The Optimist members enjoyed a great evening with the meal provided by Bruce and Stacey. We had a presentation from Judy Alder and Kathy Gaskin regarding the Gettysburg Hospital Foundation, specifically the Children’s Health Fund and the Healthy Options program.
Guests: The foundation is 501 © 3 non-profit. The foundation uses 100% of donations towards donor-chosen funds. For the last 29 years the foundation has sponsored a very successful golf tournament at the Links in July which in part benefits the Children’s Fund. The following are some of the ways that the fund helps our community: financial support for a SAFE nurse who performs medical exams on child victims of sexual abuse, car seat distribution to families in need, sleep sacks are provided to 650 families per year to eliminate blankets from cribs which may contribute to SIDS, dental screens for ages 1-4, and the Healthy Choices program which works with local restaurants to incorporate healthy menu options for kids. Organizations may apply for grants to assist with their own youth programs.
Another initiative, the Healthy Options program is in its third year. It partners with the Adams County Food Policy Council and the Adams County Farmers’ Market Association to help local families meet their needs when they do not qualify for federal food assistance. Research has found a $17,000 gap between the amount that a family of four can make to qualify for food stamps ($34,000) and the amount needed for a family of four to be self-sufficient to pay for their necessities ($51,000). Last year 70 families participated in the program where the received a $40 voucher to the Farmers Market from June to September. Families also receive education on cooking, gardening, and staying active. This year the hope is to expand the program.
We also had another guest, a potential new member, Adam DeYoung (Brenda and Jim’s son) who will be graduating from Greencastle this June. He really enjoyed assisting with the Optimist basketball for his school’s community service project last year and he would like to be more active helping kids.
Secretary Report: Elmo is assisting Tom finish his Lieutenant Governorship. He reported that Zone 7 is still number one and Gettysburg is tied for 21st place out of all the clubs in the district. We hope to end the year in 1st for Tom.
Treasurer Report: Most due payments are up-to-date. Tom will crunch some numbers and we will reassess dues at the next board of directors meeting. Overall we are looking good after a couple very successful fundraisers.
Golf Tournament wrap: The tournament at the Links was a great success! A special thanks to Bruce for all of his hard work and the regular email updates J Also thank you to everyone who found sponsors, foursomes, or helped on the day of the tournament. We exceeded our fundraising goal this year by more than $2500! We will be sending out thank-you notes shortly, but Bruce encourages everyone to thank our sponsors by supporting their businesses. Eat, drink, buy a Subaru! It is time to start planning for next year. We will hope to maintain all current sponsors while adding more and we should have a goal of 36 foursomes.
Soccer Parking: We had a beautiful weekend for this event. We were able to park 396 cars for over the two days. Thanks to Don for keeping the parking running smoothly and to everyone who volunteered for this event.
Respect for Law: Next meeting the club will be presenting this award to a very deserving individual who works for the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center.
Chamber of Commerce: Stacey suggested that if the Club would like to utilize our membership better we can certainly attend the regular monthly mixers, submit an article for the newsletter, or even host a social event. The next mixer is scheduled for Thursday, June 19th at Battlefield KIA from 5-7pm.
Public Relations: Marci is very pleased with how everything is looking with our social media. If you have any suggestions about postings please let her know.
Nominations: Please consider how you would like to help lead the club in the coming year by being an officer or board member. Elections will occur at our meeting on Wednesday, August 6th and we are in need of a President, V.P, Secretary, and Board Members.
Other notes: The Third Quarter Zone Meeting will be held at Alexander’s Restaurant in York on Wednesday, June 23rd at 6:30pm. Cost is $15 per person. Winners of the Oratorical contest will be present. Please let Mindy know if you are interested in attending by June 20th so that she can send a headcount to the East York Club.
The Gettysburg Optimist will once again host the Fourth Quarter Zone Meeting/Pig Roast at the Lake Heritage Pavilion on Wednesday, August 20th. Mark and Daryl have agreed to do the prep work.
Member Kudos: Thanks to Bruce and Stacey for a great meal. Also thanks to Bruce for being so generous and storing the Optimist Christmas tree (aka box of banners in his attic). Thanks to Jean for raising nearly $500 through her casual day at work!
Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 18th at 6:30pm at the Pavilion (Respect for Law presentation, meal provided by Daryl and Frank).
Meeting Reminder
UncategorizedThe next Optimist Club meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18th at 6:30pm at the Lake Heritage Pavilion. Please come show your appreciation as we present the Respect for Law award.
Optimist Meeting Minutes from 6-4-14
UncategorizedThe Optimist members enjoyed a great evening with the meal provided by Bruce and Stacey. We had a presentation from Judy Alder and Kathy Gaskin regarding the Gettysburg Hospital Foundation, specifically the Children’s Health Fund and the Healthy Options program.
Guests: The foundation is 501 © 3 non-profit. The foundation uses 100% of donations towards donor-chosen funds. For the last 29 years the foundation has sponsored a very successful golf tournament at the Links in July which in part benefits the Children’s Fund. The following are some of the ways that the fund helps our community: financial support for a SAFE nurse who performs medical exams on child victims of sexual abuse, car seat distribution to families in need, sleep sacks are provided to 650 families per year to eliminate blankets from cribs which may contribute to SIDS, dental screens for ages 1-4, and the Healthy Choices program which works with local restaurants to incorporate healthy menu options for kids. Organizations may apply for grants to assist with their own youth programs.
Another initiative, the Healthy Options program is in its third year. It partners with the Adams County Food Policy Council and the Adams County Farmers’ Market Association to help local families meet their needs when they do not qualify for federal food assistance. Research has found a $17,000 gap between the amount that a family of four can make to qualify for food stamps ($34,000) and the amount needed for a family of four to be self-sufficient to pay for their necessities ($51,000). Last year 70 families participated in the program where the received a $40 voucher to the Farmers Market from June to September. Families also receive education on cooking, gardening, and staying active. This year the hope is to expand the program.
We also had another guest, a potential new member, Adam DeYoung (Brenda and Jim’s son) who will be graduating from Greencastle this June. He really enjoyed assisting with the Optimist basketball for his school’s community service project last year and he would like to be more active helping kids.
Secretary Report: Elmo is assisting Tom finish his Lieutenant Governorship. He reported that Zone 7 is still number one and Gettysburg is tied for 21st place out of all the clubs in the district. We hope to end the year in 1st for Tom.
Treasurer Report: Most due payments are up-to-date. Tom will crunch some numbers and we will reassess dues at the next board of directors meeting. Overall we are looking good after a couple very successful fundraisers.
Golf Tournament wrap: The tournament at the Links was a great success! A special thanks to Bruce for all of his hard work and the regular email updates J Also thank you to everyone who found sponsors, foursomes, or helped on the day of the tournament. We exceeded our fundraising goal this year by more than $2500! We will be sending out thank-you notes shortly, but Bruce encourages everyone to thank our sponsors by supporting their businesses. Eat, drink, buy a Subaru! It is time to start planning for next year. We will hope to maintain all current sponsors while adding more and we should have a goal of 36 foursomes.
Soccer Parking: We had a beautiful weekend for this event. We were able to park 396 cars for over the two days. Thanks to Don for keeping the parking running smoothly and to everyone who volunteered for this event.
Respect for Law: Next meeting the club will be presenting this award to a very deserving individual who works for the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center.
Chamber of Commerce: Stacey suggested that if the Club would like to utilize our membership better we can certainly attend the regular monthly mixers, submit an article for the newsletter, or even host a social event. The next mixer is scheduled for Thursday, June 19th at Battlefield KIA from 5-7pm.
Public Relations: Marci is very pleased with how everything is looking with our social media. If you have any suggestions about postings please let her know.
Nominations: Please consider how you would like to help lead the club in the coming year by being an officer or board member. Elections will occur at our meeting on Wednesday, August 6th and we are in need of a President, V.P, Secretary, and Board Members.
Other notes: The Third Quarter Zone Meeting will be held at Alexander’s Restaurant in York on Wednesday, June 23rd at 6:30pm. Cost is $15 per person. Winners of the Oratorical contest will be present. Please let Mindy know if you are interested in attending by June 20th so that she can send a headcount to the East York Club.
