OPA Board President Stuart Lakernick addresses the crowd of volunteers.

By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

The Ocean Pines Association leaders recognized the community’s volunteers, organizations, and emergency service groups last week at its annual appreciation dinner, which officials noted was the largest one yet, hosted at the neighborhood’s Yacht Club.

On Thursday, June 5, the OPA Board of Directors’ Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held at the Yacht Club, with food catered by the facility’s new restaurant group, Touch of Italy. The event welcomed committee leaders, emergency personnel, organization members, the neighborhood operations team, and others in the Eastern Shore community. OPA Board of Directors President Stuart Lakernick noted that this year’s event yielded a turnout of roughly 187 attendees, a third more than last year.

“We expanded out who we invited,” he said. “…We decided to not only honor our committees, but we are also honoring all of the different service groups that spend their time here in Ocean Pines.”

Before dinner, OPA Board of Directors Vice President Rick Farr led the room in a prayer, recognizing all the OPA members who give back to the community.

“Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, thankful for the dedication of these volunteers and all those who contribute to the Ocean Pines community,” he prayed. “Their selfless service, kindness, and compassion make Ocean Pines a better place for all who live and visit here … May their acts of service inspire others and may they always remember the importance of community, care, and charity.”

Following Farr’s prayer, Lakernick acknowledged the dinner attendees with a speech.

“It’s an absolute honor to stand here before you tonight in this room filled with people who make Ocean Pines not just a place to live but a community worth calling home,” he said. “You’re the volunteers, the problem solvers, the steady hands and open hearts that keep everything moving. Whether you’re organizing events, picking up trash, or just offering your time, with no fanfare, you make his community thrive.”

The president recognized the OPA Board of Directors, including himself, Farr, Director Steve Jacobs, Director Elaine Brady, Director Jeff Heavner, Director and Secretary John Latham, and Director and Treasurer Monica Rakowski.

OPA General Manager John Viola, Linda Martin, senior director of administration, and Ocean Pines Police Chief Tim Robinson were acknowledged for their attendance, as were elected officials State Senator Mary Beth Carozza, Delegate Wayne Hartman, County Commissioner Chip Bertino, and Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli.

Lakernick moved on to recognize the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation Board, the Ocean Pines Women’s Club, the Ocean Pines Pine’eer Craft Club, the Ocean Pines Association Neighborhood Watch Program, and the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines and Ocean City.

The community’s committee chairs, the leaders of the volunteer groups in Ocean Pines that work as advisory bodies, and OPA’s public safety teams, such as the police and police departments, were also honored.

“To everyone in this room, whether you’re a chair, a committee member, serve on the board, run an organization, protect our community, report the news, or simply just step up when you’re asked, everyone in this room makes Ocean Pines a special place,” Lakernick concluded.