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June 07, 2026 For Immediate Release:

2026 Gettysburg Optimist Respect for Law Award Presented

 Press Release
Gettysburg, PA — June 07, 2026

On June 3, 2026, the Optimist Club of Gettysburg honored Kirby Scott, a retired Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent, with the 2026 Respect for Law Award. Mr. Scott dedicated 30 years to the FBI and was a distinguished recipient of the FBI Medal of Valor.

Pictured from left to right are Douglas Miller, Respect for Law Chairman; Mr. Kirby Scott, Retired FBI Special Agent; and Joe McDowell, President of the Gettysburg Optimist Club. This award recognizes Mr. Scott’s outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to serving our community.

(Photograph  by Marci Cropp)

About the Gettysburg Optimist Club

Founded in 1958, the Optimist Club of Gettysburg continues to inspire and empower young people through positive activities and educational opportunities. Our members—men and women from diverse backgrounds—are united in our mission: “To Bring Out the Best in Kids!” To learn more about our programs, activities, or membership opportunities, visit www.gettysburgoptimist.com, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OptimistClubofGettysburg, or call 717-220-3416.

🗓️ On Wednesday, October 1st, the Gettysburg Optimist Club celebrated a special evening at the Mansion House with its Installation Banquet! 🎉

During the event, we proudly installed our new officers and board members for the 2025-2026 year, marking the beginning of another exciting chapter. A huge thank you to outgoing President Wayne Hill for his dedication and leadership — we truly appreciate all you’ve done! 👏

Officers:

Joe Mcdowell, President

Dan Folkemer, Vice President

Daryl Aurand, Secretary

Brent Smith, Treasurer

Board Members: Wayne Hill, Dan Mattern, Marci Cropp, Bill Pyron

Please join us in welcoming our new President, Joe McDowell, as he takes the helm and leads us into a bright future. 🌟

Additionally, we proudly installed three new club members, expanding our family and commitment to community service. Welcome aboard! 🤝

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead! #GettysburgOptimist #CommunityLeadership #NewBeginnings

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 6 PM at 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 19 members and significant others, 3 prospective members and 3 Optimists representing York and Lancaster Clubs in attendance. Sue Hill wowed us with salad, baked corn, rotisserie chicken, and choices of pie including shoofly pie for our desert. Joe offered our invocation.

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.

2. Treasure’s report: Noted

3. President’s Report: Wayne introduced guests Art and Lorraine Edwards. Daryl introduced guest Erica Duffy, Development Director of Adams County Library. Our club gives a warm welcome to Art and Erica as prospective members

Wayne introduced our guest Connie Sohnleitner, Governor Elect (Atlantic Central District). Connie spoke first about the August 16 Atlantic Central District Conference to be held in Gettysburg at the Hilton Garden Inn Gettysburg. Connie spoke on many subjects, including possible ways to attract young members. She also handed out information sheets on “Contact List” and “Presidential Incentive Program”. This info will be attached to these minutes.

Wayne thanked Connie for visiting our club meeting and told her the invitation is always open to visit with The Gettysburg Optimist Club.

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)

5. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone)

a. Al reported LL baseball has completed another successful year with over 200 boys and girls participating. He also reminded us to tune into the LL World Series hosted in Williamsport.

6. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)

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

8. RIF (Chair Lyne Aurand)

• a. Lyne reported that a Dolly Parton reading foundation has been brought to our attention through ACCF and Beth Becker will be our speaker and tell us what this reading foundation program is offering. If you have any questions and will not be at our September 3 meeting, reach out to Lyne.

9. Golf Tournament (Chair Daryl Aurand & Dan Mattern)

10. The Warrior Way Program ( Chair Brent Smith)

11. Bingo Fundraiser (Chair Wayne Hill)

a. Wayne reported on our 1st Bingo event and its success. We had feedback from Granite Hill and how their campers enjoyed the evening. We also had feedback from our members on ways to help our event run even more smoothly. It was suggested that a Bingo Committee meet with Wayne prior to our 9/5 Bingo Fundraiser.

b. September 5 is our next Bingo Fundraiser at Granite Hill Campground. A planning meeting will be held to discuss a marketing plan and any details to enhance this event. We encourage participation from all members who can give their input on making this a great event.

We have an opportunity to host another Bingo Fundraiser on 10/3 or 10/4.

New Business

1. Importance of new membership discussed.

Upcoming Dates:

• Board of Directors Meeting date TBD
• 9/3 Optimist Meeting @ Deatrick Community Center, 56 Winding Drive, Gettysburg
• Speaker (Beth Becker) subject “Dolly Parton Reading Foundation”
• Food committee needed for 9/3 meeting (sign-up sheet attached)
• 9/5 Bingo Fundraiser @ Granite Hill Campground from 7 PM to 9 PM (Please RSVP by 8/30)
• 9/17 Optimist Social and BOD calendar/planning
• 10/1 Officer Installation Banquet Mansion House in Fairfield
• 11/5 Optimist Meeting

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

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