The Gettysburg Optimist will once again host the Fourth Quarter Zone Meeting/Pig Roast at the Lake Heritage Pavilion on Wednesday, August 20th. Mark and Daryl have agreed to do the prep work.
Member Kudos: Thanks to Bruce and Stacey for a great meal. Also thanks to Bruce for being so generous and storing the Optimist Christmas tree (aka box of banners in his attic). Thanks to Jean for raising nearly $500 through her casual day at work!
Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 18th at 6:30pm at the Pavilion (Respect for Law presentation, meal provided by Daryl and Frank).
Optimist Meeting Tonight!
UncategorizedOptimist Meeting Minutes 5/21/14
UncategorizedThe primary focus of this Optimist business meeting was to review the final details for the Optimist Golf Tournament tomorrow. See below for more information. Joe and Sam provided a delicious meal of pork, baked potatoes, salad and rolls. The beets and pineapple upside down cake received special accolades.
President Notes: If you would like to provide the meal for the June 4th meeting please contact Kris.
Daryl and Frank have agreed to provide the meal on June 18th.
We need to have volunteers for the President, VP, Secretary and BOD positions this year. Please contact Kris if you would be interested in stepping into a position.
The Atlantic Central District is accepting nominations for the Hall of Fame. If you would like to nominate a living or posthumous member for this honor please contact Kris. The requirements are as follows: continuous member for at least 10 years, held one of these positions (Governor, Lt, Gov., District Secretary/Treasurer, or Distinguished President), and served as a district committee chair or served on 2 district committees.
Golf Tournament: The big day is tomorrow. Bruce appreciates everyone’s hard work and he is looking forward to a successful tournament. He worked tirelessly to try and win a spot in the Guinness book for the number of emails related to one event. Please don’t be upset if your inbox looks a little empty in the coming weeks. We have 26 confirmed Foursomes for tomorrow’s one o’clock tee-time. Volunteers, please try and be there by 11am. There will be contests for Green of Gold, Putting, and Closest to the Pin. Prizes will be awarded.
Soccer Parking: Don is set for volunteers for the parking this weekend. He will send a reminder email to those involved.
Respect for Law: Doug has selected a representative from the Adams County Youth Advocacy Center to receive this award June 18th.
Upcoming Events: Golf Tournament: May 22, 2014
Hoss’s Fundraiser: May 24, 2014
Third Quarter Zone Meeting-June 23, 2014-Alexander’s Restaurant (York)
Fourth Quarter Zone Meeting/Pig Roast-August 20, 2014 (Lake Heritage)
Next Meeting: June 4, 2014 at Lake Heritage Pavilion
June 18, 2014 at Lake Heritage Pavilion (Respect for Law Day)
Member Kudos: Special thanks to the chefs Joe and Sam for the great meal.
Congrats to Stacy for the article in Chamber Chat which highlighted the success Biggerstaff’s Catering.
Great job Mark and Marci for your contributions to the Wounded Warrior project.
Optimist Meeting Tonight at Lake Heritage!
UncategorizedIt’s that time of year again and we are back at Lake Heritage pavilion for our meeting tonight at 6:30pm.
New Location for the Next Meeting!
UncategorizedFor the summer months, the Optimist Club of Gettysburg will once again move the meetings to the pavilion at Lake Heritage. Our meeting this week is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21st at 6:30pm. We will be making our final preparations for the Golf Tournament.
Optimist meeting minutes 5/7/14
UncategorizedUpcoming Events: Think Golf! We are in the home stretch for planning for this big fundraiser which is scheduled for Thursday, May 22nd. There are approximately 17 gold sponsors and 24 foursomes committed. We are happy to accept additional sponsors and foursomes, along with gifts to use for awards and prizes. Workers are asked to arrive at the Links at 11a.m. as the golfers are expected to be arriving around noon.
Don has enough volunteers for the Soccer Tournament Parking over Memorial weekend. He will send a reminder email with the schedule prior to the event. Marci has worked on parking flyers to handout ahead of time to encourage patrons to go to our lot.
Mark G. and Walt will represent the Optimists at the Dollars for Scholars program on 5/28/14.
Public Relations: The Club has locked-in the domain names for our website gettysburgoptimist.org and gettysburgoptimist.com.
Officer Nominations: We are looking for volunteers for the following positions: President, VP, and Secretary. Tom agreed to stay on as Treasurer, but he would like someone to consider being the Treasurer-in-training. There is also room on the Board of Directors if anyone is interested. Elections will take place Wednesday, August 6th.
Other notes:
Well wishes to Al as he recovers from a double knee replacement.
We received word from the Optimists of East York that Tom McGlynn is currently in hospice care. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Upcoming Meeting: Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30pm at the Lake Heritage Pavilion.
Optimist Meeting Tonight!
UncategorizedPlease join us for a regular business meeting tonight at 6:30pm at Mamma Ventura’s.
Optimist Meeting Reminder
UncategorizedOptimist Meeting Minutes 4/16/14
UncategorizedGuests: The Optimist Club had two exciting and enlightening presentations at our meeting. We started with a wonderful show by the Adams County School of Musical Theatre. Six of their students wowed us with their performance of popular songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Their teacher, Chad-Alan Carr spoke briefly about how the Optimist’s donation helps to supports their projects. Chad also invited the Optimist members to be his guest at an upcoming production of Peter Pan which is being produced as a part of the Penguin Project. The Penguin Project has been a very successful program in Illinois for the last 10 years. Children with disabilities ages 8-21 are assigned a part in the play. They are paired with a mentor of the same age who will help them learn their lines and choreography. The 6 students who were present at the meeting are actually mentors for this program and they feel that the experience is extremely rewarding. The production will take place at the Gettysburg H.S. auditorium on Friday and Saturday May 9th and 10th. Show times are 7pm and 2pm respectively. Please contact Wayne or Darlene if you would like to attend.
We also had a very informative presentation from Brian Devost, with the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority. The Rec. park consists of 52 acres of land with a surrounding fitness trail. A Master Concept Plan has been developed to enhance the park and utilize the space a little better. Brian explained some of the upcoming goals for the park. The number one priority per surveyed locals is to create a dog park. They are nearing the $25,000 goal to begin this project. Another part of the plan is to make a new, expanded amphitheater towards the front of the park to permit larger acts to come in and to allow easier access for the patrons. Currently there is no plan to tear down the existing Optimist Amphitheater. The hope is to actually use it for summer camps at this time. However, down the road, if the concrete amphitheater needs to be removed, Brian would hope to save the mosaic. He encourages groups with a connection to the Rec Park and other community members to give suggestions about the future of the park.
Fundraising Projects:
Golf Tournament: Bruce reports that we have 13 committed gold sponsors and 3 $200 sponsors. Mercedes will again provide a car with a 6 month lease if a hole-in-one is made on the special hole. We are still looking to surpass last year’s numbers so keep seeking out new sponsorships. We have approximately 20 foursomes, but we are hoping to have 36 foursomes, so keep talking to your golfing buddies. If we do not have a full tournament, the Links will open up foursomes to their members for a discounted rate. Keep an eye out for an email from Bruce for the golf committee meeting.
Gettysburg Hoss’s Fundraiser: Saturday, May 21st bring your printed flier to Hoss’s and a percentage of your bill will be donated to the club.
Public Relations: The recent internet virus Heartbleed has not caused too many issues with the Club’s online media, but if you notice any problems, please contact Marci.
Member Notes: If you would like to cheer on our Veterans a crowd will be gathered at the Eisenhower Hotel as the Wounded Warriors ride into town on Sunday, April 27th at approximately 1:30pm.
Hopefully the nicer weather is on its way, so we will be moving our meetings to the Pavilion. Members are asked to choose a date to be the chef for the night.
Upcoming Events: Optimist Golf Tournament at the Links Thursday, May 22th
East York Special Olympics Thursday, May 22th
Dollars for Scholars Program Wednesday, May 28th
Upcoming Meeting: Wednesday, May 7th at 6:30pm at Mamma Ventura’s
Wednesday, May 21st at 6:30pm at the Lake Heritage Pavilion