July 27, 2021 For Immediate Release:
Bring out the best in kids! Gettysburg Optimist Basketball Summer Clinic
The Optimist Club of Gettysburg has sponsored a community youth basketball program since 1965 teaching fun and fundamentals of basketball to children in grades K through 6. Traditionally, the program is conducted on Saturday mornings for eight weeks. The rules are simple; all children play, focus is on the fundamentals of the game, no score keeping, and all participants have fun and share an experience that forms life-long memories.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic, the 2021 Winter Optimist Youth Basketball Program was not offered. The Optimist Club is proud to announce this year’s Summer Basketball Clinic where the rules will be followed for a fun filled afternoon. With the help of the Gettysburg Area School District’s Girls and Boys basketball coaches, Jeff Bair and Marc McLean, and players, the Gettysburg Optimist Club is offering a free basketball clinic at Gettysburg Area Recreation Association Park on Sunday, August 29, 2021.
Registration is on-line now through August 28 and onsite at the Rec Park Firemen’s pavilion from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM the day of the event.
Children can pre-register by completing the online form or by printing the paperwork from the Gettysburg Optimist website https://gettysburgoptimist.com/gettysburg-news/2021-basketball-clinic/. Email registration to GettysburgOptimist@GettysburgOptimist.com or mail to
Gettysburg Optimist Club
c/o Basketball Committee
PO BOX 3035
Gettysburg, PA 17325
The 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM clinic schedule will begin with a demonstration session led by the Gettysburg Area School District basketball girl’s and boy’s coaches and players. The next session will be a circuit training for youth attending in grades K through 6. If time allows, there may be youth basketball games. The players will be divided into groups of girls and boys separately; Grades K-3 and grades 4-6.
Refreshments will be provided for volunteers and participants at the conclusion of the clinic.
The Optimist Club of Gettysburg Youth Basketball Program is one of the many youth-oriented programs conducted and funded by the local Optimist Club each year. Club members, parents and community volunteers act as leaders, monitors, coaches, and mentors. Many of them were once young participants in earlier programs and are now coaching and mentoring their children and grandchildren. Since its inception more than 5000 area children have participated in the annual basketball events.
We look forward to spending the afternoon with you on Sunday, August 29, 2021 from 12:30 PM to 3 PM.
About the Gettysburg Optimist Club
The Optimist Club of Gettysburg was chartered in 1958 and continues to be dedicated to providing young people with positive activities and learning opportunities. Club members are men and women who come from all walks of life and who are united in an effort, “To Bring out the Best in Kids!” To learn more about the Optimist Club of Gettysburg and their many programs, activities and a membership opportunity, visit https://gettysburgoptimist.com/, visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OptimistClubofGettysburg?ref=hl or call 717-220-3416.
Optimist Hoops Paper Registration Form
Optimist Hoops Online Form
2021 ACCF Giving Spree Announcement
UncategorizedThe Gettysburg Optimist Club is overjoyed and privileged to participate in the single largest day of giving in Adams County hosted by the Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) – The GIVING SPREE – November 5, 2021!
What is the Giving Spree?
The Giving Spree is a way to connect donors to groups and organizations that match their charitable intentions through the coordination of the ACCF and individual non-profits. Everyone in the community is encouraged to learn about local nonprofits and support them.
Do you give to local charities like SCAAP or Recue Mission? – there are 88 others!
If you hold your donations until the giving Spree you can increase your donation significantly, and still take your tax exemption, and, designate your gift(s) to whom ever you wish. Its simple, here’s how>
There are three ways to give:
The Community Foundation has donors who give to the entire program, called the “stretch pool” by giving extra money to each charity. If SCAAP gets 1% of all designated funds, they get 1% of the stretch pool. Last year the stretch pool totaled over $200,000.
Total donations for last year topped $2,000,000 of which the Optimist Club received over $2000.
No matter the size, your impact is GREAT for the youth of our community! Thank you for supporting the Optimist Club of Gettysburg in the 2021 Giving Spree.
Giving Spree – Mark Your Calendars
UncategorizedThe Gettysburg Optimist Club is honored to be included in Adams County’s Day of Giving! At the Giving Spree, everyone in the community is encouraged to come together to learn about local nonprofits, like ours, and to support them. Like many local organizations still striving to support the community through these challenging times, we’ve had to evolve the way some of our fundraisers were held in our mission to better the community. We are working hard to think outside the box and bring new and exciting fundraisers to light. For example, even though our basketball program was changed into an outdoor clinic, we were still able to put together an amazing event that was loved the kids, staff, and parents alike. We hope that you will consider donating to our organization through the Giving Spree on November 5!
Optimist Parking Fundraiser
UncategorizedGettysburg Wine and Music Festival Parking
Gateway Gettysburg
Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12, 2021
Parking on site at the event is free however the Optimist Club of Gettysburg is happy to accept donations for youth in Adams County. All proceeds go directly to the organizations activities fund for programs like the Optimist Basketball program, Reading is Fundamental, Ruth’s Harvest, Holiday Outreach, Dollars for Scholars, STARS, and Outdoor Education.
If able, please consider donating to the organization when parking. Or why not volunteer? Anyone who volunteers for two hours will get into the event for free! Email Us with availability!
We look forward to seeing everyone at the Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival 2021!!!
Meeting September 1, 2021 Minutes
UncategorizedThe Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, Sept 1, 2021 via zoom due to hurricane Ida. We had 11 members in attendance.
Business Meeting:
General Account: Reported
Activities Account: Reported
Old Business:
The first Optimist Summer Basketball Clinic was a success! Approximately, 50 girls and boys grades K – 5th attended the clinic held on Sunday, August 29 from 12:30-3:00 p.m. at Rec Park Firemen Pavilion and 2 basketball courts. The basketball committee consisted of Brian, Chris, Marci, Stacy, Daryl, and Lyne. The following is the wonderful group of Optimist volunteers that helped with set up, pre-registration, late registration, sign up of parent coaches for winter, and dispersed Optimist member pamphlets, beverages, and snacks: Wayne, Dan, Walt, Fred, Brandon, and Al. The clinic stations were organized by the GHS Girls Basketball Coach, Jeff Bair, and Boys Basketball Coach, Marc McLean. Approximately, 12 GHS girls’ and boys’ basketball players supervised each station. Most parents watched the clinic sitting on lawn chairs and blankets at Rec Park. Media was done via Peach Jar GASD, the coaches Twitter, and a front-page article written by Adam Michael. Due to the success of the program, the Optimist Club will consider offering the free clinic during the summer of 2022.
New Business:
Upcoming Dates:
Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary
Basketball Clinic Reminder
UncategorizedTomorrow, the Optimist Club of Gettysburg is hosting a basketball clinic for K-6 graders.
REGISTRATION ONLINE IS NOW CLOSED. PARTICIPATION IS STILL OPEN. PRINT THE FORM AND BRING ALONG TO PRE-REGISTRATION AT 12:30 PM EASTERN AT GARA. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE TOMORROW!
https://gettysburgoptimist.com/gettysburg-news/2021-basketball-clinic/
Basketball Clinic Reminder
Uncategorized1 week from today, the Optimist Club of Gettysburg is hosting a basketball clinic for K-6 graders.
Register today for this free event!
https://gettysburgoptimist.com/gettysburg-news/2021-basketball-clinic/
Meeting August 4, 2021 Minutes
UncategorizedGettysburg Optimist Club Zone 7 Meeting Minutes
August 4 2021
The Gettysburg Optimist Club met on Wednesday August 4,2021 at the Pavilion. This was the annual Zone 7 meeting. Twenty-six members were present.
President Brian Skidmore opened the meeting at 6:30 pm with Pledge of Allegiance. This was followed by an outstanding dinner provided by Biggerstaff Catering and Stacy Green.
Business Session: After dinner, President Brian welcomed the representatives from the various Zone 7 Optimist Clubs. He then introduced Sue Grimm from the Lancaster Club. Sue thanked the Gettysburg Club for hosting the Zone meeting. She then discussed some items from the Annual Convention. She followed this by discussing the various programs and projects being done by the clubs. She also conducted a sharing session in which each club representative described what is happening in their particular area. This included present and future activities.
Future events September 11=12 Wine Festival
President Brian ended the meeting at 7:50 with recitation of the Optimist Creed.
Optimistically submitted, Fred Darling
2021 Youth Basketball Summer Clinic Announcement
UncategorizedJuly 27, 2021 For Immediate Release:
Bring out the best in kids! Gettysburg Optimist Basketball Summer Clinic
The Optimist Club of Gettysburg has sponsored a community youth basketball program since 1965 teaching fun and fundamentals of basketball to children in grades K through 6. Traditionally, the program is conducted on Saturday mornings for eight weeks. The rules are simple; all children play, focus is on the fundamentals of the game, no score keeping, and all participants have fun and share an experience that forms life-long memories.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic, the 2021 Winter Optimist Youth Basketball Program was not offered. The Optimist Club is proud to announce this year’s Summer Basketball Clinic where the rules will be followed for a fun filled afternoon. With the help of the Gettysburg Area School District’s Girls and Boys basketball coaches, Jeff Bair and Marc McLean, and players, the Gettysburg Optimist Club is offering a free basketball clinic at Gettysburg Area Recreation Association Park on Sunday, August 29, 2021.
Registration is on-line now through August 28 and onsite at the Rec Park Firemen’s pavilion from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM the day of the event.
Children can pre-register by completing the online form or by printing the paperwork from the Gettysburg Optimist website https://gettysburgoptimist.com/gettysburg-news/2021-basketball-clinic/. Email registration to GettysburgOptimist@GettysburgOptimist.com or mail to
Gettysburg Optimist Club
c/o Basketball Committee
PO BOX 3035
Gettysburg, PA 17325
The 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM clinic schedule will begin with a demonstration session led by the Gettysburg Area School District basketball girl’s and boy’s coaches and players. The next session will be a circuit training for youth attending in grades K through 6. If time allows, there may be youth basketball games. The players will be divided into groups of girls and boys separately; Grades K-3 and grades 4-6.
Refreshments will be provided for volunteers and participants at the conclusion of the clinic.
The Optimist Club of Gettysburg Youth Basketball Program is one of the many youth-oriented programs conducted and funded by the local Optimist Club each year. Club members, parents and community volunteers act as leaders, monitors, coaches, and mentors. Many of them were once young participants in earlier programs and are now coaching and mentoring their children and grandchildren. Since its inception more than 5000 area children have participated in the annual basketball events.
We look forward to spending the afternoon with you on Sunday, August 29, 2021 from 12:30 PM to 3 PM.
About the Gettysburg Optimist Club
The Optimist Club of Gettysburg was chartered in 1958 and continues to be dedicated to providing young people with positive activities and learning opportunities. Club members are men and women who come from all walks of life and who are united in an effort, “To Bring out the Best in Kids!” To learn more about the Optimist Club of Gettysburg and their many programs, activities and a membership opportunity, visit https://gettysburgoptimist.com/, visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OptimistClubofGettysburg?ref=hl or call 717-220-3416.
Optimist Hoops Paper Registration Form
Optimist Hoops Online Form
Meeting August 4, 2021
UncategorizedOur next meeting is Wednesday August 4, 6PM social and 6:30 dinner. We will be at the Lake Heritage pavilion. We are the host club for the 4th quarter zone meeting.
Please RSVP Stacey no later than this Friday July 30.
RSVP Stacey Schlosser
Future dates to mark on your calendar:
Optimistically, Daryl
Meeting Minutes June 2,2021
UncategorizedThe Gettysburg Optimist Club met on Wednesday, June 2,2021, at the Lake Heritage pavilion. Fourteen members were present.
President Brian Skidmore called the meeting to order at 6:00pm and opened with an invocation. This was followed by an excellent dinner provided by Stacey Green and Biggerstaff Catering.
After dinner President Skidmore opened the business session of the meeting:
Treasurer’s Report Tom Barako reported on the financial status of the club.
Activities $12084 General $4641
Tom also reported that a few donations were given since the last meeting
He also reported that the club made $5866 from the Golf Outing
Finally he reported that the club is doing well financially with expenses being low.
Speaker Joe Macdowell shared a story about a buoy that is displayed in his den. It had to do with his lifelong love of boating and buying a large boat when he retired. The boat was eventually donated to the St. Michael’s Museum.
President’s Report The next meeting will be at Wayne and Sue’s on July 14. Food will be assigned alphabetically.
August 4 Zone Meeting at Lake Heritage
August 24 Basketball Clinic 12-3. There will be a sign-up sheet for this.
September 11 and 12 Wine and Music Festival, club will be doing parking
November 5 Giving Spree
March 26 Oyster Feed
Brian reported that the club is in need of officers for next year. We need President, Vice President, and Treasurer.
It is possible that the meeting structure of the club may be changed. Under consideration is having one formal meeting per month and one social meeting per month. This will be discussed at the next meeting and a survey will be sent to the membership.
Member comments.
Randy Smith commented about club checks being cosigned.
Tom Barako mentioned that next year at the Golf Outing golf balls may be dropped from a helicopter. The balls will be labeled and redeemed for a prize.
President Skidmore closed the meeting at 7:45pm with recitation of the Optimist Creed.
Optimistically Submitted, Fred Darling