“I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder…”

For days and weeks, Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration of Independence, finally approving it on July 4, 1776, setting for all time forward the date of birth of a new Nation, “Conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal”.

John Adams, writing to his wife Abigail said about the day, “[it] will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

From the outset Americans celebrated Independence Day on July 4th, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress, and the date subsequently declared a legal federal holiday in 1941.  Each year and every generation since has noted the anniversary of our Nations birth very much in the way John Adams had envisioned in 1776, with parades, fireworks, shows, sport, games, celebration, bonfires and bells.

As we gather farther and farther away from the monumental moment and the memory of a time and governess less free and less generous with individual liberty, our full appreciation for the magnitude of this historic moment and the words of this document gets diluted in the moments of the days celebrations and feasts.

As we congregate this July Fourth, let us not fail to remember the meaning of the words of that Declaration written in 1776 and the personal and individual rights, liberties and life’s pursuits it established forever as self-evident and guaranteed to us by our Constitution.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The passage has come to represent a moral standard to which we, as citizens of United States, should strive and a major statement on human rights for millions of people all around the world.

On reflection of our birth as a nation, John Adams (1735–1826) commented, “I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in providence, for the illumination of the ignorant and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth.

Happy Birthday America!

-We had a very informative presentation tonight in regards to the Dollars for Scholars program.  Since the Gettysburg Area Dollars for Scholars began in 2005 the Optimist Club of Gettysburg has been a strong supporter.  We have donated each year so that one male and one female student from GAHS will receive a generous scholarship.  This year the Gettysburg Dollars for Scholars program reached 41 different students for a total of $63,600 worth of scholarships!  At this time, the program is hoping to expand on the number of applicants who are looking to go to a technical school.  Students interested in receiving scholarships fill out one anonymous application.  A team dedicated to the Dollars for Scholars program reviews each application and awards individual scholarships based on the criteria specified for each scholarship.  Once all the scholarships have been determined a computer-generated program will list the recipient associated with the anonymous number.  The Gettysburg Area Dollars For Scholars has decided to keep their monies local as they invest through ACNB.  In the future, the Optimists could consider forming an endowment to make our scholarship self-funding.  Individuals or groups looking to make a donation or begin an endowment can find more information at www.gettsburgdfs.org.

 

-With perfect timing for this meeting, the Optimist Club received a very nice thank-you note from one of this year’s recipients of the Optimist Scholarship.

 

-Craig has visited several clubs in the Zone and plans to stop at a few more next week.

 

-Tom is excited to write his next really big check on our new dry erase board that is designed to look like an Optimist check.

 

-Kudos to Jean for raising money for the Optimist Club through a Casual Day at work!

 

-Thanks to Bill and Sam for a delicious meal!

 

-The Chamber of Commerce printed a nice article regarding our donation to the Gettysburg Little League.

 

-Next Gathering: Wednesday, July 17 at Wayne Hill’s house.  We will need desserts, hot dishes, and salads.  If the first letter of your last name begins with the letters A-D please plan on bringing a dessert; E-K please bring a hot dish; L-Z  please bring a salad.

The Optimist Little League Team recently wrapped-up the 2013 season on June 4.  The team is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Gettysburg and includes members between the ages of 9 and 10 in the “Player Pitch” category.  This year the Optimist Team was coached by Mike Tushek and supported by parents and Optimist members.  The Optimist Club is proud of their young ball players and look forward to next season.

The Gettysburg Little League is one of more than 19 youth related programs supported by the Optimist Club of Gettysburg each year.  We wish to thank all the Little League Volunteers and coaches for their generous support and efforts to “Bring out the best in kids.”

 

President Report: The Optimists of Gettysburg are the 6^th ranking district in our zone.  Our zone 7 is the top zone in our area.

Consider making yourself available for the 4^th Quarter Meeting which is here in Gettysburg 8/16-18.

Golf Tournament News: This year, the number of sponsors was up, although the number of golfers was a little down compared to previous years.  The club raised approximately $4900 to serve local youth.  We look forward to expanding on this popular event next year.

Soccer Tournament Parking: Due to the decreased number of soccer fields for this year’s tournament, the income from the parking was down compared to previous years, but we hope to see a better weekend for the tournament in August.  We raised approximately $3875 with this event.

Dollars for Scholars: The Optimist presented two $1000 scholarship awards to one boy and one girl graduating from GAHS.

Other notes:  The Treasurer, Secretary, and Board of Directors are willing to continue to serve in their respective positions next year.  They are willing to step aside if someone else would like to fill their role.   The Vice President position is available.  Please contact Kris Accardi if you have any nominations or would like to fill a position next year.  Elections are planned for August.

The journals for the Roads to Freedom project are available through the Adams County Library.  This project which the Optimist Club helped to sponsor is seeking to combat childhood obesity.

The Optimist-sponsored Little League team played their last game on Tuesday.  The kids really seemed to enjoy themselves and the coaches were very enthusiastic and motivational.  See the Optimist Facebook page for pictures.

The only meeting in July will be held at Wayne Hill’s house on the 17^th.

Mark your calendars for the much-loved All-Star Magic Show!  It will be held 12/15/13.  Details to follow.

Next meeting: Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 6:30pm, Lake Heritage Pavilion.   Sam and Bill will be the guest chefs.  There will be a board of directors meeting afterwards.