Chili Cook-Off **Postponed**
Important Announcement
The OPAWL board has made the difficult decision to postpone the Chili Cook-off that was originally scheduled to take place on March 28, 2020. This decision was made based on the concern that worry about the Coronavirus might have a significant impact on both participation and attendance in this event. As leaders in our community, it’s our responsibility to keep the public and volunteers safe and that is our primary concern. We are saddened by these turn of events as the annual chili cook-off is an important fundraiser to OPAWL and a time for community to come together and have fun. We look forward to being able to reschedule it sometime later this year and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
On the positive side, all you aspiring chefs have additional time to perfect those award-winning chili recipes!
About Us
Friendship
At the heart of Orange Park Acres Women’s League (OPAWL) is the central theme of Friendship. There are many opportunities for our members to build lasting friendships. Everyone is welcome! OPAWL’s sections provide small group settings for members with common interests. Sections are formed for the following activities, however we are always open to adding new sections if there are enough interested members:
- Beginning Bridge to Advanced Bridge
- Monthly Bunco Nights
- Travel & Explorations
- Eating at local eateries with the Foodie Group
- Garden & Home
- Horseback Riding
- Kids and Family
- Reading
- Walking
We also have many member socials and events throughout the year to bring members and their families together. Friendship and the shared environment of social experiences in a rural equestrian community contribute to the richness of the organization and life in Orange Park Acres.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy is a core value of the Orange Park Acres Women’s League. Over the years, many OPAWL members have generously contributed their time and energy to organizational functions and varied fundraising projects such as garage sales, themed parties, silent auctions, barn, home and garden tours, etc. These activities have made it possible for OPAWL to help the local community, support special groups and enrich the lives of others. In recent years, the organization has been engaged in numerous philanthropic endeavors providing support to organizations such as:
- 4H
- The Orange County Zoo
- The Friendly Center
- Second Harvest Food Bank
- Mary’s Kitchen
- Beverly’s House
- The US Military
- “Secret Santa” Program
- The El Modena High School Nature Center
- Santiago Canyon College
- Charity on Wheels
A scholarship program for women was initiated by OPAWL in 2012, and we have been very successful in helping wonderful candidates achieve their educational goals. Also over the past 30+ years, OPAWL has generously contributed more than $200,000 to the community for trail support and beautification throughout OPA.
Community
The Orange Park Acres community is the foundation for our organization. Our members actively strive to make Orange Park Acres a wonderful environment in which to live. Here are just a few ways in which OPAWL members have contributed to the community:
- In 2012, OPAWL was instrumental in plans for the beautification of the entrance to Orange Park Acres, and the entrance to Orange Park Blvd. was enhanced with impressive monuments and gardens. Amid the mini-park, a lovely bronze sculpture of two young children riding a pony offers a glimpse of Orange Park Acres life style. The OPAWL has a commitment to maintain this park.
- During the Christmas Season, OPAWL displays wreaths along Orange Park Blvd, enhancing the community spirit in our area.
- OPAWL members have aided in the development and maintenance of the trails through the years, a commitment that continues this year.
Sections
BRIDGE
HOT TROTTERS
BRIDGE
- Beginning Bridge Schedule: Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month.
- Advanced Bridge Schedule: Meets the 3rd Monday of each month.
- Meeting Time: Meeting times may vary. Be sure to check the calendar or newsletter for the times.
- Meeting Location: Meeting locations change from month to month. Be sure to check the calendar or newsletter for the current month.
- Bridge Contact: Annette Mason (714)538-4683
Learning how to play bridge is fun and a great chance to meet new people. Or, if you are an experienced bridge player, our advanced group is a wonderful opportunity to challenge each other in the trick-taking card game of skill and chance.
BUNCO
HOT TROTTERS
BRIDGE
- Meeting Schedule: Bunco is played on the 3rd Friday of each month at 7:00 PM.
- Meeting Location: The bunco hostess changes from month to month. Be sure to check the calendar or newsletter for the current month’s location.
- Bunco Contact: Linda Mazarra (714) 633-9079 or gmazzara@aol.com.
Become a “Bunco Babe”! The 29 women currently signed up to play Bunco whenever they can make it are delighted with making new acquaintances. Sign up at the Membership Get -together and join us for a fun evening once a month on the 3rd Friday of the month. We are dark/do not play in November & December so in January 2020.
