Vice President Darlene Brown called the meeting to order at 6:37 pm., and asked for an Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. This was followed by an outstanding dinner provided by Stacey Green and her staff.

The speaker for the evening was Chris Gladfelter, representing the Adams County Arts Council. Chris opened with a brief history of the Center, explaining that it was incorporated  in 1993, in Gettysburg, evolving from a small group of volunteers into a membership of more than 540 supporters. The organization encourages the arts throughout the county, with a mission statement :
“ACAC’s mission is to cultivate an arts-rich community.” The group’s programs reach an audience of 40,000 people each year. Their newest program is “Eat Smart-Play Hard” encouraging youth in particular  to eat healthy and exercise regularly.

The Club presented Chris with a donation of $500 for ACAC.

Treasurer’s Report – Tom reminded members to make sure their dues are up to date.

Vice President – Darlene reminded everyone about the upcoming Oyster Feed  March 19.
Preparation Day is March 18 .  Reminder that the second March meeting will be March 18, at the G.B. Firehouse. Be sure to bring a dessert.

Basketball – Kris said that the Basketball program will return to the Middle School this Saturday, 2/20, 9-1.
The team pictures are back and will be distributed.
Coaches will be invited to the March 2 meeting to thank them for all of their efforts.

Golf Tourney – May 19  Frank  Negro reported that he has been contacting businesses in the community for pledges.
Also several door prizes have been donated.

Darlene announced that the Club needs a representative to attend the STARS Breakfast on May 24. Tom Barako
volunteered to attend. Thanks Tom !

Vice President Darlene called the meeting to a close at 7:35 pm with recitation of the Optimist Creed.

Submitted by Fred Darling

Looking for a good way to get rid of the winter doldrums? Come in out of the cold and  enjoy attending a meeting of the Gettysburg Optimist Club  on Wednesday February 17, 6:00pm, at the Refectory. Partake of good food, good fellowship, and an interesting speaker! See you there.

Our speaker for this meeting will be Chief Joe Dougherty, Head of the Gettysburg Police Department.

Please RSVP to Fred.

The meeting of the Gettysburg Optimist Club was called to order by President Bruce Bradshaw at 6:38pm. The Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance were followed by a great dinner provided by Stacey Green and staff.

After dinner President Bradshaw introduced the speaker for the evening, MS. Kris Roeder, Vice President for Marketing and Development at the Hoffman Home for Youth in Littlestown, Pennsylvania. The Hoffman Home works with children who have suffered trauma and are in need of exceptional care and assistance. The Home began as an orphanage in 1910 and evolved into a facility aiding all children in need of help. Hoffman Home follows the Sanctuary Model, a trauma-informed approach to care and organizational governance. The main objective is to foster positive growth and change in children.  Adhering to their motto: “Put Kids First”.

President’s Report – Bruce reported that the “Reading is Fundamental” organization sent a thank you communication to the club for the club’s recent donation of $6000. The STARS organization will be holding their annual breakfast on
Wednesday, February 10, 8:00am,at Gettysburg High School. The Optimist Club needs a representative to attend. If
you are interested, please contact President Bruce.

Treasurer’s Report – Tom Barako reported:  Activity Fund  $9557.13   General Fund  $2322.31
Tom reported that the Christmas Show brought in $4164.
The permit for the Oyster Feed has been submitted.
Reminder to pay dues if you haven’t done so.

Basketball – Mindy reported that team photos were taken, with group photos being done for the first time.
This weekend the Basketball Program will be at Lincoln Elementary, not at the Middle School.

Oyster Feed – March 19. Wayne distributed tickets and said plenty are available. Plans are proceeding very well.
Reminder that the March 16 meeting will be held at the Gettysburg Firehouse on Friday, March 18.
Also a reminder to bring a dessert on Friday 3/18 or Saturday 3/19.
There was a discussion about advertising for the Feed. Doug said he will see about placing an ad in
the “Merchandise Marketplace” publication.

Golf Tourney – May 19. Bruce reported that a major sponsor is needed and still need 25 – 30 foursomes.
Craig has some new groups forming. Also the possibility of going in with another charity
was mentioned.

Presentation – At the January 20 meeting the club presented a painting form Optimist International to Don Davis.
The purpose of the presentation was to Honor Don for all of his time and effort he has
devoted to many club activities over the years. Congratulations Don  and Thank You !

President Bruce ended the meeting with the recitation of the Optimist Creed.

Submitted by Fred Darling

Tired of shoveling snow ? Take a break and check out the Gettysburg Optimist Club Meeting on Wednesday, February 3, beginning at 6:00 pm at the Refectory. Come in from the cold and have a delicious meal, great conversation, and a terrific speaker !

The speaker at this meeting will be Kris Roeder, from the Hoffman Homes for Youth, Littlestown, Pa. The Hoffman Home adheres to the Sanctuary Model, a trauma-informed approach to care and organizational governance. To learn more, attend the meeting on February 3.

************Please let Fred know if you plan to attend. Thanks.**************