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10/8/2024 11:32:00 AM
 
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Section 21: Community News Subject: OP Women's Club 50th Msg# 1212931
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For Immediate Release Sept. 30, 2024 Women’s Club of Ocean Pines celebrates 50th anniversary Since 1974, the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines has raised tens of thousands of dollars for area scholarships and offered countless local women an outlet both to socialize and give back to the community. Now in its 50th year, the Women’s Club boasts a roster of more than 100 members. The club began to develop in 1972, when a group of women met to play cards, sew and talk about their new community. Originally known as the “Year Rounders Club,” the group raised $500 for the Ocean Pines Association from two bazaars they organized, with that money going toward a living community Christmas tree and card tables for the new community center. At the time, the primary purpose of the club was to acquaint new residents with the community and to promote social and civic activities. The Women’s Club of Ocean Pines was officially established in 1974. In 1975, the club bought an “electro-printer” to aid in the publishing of the first Ocean Pines Homeowners Directory. The directory sold for $1 and included listings for 106 full-time homeowner residents and 66 long-term renters. Club dues were $3 per year. By 1981, total Women’s Club charitable donations topped $2,000. Just seven years later, in 1988, the club donated $19,000 from its Memorial Fund toward construction of the White Horse Park pavilion, marking the single-largest donation for that project. The Women’s Club continued to thrive and provide scholarships and community donations during the 2020 COVID pandemic. Meetings were held via ZOOM and fundraising was a particular challenge. During this time the club originated the “Cash for Winners” raffle, which continues to be an annual fundraising event. This years’ raffle will have a 50th Anniversary theme. Today, the Women’s Club focuses on scholarships for high school seniors living in Ocean Pines. To help fund those scholarships, the club hosts game nights, fashion shows, bake sales, garage sales, and other social events. Scholarships are awarded each May to local high school seniors based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and dedication to the community Scholarship amounts vary, depending on the fundraising success each year. The Women’s Club has provided as much as $7,500 for scholarships in a single year. One student recipient who received a $1,000 scholarship in 2002 has “given back” more than $4,000 to the Women’s Club scholarship program since 2016. He currently owns a business in Salisbury, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Since 2007, the club has awarded $69,650 in scholarships to 58 high school seniors. During the same period, the Women’s Club donated $35,315 to more than a dozen local groups, from Ocean Pines’ Recreation and Parks, Police and Fire departments, to Star Charities, Women Supporting Women, Costal Hospice, and Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services. The Women’s Club has also supported initiatives like the Ocean Pines Skateboard Park and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial. There is only one stipulation to become a recipient of a Women’s Club donation: the money must benefit Ocean Pines residents. Today, the Women’s Club continues to be a way for neighbors to meet while supporting their local community. The group is always looking for new members, as well as donors. Members meet on the first Thursday of each month, except July and August. Regular meetings host a quest speaker or occasionally the making of a craft item. Annual membership dues are $10. For more information about the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines, contact Theresa Solyak at 717-471-0703 or tsolyak@gmail.com. ## Voices from the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines (sidebar) “One of the first things I did when I moved to Ocean Pines from Rockville was to join the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines. What better way is there to make new friends and give back to the Community? Since 2006, I have been first and second vice president, president once, and co-president once and now serve as parliamentarian.” -Susann Palamara “Shortly after moving to Ocean Pines full time in 2009, I joined the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines. It was a way for me to meet new women and become involved in its giving program. I have served on several committees, which enabled me to work closely with like-minded women. I also served as co-president, from 2016-2018, and, most recently, as recording secretary. “As an educator, my priority has always been helping students. In 2018, I became chair of the scholarship committee. With the help of a committee member, a rubric was designed to give fair and impartial judging of each applicant. Each year we are impressed by the amazing talent and skills of these Ocean Pines seniors. It is always with great pride that the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines awards scholarships to deserving applicants during our Spring Awards Ceremony.” - Donna Potenza |
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| Calendar |
OPA Board Meeting - Golf Clubhouse
1/25/2025 - 9: A.M. |
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OPA Board Meeting - Golf Clubhouse
2/22/2025 - 9:00 A.M. |
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OPA Board Meeting - Golf Clubhouse
3/29/2025 - 9:00 A.M. |
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OPA Board Meeting - Golf Clubhouse
4/26/2025 - 9:00 A.M. |
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OPA Board Meeting - Golf Clubhouse
5/24/2025 - 9:00 A.M. |