The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 6 PM at 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg.  We had 15 members in attendance and 6 guests. Sam and Walt treated us to a dinner enjoyed by all. Brent opened with the invocation and President Dan welcomed all in attendance. 

Business Meeting: 

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved. 
2. Treasure’s report: Approved
3. President’s Report: 
   1. Daryl introduced our Adams County 4—H director “Alexis Lansford”. Alexis coordinates the (19) 4-H clubs of Adams County. The ages of the youth involved range from 5 to 18 years old and they currently have over 300 active members. There are 19 Community Clubs and the Barlow 4-H Club had 2 members and leader Jenna Waybright joined us. They explained their projects and responsibilities that are required. They concluded their presentation by reciting the 4-H Pledge and Brent and I, as former 4-H’ers joined in with them.  
   2. Dan & Daryl are co-chairing the wine fest parking (fundraiser). Please keep September 7 & 8 available to help with parking. 
   3. Congratulations to Gary Rappoldt on his first grandchild. His name is Liam Jackson aka LJ. Gary and his wife will soon be visiting Australia to hold their grandson. 
   4. Welcome back Bob, it was wonderful having you with us again.  
   5. Walt reported that Fred is recuperating.  
   6. Finally, please consider we need a President and Vice President. Contact Dan ASAP 

 Old Business 

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore) 

5. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone) – Little League baseball opened on 4/20. This year 120 participants will experience  little league baseball and 4 girls softball teams will be on the ball fields.  

6. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller) 

7. Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival Parking (Co-Chair Dan & Daryl) 

8. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell) – Date 11/7/2024 

9. RIF (Chair Lyne Aurand) 

10. Golf Tournament Fundraiser (Chair Gary Rappoldt)  

• Our Fourteenth Optimist Tourney was held at The Links at Gettysburg on 5/16/24.  
• After expenses our club netted a nice amount to continue the mission
• Thank you Gary, for your hard work and thank you members for all of your participation and help. 

11. The Warrior Way Program ( formerly Stars)  – Held 3/27  

12. Brandon proposed sponsorship for youth basketball who supported Optimist Basketball with coaches and players. This will be addressed in our next budget.  

13. Brian had previously suggested a meeting to bring your adult child or friend as a prospective member. 

New Business 

1. Activities and General Budget were presented and approved. 
2. Need a President !!!  
3. Need a Vice President !!! 

 Upcoming Dates: 

• 6/19 Optimist Social 
• 7/10 Optimist Club Picnic at Wayne & Sue’s 
• 8/7 4th Quarter Zone Meeting, Gettysburg Hosts @ Lake Heritage Pavilion 
• 8/21 Optimist Social 
• 9/4 Optimist Meeting, location: Lake Heritage Pavilion 

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary     

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 6 PM at 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 14 members and 12 guests in attendance. Brian and Gary were on the food committee. Brent welcomed all in attendance. Wayne opened with the invocation followed by the pledge.

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.

2. Treasure’s report: Approved – Brent reported we’re in the second quarter and OI club dues are paid. Brent thanked all members for paying their dues in a timely manner.

3. President’s Report:

a. Wayne introduced guests and prospective members Daniel and Mary Folkemer.
b. Brent subbed in Dan’s absence. Dan wanted Brent to stress that we need someone to step to the plate for Vice President so please be in touch with Dan ASAP.
c. Brent reported on the 2nd Quarter Zone Meeting attended by Gary, Dan, Brent, and Daryl in Elizabethtown and how active their club is in offering some great projects in their community.
d. Our next social event will be on Tuesday 3/19 at Appalachian Brewing, Gettysburg.
e. The Warrior Way Program awards/breakfast will be 3/27 @ Gettysburg Sr. H.S. time: 7:45AM.

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)

a. Brian and Ashley had extended an invitation to volunteer coaches to join us so we could recognize them for their participation in Optimist Basketball, a program with over 60 years running. We recognized (8) volunteer coaches including Brian and Ashley. We also had active participation from several Optimist members. Our program benefitted over 150 girls and boys on Saturday mornings in January and February.

5. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone)

a. Al reported opening day for Little League baseball is set for 4/13. This year 120 participants will experience little league baseball and 4 girls softball teams will be on the ball fields.

6. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)

a. Resource Officers will be recognized at either our April or May meeting.

7. Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival Parking (Chair )

a. Please contact Dan, Brent, or Daryl if you are willing to chair this event !!

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

9. RIF (Chair Lyne Aurand)

10. Golf Tournament Fundraiser (Chair Gary Rappoldt)

a. Our Fourteenth Optimist Tourney will be held at The Links at Gettysburg on 5/16/24.
b. Our golf registration and information are available on our website. If you know of golfers, please help promote our golf tournament.
c. Suggestion for a wine raffle for golf tournament. The mechanics to be worked out.
d. Save the date 5/16/24 and we will need all hands-on deck to make this a successful fundraising event.

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

New Business

1. Need a Vice President !!

2. 3/27 The Warrior Way Program ( formerly Stars) awards breakfast @7:45 AM located at the Gettysburg Sr. High School, sponsored by The Gettysburg Optimist Club.

3. 4/19, 20, 21 Face of America featuring our finest veterans and active military cycling from Washington DC to Gettysburg. Contact Mark for information on how you can help.

4. Brandon proposed sponsorship for youth basketball who supported Optimist Basketball with coaches and players. This will be addressed in our next budget.

Upcoming Dates:

• 3/19 (Tuesday) Optimist Social @ Appalachian Brewing , 6 PM
• 3/27 The Warrior Way Program awards breakfast @ 7:45 AM located at the Gettysburg Sr. High School
• 4/3 Optimist Meeting, location, Deatrick Village Community Center, 56 Winding Way Drive, Gettysburg 6PM
• 4/13 Opening Day Little League Baseball @ Rec Park
• 4/17 (Wednesday) Optimist Social @ Four Score
• 4/19, 4/20, 4/21 Face of America
• 5/8 Optimist Meeting
• 5/16 14th Optimist Golf Tourney

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 6 PM at 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 15 members and 1 guest in attendance. Gary and Daryl were on the food committee. Dan handled the beverages. Dan asked a moment of silence in respect for Randy Smith. Dan and Brent welcomed all in attendance. Gary opened with the invocation followed by the pledge.
Business Meeting:
1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.
2. Treasure’s report: Approved – Brent reported we’re in the second quarter and club dues, still outstanding, will be receiving friendly reminders for payment.

3. President’s Report:
a. Our Guest speaker from Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority – Director “Erin Peddigree” addressed our members with an informative talk starting with the Optimist Amphitheater receiving a new roof in 2023. Erin reported that numerous musical events were held at the Amphitheater in 2023 with plans for more events to be held in 2024. The skate park, dog park, and walking trail are being used year-round. Little League baseball will be kicking off in April with over 120 youth involved. Also, girls’ youth softball is back in action.
Home for the Farmers Market along with facility rentals are also some of the many activities afforded to the Gettysburg community.
GARA/Rec Park is alive and well with year-round youth and community activities. Our thanks to Erin and her staff for doing a great job. Go to the Rec Park website: gara-recpark.info and get all of the event’s information.

b. Dan announced Fred’s moving back to the Philadelphia area and thanked Fred for his contributions to the Gettysburg Optimist Club and we will miss him.

c. Our next social event will be on Tuesday 2/20, 6PM at Fourscore Brewery, Gettysburg

Old Business
4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)

a. Over 150 boys and girls are participating in our 2024 Optimist Basketball program being held Saturday mornings @ Lincoln Elementary from 9AM to 12PM.

b. Remaining Dates: 2/10, 2/17, 2/24

c. Brian is extending an invitation to all volunteer coaches to join us at our 3/3 general meeting.
All members are in for a treat if you stop by and witness Coach Brian and Coach Ashley in action. You will be exhausted just watching them in action.

5. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone)
a. We received a plaque of appreciation from Little League Baseball for our sponsorship.

6. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)

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

8. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell & Fred Darling)
a. Joe reported another successful Giving Spree and Letters of thanking our donors are being mailed. We are also looking for another volunteer with Fred moving.

9. RIF (Chair Lyne Aurand)

10. Golf Tournament Fundraiser (Chair Gary Rappoldt)
a. Our Fourteenth Optimist Tourney will be held at The Links at Gettysburg on 5/16/24.

b. Our golf registration and information will be available on our website soon.

c. Save the date 5/16/24 and we will need all hands-on deck to make this a successful fundraising event.

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

New Business
1. Motion was made and seconded for Dan Mattern to be President and Brent Smith to be Treasurer for the remainder of the 2023 – 2024 Optimist Year and membership approved.

2. We welcome new member Phyllis Smith, formally inducted into the Gettysburg Optimist Club.

3. The club approved continuing with (Constant Contact) due to the fact of keeping our name in front of our market with basketball as well as our golf tournament exposure.

4. 3/27 The Warrior Way Program ( formerly Stars) awards breakfast @7:45 AM located at the Gettysburg Sr. High School, sponsored by The Gettysburg Optimist Club. Thank you, Fred.

Upcoming Dates:
● 2/10, 2/17, 2/24 Optimist Basketball 9 AM – 12 PM
● 2/15 2nd Quarter Zone Meeting, (Dan, Brent, Gary, Daryl) attending. Call if you want to join us.
● 2/20 (Tuesday) Optimist Social @ Four Score
● 3/6 Optimist Meeting, location, Deatrick Village Community Center, 56 Winding Way Drive, Gettysburg 6PM
● 3/27 The Warrior Way Program awards breakfast @ 7:45 AM located at Gettysburg HS
● 3/19 (Tuesday) Optimist Social @ Four Score
● 5/16 14th Optimist Golf Tourney

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, 6 PM at Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church, Gettysburg. We had 11 members and 2 guests in attendance. Brent and Daryl were on the food committee. Dan handled the beverages. A special thanks to Phylis for being a great hostess.

President Brent welcomed all in attendance and opened with the invocation.

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.
2. Treasure’s report: Approved
3. President’s Report:
   1. Guest speakers from Adams County Special Olympics – Dave Miller/athlete addressed our members with reference to his involvement in Special Olympics as a 15-year athlete and as a volunteer for the last year. Dave has competed in most of the 10 sports and most recently in basketball, volleyball, and a national championship in tennis. Dave gave special thanks to his mentor Ed Dominguez and many others. As a mentor Ed’s enthusiasm was apparent as he could not give enough credit to Dave and spoke highly of Special Olympics and their positive mission to provide year-round sports training and competition for the athletes. They have approximately 110 athletes and 100 volunteers.
      On January 20 there is a fund raiser “Capital Area Region Polar Plunge” at Pinchot Park and Ed will be participating and we have an open invitation to participate.
   2. Thank you Gary, for inviting our guest speakers to join us this evening and discuss their mission that we support.
   3. Randy will be resigning as treasurer due to health reasons. Please keep Randy and his family in your prayers.
   4. Our next social event will be on Wednesday 1/17, 6PM at Fourscore Brewery, Gettysburg

Old Business

1. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)
   1. Dates are set for 2024 Optimist Basketball to be held Saturday mornings @ Lincoln Elementary.
   2. Sign-ups are going well with over 130 signed up at this time.
   3. Dates: 1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24
   4. Brian is looking for coaches/volunteers to help with the program.
   5. Clearances are required to be completed for volunteers. On our Gettysburg Optimist website under Welcome Volunteer! are 2 links required. 1. PA Child Abuse Certification and 2. Criminal History Background Check. You will receive this information in another email.
2. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone)
   1. Al reported we should investigate sponsorship signage and Daryl agreed to make a contact.
3. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)
4. Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival Parking (Chair Brian Skidmore)
5. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell & Fred Darling)
6. RIF (Chair Lyne Aurand)
7. Golf Tournament Fundraiser (Chair Gary Rappoldt)
   1. Discussed checking other venues/courses to hold the event.
   2. Gary will check on pricing and then hit the ground running at the end of January to have the tournament ready for 5/16/2024.
8. Brian had previously suggested a meeting to bring your adult child or friend as a prospective member.

New Business

1. Need for a Treasurer, assistance to help is available. Contact Brent if interested.
2. The club approved continuing with (Constant Contact) due to the fact of keeping our name in front of our market with basketball as well as our golf tournament exposure. The club again recognizes Marci’s support.
3. 2/9 STARS awards breakfast @7:45 AM located at the Gettysburg High School, sponsored by The Gettysburg Optimist Club. Thank you, Fred.
4. Additional money was approved for new basketballs and a new portable basket.

Upcoming Dates:

1. 1/6 Optimist Basketball, 1st session
2. 1/13, 1/20, 1/27 Optimist Basketball
3. 1/17 Optimist Social @ Four Score
4. 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24 Optimist Basketball
5. 2/7 Optimist Meeting, location Deatrick Village Community Center 6PM
6. 2/9 STARS awards breakfast @ 7:45 AM located at Gettysburg HS
7. 2/15 2nd Quarter Zone Meeting, Call Brent if interested in attending @ 717-334-8019
8. 5/16 14th Optimist Golf Tourney

Respectfully Submitted,
Daryl Aurand, Secretary

Left to right, Daryl, Brent, Dave Miller/athlete, Ed Dominguez/mentor