It all came together several decades ago, a feed just for oyster lovers and a project to raise funds in support of the Optimist Club of Gettysburg’s Youth Programs.  Truly an odd pairing to say the least, but it clicked in the hearts, minds and pallets of members, community leaders and citizens of Gettysburg who every year since continue to gather together not only for their appreciation for the slippery shell-fish but, more importantly, come together in their desire to make a difference in the lives of area youth.  This year the popular Oyster Feed grew to include a new addition to the menu, steamed shrimp, and the community responded with a record turn out and what is sure to become a record fund-raiser.

In addition to the new menu a new venue, the 1863 Inn of Gettysburg, welcomed more than he 236 diners from as far away as Scranton, Lancaster and York with more space and a brighter more sparkling environment.  It created some new and different challenges for the Oyster and Shrimp Team but in the end it was a successful afternoon of good food, great fun and lively social interaction between family and friends.  But even though it may look easy, it is not.  Bringing it off so successfully just didn’t happen, it happened because of the hard work, dedication and commitment of many talented individuals, each focused on achieving a quality experience for all those generous people who showed up in support of the Clubs goals and objectives.

Terrific performing teams come together behind inspiring leadership and the Club followed Wayne Hill and Stacey Green, who for yet another year, pulled out all the stops to organize and lead the Optimist Team through the process of ticket sales, food purchases, site acquisition, cooking and cleaning.  For Wayne, Project Chair since its inception,(“shucking” has become part of his DNA)  he has once again retained the crown as “Oyster King” and Stacy, of Biggerstaff’s Catering, mastered the difficult challenge of teaching the members some reasonable culinary skills.

As members we collectively offer our sincerest appreciation for the attendees, contributors, volunteers  and supporters of the Optimist Club of Gettysburg.   Your continued and overwhelming support provides us the ability to reach out to the youth of our community through more than 19 Youth related programs each year.  We thank you for your kind efforts and invite you to become a member and join with us in making a difference.

For more photos of the event, visit our Facebook page.

The Annual Gettysburg Optimist Oyster and Shrimp Feed is upon us.  As in the past, members will be asked to roll up their sleeves, slip on their gloves, man their favorite tool and prepare to shuck, pad, steam and fry.  This is a last call for members to tune-in and turn out and prepare for the onslaught of hungry oyster and shrimp eaters that will be charging the buffet line this Saturday, March 9, beginning at noon.

As is always the case, effectively meeting the challenge depends most upon our preparation, so all members are encouraged to show up on Friday evening at 6:30 pm for the 2013 annual oyster pad-off.  Project leaders Wayne Hill and Stacey Green will be providing the inspiration and an adequate supply of bandages for eager participants.  Saturday’s preparation will begin at 10:00 am and the feeding frenzy will commence at Noon and run through 4:00 pm.  We have experienced an increase in ticket sales this year and expect to be busy during the length of the event.

Please bring a desert!  Spouses, kids, grand kids, significant others, friends and volunteers are invited to help out.

If you have not yet heard, this years Event is being held at the 1863 Inn (the old Holiday Inn) located on Baltimore Street, at the intersection with Steinwehr Avenue, in Gettysburg.  A prize will be awarded to any member who shows up at the Gettysburg Fire Hall appearing confused, as to why they don’t recognize anyone, and thinking that they may have the wrong date for the event.  Winners will have to be present and admit to their mistake in front of all their fellow members in order to receive their prize.

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg Membership Meeting scheduled for this evening has been cancelled due to inclement weather.  The next regular membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:30 pm.  Stay tuned for updates as to the location.

Matt Sheads began his association with the Optimist Club of Gettysburg in 2004 and soon after became the Chairman of the Optimist of Gettysburg Youth Basketball Program.  Each year since, accompanied by Optimist members, parents and interested volunteers, the program has flourished and provided hundreds of Gettysburg area boys and girls the opportunity to learn and play basketball.  We appreciate Matt’s continued leadership and his generous, ongoing effort to “Bringing Out The Best In Kids.”

This Saturday, March 2, the program will continue.  The schedule is as follows: