Student Achievement Recognition

The local high school recognizes youth who have made a significant improvement in their school performance through the STARS program, Success Through Academic Recognition. The Optimist Club of Gettysburg sponsors this quarterly program which awards students in the categories of Shining Star, Rising Star and North Star. Additionally, the Optimist Club of Gettysburg contributes and supports the Dwight D. Eisenhower Senior Self Improvement Award for students who have overcome significant obstacles to make dramatic improvement in their attendance, behavior, attitude, academic performance and community/school service. A cash award and achievement plaque is awarded to each of the thirty students nominated from the six high schools in Adams County.  We are proud to support students’ academic achievement!

/by

1 week from today – CLYDE E. WILLIAMS JR. MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Annual Gettysburg Optimist Golf Tournament is set for Thursday, 08 October, 2020 with tee off scheduled for 12:00 Noon at the Links at Gettysburg. Sponsored by C.E. Williams Sons, Inc.

The 10th Annual Golf Tournament features contests including a Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Green of Gold, and Putting contests with awards to the top three finishing foursomes.  We look forward to seeing you all out on the green!

https://gettysburgoptimist.com/gettysburg-news/2020-golf-tournament/

 

/by

New Optimist Sign Installed at the GARA Amphitheatre

A new Optimist Sign has been installed at the GARA Amphitheatre.

 

Thank you to LEN DICK not only for your sign making talents but for donating time and money to bring a new Optimist Sign to the Optimist Amphitheatre. Your dedication to the youth of the community and the greater Gettysburg Community are extremely appreciated!

We are also elated to hear that it’s being used frequently. Churches are holding Sunday events and the Borough has utilized it for meetings during the Covid Shut down.  Learn more about events happing at the Gettysburg Recreation Park.

/by

Optimist Club Honors National Park Service Rangers

On Saturday, September 26, 2020, the Optimist Club of Gettysburg presented its annual Respect for Law Enforcement Award to Gettysburg National Park Rangers Maria Brady and Dan Holler. They were honored for their commitment to the park and local community.

Not only do they protect the Gettysburg National Military Park but they also train others to watch over our park. In light of recent events, Doug Miller, the chair of the local Optimist program Respect for Law, raised the question, “Who’s protecting our monuments?”  It is fitting and an honor, to award, Maria Brady and Dan Holler the awards.  The two coordinate the Park Watch Volunteer Program, a program of over 110 volunteers.

Read more on the Gettysburg Times

/by

Optimist Club Basketball Program

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg operates a free youth basketball program open to boys and girls in grades K-6, serving more than 150 students annually. The area program emphasizes the fundamentals of basketball, runs for 8 weeks and is a great all-play program.  The Optimist Club members select the coaches, arrange for local logistics, and supply tee shirts free of charge. GAMS provides the courts. This is one of many ways our volunteers strive to help bring out the best in kids. Join us in our mission by supporting our club on November 5.  #adamscountygivingspree  #donateonnov5

/by

Update Your Resume

According to Jane Finkle, “Volunteer experience demonstrates your interest in building community and the likelihood that you will be a good citizen in the workplace.”  This Month Is Update Your Resume Month, that includes adding your volunteer work. Do you have a desire to make a difference in the world? Interested in becoming a member of our Gettysburg Optimist Club?  Contact Us Today!

/by

Celebrating 62 years of Continuous Service in Gettysburg

What’s so important about the number 62??  Gettysburg Optimist Club Members have been donating their time and energy to bringing out the best in kids through local fundraising projects and youth activities since 1958.  We need you to continue the tradition. Have time? Join our club!  Have the means to support our goals financially? Donate Now or Join us at the Giving Spree on November 5!  We appreciate your support as we can continue to bring out the best in kids throughout our community through activities like Optimist Basketball program and Reading Is Fundamental.

/by

Giving Spree – Mark Your Calendars

The Gettysburg Optimist Club is honored to be included in Adams County’s Day of Giving.  At the Giving Spree, everyone in the community is encouraged to come together to learn about local nonprofits like ours–and to support them.  Like many local organizations still striving to support the community through these challenging times, we’ve had to cancel most of our fundraisers for this year.  Without funding, we’re unable to impact the community to the extent that we desire to do so. We are working hard to think outside the box and bring new and exciting fundraisers to light. We hope that you will consider donating to our organization through the Giving Spree on November 5!

Sign up for our mailing or email lists for more information as it becomes available.

/by

Congratulations to the parents of our littlest Optimist

Congratulations to Brian and Ashley Skidmore on the birth of the first child, a son, Timothy Gene Skidmore on July 17, 2020. He was 6lbs 8.3 oz and 19 inches long. Best wishes and congratulations to all.

/by

Meeting Minutes July 15, 2020

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday July 15, 2020 at 7:00 PM using the Zoom app thanks again to Junction Creative Solutions. This was our fifth meeting using the Zoom app. This gives us the opportunity to share in fellowship and plan for our club’s future even in the face of adversity respecting everyone’s well being and being there for one another.

Our Gettysburg Optimist Club is alive and well so if you missed this meeting, we are scheduled to meet August 5 at Rec Park and also zoom will be available.

Program:

Our program started with everyone sharing what they are doing with their summer and trying to stay healthy. After the business portion of the meeting Tom Barako challenged members with a game of trivia won by our newest and smartest member Steve Burton.

Business Meeting:

  • Secretary’s report was approved.
  • Treasure’s report was approved:
  • President’s report was primarily discussing Optimist International’s encouragement to maintain membership and growth strategies by using media exposure through website, facebook, and twitter. Marci encourages all members to check into our website. If anyone member or interested individuals needs help getting to our website or zoom meetings please reach out to our members who are comfortable in assisting you.

Old Business:

  • Officer nominations for next year, 2020 – 2021
  • President Brian Skidmore
  • Vice President TBD
  • Treasure Tom Barako
  • Secretary Daryl Aurand
  • OI Foundation Rep Dan Mattern
  • Board of Directors Darlene Brown, Stacey Green, Fred Darling, outgoing pres. Marci Cropp
  • Golf Tournament, 10/8/20, is our new date, and our advertising details are available on our website. Please put this date on your calendar to help the club.
  • Giving Spree in November

Discussion will continue regarding our club involvement in the 2020 Giving Spree campaign.

  • Wine and Music Festival Parking, cancelled
  • Amphitheater Dedication date to be determined.

New Business:

Upcoming Dates:

  • 8/5/2020 Next Meeting @ Zoom
  • 8/19/2020 4th Quarter Zone Meeting @ Rec Park and Including Zoom
  • 9/12 & 13/2020 Wine and Music Festival Parking, Cancelled
  • 9/16 Respect for Law (DARE) Chairman Doug
  • 10/7/2020 Officer Installation Banquet
  • 10/8/2020 Golf Tournament Fundraiser @ The Links at Gettysburg, Tee Time 12:00 Noon, advertising material on our website, call Daryl or Tom if you have questions
  • 10/10/2020 Magic Show / Amphitheater, Rec Park Chairman Doug
  • November – Giving Spree
  • 12/16/2020 Holiday Party at Gettysburg Fire Hall
  • 3/13/2021 Oyster Feed

Respectfully Submitted,

Daryl Aurand, Secretary

/by