Optimist Meeting Minutes 1-21-15
The Optimist Club of Gettysburg held a regular business meeting at Mamma Ventura’s on Wednesday, January 21st. We had two wonderful speakers enlighten our group.
Guests: Ruth Topper joined us from STARS (Success Through Academic Recognition) for GAHS. She explained that this program has been running for more than 10 years. Each quarter teachers nominate students who are excelling or showing significant improvement in their studies. There is a Shining Star award for those at the top of the class. A Rising Star award is for those making great progress in their classes. The North Star award is for those whose achievements go above and beyond the normal standards. Families are invited to show their support at this quarterly breakfast. There are typically 75-100 awards dispersed. The next breakfast is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28th at 8 a.m. The Optimist Club sent Ruth with a donation and we will be sponsoring the upcoming breakfast.
Alex Hayes the Managing Editor of the Gettysburg Times was also present. He spoke of his journey to Gettysburg and the newspaper. As a teenager in his hometown of Shamokin, PA his first job must have been a sign of things to come because he was actually paperboy. Before making deliveries he would read the paper front to back. He later attended college at Lock Haven University where he studied journalism and mass media. He accepted a position as a reporter at the Gettysburg Times before he worked his way up to Night Editor followed by Managing Editor. Although printed media has experienced struggles over the last several years, the Gettysburg Times has maintained a strong presence in the community in large part due to their coverage of local Adams County news. They also offer news online through an E-subscription for those who don’t want to make the long trek down the driveway! As for the future, they plan to revamp the bimonthly Gettysburg Companion Magazine. Alex encourages members of the community to contact him via phone or email about local happenings.
President’s Report: Our thoughts are especially with several Optimist members this week. We wish Walt a speedy recovery from his recent surgery. We send our sympathies to Don and former member, Cliff for the recent passing of a loved one.
Treasurer’s Report: Please remember to turn in your dues to Tom or mail to the Optimist PO Box (PO Box 3035, Gettysburg, PA. 17325). Reminder that each meeting you attend at the restaurant requires a $5 payment to the club. After receiving all of our donations and paying all the bills in relation to the Magic Show it looks like we will clear $3900 which will do a lot for the local youth!
Basketball: We have had a great turn out this year. We have more than 130 participants. Members are encouraged to come out and assist in coaching or even just chat with the parents who stay to watch. The Saturday sessions run from 9am-1pm at the Gettysburg Area Middle School Gym. As long as the weather cooperates we will be handing out extra t-shirts and doing individual/team photographs this weekend. If practice is cancelled due to weather an announcement will be on our website/Facebook page and on 107.7 FM radio.
Oyster & Shrimp Feed: This great event is scheduled for Saturday, February, 28th at the Gettysburg Fire Hall. Prep work as usual will be Friday, February, 27th in the same location. There is another local Oyster Feed this same weekend so we really need to work on ticket sales now! The Club will be placing an advertisement for the feed in the Gettysburg Times
Golf Tournament: This important fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, May 21st at the Gettysburg Links. Bruce is at the helm again for this event. He is headed down south next week, so Frank and Daryl will be stepping up to assist. Bruce would like to be present via Skype for an upcoming Golf Committee Meeting. Details to follow. Please continue to work on getting sponsors and foursomes!
Member Kudos: Great job Darlene on your work thus far in acquiring several sponsors for the tournament, including PA Interfaith Group for the tournament co-sponsor!
Next Meeting: Wednesday, February, 4th at 6:30pm at Mamma Ventura’s.
