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
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
- 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
- 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 Bunco section is the fastest growing group and these ladies know how to have a good time! Enjoy friendship, food and laughter while playing the easiest of games. There is a $10 cost for the evening is, but you may win it back, plus more!
HOT TROTTERS
- Meeting Schedule: The Hot Trotters have several monthly activities. Be sure to check the calendar or newsletter for current month activities.
- Meeting Location: Be sure to check the calendar or newsletter for the different locations for the current month activities.
- Hot Trotters Contact: Connie Bowin (714) 369-4072 or connie_bowin@yahoo.com
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
- 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: Judy Denton (714) 721-6183 or judydenton5@gmail.com
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:
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!
LITERATURE
- 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:
THE GREAT ALONE by Kristen Hannah
Past Books:
*SMALL GREAT THINGS
*SONS AND LOVERS
Sections Cont..
FOODIES
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 is back!!!
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
MAY BIRTHDAYS
3rd - Sandy Forkert
9th - Marcia Hogie
10th - Karen Cormier-Southard
12th - Cindy Nelson
14th - Julia Smith
19th - Donna Mah
27th - Jan Diaz
27th - Laurel Baker
SUNSHINE NEEDED
Please keep Lois Widly in your thoughts and prayers as she is waiting to have knee surgery in August.
Become a Member
MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL DUES: $45
- NEW MEMBER: Joining OPAWL membership is easy! Please visit our "Download Forms Tab" at the top of this page and download, complete and mail in the membership form along with a check.
- RENEWAL: use the PayPal button below to renew your membership. Please indicate "membership renewal" on the note section.
Thank you for your participation and we look forward to another eventful year together.
