The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at 7:00 PM using the Zoom app thanks to President Marci. This was a historical first for a general Gettysburg Optimist Club meeting. We had 10 members join in from their homes. The only thing missing was a delicious dinner prepared by Stacey and Biggerstaff’s Catering. We did have Wayne join us from Florida. We also welcomed our newest member Steve Burton.

Program:

  • The program portion of the meeting was directed by Marci and was more of a discussion about what we’re facing as a club, community, country, and world during this difficult time.
    1. President Marci’ s comments from the October meeting were reviewed:
      1. Our challenge in 2020 and beyond is to continue to share the opportunity of membership in this great organization to others of all ages.
      2. Our primary obligation is to make certain that this club and its fine work continue for future generations.
    2. Marci added: Our world and organization must evolve with the current challenges in order to survive.

Business Meeting:

  • Secretary’s report was approved.
  • Treasure’s report was approved:
    • Activity Fund $930.
    • General Fund $2942.
  • President’s report was given.

Old Business:

  • Oyster Feed (3/28/20) – CANCELLED
  • Golf Tournament (5/21/20) – POSTPONED; working on a date

Please put this date on your calendar to help the club.

  • Giving Spree (ACCF) – Tom

Discussion will continue regarding club involvement in the 2020 campaign.

  • Wine and Music Festival Parking (9/12 & 13/2020) – Brian

Please put this date on your calendar to help the club.

  • Amphitheater Dedication date to be determined.
  • Rosie’s Ruth Harvest Fundraiser – salsas, etc. are available & % goes towards Ruth’s Harvest

New Business:

  • A motion was passed to give a $500 donation to Ruth’s Harvest.
  • Membership Updates
    • Steve Burton, new member, was welcomed into the club.
  • Optimist International cancelled all programs until further notice. The Oratorial Contest may be virtual.

Upcoming Dates:

  • 4/15/2020 Membership mtg via Zoom @ 7 PM
  • 5/21/2020 POSTPONED Golf Tournament Fundraiser @ The Links at Gettysburg; working on a date.
  • 9/12 & 13/2020 Wine and Music Festival Parking
  • 3/13/2021 Oyster and Shrimp Feed

President Marci ended the meeting with a quote from Optimist International:

“It is Optimism that requires me to implore you to remove the veil of darkness and replace it with an armor of light. To see opportunity when others see threats. To reimagine our wonderful organization and prepare you to find new ways to carry out the work we have been called upon to do. We are not canceling Optimism. We are canceling some events to keep our Optimist Family safe. Optimism cannot be defeated. We are iMagining new ways to bring you imaginative and exciting programs during this time. “

We might have to cancel our gatherings but we do not have to put a hold on our good deeds. It’s time to put our minds, hearts and souls together and find ways to bring optimism and service to our neighbors.

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

Hello Fellow Supporters of the Optimist Club of Gettysburg,

Please find an announcement from our Board of Directors below.  We’ve had many discussions this week and have dedicated many hours to a very unique challenge at hand.  Please note our decisions were heavily debated and feel that we have the best interest of everyone at heart.  Feel free to reach out as several of you have already.  We will work to answer any questions or concerns you might have as quickly as possible. Please stay healthy!

Optimistically, Marci

 

 

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg has been closely monitoring information regarding the recent outbreak of coronavirus, called COVID-19. As this situation has developed, Optimist International leaders have reached several decisions to protect the health of our Members, Leaders, Staff and the communities we serve.

  • Optimist International recommends that Clubs and Districts follow advisories, guidelines and rules dictated by their local, state, provincial and national health agencies.
  • In the absence of specific recommendations, Club leaders should consider the health of Club and community members, as well as their family and friends before scheduling an event.

The Gettysburg Board of Directors has met this March 14, 2020 and decided that it is in the best interest of members, sponsors and donors to cancel the 2020 Oyster Feed considering current events. For those that have purchased tickets, we THANK YOU for your continued support. You will be guaranteed a ticket to next year’s event. A date is forthcoming. Due to the unprecedented circumstances, if you prefer a refund, please email us at gettysburgoptimist@gettysburgoptimist.com or phone 717.220.3416. We just ask for your patience during this uncertain time. Our volunteers will respond as quickly as possible to your requests.

We are committed to the organizations we support and have secured funding for our existing programs through May of 2020.

Additionally, it is with regret that we inform you, all in-person meetings have been cancelled.  The board has scheduled the next board of directors meeting virtually for Sunday, March 29 to re-evaluate the next meeting time. We hope this is a temporary necessity that allows everyone to stay safe and healthy.

Being Optimists, we are planning for a successful Golf Tournament on May 21, 2020 at The Links of Gettysburg. The organization is also continuing our efforts to park cars at this year’s Chamber of Commerce Wine and Music Festival. If plans change, we will notify those involved immediately.  Thank you for your continued support in “Bringing Out the Best in Kids!”

Sincerely,

The Gettysburg Optimist Club Board of Directors
PO BOX  3035
Gettysburg, PA 17325

Meeting Reminder for March 04, 2020

Location: Refectory

Time: 6 PM Social  6:30 Dinner

Come join us for a lovely evening with Optimistic Members.  This week we are recognizing the basketball coaches and their family members.  Come show appreciation and enjoy time with good people.  We hope to see you there.

 

Basketball on Court

Reminder: The Final 2020 Optimist Basketball session will be held this Saturday, February 29, 2020. The schedule is as follows;
Grade K-3 Boys 9-10 am
Grade K-3 Girls 10-11am
Grade 4-6 Boys & Girls 11 AM -12pm.

Images from last week’s session can be viewed on facebook!

Thank you to all of the participants. It has been a wonderful 2020 Season!

All program information including late sign ups may be found at the following link.  Applications are still being accepted but one must be filled out prior to play.

https://gettysburgoptimist.com/gettysburg-news/2020-youth-basketball/

The Gettysburg Optimist Club met on Wednesday,February 19, at the Refectory. President Marci Cropp opened the meeting at 6:30PM with Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer given by Joe MacDowell.

This was followed by another delicious dinner provided by Stacey Green and Biggerstaff Catering. Twelve members were in attendance at this meeting.

Treasurer’s Report  – Tom Barako reported the General Account and Activities Account balances.

President’s Report – Marci reported about the Photo Contest.  Anyone interested in Chairing, please contact her.

Old Business

Basketball update – Chris reported that everything is going well. He said that we might consider some changes next year regarding how team photos are taken.

9/28 Oyster Feed Stacey reported that plans are proceeding very nicely.  A sign-up sheet was circulated to indicate times that members will be able to help.

5/21 Golf Tournament Tom said that plans are proceeding well for the tournament. He mentioned that CE Williams donated $2500. More sponsors are needed.

9/12-13 Wine and Music Festival Parking Brian reported that plans are proceeding well. Hope for good weather !

New Business

There was some discussion about considering  a new meeting place for the club. No decision has been made as yet.

Upcoming Dates

2/22 Optimist Basketball
3/4 Next Meeting Basketball Coach Recognition
3/28 Oyster Feed
5/21 Golf Tournament
9 /12-13 Wine and Music Festival Parking

Closing Remarks

At the February 5 Meeting the club donated $2000 to the STARS Program and the Outdoor Environment Education Program.

President Marci closed the meeting at 7:35pm with recitation of the Optimist Creed

Optimistically submitted   Fred Darling

Basketball on Court

Reminder: The Optimist Basketball season continues this Saturday, February 22, 2020. The schedule is as follows;
Grade K-3 Boys 9-10 am
Grade K-3 Girls 10-11am
Grade 4-6 Boys & Girls 11 AM -12pm.

All program information including late sign ups may be found at the following link.  Applications are still being accepted but one must be filled out prior to play.

https://gettysburgoptimist.com/gettysburg-news/2020-youth-basketball/

My apologizes for any confusion. Please find a date correction with tonight’s meeting information.

Meeting Reminder for February 19, 2020

Location: Refectory

Time: 6 PM Social  6:30 Dinner

Come join us for a lovely evening with Optimistic Members. Learn what we do and enjoy time with good people.  We hope to see you there.

 

Meeting Reminder for February 19, 2020

Location: Refectory

Time: 6 PM Social  6:30 Dinner

Come join us for a lovely evening with Optimistic Members. Learn what we do and enjoy time with good people.  We hope to see you there.

 

Basketball on Court

Reminder: The Optimist Basketball season continues this Saturday, February 08, 2020. The schedule is as follows;
Grade K-3 Boys 9-10 am
Grade K-3 Girls 10-11am
Grade 4-6 Boys & Girls 11 AM -12pm.

Photo orders by Brienna Richelle Photography not picked up last week will be available this week.

All program information including late sign ups may be found at the following link.  Applications are still being accepted but one must be filled out prior to play.

https://gettysburgoptimist.com/gettysburg-news/2020-youth-basketball/

Gettysburg Optimist Club Meeting – February 5, 2020

The Gettysburg Optimist Club met at the Refectory on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. President Marci Cropp opened the meeting at 6:30 pm with Pledge of Allegiance and homily by Joe Macdowell.

Everyone then enjoyed a delicious dinner provided by Stacey Green.

Program: After dinner Marci introduced our guest speaker Mr. Anthony Floyd. Anthony spoke about the Outdoor Camp and the activities provided to children there. Club members presented a check to Tony for continuing program efforts.

Treasurer’s Report  – Tom Barako reported our present balances and that the club is in great financial condition.  Please submit dues payments at your earliest convenience.

President’s Report – Five of the club members attended the STARS Program at Gettysburg Area High School held on January 29.

Marci and Fred attend a luncheon held by the Chamber of Commerce on February 5 at the Hanover Country Club. The Optimist Club was given an appreciation award recognizing 10 years of support.

Old Business

  • Chris and Brian reported on the Youth Basketball Program. The program has been very successful with many positive comments. Club members are encouraged to attend the sessions.
  • Oyster Feed  3/28/20 – Plans are proceeding well. Please sign up to help for the day.  Sell those remaining tickets!
  • Golf Tournament  – Tom Barako reported that plans are proceeding well. They need more foursomes and sponsors.

New Business

  • Tom Barako asked that the club consider having a booth at the Giving Spree in November. Applications are due by April 1.
  • Wine and Music Festival –  September 12 and 13. Plans are proceeding well for this.
  • Doug Miller reported that the Dinosaur Program will not take place this year. He will continue efforts for future dates
  • Mark Cropp said that the Face Of America – Custer’s Calvary team is looking for more members. April 25 and 26. Contact Mark for more details

A total of 12 members attended this meeting. President Marci closed the meeting at 7:40 with recitation of the Optimist Creed.

Optimistically reported, Fred Darling