Optimist Meeting Minutes 11/21/13
Guests: We had a wonderful presentation from Ivy Schneider with the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center. She thanked our club for our donation to the 8th Annual Snowflake Gala. The Adams County CAC is one of 13 such centers in the entire state. It is a nationally accredited site which helps heal victims of child abuse. This free and voluntary programs offers a comprehensive set of services including: forensic interviews, medical exams, mental health therapy, and family support all under one roof! The Adams County CAC is one of the premier models for the state. It contributed recommendations to the governor’s task force against child abuse. Over the last year, the Adams County CAC has done so much to serve our community. They have conducted 130 forensic interviews, taught tech savvy programs highlighting risks and prevention of tech crimes, provided education on how to recognize signs of child abuse in their Darkness to Light program, and offered support to non-offending family members. Every third day a new child abuse case is opened in Adams County. The goal of the CAC is to help protect the children of our community and help heal those who have been victimized. You can go to kidsagaincac.org for more information.
Dues: The club members who were present discussed various scenarios for meeting our budgetary goals for the coming year. It was put to a vote and the club decided to maintain our current membership dues. In order to offset costs, members who attend dinner meetings will contribute $5 for their meal. The plan is to reassess this approach in 6 months and the board can make further recommendations at that time.
Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army: With the change in weather we get ready to bundle up and ring the bell for the Salvation Army. Calls have already gone out to members who have volunteered. If you would still like to help please contact [email protected] for more information.
Optimist Christmas Party: The Annual Optimist Christmas Party will again be held at the Seminary Refectory on Wednesday, December 11th at 6pm. Dinner will be served at 6:30pm. Feel free to bring a spirit of your choice. If you have not done so, please RSVP [email protected] if you and any of your family members will be attending. Having children in attendance makes this night particularly enjoyable as a special guests always makes his way to the Refectory. If you are bringing a young guest, don’t forget a small, wrapped gift (under $10). Please label it with the child’s name. As in years past, the Gettysburg H.S. Orchestra will be providing live music.
Optimist Magic Show: Donations are coming in and we look forward to reaching our fundraising goal. The event will be held on Friday, December 13th at 7pm at Lincoln Elementary.
Optimist Basketball: Final touches are being put on the program for girls and boys in grades 1-6. Basketball sessions will begin in January in the Gettysburg Middle School gym. Basketball sign-ups are scheduled for Saturday December 7th and 14th from 9-11am at the Gettysburg Middle School cafeteria.
Optimist Oyster and Shrimp Feed: Wayne had the tickets printed and they were given to members for distribution. The cost will remain very reasonable at $35 per person for All-You-Can-Eat steamed, raw, stewed, and fried oysters along with steamed shrimp. This event will be held on Saturday, March 8th from noon until 3pm. It will be back at the Gettysburg Fire Department. Space will be limited, so if you know someone who wants to attend make sure they get their tickets early! Prepping for this event will begin at 6pm on Friday, March 7th.
Board of Director Meeting: Wednesday, December 4th at 7pm at Tom’s house.
Happy Holidays!! Next regular business meeting: Wednesday, January 15th at 6:30pm at Mamma Ventura’s.
