The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, October 18,2023 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.

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

Business Meeting:

Gary opened the meeting with the announcement of the completion of a great Optimist year while he was president. Gary thanked all the members for their support throughout the 2022-2023 Optimist year.

Outgoing President Gary reviewed the past year and thanked the 2022-2023 officers: Randy, Al, and Daryl; Board of Directors: Fred, Wayne, Dan and Brian; as well as all members and spouses for their support.

The main order of business was the installation of new officers and Board of Directors for 2022-2023 by Past President Gary: (Officers) President-Brent Smith, Secretary-Daryl Aurand, and Treasurer-Randy Smith, (Board of Directors) Fred Darling, Wayne Hill, Gary Rappoldt and Brian Skidmore.

Newly elected President Brent Smith addressed the membership and his appreciation for the efforts from all members in making the Optimist Club of Gettysburg a great organization. President Brent looks forward to yet another year for our Gettysburg Optimist Club carrying our mission to the youth of our community.

The meeting ended with Wayne Hill leading us in the recitation of the “Optimist Creed”.

Upcoming Dates:

10/25/2023 Board meeting at “Four Score” 5PM and Membership Social 6PM
11/1/2023 Optimist Meeting, location Deatrick Village Community Center 6PM
11/9/2023 Adams CO Foundation Giving Spree (We are #71)
12/6/2023 Optimist Family Christmas Party @ Gettysburg Fireman’s Hall 6PM
12/19/2023 Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Sign-up sheet to be circulated
01/3/2024 Optimist Meeting
01/6/2024 Opening day Optimist Basketball

2023-2024 Officers and Board of Directors

Left to right: Brian Skidmore, Wayne Hill, Gary Rappoldt, Daryl Aurand (Secretary), Randy Smith (Treasurer), Dan Mattern (Vice-President), Brent Smith (President) Missing: Fred Darling

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 6 PM at Detrick Village Community Center Gettysburg. We had 15 members present and 1 guest speaker (Scott Hartwig) representing the Gettysburg Community Theater for our meeting. President Gary grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and Brian served pasta salad and baked beans. Dan and Daryl helped with beverages and helping where needed. President Gary welcomed all in attendance.

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.

2. Treasure’s report: Approved

3. President’s Report:

• a. Guest speaker from the Gettysburg Community Theater – Scott Hartwig, President of the board of directors. Scott has been involved with the Gettysburg Community since 2014. He spoke of his personal involvement with the theater and told us they have over 100 volunteers at anyone time and 2 full-time paid staff. They have many activities/shows including opportunities for special needs children. They also reach 275 youth from Adams County in shows and camps. Scott expressed an emphasis on “Community” in their name with and how the theater is teaching confidence. We can feel proud to be partnering with The Gettysburg Community Theater in reaching the children of our community.
• b. Officer nominations were made and approved for our 2023-2024 Optimist Calendar year.

President: Brent Smith, Vice President: Dan Mattern, Secretary: Daryl Aurand, Treasurer: Randy Smith, Board of Directors: Wayne Hill, Brian Skidmore, Gary Rappoldt, and Fred Darling.

• c. Our next social event will be on Wednesday 9/20, 6PM at Fourscore Brewery, Gettysburg

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)

5. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)

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

• a. Saturday 9/9, 10AM – 3PM, Sunday 9/10 10AM – 3PM
• b. The sign-up sheet was passed around at the meeting. For those of us who did not sign-up please be in touch with Brian. Email: [email protected] we need all hands on deck to help at this important fund-raising event.

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

• a. Date of ACCF Giving Spree on Thursday November 9, 2023
• b. Optimist Club of Gettysburg Code #71
• c. We can give in person on 11/9/23, or online at ACCFGivingSpree.org, or call 717-337-0060

8. RIF & Environmental Ed (Chair Lyne Aurand)

9. Golf Tournament Fundraiser (Chair Gary Rappoldt) Discussed checking other venues/courses to hold the event. Gary will check on pricing and then hit the ground running the end of January to have the tournament ready for 5/16/2024.

10. Brian had previously suggested a meeting in the fall to bring your adult child or friend.

11. This is simply a reminder from our May 6th meeting: several members voiced their opinion that Activities Account funds be spent only on Activity Expenses. Members should pay for their monthly meals from the General Account. If the meal cost exceeds the allowance, then pay the additional from pocket. The specifics will be presented at the next meeting by the Board of Directors. Approved by general membership vote at our 1-4-2023 meeting: to pay for guests and guest speakers from Activities Account at meetings.

12. Little League Baseball

• a. Al reported we should investigate sponsorship signage and Daryl agreed to make a contact.

