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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

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, September 25,2024 at the Mansion House, Fairfield PA for our annual officers and board of directors’ installation banquet. We were treated to hors d’oeuvres and a delicious meal.

We had 29 members and guests in attendance which included Lt. Governor Connie Sohnleitner.

We began the evening with President Dan welcoming all in attendance. Joe Mac Dowell led us with the invocation and pledge.

Business Meeting:

1. Dan opened the meeting with the announcement of the completion of a great Optimist year while he was president. Dan thanked all the members for their support throughout the 2023-2024 Optimist year. Dan recognized our past year and thanked the 2023-2024 officers: Brent and Daryl; Board of Directors Gary, Brian, Fred and Wayne; as well as all members and significant others for their support.
2. In memory of “Randy Smith” Dan recognized Randy’s constant support for the Optimist Club. Lt Governor Connie along with Brent lit a candle in Randy’s memory.
3. The main order of business was the installation of new officers and Board of Directors for 2023-2024 by Lt. Governor Connie Sohnleitner: (Officers) President-Wayne Hill, Secretary-Daryl Aurand, and Treasurer-Brent Smith, (Board of Directors) Dan Mattern, Marci Cropp, Bill Pyron and Brian Skidmore.

Daniel Folkemor was inducted as our newest member into the Optimist Club.

4. Newly elected President Wayne Hill addressed the membership and his appreciation for the efforts from all members in making the Optimist Club of Gettysburg a great organization. President Wayne looks forward to yet another year for our Gettysburg Optimist Club carrying our mission to the youth of our community, encouraging guest speakers at club meetings and bringing in new members to help continue the Gettysburg Optimist Legacy. Wayne also presented Dan with a Travel Mug etched with the Optimist Club of Gettysburg and his name in appreciation for his year as our President.
5. The meeting ended with Wayne Hill leading us in the recitation of the “Optimist Creed”.

Upcoming Dates:

• 10/2/2024 Optimist Meeting was held (9/25)
• 10/16/22024 Optimist Social @ Four Score 6 PM / 1^st Quarter Board Meeting @ 5 PM
• 11/6/2024 Optimist Meeting, location 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center 6PM
• 11/7/2024 Adams CO Foundation Giving Spree (We are #83)
• 12/10/2024 Optimist Family Christmas Party @ Gettysburg Fireman’s Hall 6PM
• 12/12/2024 Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Sign-up sheet to be circulated
• 01/4/2025 1^st Optimist Basketball date, Brian will set the schedule
• 01/8/2025 Optimist Meeting @ 1,000 Heritage Drive, Lake Heritage Community Center

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 6 PM at 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 12 members in attendance and 6 guests. Joe and Bill treated us to a dinner enjoyed by all. Gary opened with the invocation and Brent subbing for Dan welcomed all in attendance.

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.

2. Treasure’s report: Approved

3. President’s Report:

a. Our “Respect for Law” guests introduced by Chairman Doug “three of Gettysburg’s finest, Officer’s James O’Shea, Scott Weaver, and James Bivens. Each of these officers serve our community through the Gettysburg Area School District to ensure students, teachers, staff, and visitors have a safe experience within the school district. Officer Bivens stressed the importance of creating positive relationships with the students and staff and the gratification they get to experience in the student’s growth and development. All three officers have served in the Penna. State Police in many different capacities. We are fortunate to have such qualified men to be part of the Gettysburg School District. This is one of my reports that words cannot begin to express our appreciation for the great role model and job these men do every day.

b. Brent stressed that we need someone to step to the plate for Vice President so please be in touch with Dan ASAP !!!

c. We need a chairman for the wine fest parking (fundraiser) !!!

d. Congratulations to Doug becoming a Grandfather again. Little girl: Maisie Grace McFadden

e. Welcome back Walt after a successful surgery.

f. Please keep Brian and family in our prayers for a speedy recovery. We also need to keep Fred Darling and Bob Campbell in our prayers for their speedy recovery.

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)

5. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone)

a. Little League baseball opened on 4/20. This year 120 participants will experience little league baseball and 4 girls softball teams will be on the ball fields.

6. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)

a. Summary in Presidents report. Thank you Doug for a great job.

7. Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival Parking (Chair )

a. Please contact Dan, Brent, or Daryl if you are willing to chair this event !!!

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

a. Date 11/7/2024

9. RIF (Chair Lyne Aurand)

10. Golf Tournament Fundraiser (Chair Gary Rappoldt)

a. Our Fourteenth Optimist Tourney will be held at The Links at Gettysburg on 5/16/24.

b. Our golf registration and information are available on our website. If you know of golfers, please help promote our golf tournament.

c. Save the date 5/16/24 and we will need all hands-on deck to make this a successful fundraising event.

11. The Warrior Way Program ( formerly Stars)

a. Held 3/27

12. Brandon proposed sponsorship for youth basketball who supported Optimist Basketball with coaches and players. This will be addressed in our next budget.

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

New Business

1. Need a Vice President !!!

2. Need a Chairperson for our Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival Parking !!!

Upcoming Dates:

● 5/16 14th Optimist Golf Tournament (The Links at Gettysburg)

● 5/21 3rd Quarter Zone Meeting in York (Contact Brent if interested in attending)

● 6/5 Optimist Meeting, location, Lake Heritage Pavilion

● 6/19 Optimist Social

● 7/10 Optimist Club Picnic

● 8/7 4th Quarter Zone Meeting, Gettysburg Hosts

Respectfully Submitted,

Daryl Aurand, Secretary