Today’s Meeting: Jim Gregory
Future Speakers:
March 13th – Shannon Chille – Home Nursing’s Healing Patch
March 20th – Marty Culp – Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Corporation
March 27th – Sarah Garber – Clay Cup
Whacha’ May Have Missed Last Week:
…..Last week our speaker was Kate Shaffer – Executive Director of the Blair 
County Arts Foundation. Kate stated that the Foundation was created 65 years ago as a clearing house for the arts. In 1965, to keep the Mishler Theatre from being razed, the Blair County Arts Foundation (BCAF) and the Altoona Community Theatre (ACT) purchased the theatre for $47,000. Following extensive renovations to the interior of the building, the theatre was again the centerpiece of the arts in the community. Kate stated that the last step in the interior renovation of the Mishler is the replacement of the seats and carpeting. A campaign to raise the $300k for this work is underway with the catchy campaign slogan of “Funds for Buns”. Future plans include about a 1 million dollar renovation project for the exterior of the theatre. In addition to the administration of the Mishler, the BCAF organizes the annual Blair County Arts Festival, scheduled for May 19th and 20th at Penn State Altoona. Kate joked that you can predict rain for that weekend due to the recent history of the event, but you can also expect a great time of crafts, food, and entertainment for which the event is known. Kate concluded by promoting the March 10th show of The New York Tenors.
Guests of the Day:
There were no guests…..however Paul Dick recognized Jack McDougal at his table as Jack is now working back in Altoona after a stint with Reliance in State College. Welcome back Jack!
News of the Week:
…..Vice-President Kristan conducted the meeting and reminded everyone that spring was only 22 days away. She also noted that President Rachael had written an exceleent article for the Altoona Mirror regarding AMBUCS and our Amtryke program. Kudos to Rachael for a great job.
…..The board met last Wednesday and the highlights from the meeting included:
- The club regretfully accepted the resignation of Diane Carnell.
- Another hoagie sale is being planned, possibly using Powerhouse Subs this time.
- The board is concerned with the recent drops in membership and a number of board members will be getting together soon to discuss a membership drive strategy.
…..It’s probably not to soon to be thinking about our annual Blood Screening set for Saturday May 5th at the Park Hills Golf Club. This event is a very important fundraiser for the club as well as a service to our community. Volunteers are always 
needed that morning from 5:30 to 10:00 AM. A signup sheet will be distributed closer to the event. This year’s cost for the basic screening will be $55. This fundraiser typically nets the club around $12,000 so it’s a big part of our Amtryke budget. Also remember to sign up yourself for a screening and help advertise the event by placing brochures and posters in your office and any other locations where people would see them.
…..Last Sunday, Dave Aikens, Paul Dick, Ed Farabaugh, and John Lloyd assembled three Amtrykes. Amtryke coordinator, Michele Lloyd, will be making arrangements with the therapists and families to deliver the trykes in the near future.
…..March Birthdays and Club Anniversaries include:
Birthdays: Kathy Storm – March 26th
Scott Schraff – March 26th
Club Anniversaries: Kristan Zolnoski – 2015
Bruce Brower & Mark Ford – 2014
Kathy Storm – 2003
John Lloyd – 1978 – 40 Years!
…..Last week the raffle ticket of Mark Ford was again chosen by our guest speaker. 
Even though Mark is getting plenty of chances to pull one of those Jokers…..he’s not getting any better at finding one of them; as he chose the 8 of Diamonds. So that means that this week, you can have the chance to take home a pot of around $485 by picking a Joker out of the remaining 28 cards. Hey, the remaining cards are getting fewer….someone’s going to win some nice cash soon!
In Closing: 