Gettysburg Optimist Impact in Adams County

The Gettysburg Optimist Club helps 7,647 children annually through a minimum of 12 charitable events.  Thru our fundraisers, we have the ability to partner with some fantastic organizations to help in serving our youth and future leaders.

  • 1,162 Holiday Family Outreach
  • 1,745 Reading Is Fundamental
  • 150 Basketball
  • 1 Dollars for Scholars
  • 1,032 Adams County Economic Education
  • 200 Gettysburg Community Theater
  • 250 Ruth’s Harvest
  • 40 Adams County Special Olympics
  • 2,954 Adams County Arts Council
  • 113 Gettysburg High School STARS
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Meeting Minutes – February 1, 2023

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, 6 PM at Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 1 guest, and 15 members present for our meeting. President Gary welcomed all in attendance for our meeting. Dan Mattern gave the invocation and Biggerstaff Catering provided a barbeque pork dinner enjoyed by all.

 

Business Meeting:

  • Secretary’s Report: Approved.
  • Treasure’s report: Approved
    • Annual dues for fiscal 2022-2023 will remain at $160 even though OI dues were increased from last year.
  • President’s Report:
    • Guest speaker from Adams County Arts Council — Lisa Cadigan, Executive Director  Lisa spoke about the mission of the ACAC is to cultivate an arts-rich community. She touched on the many activities and projects that are offered by ACAC for our community including art, music, dance, and so many variations comprising arts and cultural activities. ACAC offers many children’s programs and currently serves 454 youth from Adams County and many more, partnering with other organizations like Collaborating for Youth, YWCA, schools, etc.  Lisa’s energy and enthusiasm was obvious and helped us realize the importance of Gettysburg Optimist partnering with ACAC in “bringing out the best in children”.  Photo of check presentation to Adams County Arts Council was taken for the newspaper.

ACAC 2023 Optimist Donation

Old Business

  • Optimist Basketball (Chair Chris Bender & Brian Skidmore) – Brian reported, January went well, and we have February to work with our youth participants. This year’s location is at Gettysburg Area Middle School on Saturday morning’s from 9 am – 12 pm. Brian encouraged membership to stop by as we have a captive audience of parents and an opportunity to invite them to become an Optimist. Discuss announcing Golf Tournament at last Sat and handing out pamphlets.
  • Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller) – The “Respect for Law” award will be on March 8 at the Adams County Court House. The time will be in a future email.
  • Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival Parking (Chair Brian Skidmore)
    1. 9/9 & 10
    2. Work in progress for parking
  • Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell & Fred Darling)
  • RIF & Environmental Ed (Chair Lyne Aurand)
    1. Money will be distributed to RIF which is part of the 2022-2023 Budget
    2. Elementary schools responded that RIF will be offered to about 1000 children this school year. A check presentation date needs to be set for the April or May meeting and invitations sent to school RIF contacts.
    3. Environmental Ed has been discontinued per Gettysburg Area School Administration and School Board
  • Youth Golf Outing (Chair Walt Jones, Randy Smith & Gary Rappoldt) – Proposal for a spring youth 9-hole golf tournament/outing approved. Randy, Walt, and Gary agreed to plan this event.
  • Golf Tournament Fundraiser (Chair Dan Mattern)
    1. May 18, 2023
    2. Updated promotion information will be available soon and everyone is needed to promote sponsorships, foursomes, and make this our best Golf Tournament to date.
    3. Revise our Optimist pamphlet to include the numbers of children we provide free services so more community members may become sponsors. These pamphlets can be used when contacting potential sponsors, donors, participants, and members.
  • Brian suggested a bring your adult child or friend to a fall designated meeting.
  • Approved by general membership vote at 1-4-2023 meeting: to pay for guests and guest speakers from Activities Account at meetings.

New Business

  • Next meeting March 1 @ Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg
  • Gettysburg Community Theater, speaker Chad Alan-Carr

Upcoming Dates:

  • 2-4, 2-11, 2-18, 2-25 Opt BB 9 AM—12 PM @ Gettysburg Area Middle School
  • 2-24 STARS Awards Recognition 7:30 AM @ Gettysburg Area High School
  • 3-1 Board of Directors Meeting 5:30 PM before membership meeting
  • 3-1, Membership Meeting 6 PM at Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg
  • 3-8, “Respect For Law” Award at Gettysburg Court House, time will be in future email
  • 3-8 Zone Meeting at Elizabethtown
  • 4-5 Membership Meeting 6 PM at Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg
  • 5-3 Membership Meeting 6 PM at Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg
  • 5-18 Golf Tournament at “The Links at Gettysburg”

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

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Meeting Minutes – January 4, 2022

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, January 4, 2022, 6:00 PM at Hoss’s Steak and Sea House. We had 2 guests, and 13 members present for our meeting. President Gary welcomed all in attendance for our meeting.

Business Meeting:

  1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.
  2. Treasure’s report: Approved
  3. President’s Report:
    1. Guest speakers from Special Olympics Adams County, Athlete – Carole Ann Bollinger and   Volunteer Sherrie Wivel.

 

Carole Ann spoke to us about her accomplishments in the many sports opportunities available to students and adults with intellectual disabilities working with volunteers and coaches throughout the year. She said they are always looking for volunteers and coaches to help continue this great program.

Volunteer Sherrie Wivel addressed the feeling of accomplishment the athletes and their families experience. The benefits of the Special Olympics extend well beyond the playing field.

When Carole Ann spoke, her enthusiasm and enjoyment from this program was obvious.

Our club showed our support with $500.00 given through the ACF Giving Spree.

Photo of check presentation to Adams County Special Olympics for the newspaper.

 

Old Business

  1. Optimist Basketball (Chair Chris Bender & Brian Skidmore)
    1. Chris & Brian reported sign-ups are going well. This year’s location is at Gettysburg Area Middle School. The first date is this Saturday 1/7 from 9 am – 12 pm. Chris and Brian are NEED volunteers.
  2. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)

 

  1. Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival Parking (Chair Brian Skidmore)
    1. 9/9 & 10
    2. Work in progress for a parking fee, details to be worked out.

 

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

 

  1. RIF & Environmental Ed (Chair Lyne Aurand)
    1. Money will be distributed to RIF which is part of the 2022-2023 Budget
    2. Environmental Ed has been discontinued per Gettysburg Area School Administration and School Board
  2. Youth Golf Outing (Chair ??)
    1. Proposal for a spring youth 9-hole golf tournament/outing approved. Randy, Walt, and Gary agreed to plan this event.
  3. Golf Tournament Fundraiser (Chair Dan Mattern)
    1. May 18, 2023
    2. Updated promotion information will be available soon.

New Business

  1. A motion was made by Treasurer Randy and approved by the membership to pay for guests and guest speakers from Activities Account at meetings.

 

Upcoming Dates:

  • 1/7/, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28 Opt BB 9-12 @ Gettysburg Area Middle School
  • 2/1/23 6:00 PM General Membership meeting at Deatrick Community Center
  • 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25 Opt BB 9-12 @ Gettysburg Area Middle School
  • 2/2023 Zone Meeting

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Daryl Aurand, Secretary

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Christmas Holiday Party December 7, 2022

Optimist Club of Gettysburg

Christmas Holiday Party

December 7, 2022

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at the Gettysburg Fire Hall. Stacey and her staff had the fire hall decorated in the Christmas Spirit. We had the privilege of being entertained by the Gettysburg High School Orchestra to Holiday music.

Hors d’oeuvres and a fantastic dinner was prepared by Stacey and staff “Biggerstaff Catering”. President Gary Rappoldt welcomed 45 members and guests along with 14 children and 8 Orchestra members. Brent Smith opened our evening with the invocation.

Evening Agenda:

  1. Before dinner Lyne Aurand provided a craft table for all children.
  2. The children, members, and guests were led in singing Christmas carols by Wayne in hopes that if Saint Nicholas was making a practice Christmas run, he might hear us and stop to visit. To our surprise Santa Claus did make a splashing appearance and all the children had the chance to meet with Santa and receive a gift. Once again it was a great night for all.
  3. News Flash – we received $2,850.00 from the Giving Spree “ACCF”. Thank you, Joe and Fred, for all of your work.

Upcoming Dates:

  • 12/15/2022 Salvation Army Bell ringing
  • 1/1/2023 HAPPY NEW YEAR
  • 1/4/2023 Meeting @ Hoss’s Restaurant 6PM social, 6:30PM dinner
  • 1/7/2023 Optimist Basketball begins, GASD Lincoln Elementary, 9-12 see our website for registration information.
  • 1/7/2023 Optimist Basketball Lincoln Elementary 9-12
  • 1/14/2023 Optimist Basketball Lincoln Elementary 9-12
  • 1/21/2023 Optimist Basketball Lincoln Elementary 9-12
  • 1/28/2023
  • 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25 Opt. Basketball Lincoln Elem. 9-12
  • Oyster/Shrimp Fundraiser has been postponed for 2023
  • Our May 2023 Golf Tournament Fundraiser @ The Links at Gettysburg is on.

Happy Holidays, Daryl Aurand / Secretary

Images available on Facebook

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2023 Basketball Registration Now Open

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 the program rules were very simple, though some thought them to be revolutionary. All kids played, all focused on the fundamentals of the game, no score keeping, 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 program is conducted Saturday mornings over eight weeks of winter. Currently each one-hour session is held at the Gettysburg Area Middle School or Lincoln Elementary every Saturday in the months of 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 boy and girl receive a free basketball tee-shirt as a memento of their experience.

This year’s registration will be held December 10th from 10-12pm in the Gettysburg Middle School Cafeteria. Sessions begin January 7, 2023, in the Gettysburg Middle School Gym and will occur every Saturday through the end of February. The schedule is as follows; Grade K-1 9-10 am, Grade 2-3 10-11am, Grade 4-6 11-12pm. Children can be registered by attending a sign-up session, 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.

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. Since its inception more than 5000 area young people have participated in the annual basketball outings.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW

 

 About the Gettysburg Optimist Club

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg was chartered in 1958 and continues to be dedicated to providing young people with positive activities and learning opportunities. Club members are men and women who come from all walks of life and who are united in an effort, “To Bring out the Best in Kids!”To learn more about the Optimist Club of Gettysburg and their many programs, activities and a membership opportunity, visit http://www.gettysburgoptimist.com/, visit us on Facebook or call 717-220-3416.

Optimist Hoops Registration Form

Gettysburg Optimist Basketball Schedule 2023

Saturday, January 7
Saturday, January 14
Saturday, January 21 – Photo Day  (tentative)
Saturday, January 28 – Make Up Photo Day (tentative)
Saturday, February 4
Saturday, February 11
Saturday, February 18
Saturday, February 25

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

 

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Meeting Minutes – August 25, 2022

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, August 25, 2022, 6:00 PM at Hoss’s Steak and Sea House. We had 13 members present for our meeting. President Gary welcomed all in attendance for our meeting.

 

Business Meeting:

 

  1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.
  2. Treasure’s report: Approved
  1. President’s Report:
    1. President Gary discussed our participating in the Keystone active Veterans Christmas Card event and several members agreed in this great project. Christmas Cards will be available at our October meeting.
    2. President Gary thanked Wayne and Sue for a wonderful summer picnic and sharing their home with all who could make it.
    3. On 8/3/2022 Optimist Meeting & 4th Quarter Zone Meeting, was held at GARA fireman’s pavilion.

New Business

  1. Our new promotion brochure is available, and we should always have one in our possession. If you need some promotion brochures, contact Daryl and one will be mailed to you.
  2. Discussion regarding repair of the Optimist Amphitheater will be investigated and report back to the club by Daryl.
  3. Proposal for a spring youth 9-hole golf tournament approved. Randy, Walt, and Gary agreed to plan this event.

Old Business

  1. Basketball Committee (Chairs Chris Bender & Brian Skidmore)
    1. No report.
  2. Golf Committee (Chair Steve Burton)
    1. No report.
  3. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)
    1. No report
  4. Oyster & Shrimp Feed Committee (Chairs Wayne Hill & Stacey Schlosser)
    1. Oyster/Shrimp Fundraiser cancelled (3/13/2022)
  5. Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival Parking Committee (Brian Skidmore)
    1. 9/10 & 11/2022 Wine Festival Parking
    2. Call or email Brian if you can help with this great fundraiser.

 

  1. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chairs Joe MacDowell & Fred Darling)
    1. 11/3 ACCF Giving Spree.org
    2. Joe addressed our members on the benefit of giving through the Adams County Foundation which adds/increases approximately 3% to the revenue received by all of the 501C3 non-profit organizations who participate in this event including our Optimist Club.
  2. RIF & Environmental Ed (Chair Lyne Aurand) – Our board of directors proposed we contact the schools who receive monies for RIF and Environmental Ed since the funds are available, club membership agreed. Funds to be distributed by September 30.

 

Upcoming Dates:

  • 9/7/22 No meeting
  • 9/10 & 11/2022 Wine Festival Parking
  • 10/5/22 Officer Installation at Mansion House, Fairfield, PA
  • 11/3 Adams County Foundation Giving Spree
  • 11/16 Optimist Meeting 6PM at Hoss’s
  • 12/7 Optimist Christmas Party at Gettysburg Fire House

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Daryl Aurand, Secretary

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Optimist Parking Fundraiser – Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival

Saturday, September 10 | Sunday, September 11 

Parking on site at the Wine and Music Festival is free, however our wonderful volunteers from the Optimist Club of Gettysburg are happy to accept donations for their hard work. We’ll be helping park cars from morning to night to get you in and out efficiently. All proceeds go directly to our youth programs and activities in the community like the Optimist Basketball program, Reading is Fundamental and Outdoor Education. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will be used to help your community flourish.

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Meeting Minutes – June 1, 2022

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, 6:00 PM at Lake Heritage Community Pavilion. We had 19 members and 3 guests present for our meeting. President Gary welcomed all in attendance for our sixth meeting in 2022. We had char-grilled steak and all the fixings for dinner prepared by Gary, Walt, and Mark. Thank you, food committee, for a delicious meal. The evening was spectacular and enjoyed by all.

 

Business Meeting:

 

  1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.
  2. Treasure’s report: Approved

 

  1. President’s Report:
    1. President Gary attended the Third quarter Zone meeting 5/17 in York.

Old Business

  1. Basketball Committee (Chairs Chris Bender & Brian Skidmore)
    1. Brian introduced Coach Chris Davis and family who volunteered with our Optimist basketball program. Our program touched over 180 boys and girls from the greater Gettysburg area.
  2. Golf Committee (Chair Steve Burton)
    1. Tom reported our 12th annual “Clyde E Williams Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament” a success. We had 84 golfers participate. Thank you members for your support and volunteering your help, this type of event needs everyone to be a success. We cleared $6,000.00.
  3. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)
    1. Event held 2/23/2022
    2. No report
  4. Oyster & Shrimp Feed Committee (Chairs Wayne Hill & Stacey Schlosser)
    1. Oyster/Shrimp Fundraiser cancelled (3/13/2022)
  5. Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival Parking Committee (Brian Skidmore)
    1. 9/10 & 11/2022 Wine Festival Parking
    2. No report at this time.
  6. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chairs Joe MacDowell & Fred Darling)
    1. 11/3 ACCFGivingSpree.org
    2. No report
  7. RIF & Environmental Ed (Chair Lyne Aurand)
    1. Money will be distributed in the Spring of 2023 after Wine Festival parking fundraiser.
    2. The amount in budget may be adjusted based on fundraising

 

 

New Business

  1. Summer meetings will be held at Lake Heritage pavilion. (6/1, 8/3, 9/7) Our July picnic location will be held at Wayne and Sue’s residence 7/20, details to follow.
  2. August 19-20 at Wyndham, Gettysburg is the Fourth Quarter Zone Convention. Gettysburg Optimist needs representation so mark this on your calendar. It will be in our backyard.
  3. Our new promotion brochure is available, and we should all always have one in our possession. I will have at the picnic for all attending. If you need sooner contact Daryl and one will be mailed to you.

Upcoming Dates:

  • 7/20/2022 Optimist Family Picnic at the Hill’s
  • 8/3/2022 Optimist Meeting & 4th Quarter Zone Meeting, location Lake Heritage Pavilion 6PM social, 6:30PM dinner
  • 8/19-20/2022 4th Quarter Joint Convention at the Wyndham, Gettysburg
  • 9/7/2022 Optimist Meeting
  • 9/10 & 11/2022 Wine Festival Parking
  • 10/5/22 Officer Installation at Mansion House, Fairfield, PA
  • 11/3 Adams County Foundation Giving Spree

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Daryl Aurand, Secretary

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Clyde E. Williams Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament

The Clyde E. Williams Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament had an amazing turnout and the weather was spectacular. However, we couldn’t have had such an amazing event without our sponsors. Our sponsors continuously show their support for our mission and make it so that we can continue to positively impact the youth in the Gettysburg community. We encourage you all to support them as much as they support us. Through this link https://gettysburgoptimist.com/our-sponsors/ you are able to find more information on our generous sponsors that work hard to show their appreciation for us.
We also wanted to thank all of the players that came out to support us as well. We hope you all had an amazing time out on the course!
Lastly, we would like to thank the Links for hosting this fantastic tournament and to all of the staff involved. You all helped everything run smoothly and made it such an enjoyable time.
Without any of you, this event wouldn’t have been able to happen and we appreciate each and every one of you so much.
Linked below are images from yesterday’s tournament and we can’t wait for next year!

Also, congratulations to the winners of the tournament! From left to right: Rob Reed, Jason Williams, Jim Williams, Scot Williams.
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Gettysburg Optimist Club Clyde E. Williams Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament

The day is finally here! Today, May 19th is the Gettysburg Optimist Clubs’ Clyde E. Williams Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament! Join us at 1pm at the Links at Gettysburg for this amazing event. We can’t wait to see everyone there!

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