Gettysburg Optimist Basketball: “Bringing out the best in kids!” for over 55 years.

It began way back in 1965 when the Optimist Club of Gettysburg sponsored the first Optimist Youth Basketball program for youngsters from the Gettysburg area. It sought to teach the fun and fundamentals of basketball to youngsters in grades K through 6, regardless of their individual skill level. At the start of the program, rules were very simple: all kids played, all focused on the fundamentals of the game, no scorekeeping and all participants were required to have fun.

Over 55 years later the Optimist Youth Basketball Program continues to observe the same set of rules and still reaches out to the youth of the community who want to learn the game of basketball, have fun, and share an experience that forms life-long memories. The free program is conducted on Saturday mornings over eight weeks of winter. Each one-hour session is held at Lincoln Elementary School in Gettysburg on Saturday mornings in January and February. The players are divided into grades K-1 and grades 2-3 and grades 4-6. All participants are encouraged to attend, even if they cannot commit to attending all the weekly sessions. Each participant will receive a free basketball t-shirt as a memento of their experience.

Free basketball sessions begin January 6, 2024, in the Lincoln Elementary gym and will occur every Saturday through the end of February. The schedule is as follows: Grades K & 1 from 9-10 am, Grade 2 & 3 from 10-11am, Grades 4-6 from 11-12pm. Children can be registered by completing an online form at gettysburgoptimist.com or by printing the paperwork from our website and mailing the registration to PO Box 3035 Gettysburg, PA 17325. All registration forms must be received prior to children participating in the program. Late registration forms will not be accepted after January 14.

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg Youth Basketball Program is one of the many youth-oriented programs conducted and funded by the local Optimist Club each year. Club members, parents and community volunteers act as leaders, monitors, coaches and mentors. Many of them were once young participants in earlier programs and are now coaching and mentoring their children and grandchildren. The Youth Basketball Program would not be a success without the help of our volunteers. Since its inception more than 5,500 area young people have participated in the annual basketball outings. Consider donating your time as a coach or station leader in order to help this Youth Basketball Program be a positive impact on the youth of the community.

 Online Registration

Print & Mail Optimist Hoops Registration Form

Gettysburg Optimist Basketball Schedule 2024

Saturday, January 6
Saturday, January 13
Saturday, January 20
Saturday, January 27
Saturday, February 3
Saturday, February 10
Saturday, February 17
Saturday, February 24

Are you Interested in Coaching or Volunteering? We’d love to have you join us.  Please start by filling out the following form and apply for the required clearances.  We “Thank You” as we couldn’t offer this program without the many gracious and generous volunteers.  Optimist Club of Gettysburg Volunteer Waiver

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, October 18,2023 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.

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

Business Meeting:

Gary opened the meeting with the announcement of the completion of a great Optimist year while he was president. Gary thanked all the members for their support throughout the 2022-2023 Optimist year.

Outgoing President Gary reviewed the past year and thanked the 2022-2023 officers: Randy, Al, and Daryl; Board of Directors: Fred, Wayne, Dan and Brian; as well as all members and spouses for their support.

The main order of business was the installation of new officers and Board of Directors for 2022-2023 by Past President Gary: (Officers) President-Brent Smith, Secretary-Daryl Aurand, and Treasurer-Randy Smith, (Board of Directors) Fred Darling, Wayne Hill, Gary Rappoldt and Brian Skidmore.

Newly elected President Brent Smith addressed the membership and his appreciation for the efforts from all members in making the Optimist Club of Gettysburg a great organization. President Brent looks forward to yet another year for our Gettysburg Optimist Club carrying our mission to the youth of our community.

The meeting ended with Wayne Hill leading us in the recitation of the “Optimist Creed”.

Upcoming Dates:

10/25/2023 Board meeting at “Four Score” 5PM and Membership Social 6PM
11/1/2023 Optimist Meeting, location Deatrick Village Community Center 6PM
11/9/2023 Adams CO Foundation Giving Spree (We are #71)
12/6/2023 Optimist Family Christmas Party @ Gettysburg Fireman’s Hall 6PM
12/19/2023 Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Sign-up sheet to be circulated
01/3/2024 Optimist Meeting
01/6/2024 Opening day Optimist Basketball

2023-2024 Officers and Board of Directors

Left to right: Brian Skidmore, Wayne Hill, Gary Rappoldt, Daryl Aurand (Secretary), Randy Smith (Treasurer), Dan Mattern (Vice-President), Brent Smith (President) Missing: Fred Darling

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 6 PM at Detrick Village Community Center Gettysburg. We had 15 members present and 1 guest speaker (Scott Hartwig) representing the Gettysburg Community Theater for our meeting. President Gary grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and Brian served pasta salad and baked beans. Dan and Daryl helped with beverages and helping where needed. President Gary welcomed all in attendance.

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.

2. Treasure’s report: Approved

3. President’s Report:

• a. Guest speaker from the Gettysburg Community Theater – Scott Hartwig, President of the board of directors. Scott has been involved with the Gettysburg Community since 2014. He spoke of his personal involvement with the theater and told us they have over 100 volunteers at anyone time and 2 full-time paid staff. They have many activities/shows including opportunities for special needs children. They also reach 275 youth from Adams County in shows and camps. Scott expressed an emphasis on “Community” in their name with and how the theater is teaching confidence. We can feel proud to be partnering with The Gettysburg Community Theater in reaching the children of our community.
• b. Officer nominations were made and approved for our 2023-2024 Optimist Calendar year.

President: Brent Smith, Vice President: Dan Mattern, Secretary: Daryl Aurand, Treasurer: Randy Smith, Board of Directors: Wayne Hill, Brian Skidmore, Gary Rappoldt, and Fred Darling.

• c. Our next social event will be on Wednesday 9/20, 6PM at Fourscore Brewery, Gettysburg

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)

5. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)

6. Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival Parking (Chair Brian Skidmore)

• a. Saturday 9/9, 10AM – 3PM, Sunday 9/10 10AM – 3PM
• b. The sign-up sheet was passed around at the meeting. For those of us who did not sign-up please be in touch with Brian. Email: [email protected] we need all hands on deck to help at this important fund-raising event.

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

• a. Date of ACCF Giving Spree on Thursday November 9, 2023
• b. Optimist Club of Gettysburg Code #71
• c. We can give in person on 11/9/23, or online at ACCFGivingSpree.org, or call 717-337-0060

8. RIF & Environmental Ed (Chair Lyne Aurand)

9. Golf Tournament Fundraiser (Chair Gary Rappoldt) Discussed checking other venues/courses to hold the event. Gary will check on pricing and then hit the ground running the end of January to have the tournament ready for 5/16/2024.

10. Brian had previously suggested a meeting in the fall to bring your adult child or friend.

11. This is simply a reminder from our May 6th meeting: several members voiced their opinion that Activities Account funds be spent only on Activity Expenses. Members should pay for their monthly meals from the General Account. If the meal cost exceeds the allowance, then pay the additional from pocket. The specifics will be presented at the next meeting by the Board of Directors. Approved by general membership vote at our 1-4-2023 meeting: to pay for guests and guest speakers from Activities Account at meetings.

12. Little League Baseball

• a. Al reported we should investigate sponsorship signage and Daryl agreed to make a contact.

New Business

1. Optimist Social at Four Score Gettysburg on Wednesday, September 20 @ 6PM
2. Discussion on ways to use email/social media legally to raise funds/awareness for the club.
3. Discussion on dues increase to cover expenses
4. Golf Chairman is going to get proposals for alternative tournament venues
5. Brian stepping down as Chairman of the Winefest Parking
6. Christmas Salvation Army Bell Ringing, December 19

Upcoming Dates:

● 9/9 & 9/10 Wine and Music Festival Parking
● 9-20 Social evening at Fourscore Brewery 6PM
● 10/18 Installation Banquet @ Mansion House, Fairfield, PA (Sign-up with separate email)
● 10/25 Board Meeting and calendar planning
● 11/1 Meeting, location TBD
● 12/6 Save the date Family Christmas Party
● 12/19 Christmas Salvation Army Bell Ringing

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, for our summer picnic hosted at Sue and Wayne Hill’s residence. I did not get a head count but I’m certain we had approximately 30 people in attendance.

We enjoyed burgers and hot dogs off the grill compliments of Stacey. Members provided an assortment of delicious, covered dishes.

Thank you again Wayne and Sue for hosting this social event and opening your home to host our summer picnic.

This was a wonderful social evening enjoyed by all.

Upcoming Dates:

●      7/19 Optimist family picnic at Wayne & Sue Hill’s 6PM

●      8/2  4^th Quarter Zone Meeting, Gettysburg will host at Rec Park (Fireman’s Pavilion) 6PM

●      8/16 Social evening at Fourscore Brewery 6PM

●      9/6 Regular Meeting, Gettysburg Community Theater guests

●      9/9 & 9/10 Wine and Music Festival Parking

●      10/4 Installation Meeting

●      10/13 Board Meeting and calendar planning

Respectfully Submitted,  Daryl Aurand, Secretary