Archive for category: Uncategorized

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 6 PM at the Lake Heritage Pavilion, Gettysburg. We had 14 members and 1 guest in attendance. Sam used his culinary skills and provided a delicious pulled pork and coleslaw main course. Fresh apple pie was served for our desert.

Joe offered our invocation.

 

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.
2. Treasure’s report
3. President’s Report: Wayne introduced our guest Connie Sohnleitner, Governor Elect (Atlantic Central District). Connie spoke first about the need for a Lt Governor for our Zone 7 and if anyone is interested reach out to her ASAP. Zone 7 clubs are Elizabethtown, Gettysburg, Lancaster, and York.
   Also mark your calendar for August 16 for the Atlantic Central District Conference to be held in Gettysburg at the Hilton Garden Inn Gettysburg.
   We thanked Connie for visiting our club meeting and invited her back for the 4^th Quarter Zone meeting to be hosted by Gettysburg at Lake Heritage Pavilion, Gettysburg

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)
5. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone)
   • Al reported LL baseball is up and running with many make-up games being played. Participation is up.
6. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)
7. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell)
   • Joe reported his discussion with ACCF and our interest in being part of this year’s Giving Spree. Some questions were asked and Joe told us he will get back with answers.
8. RIF (Chair Lyne Aurand)
   • Participating schools have been contacted and are corresponding with Lyne.
9. Golf Tournament (Chair Daryl & Dan)
   • Our golf tournament was a success in many ways. We had our first hole in one and thanks to Battlefield Harley Davidson for making this possible. Our golf committee thanks our many club members for your help, we cannot do this fundraiser without all hands-on deck.
10. The Warrior Way Program ( Chair Brent Smith)
11. Wayne had proposed working a Fundraiser at Granite Hill Campground at our April meeting. On May 22 Wayne and Daryl met with owner Rich Winkleman on site and discussed the potential and dates for this fundraising event.
    • The (2) dates of 7/5 and 9/6 are available for us. The fundraiser is (Bingo) and we will need to supply the game of chance license and at least 6 or more people per event.
    • Our club voted unanimously to try running this bingo fundraiser event on the two dates specified. Please mark your calendars if you can be available to help.

New Business

1. Elections were held and officers for our 2025 – 2026 calendar year will be: President – Joe Mac Dowell, Vice President – Daniel Folkemer, Treasurer – Brent Smith, Secretary – Daryl Aurand. (Our officer installation banquet will be held in October, and the date will be specified soon.)
2. Importance of new membership discussed.

Upcoming Dates:

• 7/2 Optimist Club Picnic at Aurand’s 6 PM
• (Please RSVP by June 21)  burgers, hot dogs, and condiments by Aurands) bring your favorite covered dish.
• 7/5 Bingo fundraiser @ Granite Hill Campground from 5 PM to 8 PM (Please RSVP by 6/21)
• 8/13 Optimist meeting and 4^th Quarter Zone meeting at Lake Heritage Pavilion.
• 9/3 Optimist Meeting @ Deatrick Community Center

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

President Wayne Hill called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. There were 12 members in attendance at Deatrick Village club house. Doug Miller introduced two guests with the Cashtown Fire Company, President Brent Strasbaugh, and Tom Norman Assistant Fire Chief.

Wayne offered the prayer and led the pledge to the flag.

A delicious meal of chicken, potato salad, fresh fruit, pasta salad, garden salad and Klondike bars with fresh baked cookies were served by Doug and Stephanie Miller. Thank you, Doug and Stephanie.

Doug presented the Respect for Law plaque to Brent and Tom from the Cashtown Fire Company.

Brent and Tom gave a short presentation on the fire company activities. All the fire companies in Adams County are volunteer members. Cashtown celebrated 100 years of service to the area. The fire company received about 325 calls last year. Although there is no ambulance service out of the fire house, they do have certified EMTs to help before an ambulance arrives on the scene. They recently purchased a piece of equipment for over 800 thousand and have it paid off within a year. Thanks to Cashtown fire company and all fire companies for keeping the communities safe when in need.

Doug also presented a check for $100.00 to the fire company.

Brent gave the treasurer report.

No Secretary report given. [Secretary Daryl still MIA]

President Wayne installed new member Nancy Lare sponsored by Marci Cropp. Welcome Nancy and thank you Marci.

I failed to report to the BOD and club members that The Chamber was in contact with me about parking for the wine festival. After much conversation with Carrie Stewart, they decided to go another way with parking. She thanked the club for years of past service. So, the bottom line is no festival parking fund raiser. Need to think about new ways to support the youth programs.

Wayne will keep us posted on the bingo at Granite Hill.

Upcoming events: May 15, Optimist golf tournament at The Links

All hands-on deck by 11:30 at The Links

June 4, Optimist meeting at Lake Heritage Rain or shine [Deatrick Village not available June].

Stay tuned more coming.
Optimistically submitted Dan.

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 6 PM at 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 11 members and 8 guests in attendance. Sam and Walt were our food committee for the evening. Brent filled in to run our meeting. Brian introduced our guest Optimist Basketball coaches in attendance.

Brent offered the invocation and led us in the Pledge to the flag and welcomed all.

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.
2. Treasure’s report:
a. General Account:
b. Activities Account:

3. President’s Report: Brent began the meeting expressing appreciation to Brian and Ashley for another fantastic job with Optimist Basketball. He also thanked all who helped: members and volunteers who committed their Saturdays in January and February. (Pictures attached to the minutes)

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian)

Brian reported on the success of our Optimist Basketball program that had approximately 135 girls and boys participated on Saturdays starting January through February. He stressed this program’s success is because of our volunteer coaches and also recognizing Ashley’s unbelievable organizational skills that made everything run successfully. Brian also recognized Gettysburg Area School District for the use of the gym and support staff.

5. Little League Baseball (Chair Al ) – Opening day soon (April)

6. Respect for Law (Chair Doug ) – May 7th meeting

7. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe)

8. RIF (Chair Lyne) – Participating schools have been contacted and are corresponding with Lyne.

9. Golf Tournament (Chair Daryl & Dan)

a. Date May 15th We are back at “The Links at Gettysburg”

b. Golf Registration flyer is available and can also be found on our website “gettysburgoptimist.com”. We are asking everyone to help sell our tournament as this is our major fund raiser. If you have any questions call Dan or Daryl.

10. The Warrior Way Program ( Chair Brent) – Date April 16th Awards & Breakfast at Gettysburg Sr HS. Time:7:45AM

11. Wayne had proposed working a Fundraiser at Granite Hill Campground. The (4) dates of 5/23, 6/14, 7/5, and 9/6 are available for us. The fundraiser is (Bingo) and we will need to supply the game of chance license and at least 3 or more people per event. Wayne is investigating with the owners.

On the date of Wednesday Feb. 26 several members (Marci, Nancy, Doug, Wayne, Dan, Brent, and Daryl) attended the Emmitsburg Vol. Fire Company’s bingo fundraising event. The club discussed the possibilities of bingo as a potential fundraiser.

New Business

1. Liability Insurance discussed for Non-Optimist volunteers. Brent is reaching out to ACNB Insurance and if members have other suggestions please forward. We know OI is an option.

2. Importance of new membership discussed.

Upcoming Dates:

• 4/2 Optimist Meeting 6:30PM @ Gettysburg Community Theater & Upper Crust for dinner
• 4/16 Warrior Way Program 7:45AM at Gettysburg Sr HS.
• 4/16 Optimist Social 6PM @ Four Score/3rd Quarter BOD meeting
• 4/19 Gettysburg Little League Opening Day
• 5/7 Optimist Meeting 6PM @ Doug Miller’s home (Respect for Law)
• 5/14 Dwight D Eisenhower “Senior Self Improvement Award” 7:30AM @ AC Trades Bldg. (RSVP to Walt)
• 5/15 15th Annual Optimist Golf Tournament (Golf info available and up and on our website)
• 5/16, 5/17, 5/18 Face of America – (Help needed 5/14, 5/15, 5/19) See Marci

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 6 PM at 1,000 Heritage Drive, Lake Heritage Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 11 members and 2 guests in attendance. We were treated to a great dinner prepared by Brent and Karen. Dessert was prepared by Lyne. President Wayne introduced our guests from Adams County Special Olympics, David Miller – athlete and Terry Stickles – Manager for SOAC.

Brent offered invocation and Wayne led us in the Pledge to the flag and welcomed all in attendance.

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.

2. Treasure’s report – Reminder if you have not yet submitted your dues for 2025, please do so asap. Brent will soon be reaching out to members via reminder emails for those who have yet to submit.

3. President’s Report:

• a. Adams County Special Olympics speaker David Miller talked to us about his experiences and accomplishments as an athlete. David is currently working towards being a coach to give back what he feels has contributed to his success not only as an athlete but in his personal life. Terry Stickles position as manager for Special Olympics for Adams County expressed her appreciation for our $1,000 contribution which benefits 120 athletes.
• b. Dan & Daryl are meeting with the wine fest committee to discuss the parking (fundraiser) for 2025.
• c. The food committee sign-up sheet for our 2025 meetings was passed around and is attached as part of the minutes. If you see any openings that work for you please contact me and I will update our sign-up sheet.

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)

• a. Our first Optimist Basketball date on Saturday 1/4 was attended by approximately 120 youth from K – 6 grades. Dan reported in Brian’s absence.
• b. Volunteers are still needed. Even if you can only do one or two weekends it would be helpful to Ashley and Brian. Help and greet at the door relieves Ashley to be on the basketball court.

5. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone)

6. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)

7. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell)

• a. Results from this years ACCF giving spree were forwarded to club members. Our club received donations that go directly into our Activities Fund. We also received donations for our endowment fund and will add another 4 to 5% into our Activities Fund annually. Joe offered his appreciation and thanks to all who helped and contributed to make this our most successful giving spree to date.

8. RIF (Chair Lyne Aurand)

9. Golf Tournament (Chair Daryl & Dan)

• a. Date May 15th (details will be available soon) We are back at “The Links at Gettysburg”

10. The Warrior Way Program ( formerly Stars)

• a. Held 3/27 ??

11. Brain previously suggested a meeting to bring your adult child or friend as a prospective member.

New Business

1. Wayne has proposed working a Fundraiser at Granite Hill Campground. The (4) dates of 5/23, 6/14, 7/5, and 9/6. The fundraiser is (Bingo) and we will need to supply the game of chance license and at least 3 people per event. Wayne is investigating with the owners and most importantly will be our volunteering to help.

2. Importance of new membership discussed.

Upcoming Dates:

• 1/18 Optimist Basketball 9AM – 12PM
• 1/22 Optimist Social 5PM @ Four Score
• 1/25 Optimist Basketball 9AM – 12PM
• 2/5 Optimist Meeting 6PM @ Deatrick Village Community Center, 56 Winding Drive, Gettysburg
• 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22 Optimist Basketball 9AM – 12PM
• 2/19 Optimist Social
• 3/5 Optimist Meeting 6PM @ Deatrick Village Community Center, 56 Winding Drive, Gettysburg
• 5/15 15th Annual Optimist Golf Tournament (Save the Date)

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 6 PM at 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 13 members in attendance including our newest member Connor Smith.  Additionally, guest Bill Monahan, former Optimist member and past president, was the evening’s speaker.  President Wayne called the meeting to order, and Vice President Joe MacDowell opened with the invocation.  Wayne Hill then treated us all to brats, beans, coleslaw, and the biggest pies I’ve seen.

After the meal, Wayne introduced guest speaker Bill Monahan. Bill Monahan reminisced about some of his experiences as a formers Optimist member.  Particularly the World Weightlifting championship the club helped host.  He followed that up by talking about the recent trends in the family funeral business. He fielded several questions from membership regarding the business.  All in all, an informative and sometimes humorous discussion.

 

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.
2. Treasure’s report:
3. President’s Report:
   • Our newest member Connor Smith was introduced to the club. He gave a brief history of himself and what was happening in his life.
   • Wayne reminded membership that the Christmas Party was planned for Tuesday, December 10, at the Gettysburg Fire Hall. A sign-up sheet was passed around.  If you were not in attendance, please RSVP by email to Daryl ASAP.  Be sure to include the number of guests and children under 18.  Members and children under 18 are free.  Spouses and guests are $30.00 each.  (Please pay Brent at the party.)
   • Wine Fest Parking/Bingo: Wayne explained that the Optimist parking at the Granite Hill Wine Fest in the future was questionable.  Rich Winkleman, Granite Hill owner, suggested to Wayne that there may be an opportunity for the Optimist to assist in running the campsite’s Bingo in the future.  We could conceivably raise a similar amount of money as the parking.  Wayne will follow up with Rich for additional details.

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore): Brian reported that the Middle School gym has been secured for January and February weekends. The program will begin Jan 4^th  following the same plan as last year.   Registration will begin in December.  Ashley will once again be helping with the planning and scheduling of the sessions.   Volunteers are needed each weekend to help set up/tear down, coach and sign kids in.  Not necessary for you to be there all 8 weeks, but please help when you can.
5. Salvation Bell Ringing (Chair Brian Skidmore): Brian shared that the club will be responsible for ringing the bell on December 12. Starts at 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM.  Time slots are 1.5 hours each and normally two bell ringers each.  Brian passed a sign-up sheet and will be following up with an email.  Please let Brian know when you can help.
6.  Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell):   Joe gave a brief update on the Giving Spree.  He is taking a $7,000 check from the Optimist to donate on 11/7/24 for:
   • Holiday Family Outreach                                $1,500
   • Gettysburg Community Theatre                    $1,000
   • Ruth’s Harvest – Gettysburg                          $1,000
   • Special Olympics PA Team Adams                 $1,000
   • Gettysburg Area Recreation Association       $1,000
   • Adams County Arts Council                            $1,500

New Business

7. Discussion about continuing Chamber membership: Brent noted that the Chamber Membership annual fee was due. There has been some previous discussion about whether it makes sense to continue this membership.  After a brief discussion, the matter was tabled until the next meeting.  Members are asked to give this some thought and offer their thoughts at the next meeting.

Upcoming Dates:

• 11/7 Adams County Giving Spree
• 11/20 Optimist Social
• 12/10 Optimist Family Christmas Party: Gettysburg Fire Department
• 1/8 Optimist Meeting, location: Lake Heritage Community Center

Respectfully Submitted, Brent Smith, Treasurer