Meeting Minutes – January 3, 2024 

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, 6 PM at Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church, Gettysburg. We had 11 members and 2 guests in attendance. Brent and Daryl were on the food committee. Dan handled the beverages. A special thanks to Phylis for being a great hostess.

President Brent welcomed all in attendance and opened with the invocation.

Business Meeting:

  1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.
  2. Treasure’s report: Approved
  3. President’s Report:
    1. Guest speakers from Adams County Special Olympics – Dave Miller/athlete addressed our members with reference to his involvement in Special Olympics as a 15-year athlete and as a volunteer for the last year. Dave has competed in most of the 10 sports and most recently in basketball, volleyball, and a national championship in tennis. Dave gave special thanks to his mentor Ed Dominguez and many others. As a mentor Ed’s enthusiasm was apparent as he could not give enough credit to Dave and spoke highly of Special Olympics and their positive mission to provide year-round sports training and competition for the athletes. They have approximately 110 athletes and 100 volunteers.
      On January 20 there is a fund raiser “Capital Area Region Polar Plunge” at Pinchot Park and Ed will be participating and we have an open invitation to participate.
    2. Thank you Gary, for inviting our guest speakers to join us this evening and discuss their mission that we support.
    3. Randy will be resigning as treasurer due to health reasons. Please keep Randy and his family in your prayers.
    4. Our next social event will be on Wednesday 1/17, 6PM at Fourscore Brewery, Gettysburg

Old Business

  1. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)
    1. Dates are set for 2024 Optimist Basketball to be held Saturday mornings @ Lincoln Elementary.
    2. Sign-ups are going well with over 130 signed up at this time.
    3. Dates: 1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24
    4. Brian is looking for coaches/volunteers to help with the program.
    5. Clearances are required to be completed for volunteers. On our Gettysburg Optimist website under Welcome Volunteer! are 2 links required. 1. PA Child Abuse Certification and 2. Criminal History Background Check. You will receive this information in another email.
  2. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone)
    1. Al reported we should investigate sponsorship signage and Daryl agreed to make a contact.
  3. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller)
  4. Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival Parking (Chair Brian Skidmore)
  5. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell & Fred Darling)
  6. RIF (Chair Lyne Aurand)
  7. Golf Tournament Fundraiser (Chair Gary Rappoldt)
    1. Discussed checking other venues/courses to hold the event.
    2. Gary will check on pricing and then hit the ground running at the end of January to have the tournament ready for 5/16/2024.
  8. Brian had previously suggested a meeting to bring your adult child or friend as a prospective member.

New Business

  1. Need for a Treasurer, assistance to help is available. Contact Brent if interested.
  2. The club approved continuing with (Constant Contact) due to the fact of keeping our name in front of our market with basketball as well as our golf tournament exposure. The club again recognizes Marci’s support.
  3. 2/9 STARS awards breakfast @7:45 AM located at the Gettysburg High School, sponsored by The Gettysburg Optimist Club. Thank you, Fred.
  4. Additional money was approved for new basketballs and a new portable basket.

Upcoming Dates:

  1. 1/6 Optimist Basketball, 1st session
  2. 1/13, 1/20, 1/27 Optimist Basketball
  3. 1/17 Optimist Social @ Four Score
  4. 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24 Optimist Basketball
  5. 2/7 Optimist Meeting, location Deatrick Village Community Center 6PM
  6. 2/9 STARS awards breakfast @ 7:45 AM located at Gettysburg HS
  7. 2/15 2nd Quarter Zone Meeting, Call Brent if interested in attending @ 717-334-8019
  8. 5/16 14th Optimist Golf Tourney

Respectfully Submitted,
Daryl Aurand, Secretary

Left to right, Daryl, Brent, Dave Miller/athlete, Ed Dominguez/mentor

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