New Business

1. Optimist Social at Four Score Gettysburg on Wednesday, September 20 @ 6PM
2. Discussion on ways to use email/social media legally to raise funds/awareness for the club.
3. Discussion on dues increase to cover expenses
4. Golf Chairman is going to get proposals for alternative tournament venues
5. Brian stepping down as Chairman of the Winefest Parking
6. Christmas Salvation Army Bell Ringing, December 19

Upcoming Dates:

● 9/9 & 9/10 Wine and Music Festival Parking
● 9-20 Social evening at Fourscore Brewery 6PM
● 10/18 Installation Banquet @ Mansion House, Fairfield, PA (Sign-up with separate email)
● 10/25 Board Meeting and calendar planning
● 11/1 Meeting, location TBD
● 12/6 Save the date Family Christmas Party
● 12/19 Christmas Salvation Army Bell Ringing

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, for our summer picnic hosted at Sue and Wayne Hill’s residence. I did not get a head count but I’m certain we had approximately 30 people in attendance.

We enjoyed burgers and hot dogs off the grill compliments of Stacey. Members provided an assortment of delicious, covered dishes.

Thank you again Wayne and Sue for hosting this social event and opening your home to host our summer picnic.

This was a wonderful social evening enjoyed by all.

Upcoming Dates:

●      7/19 Optimist family picnic at Wayne & Sue Hill’s 6PM

●      8/2  4^th Quarter Zone Meeting, Gettysburg will host at Rec Park (Fireman’s Pavilion) 6PM

●      8/16 Social evening at Fourscore Brewery 6PM

●      9/6 Regular Meeting, Gettysburg Community Theater guests

●      9/9 & 9/10 Wine and Music Festival Parking

●      10/4 Installation Meeting

●      10/13 Board Meeting and calendar planning

Respectfully Submitted,  Daryl Aurand, Secretary

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 6 PM at SavorHood Gettysburg. We had an opportunity to experience the Savorhood food hall and bar’s many varied choices of eateries and beverages. Thank goodness for boxes to go for the food I could not finish. We had 17 members present and 3 prospective membership guests for our meeting. President Gary welcomed all in attendance.     

Business Meeting: 

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved. 
2. Treasure’s report: Approved  
3. President’s Report: 
   1. Gary welcomed Heather & Daniel Pyle along with Rich Ludwig and all are considering joining the Gettysburg Optimist Club. 
   2. Our next social event will be on Wednesday 6/21, 6PM at Fourscore Brewery, Gettysburg 
   3. July 19 is our annual Family Picnic at Hill’s, 6PM. Contact Us for Location.
   4. August 2 is our next meeting; we will be hosting the 4th Quarter Zone and we’ll be at Rec Park 
   5. It is time for officer nominations. Contact Gary if you have an interest or can think of someone who would make a good officer. Many have served as past Presidents once and some twice. This is an opportunity to bring your experience to the club.  

 Old Business 

1. Optimist Basketball (Chair Chris Bender & Brian Skidmore) 
2. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller) 
3. Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival Parking (Chair Brian Skidmore) 
   1. 9/9 & 10  
   2. The sign-up sheet was passed around at meeting. For those of us who did not sign-up please be in touch with Brian. Email: [email protected] we need all hands on deck to help at  this important fund-raising event. 
   3. Work in progress with details to be worked out. 
4. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell & Fred Darling) 
5. RIF & Environmental Ed (Chair Lyne Aurand) 
6. Golf Tournament Fundraiser (Chair Dan Mattern) 
   1. Held on May 18, this was our most successful golf tournament ever. Dan thanked all members for their help. We had a record number of sponsors and golfers which = our best income tournament to date. With this accomplished, Dan is stepping back and handing the reins to Gary to be chairman for next year 2024. Thank you Dan.
7. Brian had previously suggested a meeting in the fall to bring your adult child or friend. We are thinking this will be for our September 6 meeting.  
8. This is simply a reminder from our May 6th meeting: several members voiced their opinion that Activities Account funds be spent only on Activity Expenses. Members should pay for their monthly meals from the General Account. If the meal cost exceeds the allowance, then pay the additional from pocket. The specifics will be presented at the next meeting by the Board of Directors. Approved by general membership vote at our 1-4-2023 meeting: to pay for guests and guest speakers from Activities Account at meetings. 
9. Little League Baseball  
   1. Al reported we should  investigate sponsorship signage and Daryl agreed to make a contact.  

New Business 

1. Optimist Social at Four Score Gettysburg June 21 @ 6PM 
2. Optimist Family Picnic at Wayne & Sue Hill’s July 19 @ 6PM 
3. Next meeting, 4th Quarter Zone Meeting, August 2 @ Rec Park, Gettysburg (Fireman’s Pavilion) 

Upcoming Dates: 

• 6-21 Social evening at Fourscore Brewery 6PM  
• 7/19 Optimist family picnic at Wayne & Sue Hill’s 6PM 
• 8/2  4th Quarter Zone Meeting, Gettysburg will host at Rec Park (Fireman’s Pavilion) 6PM 
• 8/16 Social evening at Fourscore Brewery 6PM 
• 9/6 Regular Meeting, Gettysburg Community Theater guests 
• 9/9 & 9/10 Wine and Music Festival Parking 
• 10/4 Installation Meeting 
• 10/13 Board Meeting and calendar planning 

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary