The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 6 PM at 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 11 members and 8 guests in attendance. Sam and Walt were our food committee for the evening. Brent filled in to run our meeting. Brian introduced our guest Optimist Basketball coaches in attendance.

Brent offered the invocation and led us in the Pledge to the flag and welcomed all.

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.
2. Treasure’s report:
a. General Account:
b. Activities Account:

3. President’s Report: Brent began the meeting expressing appreciation to Brian and Ashley for another fantastic job with Optimist Basketball. He also thanked all who helped: members and volunteers who committed their Saturdays in January and February. (Pictures attached to the minutes)

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian)

Brian reported on the success of our Optimist Basketball program that had approximately 135 girls and boys participated on Saturdays starting January through February. He stressed this program’s success is because of our volunteer coaches and also recognizing Ashley’s unbelievable organizational skills that made everything run successfully. Brian also recognized Gettysburg Area School District for the use of the gym and support staff.

5. Little League Baseball (Chair Al ) – Opening day soon (April)

6. Respect for Law (Chair Doug ) – May 7th meeting

7. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe)

8. RIF (Chair Lyne) – Participating schools have been contacted and are corresponding with Lyne.

9. Golf Tournament (Chair Daryl & Dan)

a. Date May 15th We are back at “The Links at Gettysburg”

b. Golf Registration flyer is available and can also be found on our website “gettysburgoptimist.com”. We are asking everyone to help sell our tournament as this is our major fund raiser. If you have any questions call Dan or Daryl.

10. The Warrior Way Program ( Chair Brent) – Date April 16th Awards & Breakfast at Gettysburg Sr HS. Time:7:45AM

11. Wayne had proposed working a Fundraiser at Granite Hill Campground. The (4) dates of 5/23, 6/14, 7/5, and 9/6 are available for us. The fundraiser is (Bingo) and we will need to supply the game of chance license and at least 3 or more people per event. Wayne is investigating with the owners.

On the date of Wednesday Feb. 26 several members (Marci, Nancy, Doug, Wayne, Dan, Brent, and Daryl) attended the Emmitsburg Vol. Fire Company’s bingo fundraising event. The club discussed the possibilities of bingo as a potential fundraiser.

New Business

1. Liability Insurance discussed for Non-Optimist volunteers. Brent is reaching out to ACNB Insurance and if members have other suggestions please forward. We know OI is an option.

2. Importance of new membership discussed.

Upcoming Dates:

• 4/2 Optimist Meeting 6:30PM @ Gettysburg Community Theater & Upper Crust for dinner
• 4/16 Warrior Way Program 7:45AM at Gettysburg Sr HS.
• 4/16 Optimist Social 6PM @ Four Score/3rd Quarter BOD meeting
• 4/19 Gettysburg Little League Opening Day
• 5/7 Optimist Meeting 6PM @ Doug Miller’s home (Respect for Law)
• 5/14 Dwight D Eisenhower “Senior Self Improvement Award” 7:30AM @ AC Trades Bldg. (RSVP to Walt)
• 5/15 15th Annual Optimist Golf Tournament (Golf info available and up and on our website)
• 5/16, 5/17, 5/18 Face of America – (Help needed 5/14, 5/15, 5/19) See Marci

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 6 PM at 1,000 Heritage Drive, Lake Heritage Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 11 members and 2 guests in attendance. We were treated to a great dinner prepared by Brent and Karen. Dessert was prepared by Lyne. President Wayne introduced our guests from Adams County Special Olympics, David Miller – athlete and Terry Stickles – Manager for SOAC.

Brent offered invocation and Wayne led us in the Pledge to the flag and welcomed all in attendance.

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.

2. Treasure’s report – Reminder if you have not yet submitted your dues for 2025, please do so asap. Brent will soon be reaching out to members via reminder emails for those who have yet to submit.

3. President’s Report:

• a. Adams County Special Olympics speaker David Miller talked to us about his experiences and accomplishments as an athlete. David is currently working towards being a coach to give back what he feels has contributed to his success not only as an athlete but in his personal life. Terry Stickles position as manager for Special Olympics for Adams County expressed her appreciation for our $1,000 contribution which benefits 120 athletes.
• b. Dan & Daryl are meeting with the wine fest committee to discuss the parking (fundraiser) for 2025.
• c. The food committee sign-up sheet for our 2025 meetings was passed around and is attached as part of the minutes. If you see any openings that work for you please contact me and I will update our sign-up sheet.

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)

• a. Our first Optimist Basketball date on Saturday 1/4 was attended by approximately 120 youth from K – 6 grades. Dan reported in Brian’s absence.
• b. Volunteers are still needed. Even if you can only do one or two weekends it would be helpful to Ashley and Brian. Help and greet at the door relieves Ashley to be on the basketball court.

5. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone)

6. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)

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

• a. Results from this years ACCF giving spree were forwarded to club members. Our club received donations that go directly into our Activities Fund. We also received donations for our endowment fund and will add another 4 to 5% into our Activities Fund annually. Joe offered his appreciation and thanks to all who helped and contributed to make this our most successful giving spree to date.

8. RIF (Chair Lyne Aurand)

9. Golf Tournament (Chair Daryl & Dan)

• a. Date May 15th (details will be available soon) We are back at “The Links at Gettysburg”

10. The Warrior Way Program ( formerly Stars)

• a. Held 3/27 ??

11. Brain previously suggested a meeting to bring your adult child or friend as a prospective member.

New Business

1. Wayne has proposed working a Fundraiser at Granite Hill Campground. The (4) dates of 5/23, 6/14, 7/5, and 9/6. The fundraiser is (Bingo) and we will need to supply the game of chance license and at least 3 people per event. Wayne is investigating with the owners and most importantly will be our volunteering to help.

2. Importance of new membership discussed.

Upcoming Dates:

• 1/18 Optimist Basketball 9AM – 12PM
• 1/22 Optimist Social 5PM @ Four Score
• 1/25 Optimist Basketball 9AM – 12PM
• 2/5 Optimist Meeting 6PM @ Deatrick Village Community Center, 56 Winding Drive, Gettysburg
• 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22 Optimist Basketball 9AM – 12PM
• 2/19 Optimist Social
• 3/5 Optimist Meeting 6PM @ Deatrick Village Community Center, 56 Winding Drive, Gettysburg
• 5/15 15th Annual Optimist Golf Tournament (Save the Date)

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 6 PM at 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 13 members in attendance including our newest member Connor Smith.  Additionally, guest Bill Monahan, former Optimist member and past president, was the evening’s speaker.  President Wayne called the meeting to order, and Vice President Joe MacDowell opened with the invocation.  Wayne Hill then treated us all to brats, beans, coleslaw, and the biggest pies I’ve seen.

After the meal, Wayne introduced guest speaker Bill Monahan. Bill Monahan reminisced about some of his experiences as a formers Optimist member.  Particularly the World Weightlifting championship the club helped host.  He followed that up by talking about the recent trends in the family funeral business. He fielded several questions from membership regarding the business.  All in all, an informative and sometimes humorous discussion.

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.
2. Treasure’s report:
3. President’s Report:
   • Our newest member Connor Smith was introduced to the club. He gave a brief history of himself and what was happening in his life.
   • Wayne reminded membership that the Christmas Party was planned for Tuesday, December 10, at the Gettysburg Fire Hall. A sign-up sheet was passed around.  If you were not in attendance, please RSVP by email to Daryl ASAP.  Be sure to include the number of guests and children under 18.  Members and children under 18 are free.  Spouses and guests are $30.00 each.  (Please pay Brent at the party.)
   • Wine Fest Parking/Bingo: Wayne explained that the Optimist parking at the Granite Hill Wine Fest in the future was questionable.  Rich Winkleman, Granite Hill owner, suggested to Wayne that there may be an opportunity for the Optimist to assist in running the campsite’s Bingo in the future.  We could conceivably raise a similar amount of money as the parking.  Wayne will follow up with Rich for additional details.

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore): Brian reported that the Middle School gym has been secured for January and February weekends. The program will begin Jan 4^th  following the same plan as last year.   Registration will begin in December.  Ashley will once again be helping with the planning and scheduling of the sessions.   Volunteers are needed each weekend to help set up/tear down, coach and sign kids in.  Not necessary for you to be there all 8 weeks, but please help when you can.
5. Salvation Bell Ringing (Chair Brian Skidmore): Brian shared that the club will be responsible for ringing the bell on December 12. Starts at 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM.  Time slots are 1.5 hours each and normally two bell ringers each.  Brian passed a sign-up sheet and will be following up with an email.  Please let Brian know when you can help.
6.  Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell):   Joe gave a brief update on the Giving Spree.  He is taking a $7,000 check from the Optimist to donate on 11/7/24 for:
   • Holiday Family Outreach                                $1,500
   • Gettysburg Community Theatre                    $1,000
   • Ruth’s Harvest – Gettysburg                          $1,000
   • Special Olympics PA Team Adams                 $1,000
   • Gettysburg Area Recreation Association       $1,000
   • Adams County Arts Council                            $1,500

New Business

7. Discussion about continuing Chamber membership: Brent noted that the Chamber Membership annual fee was due. There has been some previous discussion about whether it makes sense to continue this membership.  After a brief discussion, the matter was tabled until the next meeting.  Members are asked to give this some thought and offer their thoughts at the next meeting.

Upcoming Dates:

• 11/7 Adams County Giving Spree
• 11/20 Optimist Social
• 12/10 Optimist Family Christmas Party: Gettysburg Fire Department
• 1/8 Optimist Meeting, location: Lake Heritage Community Center

Respectfully Submitted, Brent Smith, Treasurer

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, September 25,2024 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 which included Lt. Governor Connie Sohnleitner.

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

Business Meeting:

1. Dan opened the meeting with the announcement of the completion of a great Optimist year while he was president. Dan thanked all the members for their support throughout the 2023-2024 Optimist year. Dan recognized our past year and thanked the 2023-2024 officers: Brent and Daryl; Board of Directors Gary, Brian, Fred and Wayne; as well as all members and significant others for their support.
2. In memory of “Randy Smith” Dan recognized Randy’s constant support for the Optimist Club. Lt Governor Connie along with Brent lit a candle in Randy’s memory.
3. The main order of business was the installation of new officers and Board of Directors for 2023-2024 by Lt. Governor Connie Sohnleitner: (Officers) President-Wayne Hill, Secretary-Daryl Aurand, and Treasurer-Brent Smith, (Board of Directors) Dan Mattern, Marci Cropp, Bill Pyron and Brian Skidmore.

Daniel Folkemor was inducted as our newest member into the Optimist Club.

4. Newly elected President Wayne Hill addressed the membership and his appreciation for the efforts from all members in making the Optimist Club of Gettysburg a great organization. President Wayne looks forward to yet another year for our Gettysburg Optimist Club carrying our mission to the youth of our community, encouraging guest speakers at club meetings and bringing in new members to help continue the Gettysburg Optimist Legacy. Wayne also presented Dan with a Travel Mug etched with the Optimist Club of Gettysburg and his name in appreciation for his year as our President.
5. The meeting ended with Wayne Hill leading us in the recitation of the “Optimist Creed”.

Upcoming Dates:

• 10/2/2024 Optimist Meeting was held (9/25)
• 10/16/22024 Optimist Social @ Four Score 6 PM / 1^st Quarter Board Meeting @ 5 PM
• 11/6/2024 Optimist Meeting, location 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center 6PM
• 11/7/2024 Adams CO Foundation Giving Spree (We are #83)
• 12/10/2024 Optimist Family Christmas Party @ Gettysburg Fireman’s Hall 6PM
• 12/12/2024 Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Sign-up sheet to be circulated
• 01/4/2025 1^st Optimist Basketball date, Brian will set the schedule
• 01/8/2025 Optimist Meeting @ 1,000 Heritage Drive, Lake Heritage Community Center

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary