For Immediate Release:
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 nine weeks of winter. Currently each one-hour session is held at the Gettysburg Area Middle School between the months of January and February. The players are divided into boy and girl groups; Grades K-3 and grades 4-6 and in some years, kindergarten. 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 14th from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Gettysburg Area Middle School Cafeteria. Sessions begin January 4, 2020 in the GAMS gym and will occur every Saturday through the end of February. The schedule is as follows; Grade K-3 Boys 9-10 am, Grade K-3 Girls 10-11am, Grade 4-6 Boys 11-12pm, Grade 4-6 Girls 12-1pm. Children can be registered by attending a sign-up session, completing an online form 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.
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 https://gettysburgoptimist.com/, visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OptimistClubofGettysburg?ref=hl or call 717-220-3416.
Magic Show – Donation Requests
UncategorizedThe annual Optimist Magic Show has been scheduled for December 13 at 6:30 PM at Lincoln Elementary School. Phone solicitations for donations has begun.
We THANK YOU in advance for donating to continue this tradition which allows ALL Children to attend for free. Tickets will soon be available for distribution.
Donations may also be sent to PO BOX 3035, Gettysburg, PA 17325 or through Paypal and credit card where 100% of the money collected is used for other Gettysburg Optimist Club activities. This allows programs like the Optimist Basketball, Reading is Fundamental, and Outdoor education to remain FREE to all students of Gettysburg and surrounding areas. As a 501c3 Organization, your direct donation is tax deductible.
Pictures below are from 2018’s Happy Bicycle Winners given away during the evening.
Gettysburg Optimist Basketball: “Bringing out the best in kids!” for over 55 years.
UncategorizedFor Immediate Release:
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 nine weeks of winter. Currently each one-hour session is held at the Gettysburg Area Middle School between the months of January and February. The players are divided into boy and girl groups; Grades K-3 and grades 4-6 and in some years, kindergarten. 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 14th from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Gettysburg Area Middle School Cafeteria. Sessions begin January 4, 2020 in the GAMS gym and will occur every Saturday through the end of February. The schedule is as follows; Grade K-3 Boys 9-10 am, Grade K-3 Girls 10-11am, Grade 4-6 Boys 11-12pm, Grade 4-6 Girls 12-1pm. Children can be registered by attending a sign-up session, completing an online form 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.
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 https://gettysburgoptimist.com/, visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OptimistClubofGettysburg?ref=hl or call 717-220-3416.
October 16, 2019 Meeting Announcement
UncategorizedOur meeting this Wednesday October 16th is at the Lutheran Seminary Refectory 6PM social and 6:30PM dinner. This is a great meeting you want to attend and also an opportunity to invite guests to attend with you. You will have an opportunity to meet and show support to members of our local schools who help our community’s children learn to read.
We will have 10 guests representing the “RIF” program that we contribute $5,000.00 for the purchase of books and touching the lives of 1,697 students.
Optimistically,
Daryl Aurand / secretary
October 2, 2019 Meeting Minutes
UncategorizedThe Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary Refectory. A delicious chicken and ham dinner was prepared by Biggerstaff Catering. President Brian Skidmore welcomed (17) members and (6) guests. Brian opened the evening by leading the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the invocation.
Business Meeting:
1. Brian opened the meeting with the announcement of the passing of a great Optimist year while he was president. Brian thanked all the members for their support throughout 2018-2019 Optimist year.
2. Outgoing President Brian reviewed the past year and thanked the 2018-2019 officers: Marci, Daryl, and Tom; Board of Directors: Doug, Chris, and Dan; as well as all members and spouses for their support.
3. The main order of business was the installation of new officers and Board of Directors for 2019-2020 by Brian Skidmore & Mark Cropp: (Officers) President-Marci Cropp, Vice President-Brian Skidmore, Secretary-Daryl Aurand, and Treasurer-Tom Barako, (Board of Directors) Doug Miller and Chris Bender.
4. Newly elected President Marci Cropp addressed the membership stating the Optimist Club has been personal, growing up and participating in Optimist basketball and the many events sponsored by the Gettysburg Optimist Club. President Marci has served as an outstanding leader in the creation and maintenance of our website.
5. Lyne Aurand asked members to please attend the October 16th meeting where we will have 10 guests representing local schools that will be receiving checks that evening for their reading is fundamental programs. We will be asking members & guests to RSVP for this meeting.