Bunco is a simply game, no experience necessary. We have appetizers and dessert, coffee, water etc. It is $10.00 to play and there is a chance to win back a few dollars. The hostess changes monthly and we are normally finished by 9:30pm. The leftover monies goes to Beverly House and Bethany House as our donation. Everyone is invited to join our Section. We are looking forward to seeing some new faces.
HOT TROTTERS
HOT TROTTERS
HOT TROTTERS
- Meeting Schedule: The Hot Trotters have several monthly activities. Be sure to check the calendar or newsletter for current month activities. You can also download the events under "download tab".
- Meeting Location: Be sure to check the calendar or newsletter for the different locations for the current month activities.
- Hot Trotters Contact: Sarah Nzala (714) 478-0155
Want to have fun with your horse in a group of like-minded women? Then come join our equestrian section! We trail ride, horse camp, attend races and rodeos, host speakers on horse related topics, deal in poker and moonlight rides, play in Gymkhanas, share knowledge, exchange recipes in pot lucks, and support one another in the journey with our four legged dream makers. All levels of riders are welcome (owning a horse not a requirement).
GAD-A-BOUTS
HOME and GARDEN
HOT TROTTERS
- Meeting Schedule: An outing is planned each month. Be sure to check the calendar or newsletter for the current month outing.
- Meeting Location: Be sure to check the calendar or newsletter for the current month’s location.
- Gad-A-Bouts Contact: We are looking for a new leader. If you are interested, please contact Jenny Long, President.
Gad-A-Bouts plan a fun and interesting outing each month. These day trips take us to sites all over Southern California. Past destinations has included Catalina Island, Temecula, Pasadena and many more. Check the calendar for upcoming events and RSVP via Evites.
UPCOMING TRIP:
TBD
HOME and GARDEN
HOME and GARDEN
HOME and GARDEN
- Meeting Schedule: 4th Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM.
- Meeting Location: The meeting place changes from month to month. Be sure to check the calendar or newsletter for the current month’s location.
- Home & Garden Contact: Rose Ellen Cunningham (714) 532-1326... The original section of OPA Women’s League!
There is a different theme each month centered around the home or garden. You name it, and this group does it! They’ve covered everything from raising chickens, to growing tasty vegetables, to crafting decorations for the holidays. If you like to roll up your sleeves and get to work, this is the group for you!
Upcoming Event:
check the calendar below
LITERATURE
HOME and GARDEN
HOME and GARDEN
- Meeting Schedule: Literature meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
- Meeting Location: 11141 Meads Ave., Orange Park Acres
- Literature Contact: Kathy Manulkin (714) 639-8686 or kathy_gary@msn.com
If you enjoy reading, this is the group for you! We pick a book (usually fiction) and read it during the month, then gather together to discuss it. Even if the book was not your favorite, there is always stimulating and enjoyable discussion.
Current Book:
PACHINKO by Min Jin Lee
Sections Cont..
FOODIES
KIDS CLUB
KIDS CLUB
Schedule: Meets every 2nd MONDAY of the month.
Each month a different local or nearby restaurant is chosen for a luncheon. It is an enjoyable way to meet new members and keep up with current members. Each attendee/participant of the group will have an opportunity to nominate their favorite restaurant during the course of the year. Some of the past eateries have been to Benihana's, Anepalco Modern Cuisine, BJ's Brewery, Belecan Grill Malaysian Bistro, Zovs...and so many more to come. This group is all about laughs, good food and great conversation....Basically, we will just be eating our way through Orange County.
Please keep an eye out for the Evite to RSVP and check the calendar for updated scheduled events. If you are interested in joining this section, please send us an email at opawomen.org@gmail.com.
KIDS CLUB
KIDS CLUB
KIDS CLUB
Kids Club is currently on Hiatus
We are happy to announce that our kids club will be up and running again very soon with the emphasis of getting our neighborhood children to meet and know each other. This is not a daycare opportunity for parents to drop off their kids but an opportunity for parents to also meet and get to know other parents also known as their neighbors. Some of the fun activities that are being planned are:
- Ice-Cream Socials
- Water Park
- Pumpkin Carving Contest
- Cooking Classes
- Police/Fireman Talks about Safety
- 4th of July Float
- Christmas Village
- Learn CPR
Stay tuned for the announcements and if you have children or grandchildren and would like to participate, please contact us at opawomen.org@gmail.com
Birthdays & Sunshine
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
- JENNY LONG - 3/7
- JOY DEGROOT - 3/11
- SHIRLEY MULLEN - 3/14
- LOIS WIDLY - 3/16
- CHRIS MCKEEN - 3/19
- OLGA NIEBLA - 3/31