The Gettysburg Optimist Club Amphitheater is the center of tonight’s July 4th celebration. Live music, food trucks and scheduled fireworks this evening make for a wonderful community event. Happy 250th Birthday America.
🌟 Exciting News from the Gettysburg Optimist Club! 🌟
Tonight, we had the privilege of supporting our community by donating $1,000 to the 4-H Club during our meeting. 🎉🤝
We believe in empowering youth and fostering future leaders. Thank you to everyone who makes these contributions possible! Together, we can make a difference. 💙🌱
🎉 Thank You for Making Our Bingo Fundraiser a Success! 🎉
We had an amazing time at our recent Bingo Night, filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit! 🥳 A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the Gettysburg Optimist Club. Your generosity helps us continue our mission to make a positive impact in our community.
Stay tuned for more upcoming events and ways to get involved. Together, we’re making a difference! 💪
#GettysburgOptimist #CommunitySupport #BingoNight #FundraiserSuccess #MakingADifference
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.
We regret to inform you that today’s golf tournament has been cancelled due to weather and plans to reschedule are in the works. We will update you when details become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
🌟 We’re Honored to Share This News! 🌟
Thanks to your incredible support, the Gettysburg Optimist Club has been voted #2 in the County! 🎉✨
We couldn’t have achieved this without the votes and encouragement from our amazing community. Your trust and generosity inspire us every day to continue our mission and make a difference, Bringing out the Best in Kids 💙🤝
A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to vote and believe in what we do. Together, we are creating a better tomorrow!
📢Stay Connected with Our Latest Updates! ✉️✨
We’re thrilled to announce that our organization’s latest newsletter is now available! Join our community and stay informed. Together, we’re making a difference! 🌟
#Newsletter #StayConnected #gettysburgoptimist
🗓️ 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, September 3, 2025, 6 PM at 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 15 members, 2 prospective members and 2 guest speakers in attendance. Sam Isenberger and Dan Mattern were our food committee and demonstrated their culinary talent with a great dinner enjoyed by everyone. Brent offered our invocation.
Business Meeting:
1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.
2. Treasure’s report:
a. General Account
b. Activities Account
c. 2025-2026 Budget Approved
3. President’s Report: Lyne introduced guest speaker Beth Becker representing the “Dolly Parton Imagination Library” and Miranda Wiser, Executive Director of the Adams County Library. Beth gave us some background on the “Dolly Parton Foundation” and it’s 30 years in existence as well as it being worldwide. Currently the program is available in the Littlestown School District and by partnering with the AC Library the program will be available in the entire Adams County area. Children from 0 to 5 receive a free book monthly. The local cost per child is $31 a year and the “DPIL” covers the additional cost plus mailing the books monthly. For more detailed information google “imaginationlibrary.com”.
We thank Beth and Miranda for their information on this great children’s literacy program.
4. Wayne recognized Miranda Wiser and Erica Duffy as prospective Optimist Members.
5. The Board of Directors met on Wednesday August 27. The majority of discussion centered around our new Bingo Fundraiser.
Old Business
6. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)
a. Brian is planning with the school for the use of the gym for January and February.
7. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone)
8. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)
9. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell)
a. Giving Spree 11/6/2025 – Drop it off (Optimist Club of Gettysburg #85) for details go to “ACCFGivingSpree.org”
10. Education (Chair Lyne Aurand)
a. Discussions were held to replace Reading is Fundamental with Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
11. Golf Tournament (Chair Daryl Aurand & Dan Mattern)
12. The Warrior Way ( Chair Brent Smith)
13.Bingo Fundraiser (Chair Wayne Hill)
a. Wayne reported that our next Bingo Fundraiser will be on Friday September 5.
b. The Bingo Committee met with Wayne prior to our 9/5 Bingo Fundraiser to discuss signage and a marketing plan.
c. We decided to hold our final 2025 Bingo Fundraiser on Friday, October 10th. Look for the signup sheet soon.
New Business
1. Importance of new membership discussed. A plus 3 new members qualifies a club for “Honor Club”.
Upcoming Dates:
● 9/17 Optimist Social location TBD
● 10/1 Officer Installation Banquet Mansion House in Fairfield, 6:00 PM
● 10/10 Bingo at Granite Hill Campground, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
● 10/15 Optimist Social and BOD calendar/planning, location TBD
● 11/5 Optimist Meeting at Deatrick Village Community Center, 6:00 PM
● 12/9 Optimist Family Christmas Party at Gettysburg Fire Hall, 6:00 PM
● 12/18 Salvation Army Bell Ringing, signup sheet to follow
● 1/7/26 Optimist Meeting, 6:00 PM
Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary
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
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