6. The meeting ended with the recitation of the Optimist Creed.
Upcoming Dates:
• 10/5/19 board of directors meeting 8:00 AM @ Daryl’s house
• 10/16/19 Next meeting, 6:00 pm Social, 6:30 PM Dinner @ Gettysburg Seminary Refectory (RIF meeting with guests from Gettysburg Area Elementary Schools, St Francis, Vida, and Adams Co. Head Start.
• 12/12/19 Salvation Army Bell Ringing on Thursday. Sign-up sheet to be circulated.
• 12/11/19 Optimist Christmas Dinner @ Gettysburg Seminary Refectory
• 12/13/19 is our Christmas magic show, 6:30 PM @ Lincoln Elementary School
• 12/14/19 Optimist Basketball 2019 – 2020, registration @ Middle School Cafeteria 10-1 and on our website.
• 3/28/2020 Oyster/Shrimp Fundraiser @ Gettysburg Fire Hall
Respectfully Submitted,
Daryl Aurand, Secretary
Gettysburg Optimist Voted 1st in Volunteer Category for Pick of the Counties 2019
UncategorizedSeptember 18, 2019 Meeting Announcement
UncategorizedOptimist Club of Gettysburg meeting Announcement
Tonight, Wednesday, September 18 @ the Refectory.
6 PM social and 6:30 PM dinner and meeting.
September 4, 2019 Meeting Minutes
UncategorizedThe Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, September 4 at Lake Heritage.
President Brian Skidmore welcomed (12) members and (2) guests. Our guests were Sergeant Pruy and Officer Bo Taylor from the Gettysburg Borough Police Department. We opened the evening with all members reciting the pledge of allegiance and Brian giving the invocation. A lasagna dinner was prepared by Biggerstaff Catering. We had a great evening of fellowship.
Evening Agenda:
1. Guest Speaker, Officer Bo Taylor gave a talk regarding the local police department and community programs. Officer Taylor was presented the Optimist award for “Respect for Law” by Chairman Doug Miller.
2. Committee Reports:
a. Secretary’s report was approved
b. Treasure’s report for our 2019-2020 budget was presented and approved.
c. Wine Festival – The Gettysburg Optimist Club will be parking cars on September 7th and 8th.
3. The club discussed the need to repair the Optimist Amphitheater at Gettysburg Area Recreation Park. The suggestion was made to have members do as much of the painting as possible.
Upcoming Dates:
• September 18th meeting at Refectory
• October 2nd Officer Installation Banquet @ Refectory
• October 9th Board of Directors and Officers calendar planning meeting
• October 16th Regular meeting at Refectory
• December 13th is our Christmas magic show, 6:30 PM @ Lincoln Elementary School
• March 28, 2020 Oyster & Shrimp Feed
Respectfully Submitted,
Daryl, Secretary
September 4 Meeting Announcement
UncategorizedSeptember 4th next meeting at Lake Heritage Pavilion
September 7th and 8th , Wine Festival Parking fund raiser. Volunteers still needed.
Volunteers Needed
UncategorizedHello Optimists, Supporters, Family & Friends,
We are less than 2 weeks away from the Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival, September 7 & 8, and we are still seeking volunteers to help with parking! We are parking cars and accepting donations at the entrance. Your help is essential in continuing programs like Reading is Fundamental and Optimist Basketball which directly impacts the local youth of our community.
Please consider volunteering for 4 hours on Saturday or on Sunday. In addition if you volunteer, admission to the event is free. It’s a great way to spend the day in the sun with Optimists supporting the future of our local youth.
Please email [email protected] or phone 717.220.3416 to schedule your availability.
Optimistically!
Meeting Minutes August 21, 2019
UncategorizedThe Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, August 21, 2019. We hosted the 4th quarter zone meeting at Lake Heritage.
President Brian Skidmore welcomed (14) members and (5) guests from Gettysburg. We had (7) guests from the East York and Lancaster Optimist Clubs. We opened the evening with all members reciting the pledge of allegiance and Dan giving the invocation. A grilled steak dinner with all the fix ins was enjoyed by all, thank you Stacey.
Evening Agenda:
Club Presidents gave reports on their respective club activities.
Upcoming Dates:
Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary