club provided 4 AMTRYKES and an IPAD to help with special needs. Rick specifically thanked all the AMBUCS who helped with the T-Shirt Booth at the NJCAA National Track Meet. Thanks to everyone who work to make the lives of others better!

NEW OFFICERS INSTALLED: Curtis Mitchell, President. Darren Wicks, 1st Vice- President. Dane Power, 2nd Vice-President. Jim Seitnater, Secretary. Don Grossardt, Treasurer. Scott Potucek, Sgt. at Arms. Directors: Reta Joy Campbell, Jeff Roberson and Gerry Dalton.

PROGRAM: Jerry Regier spoke about the 2011 Hutchinson Rod Run. The Rod Run includes the display of hundreds of cars, a golf tournament, a street dance and an auto auction. Full details are available at http://www.hutchrodrun.com/.

50/50 Pot Winner: Tom Hymer-$30.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Kathleen Tolbert not present ($35.00-next week).

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: What are the dates of the 2011 Rod Run? Go to http://www.hutchrodrun.com/ for the answer.

JUNE 3, 2011 PROGRAM: Marc Blackim, owner of the Hutchinson Monarchs baseball team.

LAST MEETING: May 20, 2011.

Editor: Paul W. Brown

GUESTS: Judge Joe McCarville, a guest of the club. Harley Macklin, guest of Dean Brigman. Andy Fry, guest of Doug Foss.

SGT. REPORT: Sgts. Larry and Dennis started by making sure Steve H. did not escape before paying a fine for a traffic offense. Jeff R. paid for being late (again). Doc P. was late, but his fine was paid by John K. for a rain delay. Dane P. was fined for a wandering eye (or two) at the NJCAA track meet. The final slots were filled for the T-shirt booth. Dean and Doug paid for their new members about to be sworn in.

NEW MEMBERS: Please welcome Harley Macklin and Andy Fry as new members of the club. They were sworn in by President Rick Mitchell who read the oath after being President for over 11 months. (Lets see, yours truly was President in 1991-92 and I think the oath goes like this: I do solemnly pledge myself, to strive in every way, to be a loyal and faithful member of the Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS, and to discharge my responsibilities, as a member, to the best of my ability-slight variations over the years, but this is pretty much it).

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

COMMITTEE PREFERENCE SHEET: If you want to have some control over your committee assignment, then it would be appropriate to complete the committee preference sheet being circulated by Curtis Mitchell. We have many places of service; let Curtis know your favorite.

NEW SLATE OF OFFICERS: District Governor Vicki Tangeman will be present at the May 27th meeting to administer the oath of office to the 2011-12 incoming officers. This probably goes without saying, but since this editor has experience in dealing with AMBUCS, ALL incoming officers and board members for 2011-12 need to be PRESENT.

PROGRAM: Program Chairperson Darren Wicks introduced the Honorable Joseph McCarville as our guest speaker. Judge McCarville has implemented a drug court, a form of intensive supervision, as a means of addressing serious drug offenders. Participants are six times as likely to complete treatment as those outside of drug court. Appearances are required every two weeks in court; and drug tests are administered three times per week. Currently, the program has seven individuals.

50/50 Pot Winner: $37.00- Randy Hendrickson.

Newsletter Drawing: Jeff Roberson did not know. ($30.00 next week!)

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: Name our two newest members (first and last names).

LAST MEETING: May 13, 2011 (Lucky AMBUCS Day!)

Editor: Paul W. Brown

GUESTS: Harlan Priddle, guest of Anita Warren. Harley Macklin, guest of the Brigman brothers. Andy Fry, State Farm Insurance, guest of Doug Foss and Doyle Ehling.

SGT. REPORT: Larry, Jerry and Brenda (The Gang of Three) descended upon the membership for unlimited profiteering. Jeff R. was fined for being late. Scott P. was fined for being late to the Board meeting. Reta was fined for being a month early to the Board meeting. Yours truly was fined for an error on a name in last weeks newsletter. Darren Wicks paid for his kiddie picture and 50th birthday. Dan Power paid for his kiddie picture and his 60th birthday.

