OPA Board honors nearly 200 volunteers at annual appreciation dinner

(April 12, 2024) The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors on Thursday hosted its Annual Volunteer Dinner at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club.

The event is meant to honor the many volunteers, from advisory committees to social and civic groups and public safety organizations, that help make Ocean Pines what it is. This year, roughly 200 volunteers were invited.

Ocean Pines Association President Rick Farr acted as the event’s emcee.

“This event is meant to recognize with appreciation our dedicated volunteers who selflessly donate their time, skills, and passion to support Ocean Pines,” he said. “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.”

Farr separately recognized Ocean Pines Advisory Committees: 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.

He also recognized the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, including President Joe Enste and Fire Chief Joe Widgeon, along with the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines, Pine’eer Craft Club, and Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation. Farr and Association Secretary John Latham are Memorial Foundation Board members.

Farr also recognized fellow Ocean Pines Board members Latham, Dr. Stuart Lakernick, Monica Rakowski, Steve Jacobs, Elaine Brady, and Jeff Heavner, all of which serve as volunteers.

Farr also thanked Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola and attending staff, including Police Chief Tim Robinson, Senior Office Manager Linda Martin, Senior Manager Ruth Ann Meyer, and Administrative Assistant Michelle Lane Ross.

“I would like to give special thanks to Linda Martin and Michelle Ross for their incredible assistance in planning and putting this event together,” Farr said. “Thank you also to Lia Isel and the Matt Ortt Company for the food and beverage service this evening.”

Also in attendance and recognized were Maryland Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Maryland Del. Wayne Hartman, Worcester County Commissioner President Chip Bertino, Ocean Pines Forum founder Joe Reynolds, and Bayside Gazette reporter Tara Fischer.

After the event, Farr again stressed the vital importance of Ocean Pines’ many volunteers.

“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. 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,” he said.

“It was important to us to recognize the Fire Department for their selfless and dedicated service and for keeping us safe, and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation for their recognition and dedication to all our veterans who have served our great country,” Farr continued. “We also wanted to recognize the Women’s Club, Garden Club, and Pine’eer Craft Club for their many scholarships and outreach programs. All these men and women who volunteer and dedicate their time and service to Ocean Pines help to make our community the best – because they are the best.”