The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the Gettysburg Lutheran Valentine Hall. A delicious barbeque chicken dinner was prepared by Biggerstaff’s Catering.

President Dan Mattern welcomed the members and guests. Dan opened the meeting with the invocation and pledge of allegiance. A Dinner was served.

Business Meeting:

  1. Dan introduced our surprise speaker Vice President Brian Skidmore. Brian told the club he was a Michigan native. As a young boy his family had traveled to Gettysburg on vacation and he thought this would be a great place to work and live. He majored in history and ended up being hired by the National Park Service in the Ground Maintenance Department. With this employment, Brian is responsible for fighting 1st structure fires. He also has more recently been involved in fighting the western wild forest fires in states such as Idaho and Montana. When deployed to these regions he is situated in the bush for 12 days at a time with the bare necessities for surviving and the tools used to fight wild fires.

Brian has also pulled hurricane detail in Cumberland Island, Georgia after massive storm destruction.

Thank you Brian for sharing your young career experience with the club.

  1. The main order of business was the approval of the minutes from the 10-04 meeting and the treasures report.
  2. President Dan discussed the Christmas Salvation Army Bell ringing and a date of 12-21 was approved by members in attendance. If you are interested in being involved in this project email or call Dan for the availability of open times.
  3. Our 2017-2018 year meeting and event schedule has been formed and will be included as an attachment with the minutes.
  4. The meeting was concluded by reciting the Optimist Creed.

Upcoming Dates:

  • 11/01/17 Next meeting, 6:00 pm Social, 6:30 PM Dinner @ Gettysburg Seminary Refectory
  • 1st Quarter Zone Meeting 11/06 @ 6PM Meadow Hill Restaurant in York
  • Salvation Army Bell Ringing 12/21/17
  • Optimist Christmas Dinner @ Gettysburg Seminary Refectory 12/13/17
  • Christmas Magic Show 12/08/17 @ Lincoln Elementary
  • Optimist Basketball signups 12/02 & 12/09 @ Middle School 9AM-11AM
  • 3/24/18 Oyster/Shrimp Fundraiser @ Gettysburg Fire Hall
  • 5/17/18 Golf Tournament Fundraiser @ The Links at Gettysburg

Respectfully Submitted,

Daryl Aurand, Secretary

We have a meeting this Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Valentine Hall Room 206 at 6PM. The President has scheduled a “Surprise Speaker” and this is the only information he would reveal ??

You will be assured of a great meal provided by Stacey and staff, an enjoyable evening of fellowship with “OPTIMISTIC PEOPLE” and a surprise speaker.

Daryl Aurand / Secretary

Optimist Club of Gettysburg Meeting Minutes October 4, 2017

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary Refectory. A delicious chicken and pork dinner was prepared by Biggerstaff’s Catering.

Past President Daryl Aurand welcomed the members and guests and recognized member, Stacey Green, and her staff for their wonderful catering service and delicious food. A picture of new officers and Board of Directors for 2017-2018 was taken by the Gettysburg Times. Dinner was served.

Business Meeting:

  1. Daryl Aurand and Wayne Hill opened the mtg with the announcement of the passing of a wonderful member, past president, and friend, Bill Sentz.
  2. Daryl reviewed the past year and thanked the 2016-2017 officers: Wayne, Fred, and Tom; Board of Directors: Bruce, Bill, Walt, and Sam; as well all members for their support.
  3. Bruce Bradshaw presented the treasured Gettysburg Optimist Annual Pictorial Award to Wayne for all his work and planning of the Gettysburg Optimist Oyster Feed fundraiser. Bruce stated that he hoped the artwork would be displayed in a place of honor.
  4. The main order of business was the installation of new officers and Board of Directors for 2017-2018 by Wayne: (Officers) President-Dan Mattern, Vice President-Brian Skidmore, Secretary-Daryl Aurand, and Treasurer-Tom Barako, (Board of Directors) Bill Pyron, Mindy Accardi, and Doug Miller.
  5. President Dan Mattern addressed the membership stating that one of the club’s goals for 2017-2018 is to increase membership by 5. Dan also extended a get well wish of quick recovery to Marci Cropp via her dad, Mark. A planter from the club members was given to Marci when she returned home from the hospital.
  6. Tom Barako led the recitation of Optimist Creed to close the mtg.

Upcoming Dates:

  • 10/18/17 Next mtg, 6:00 pm Social, 6:30 PM Dinner @ Gettysburg Seminary Refectory
  • Salvation Army Bell Ringing to be announced.
  • 12/13/17 Optimist Christmas Dinner @ Gettysburg Seminary Refectory
  • Optimist Basketball to be announced.
  • 3/24/18 Oyster/Shrimp Fundraiser @ Gettysburg Fire Hall
  • 5/17/18 Golf Tournament Fundraiser @ The Links at Gettysburg

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl, Secretary