Meeting Minutes – August 13, 2025

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 6 PM at 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center, Gettysburg. We had 19 members and significant others, 3 prospective members and 3 Optimists representing York and Lancaster Clubs in attendance. Sue Hill wowed us with salad, baked corn, rotisserie chicken, and choices of pie including shoofly pie for our desert. Joe offered our invocation.

Business Meeting:

1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.

2. Treasure’s report: Noted

3. President’s Report: Wayne introduced guests Art and Lorraine Edwards. Daryl introduced guest Erica Duffy, Development Director of Adams County Library. Our club gives a warm welcome to Art and Erica as prospective members

Wayne introduced our guest Connie Sohnleitner, Governor Elect (Atlantic Central District). Connie spoke first about the August 16 Atlantic Central District Conference to be held in Gettysburg at the Hilton Garden Inn Gettysburg. Connie spoke on many subjects, including possible ways to attract young members. She also handed out information sheets on “Contact List” and “Presidential Incentive Program”. This info will be attached to these minutes.

Wayne thanked Connie for visiting our club meeting and told her the invitation is always open to visit with The Gettysburg Optimist Club.

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)

5. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone)

a. Al reported LL baseball has completed another successful year with over 200 boys and girls participating. He also reminded us to tune into the LL World Series hosted in Williamsport.

6. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)

7. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell)

8. RIF (Chair Lyne Aurand)

  • a. Lyne reported that a Dolly Parton reading foundation has been brought to our attention through ACCF and Beth Becker will be our speaker and tell us what this reading foundation program is offering. If you have any questions and will not be at our September 3 meeting, reach out to Lyne.

9. Golf Tournament (Chair Daryl Aurand & Dan Mattern)

10. The Warrior Way Program ( Chair Brent Smith)

11. Bingo Fundraiser (Chair Wayne Hill)

a. Wayne reported on our 1st Bingo event and its success. We had feedback from Granite Hill and how their campers enjoyed the evening. We also had feedback from our members on ways to help our event run even more smoothly. It was suggested that a Bingo Committee meet with Wayne prior to our 9/5 Bingo Fundraiser.

b. September 5 is our next Bingo Fundraiser at Granite Hill Campground. A planning meeting will be held to discuss a marketing plan and any details to enhance this event. We encourage participation from all members who can give their input on making this a great event.

We have an opportunity to host another Bingo Fundraiser on 10/3 or 10/4.

New Business

1. Importance of new membership discussed.

Upcoming Dates:

  • Board of Directors Meeting date TBD
  • 9/3 Optimist Meeting @ Deatrick Community Center, 56 Winding Drive, Gettysburg
  • Speaker (Beth Becker) subject “Dolly Parton Reading Foundation”
  • Food committee needed for 9/3 meeting (sign-up sheet attached)
  • 9/5 Bingo Fundraiser @ Granite Hill Campground from 7 PM to 9 PM (Please RSVP by 8/30)
  • 9/17 Optimist Social and BOD calendar/planning
  • 10/1 Officer Installation Banquet Mansion House in Fairfield
  • 11/5 Optimist Meeting

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

/by