East coast supplies of shrimp and oysters will soon diminish as the time for Gettysburg’s most anticipated feast approaches.

The Annual Gettysburg Optimist Oyster and Shrimp Feed has been scheduled for Saturday, March 4, 2017 between noon and 3 pm. This year the popular event is at the Gettysburg Fire Hall located at 35 North Stratton Street, in Gettysburg.

The annual All U Can Eat Oyster & Shrimp Feed includes oysters (raw, steamed, stewed, and fried), steamed shrimp, ham, steak fries, beverages, and desserts for a donation of $35 per person!

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg invites the local community to join us for the afternoon. Although we come from all walks of life, Optimist Club Members share in the goal to make a difference in the lives of others, especially youth in our region.  The Optimist Oyster & Shrimp Feed is one of several fund raising projects the local club conducts in order to support more than 19 youth related programs throughout the Gettysburg area. “The Oyster & Shrimp Feed is an opportunity for the community to gather and support the youth in our community.  We have been hosting the Oyster & Shrimp Feed for over thirty-five years, allowing our organization to further the Optimist’s mission of Bringing out the best in Kids” said Wayne Hill, Oyster & Shrimp Feed Chair, of the Optimist Club of Gettysburg.  Fundraisers such as this one are essential to putting all of our plans into action,”  Wayne continued.  “With this fundraiser, we hope to be able to bring more projects to the children of the community who need it most.”

This is your opportunity to join the “Friends of Youth” in supporting programs including; Optimist Youth Basketball, Youth Appreciation, Respect for Law, Reading is Fundamental, S.T.A.R.S., GHS Outdoor Education, Gettysburg Community Theater (GCT), Holiday Family Outreach, GHS Musical Ensemble, Dollars for Scholars, Food Kitchen Meals and More, GHS Football, The Gettysburg Arts Council and more.  We need the support of the Gettysburg community to continue a fifty-six year tradition of providing these programs to our local youth! Member preparation will begin Friday, March 3 at 6:00 pm. Member tickets are available from Stacey or Wayne.

For questions or to purchase tickets for the 2017 Oyster & Shrimp Feed, please contact the club.  Tickets are limited.  So order yours today!

2017 Oyster Feed Flyer

The Gettysburg Optimist Club met on Wednesday, February 1 at the Refectory.

Bruce Bradshaw opened the meeting with a prayer and Pledge of  Allegiance. He reported that Thursday, February 2 is International Optimist Day and that all Optimists are requested to wear something related to Optimists .

Treasurer’s Report: Tom Barako reported on Activity Fund and General Fund.  Tom said that dues are coming in nicely and that the club is in good shape financially.

Soccer Parking: Bruce reported that we probably will not have the usual area for parking available. Possibly we may be able to do the parking for the Lacrosse games.

Basketball: Joe reported that the program is doing very well. Many compliments have been received about the Optimist Club running this program. There are about 140 kids participating.

Golf Outing: May 18  We are looking for someone to run the program. The usual sponsors are signing up. The goal this year is to raise $10000.

Oyster Feed: Plans are proceeding very well. Oyster padding will be on the evening of March 3 at the Gettysburg Fire House.

Reminder: THERE WILL BE NO MEETING ON  MARCH 1.

Comments:

Important Meeting- A vote will taken at the February 15 meeting regarding the financial status of the club. Basically the decision will be made regarding whether we remain as a 501C4 club or change to a 501C3 club. Sam will provide information for discussion. Bob Campbell said that a check should be made regarding the incorporation of the club.

Bruce mentioned  that the Gettysburg Area Recreation Association is seeking financial help to provide helmets for the kids who use the skateboard area at Rec Park.

Bruce also presented a video about Will Rogers, the great American humorist from Oklahoma.

Last but not least: A belated congratulations to Joe MacDowell on achieving Lifetime Member status. Joe certainly deserves this recognition for all he has done for the club.

Bruce closed the meeting at 7:50 with recitation of the Optimist Creed.

Submitted by Fred Darling

The Gettysburg Optimist Club will meet on Wednesday, February 1, at 6:00pm in the Refectory. Please join us for good fellowship and great dinner.

The Gettysburg Optimist Club met on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Refectory.

Vice-President Wayne Hill opened the meeting at 7:05 with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. This was followed by an excellent dinner provided by Stacey Green and her staff. After dinner the business session began.

Treasurer’s Report: Tom Barako reported that dues are being received now and also that the club taxes are complete.

Youth Basketball: Kris Accardi reported that the program is going very well. He said that there are large turnouts and good participation. There are about 140 kids participating, with a good mix from area schools.  Reminder: Team photos this Saturday.

Christmas Magic Show: The show was very successful.

Oyster Feed:  (March 3/4) Wayne Hill reported that plans are progressing well. Tickets have been mailed to all members and Wayne has more. The setup for the feed will be the evening of March 3 at the Gettysburg Fire House.

Last Year’s Golf Tournament sponsors will be contacted although the Blue and Gray Restaurant is already committed. Thank you. The goal is to earn $8500 this year.

Soccer Parking: (5/28,29 and 8/27,28) Brian Skidmore is in charge of parking this year. The usual parking area is not available so a new area/ ideas will need to be found.

Members Comments

Tom asked Marci about advertising for the Oyster Feed.

Wayne mentioned that is a good time to enroll new members since International is giving a break on fees.

Sam commented about the possibility of changing the club status to 501c3. He said that there are various options available and a future vote is needed to begin the application process.

Next Meeting: February 1 at the Refectory.

There is no meeting March 1 due to the Oyster Feed.

CONGRATULATIONS TO WAYNE HILL ON SUPERB PERFORMANCE OF MAN OF LA MANCHA AT THE COMMUNITY THEATER!!

Vice President Hill ended the meeting at 7:40 pm with a recitation of the Optimist Creed.

Submitted by  Fred Darling

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Reminder: On Saturday January 21st members of the Optimist basketball program will have photos taken by Picture this Portraits and Special Events. Please wear your shirts and bring your order form.

Calling all Gettysburg Optimists: Our 2nd meeting of 2017 will be this Wednesday and we are looking forward to all members and guests socializing with us.

 
We are meeting at the Seminary Refectory so come out and enjoy a great meal prepared by Stacey and staff. 
 
We promise a great meal and some tall tale stories to be enjoyed.
 
Optimistically, Daryl

Week 1 Basketball photos are now posted on facebook.  Check them out here!

 

The Gettysburg Optimist Club met on Wednesday, January 4, 6:00pm, at the Refectory.

Mark Cropp opened the meeting with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Mark then introduced our guest for the evening, Ms. Sheila O’Gara. This was followed by a delicious dinner provided by Stacey Green and her staff.

Report from Mark Cropp: Mark reviewed the upcoming projects and events for the rest of the year. He conveyed a report about the Youth Basketball Program form Mindy and Kris Accardi. The program starts this Saturday, January 7 from 9-1,at the Gettysburg Middle School.  There is great interest in the program with 125 youths signed up and counting. Shirts are ordered and ready for pickup. Volunteers to assist in the program are always welcome. Marci will be taking photos this week but a volunteer is needed on the 14th.

Oyster Feed : Wayne has mailed tickets to everyone for the feed, March 4.

Golf Outing:  May 18 at the Links. Bruce will have information at the next meeting.

Zone Meeting: Daryl and Gary attended the Zone Meeting in York on November 7.

Salvation Army Bell Ringers: Many thanks to all club members who volunteered to be bell ringers.

Christmas Party: The party on Dec. 14 was a great success. Everyone had a wonderful time. Nice to see Santa!

Soccer Parking: Dates are set for May 27 and 28  and  August 26 and 27.

Members comments:

Some discussion about converting to nonprofit status.

Joe could use some help this Friday moving the basketball hoops and stands from his garage. Also he said that some additional help is needed working with older kids at the Basketball Program.

Marci said that the Oyster Feed website page is up and the Oyster feed ad can be pulled for printing and displaying in churches, stores, etc. She also mentioned that the Club Directory on the website was last updated in March 2016 for everyone and requested everyone review their information and provide any updates so this year’s Directory can be published. New members please fill out the paperwork. See a member for the password or contact Marci via email.

Mark mentioned that the Face of America Bike Riders will have their annual event April 29 and 30. There will be over 1000 riders going from Washington to Gettysburg and Philadelphia to Gettysburg.

Mark closed the meeting at 7:00pm with the recital of the Optimist Creed.

Submitted by Fred Darling

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The Optimist Club of Gettysburg will once again host an instructional basketball program beginning this Saturday, January 7th. We look forward to seeing all the kids, parents and coaches on the court at the Gettysburg Middle School Gym.

Sign ups are still being accepted for players and coaches. To register you child you may use this link:  2017 Optimist Hoops Registration Form and email the registration to: gettysburgoptimist@gettysburgoptimist.com

The schedule is as follows:

Grade 1-3 Boys: 9-10am

Grade 1-3 Girls: 10-11am

Grade 4-6 Boys: 11-12pm

Grade 4-6 Girls: 12-1pm

Please contact Kris or Mindy at 334-2254 with any questions.group 4 IMG_2457Group 3 IMG_2387

Photos courtesy of: Picture This Portraits & Special Events

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

Looking for a New Year’s resolution? How about: “I will attend more Gettysburg Optimist Club meetings”?

You can start by attending the first Gettysburg Optimist Club meeting of the year on Wednesday, January 4, at 6:00 pm in the Refectory.  Come and share holiday stories and have a great meal.

See you then !