Optimist Meeting Minutes, Nov. 5, 2014
President Kris opened the meeting after a good fellowship session as many members arrived early. There were 17 members present including two new members and two guest speakers from the Salvation Army.
After dinner Jane Scott reviewed the history of the bell ringers and donation pot and thanked the club for its continuing support. The donation pot began in Los Angeles. Pots were often placed at Ferry landing docks for passengers to drop in their change to help the poor. Salvation Army captain Joseph McFee was looking for a way to fund Christmas dinner for the poor. Remembering the dock pots, he placed one at the Oakland Ferry Landing in 1891. He soon had enough money to provide the dinners. The method and Christmas tradition continued and grew and spread across the nationwide organization and around the world.
Today this tradition is in our hands. All Salvation members in Adams county are volunteers. 95% or more of all collections remain in our county. About $40,000. is collected annually and is distributed to needy families and children’s school supplies.
Kris reported that speakers from the Special Olympics will be at our November 19 meeting.
The annual family Christmas Party will be held December 10, 6PM, at the Refectory. Children are free. Adults pay $25.00. Please RSVP Stacey Green for reservations.
January 21st Alex Hayes of the Gettysburg Times will be our speaker.
We are pleased to have Dan Mattern back with us. Dan is a long time member who took a few years away from us. Welcome Dan!
New member Bob Dicken was present. Welcome to the club Bob! Kris called upon us to keep up our efforts to increase our membership.
Kris is working on lining up arrangements for Optimist basketball. January 10th is the proposed starting date.
The social gathering at Battlefield Brewworks was held last Sunday with 10 people attending – a good start for such events.
The trivia winners selected “Ruth’s Harvest” for a $500. donation.
Tom reported our Activities fund contains $11,867.50. The general fund contains $284.70.
Money from the Christmas Magic Show is coming in. Nearly $3000. has been received so far. The show is Dec. 12, 7PM, at Lincoln Elementary. Members are invited to attend and help (no charge).
Bruce reported that about $9000. was made at last year’s golf tournament. The only ways to increase this amount are to get a major sponsor, add additional tee and hole sponsors, and to bring our foursome numbers to 36. November is our key month for soliciting sponsors! Budgets are being prepared for next year and we want to be a part of many new budgets. More info and literature will follow.
Wayne reports the Oyster Feed will be February 28th at the firehall. Mark your calendars!
Daryl thanked all who participated in the Halloween parade. Seems two Gettysped carts were seen racing up Baltimore street, both heavily laden, at speeds exceeding 1mph! NASCAR is considering sanctions.
Next meeting is November 19th. Dinner is 6:30. Come early! Chat and have a beverage of your choice.
Recorded by Joe MacDowell
