At this time the Optimist Club would like to inform all the participants and families signed up for the 2022 Optimist Basketball Program that, due to increased covid cases in the area, we will be postponing the start of the basketball program until February 5th.  ALL JANUARY WEEKEND SESSIONS ARE CANCELED.  We feel that it is in the best health and safety interest to delay the start.  Sorry for any inconvenience.  The Optimist Basketball Committee will reassess the Covid situation in the next few weeks and notify all participants by the last week in January.

1/5/2022 Meeting @ Dunlap’s Restaurant 6PM social, 6:30PM dinner

Happy New Year!

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at the Gettysburg Fire Hall. Stacey and her staff had the fire hall decorated in the Christmas Spirit. Hors d’oeuvres and a fantastic dinner was prepared again by Stacey and staff “Biggerstaff Catering”. President Gary Rappoldt welcomed 30 members and guests along with 10 children. Brent Smith opened our evening with the invocation.

Evening Agenda:

1. Before dinner Lyne Aurand provided a craft table for all children.
2. The children, members, and guests were led in singing Christmas carols by Wayne in hopes that if Saint Nicholas was making a practice Christmas run, he might hear us and stop to visit. To our surprise Santa Claus did make a splashing appearance and all the children had the chance to meet with Santa and receive a gift. Once again it was a great night for all.
3. News Flash – we received donations from the Giving Spree “ACCF”. Thank you, Joe and Fred, for all of your work.

Upcoming Dates:

• 12/16/2021 Salvation Army Bell ringing
• 1/1/2022 HAPPY NEW YEAR
• 1/5/2022 Meeting @ Dunlap’s Restaurant 6PM social, 6:30PM dinner
• 1/8/2022 Optimist Basketball begins, GASD Lincoln Elementary, 9-12 see our website for registration information.
• 1/15/2022 Optimist Basketball Lincoln Elementary 9-12
• 1/22/2022 Optimist Basketball Lincoln Elementary 9-12
• 1/29/2022 Optimist Basketball Lincoln Elementary 9-12
• Oyster/Shrimp Fundraiser has been postponed for 2022
• Our May 2022 Golf Tournament Fundraiser @ The Links at Gettysburg is on.

Happy Holidays, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

In November, we have three days dedicated to shopping; Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.

Today, on Tuesday, November 30th, 2021, people around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

One of the best ways to get involved is in your own community.  Please consider the Gettysburg Optimist in your giving this year! Money donated is returned to the youth activities in the local community. Help Bring out the Best in Kids through a donation via a secure link at paypal. Thank you!

It’s that time of year everyone starts thinking about Basketball! The Gettysburg Optimist Club included. Our members are happy to announce the tradition will continue in 2022!  Registration is OPEN online.  Youth in grades K-6 are welcome to participate in this free basketball program. Sessions begin January 8th at the Lincoln Elementary School Gym and will occur every Saturday through the end of February.  Children can be registered by one of the following:

1) Fill out the Sign Up form online (One child per form submittal please)
2) Complete a printed registration form and mail it to PO Box 3035 Gettysburg, PA 17325.
3) Attend a sign up session on December 11^th from 9-11 AM in the Lincoln Elementary Cafeteria Lobby. Bring a copy of the printed registration along or paper and electronic sign up will be provided.

Sessions begin January 8, 2022, in the Lincoln Elementary Gym and will occur every Saturday through the end of February!

Spread the word to make this another great basketball season!