The Ocean Pines Board of Directors recognized the unpaid people who donate their time and efforts to the community at the association’s annual volunteer appreciation dinner at the Yacht Club April 11.
Attendees of the Ocean Pines Association’s annual volunteer appreciation dinner are pictured at the yacht club.
Tara Fischer / Bayside Gazette
By Tara Fischer , Staff Writer
The Ocean Pines Board of Directors welcomed community members and public officials to the association’s annual volunteer appreciation dinner at the Yacht Club April 11.
About 200 volunteers, including the OPA advisory committees, were invited to this year’s event. Members from Aquatics, Architectural Review, Budget and Finance, Bylaws and Resolutions, Communications, Elections, Environmental and Natural Assets, Golf, Marine Activities, Racquet Sports, Recreation and Parks, and Strategic Planning attended.
The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, specifically President Joe Enste and Fire Chief Joe Widgeon, were recognized, along with Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, Women’s Club of Ocean Pines, and the Pine’eer Craft Club.
The OPA board, including Secretary John Latham, Dr. Stuart Lakernick, Monica Rakowski, Steve Jacobs, Elaine Brady, and Jeff Heavner, who serve as volunteers, were also honored.
“This evening is meant to recognize with appreciation our dedicated volunteers who selflessly donate their time, skills, and passion to support Ocean Pines,” board president Rick Farr said, addressing the crowd. “Your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have made a significant impact on the community we serve. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am truly grateful for your invaluable contributions, enthusiasm, and dedication to serving our great Ocean Pines community.”
OPA Board President Rick Farr is pictured recognizing community volunteers who provide essential services to Ocean Pines.
Tara Fischer / Bayside Gazette
Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38), Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C), Worcester County Commissioner President Chip Bertino, and Ocean Pines Forum founder Joe Reynolds were also in attendance.
“The volunteer dinner was an absolute success, and we received wonderful feedback and gratitude from our county and state leadership for the invitation to share in the celebration,” Farr told OPA Director of Public Relations and Marketing Josh Davis after the event. “I and the rest of the Board felt it was our responsibility to not only recognize the advisory committees for their dedication and service, but also the other organizations and clubs that serve our great community.”