Optimist Meeting Minutes 1-16-13

-We had a wonderful presentation about Alex’s Lemonade Stand by two local youth, Caton Raffensberger and Jared Herr.   They told us how the organization began in 2000 as a dream from 4 year old Alex Scott who was suffering from a form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.  Her wish was to raise money to find a cure for childhood cancer.  Overall, this organization has raised more than $60 million towards cancer research.  Caton and Jared have been manning a stand in Gettysburg for the last eight years.   They personally have raised more than $27,000 for this amazing cause.  They plan on having their stand over the 4th of July weekend at 429 Baltimore St.  For convenient service, they offer curb-side lemonade pick up! Re-enactors are welcome, and don’t worry they serve both sides!

-Al shared his Optimist moment.  He has been a big supporter of the Optimist Basketball program over the years.   On one particular Saturday he was asked to do some creative and optimistic thinking by running the practice without basketballs!  Apparently, the kids learned several new stretches and showed great shooting form until the balls finally arrived.  He also looks forward to seeing three generations of his family participating in the program for the first time this weekend as he and his son will help coach and his grandson will be playing ball.

-The Annual All-Star Magic Show had another successful year.  We raised $500 more than our goal which will go to support numerous local youth programs.

-Members who pay their dues in full by the end of the month will receive a $10 discount.  You can contact Tom to arrange payment.

-We received a Thank-you note from the James Gettys PTO for our support of the Reading is Fundamental program.  With the help of our donation, the children met their goal of reading more than 2000 books between Thanksgiving and the first week of January.

Optimist Basketball continues this Saturday from 9-11:45.  For the remainder of the season the boys will be in the Gettysburg Middle School and the girls will play at Lincoln Elementary.  Please see the schedule for specific times by age group.

-The planning for the Golf Tournament is in full swing.  We are actively looking for sponsorship.  Now is the time for members to start making contact with potential sponsors.  Be on the lookout for an email detailing ways you can help the club make this another successful year or click the above link to find registration forms and information.

-Details have been confirmed for the All you can eat Oyster and Shrimp FeedThis year will bring a new location.  The event will be held at the 1863 Inn of Gettysburg from noon until 3pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013.  Along with the typical raw, stewed, fried, and steamed oysters there will also be steamed shrimp featured this year!  Members are encouraged to help with prep on Friday evening and Saturday morning.   Please contact Stacey ([email protected]) if you would like to help.  In order to track ticket sales please keep Wayne ([email protected]) up-to-date with tickets sold or if you need more.

Our next meeting will be Wednesday February 6th at 6:30pm at the Seminary Refectory.