TUIT REPORT: Scott Potucek fined the following for not asking-Doc P., Larry S., Jim S., Ward D., Tim D. (his brother didnt ask) and Brad T. Then the TUIT was given to the Sgts. who claimed that they had a new program to replace the aging TUIT (Oh what joy!).

SGTS. REVISITED: Sgt. Brenda decided the month of May was Visibility Time for AMBUCS (Its February, but, oh well). These AMBUCS were fined for advertising and not mentioning AMBUCS: the Thompsons, Reta Joy at Tyson, Doyle, Dane, Mark T. and (Brenda said this was a stretch) KUTTERS was close to CRUPPERS; and fined Stan (Marvin) MacGirvin (this will take some time to heal).

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

NJCAA TRACK MEET: Contact Curtis Mitchell immediately to volunteer at the T-shirt booth at the track meet May 19-21 (this week!). Open slots still need to be filled before our next meeting. (Come on AMBUCS, call and take one slot!)

COMMITTEE PREFERENCES: Commit or suffer the consequences! Contact Curtis M.

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS INSTALLATION: May 27th, 2011.

PROGRAM: Jim Kicklighter, proud AMBUC and Hutchinson plant manager for Sonoco, was our program. The original paper mill was established in 1908 and has survived multiple corporate transformations. Single stream loose paper is repulped by 97.5% water and 2.5% fiber into products such as biscuit board, chewing tobacco containers, paper plates and salt container board. $50 million in annual sales impacts the local community in employee salaries, taxes paid and reduction of landfill consumption.

50/50 WINNER: $29.00-Ryan Thompson.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Jim Kicklighter did not know. ($25.00-next week!)

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: What % of water goes into biscuit board?

LAST MEETING: May 6, 2011

EDITOR: Paul W. Brown

GUESTS: Jon Potter, Kincaid Manufacturing, a guest of Craig Johnson. Don Rogers and Holly Rogers, Stutzman Refuse Disposal, guests of the club.

SGT. REPORT: Scott P., Jerry R., and Larry S. combined to form a Sgt. posse against the membership. Rick M. was fined for arriving after the program. S. Eric was fined for being late (a given). Brad Thompson was fined for retiring the TUIT; and supposedly a memorial fund was being established for the TUIT. Then Scott P. tried to fine yours truly to contribute to the TUIT memorial fund, but it did not turn out as planned. The real TUIT was produced and deposited in the shirt pocket of Sgt. Potucek. Look out for TUIT revisited! The Sgts. then auctioned 4 tickets to Main Street Hops that were purchased by Brad T. for $200.00. The Sgts. concluded by fining all the AMBUCS for not advertising their business or AMBUCS on their shirts.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Board Meeting: May 13, 2011 at 6:15 A.M.-Hutchinson Town Club.

2. Curtis Mitchell has e-mailed the sign-up sheet for the NJCAA National Track Meet. Respond to Curtis by e-mail or sign-up in person at the next meeting. One shift per member will more than fill the schedule!

3. Curtis M. is also circulating a committee preference sheet for the membership to select their favorite area or areas of service. If you do not provide input, do not complain about your committee assignment!

PROGRAM: Rick Mitchell, introduced our program, Don Rogers and Holly Rogers of Stutzman Refuse Disposal. The company, recently acquired by Waste Connections, Inc., operates the largest and only single stream recycling facility in Reno County. 105 tons a day are recycled at the facility located in South Hutchinson. Recycled materials from SRD are utilized by Sonoco, Johns-Manville and Anheuser-Busch InBev. Participation by Reno County residents in the recycling program reduces landfill requirements and benefits the environment.

50/50 WINNER: President Rick Mitchell-$21.00. (He held the bucket while one of our guests selected his ticket. Yes, he will pay.)

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: What company acquired Stutzman Refuse Disposal? ($20.00, if you know.)

NEXT MEETING: May 13, 2011-Lucky AMBUCS Day! Program TBA.

LAST MEETING: April 29, 2011

GUEST EDITOR: Poindexter Titsworth

GUESTS: Andy Fry, State Farm Agent, guest of Doug. Krista, wife of Jim.

BIG HATS SGT. REPORT: Brad Thompson said that if every AMBUC would put in a dollar within the next two minutes, Jeff Brewer would match it. The AMBUCS quickly responded; and then, the Grinchs heart grew three times that day (Wait! Wrong story!). Then, Brad Thompson matched all the fines. So much for fines. Now, we proceed down Memory Lane for the origins of select AMBUCS. The idea being, lets remember why we enjoy it so much and invite others to join us. It also would not hurt to bring potential members from the younger generations and consider sponsoring and mentoring them!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

T-SHIRT BOOTH: Curtis Mitchell has e-mailed the sign-up sheet to the membership for the T-Shirt Booth at the 2011 NJCAA National Track Meet. May 19-21 are the dates of the meet. Please volunteer immediately and save Curtis some time and stress!

OFFICERS 2011-12: The slate of officers for 2011-12 was approved by acclamation (or mass relief) by the club membership. New officers are: (see last weeks newsletter and practice using our websites newsletter archive function).

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Thanks to Reta Joy and her committee for 120 letters sent to prospective members. Andy Fry was present as a result of one of those letters. Help our club and the membership committee by personally bringing a guest to breakfast!

PROGRAM: Don Grossardt introduced the Buhler High School Jazz Band. The band includes Dons son, Jason, and Randy Hendricksons son, Zach. Director Eric Stambaugh led the band in tunes from Ides of March, David Sanborn and Earth, Wind and Fire. The band won the Grand Champion Jazz Band Award at the Winter Park Music Festival. If you are looking for great entertainment for a 30 minute or so program contact the groups director. (We definitely want them back to our club!)

50/50 Pot Winner: Randy Hendrickson-$25.00.

Newsletter drawing: Tim Davies not present. No Winner.

Newsletter question: Due to the lateness of the guest editor, no question this week.

PROGRAM: Even as late as this newsletter is, we still dont know the program!

LAST MEETING: April 22, 2011

EDITOR: Paul W. Brown

GUESTS: Colby Davis, guest of dad, Ward. Bobby Gann, guest of husband, Guy. Christine Pechstein, guest speaker.

SGT. REPORT: Sgts. Brenda and Jerry were in search of a few easy fines. Steve H. paid an early withdrawal tax. Reta Joy paid for winning last weeks 50/50 pot. Darren W. arrived after his speaker. Stan M. was fined for claiming his wife doesnt know how much money is in his wallet. Then the Sgts. fined entire tables for guessing slogans on sides of business vehicles. Example, electricians truck: Let us remove your shorts! There was more of the same, but even this newsletter has standards.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

SLATE OF OFFICERS: Curtis Mitchell-President, Darren Wicks-1st Vice-President, Dane Power-2nd Vice-President, Jim Seitnater-Secretary, Don Grossardt-Treasurer, Scott Potucek-Sgt. at Arms, Reta Joy Campbell-Board Member, Jeff Roberson-Board Member and Gerry Dalton-Board Member. Elections will be on April 29, 2011.

EARLY MEETING ON APRIL 29-6:40 A.M.! EARLY MEETING ON APRIL 29-6:40 A.M.! The program for this meeting is the Buhler Jazz Band. They will begin at 6:40 A.M. with their music. We will eat after the program. Dont worry, coffee will be ready in advance so the AMBUCS are fully alert. And yes, you will be LATE, if you are not present by 6:40 A.M. (The Sgts. will be waiting for you like crocodiles anticipating migrating wildebeests.)

PROGRAM: Darren Wicks, Program Chair introduced Christine Pechstein, a Life Management and Leadership Development Trainer. Her topics included: prioritizing our time and resources, learning to say no, focusing to avoid chaos and maintaining checks and balances. More information is available at her website, http://www.moveintoaction.com/, or contact Christine at Move Into Action at Wiley Plaza.

50/50 Pot Winner: Brenda Janda-$23.00 (30-year veteran of Good Sams!)

NEWSLETTER QUESTION WINNER: None. Lee Gleason was not present. ($15.00 next week)

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: Stand up in front of the club membership and spell: PECHSTEIN.

NEXT MEETING: Have we mentioned 6:40 A.M.? April 29? And perhaps, Big Hatters?