DSCN0529It 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.

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. 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, 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 images, visit our facebook page.

 

The Gettysburg Optimist Club will meet Friday, March 18 at 6:00PM at the Gettysburg Fire Hall. This meeting will be in conjunction with preparing for the annual Optimist Club Oyster Feed. We need lots of help, so please plan to attend!  Please bring a dessert

The annual Gettysburg Optimist Club Oyster and Shrimp feed will be held Saturday, March 19 12-3 at the Gettysburg Fire Hall.

Club members are asked to arrive at 9 am in order to help set up.

East coast supplies of shrimp and oysters will soon diminish as the time for Gettysburg’s most anticipated feast approaches.

The Annual Gettysburg Optimist Oyster and Shrimp Feed has been scheduled for this Saturday, March 19, 2016 between noon and 3 pm. This year the popular event is at the Gettysburg Fire Hall located at 35 North Stratton Street, in Gettysburg.

The annual All U Can Eat Oyster & Shrimp Feed includes oysters (raw, steamed, stewed, and fried), steamed shrimp, ham, steak fries, beverages, and desserts for a donation of $35 per person!

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg invites the local community to join us for the afternoon. Although we come from all walks of life, Optimist Club Members share in the goal to make a difference in the lives of others, especially youth in our region.  The Optimist Oyster & Shrimp Feed is one of several fund raising projects the local club conducts in order to support more than 19 youth related programs throughout the Gettysburg area. “The Oyster & Shrimp Feed is an opportunity for the community to gather and support the youth in our community.  We have been hosting the Oyster & Shrimp Feed for over thirty-five years, allowing our organization to further the Optimist’s mission of Bringing out the best in Kids” said Wayne Hill, Oyster & Shrimp Feed Chair, of the Optimist Club of Gettysburg.  Fundraisers such as this one are essential to putting all of our plans into action,”  Wayne continued.  “With this fundraiser, we hope to be able to bring more projects to the children of the community who need it most.”

This is your opportunity to join the “Friends of Youth” in supporting programs including; Optimist Youth Basketball, Youth Appreciation, Respect for Law, Reading is Fundamental, S.T.A.R.S., GHS Outdoor Education, Gettysburg Community Theater (GCT), Holiday Family Outreach, GHS Musical Ensemble, Dollars for Scholars, Food Kitchen Meals and More, GHS Football, The Gettysburg Arts Council and more.  We need the support of the Gettysburg community to continue a fifty-six year tradition of providing these programs to our local youth! Member preparation will begin Friday, March 18 at 6:00 pm. Member tickets are available from Stacey or Wayne.

For questions or to purchase tickets for the 2016 Oyster & Shrimp Feed, please contact the club.  Tickets are limited.  So order yours today!

The Gettysburg Optimist Club met Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at 6:00pm in the Refectory. Vice-President Darlene Brown opened the meeting with an Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. This was followed by an excellent dinner prepared by Stacey Green and staff.

Kris Accardi introduced our guests for the evening representing the Optimist Basketball Program. They shared stories about the program and extended appreciation to everyone involved, contributing to its great success.

Treasurer’s Report – Tom Barako reported: General Fund $2537.85  Activity Fund  $8955.56.

Vice-President Darlene introduced our speaker for the evening: Duane Kanagy, Manager of Communications/Community Services for Adams Electric Cooperative.  Duane presented general information about the Cooperative. He said that cooperatives are organized for the benefit of their members, not single owners or stockholders. The first known cooperative in the US  was formed by Benjamin Franklin in 1752. There are now 13 electric cooperatives in Pennsylvania, providing affordable, reliable electric service to about 4% of the state’s residents in 41 counties. Duane finished by offering some tips about how to save money on electric usage and taking questions from members.

Oyster Feed: Daryl reported that everything is set for the Feed on Saturday,March 19, 12-3,at Gettysburg Fire House.

Golf Tourney – May 19  Frank reported that everything is proceeding well in preparation for the Tourney. He said that
CRS has donated $500 and the Blue and Gray Tavern has given a verbal commitment. Union Cigar will be setting up a tent and there will be several door prizes.

Comments: Marci Cropp reported that the Club Directory is about ready. If you have any last-minute suggestions, please send them to her.

Recognition: The Gettysburg YWCA will be presenting Stacey Green with the Callie Award on March 31. These are given to “Outstanding Adams County Women”. Her category is business. Congratulations Stacey !

OYSTER FEED  ————–    The next Optimist Club Meeting will be on March 18,6:00pm,at Gettysburg Fire House.
This will also be preparation night for the Oyster Feed on March 19. Food and beverages will be provided.
On Saturday March 19 all members please report at 9:00am to help.  Thank you!

Vice President Darlene ended the meeting at 8:22pm.

Submitted by Fred Darling

It’s been a great season so let’s finish with a strong turnout! Come out and enjoy one final Optimist Basketball practice at the Gettysburg Middle School gym.