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 a
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
Homestead & Gardening
Horseback Riding
Kids and Family
Reading
Walking & Pack Dog 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
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 po
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
Philanthropy
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 O
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.
Mission Statement
In 1974, several women in Orange Park Acres created the OPA Garden Club reflecting their interest in gardening. As Orange Park Acres grew, many of the newer women employed gardeners and interest in the OPA Garden Club waned. In 1983, the women of Orange Park Acres renewed interest in the organization, giving it a broader purpose beyond gardening. Since that time the organization has actively supported the Orange Park Acres community. In 1984, the organization formalized itself, applying for tax exemption and incorporating. Since then the bylaws have been rewritten and a clear mission has been developed; Friendship, Philanthropy and Community.
The Women's League's primary mission is to support Orange Park Acres in building a community that is a better place for generations to come. It's secondary purpose is to foster friendships and build fellowship among the women in our diverse community.
Sections
BRIDGE
HOT TROTTERS
HOT TROTTERS
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.
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).
BUNCO
HOT TROTTERS
HOMESTEAD & GARDEN
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.
HOMESTEAD & GARDEN
ENTERTAINING IN PEARLS
HOMESTEAD & GARDEN
The Art of Self-Reliant Living
Vintage skills like food preservation, soap making, gardening, and even simple home cooking are seeing a resurgence as a new generation seeks the comfort of old-fashioned handmade living. If you’re striving to add a bit of simplicity and self-reliance to your life, join us in embracing old-fashioned simple living for the modern era.
Learn how to:
garden/raised beds/propagate
grow & harvest some food
food preservation
pantry essentials
greener living/composting
farming: backyard chickens & bee keeping
LITERATURE
ENTERTAINING IN PEARLS
ENTERTAINING IN PEARLS
Meeting Schedule: Literature meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
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.
ENTERTAINING IN PEARLS
ENTERTAINING IN PEARLS
ENTERTAINING IN PEARLS
PEARLS ARE A MUST
This is a brand new group and it is all about having fun while learning how to pair wines with food, create a show-stopping charcuterie board, put together a table scape for a simple dinner, do arts and crafts, AND it will all be done while wearing your fabulous pearls!!
Gatherings will happen once a month so you will be contacted via email from the leader.
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.
*NEW* PICKLEBALL
*New* Walkers & Dog Pack Walkers
*NEW* PICKLEBALL
We are actively looking for members to sign up and be part of this active and exciting section. If you are interested in participating, please join us at our upcoming Spring Membership Social to learn more.
Details soon to come...
*New* Walkers & Dog Pack Walkers
*New* Walkers & Dog Pack Walkers
*New* Walkers & Dog Pack Walkers
Do you enjoy going for walks? Does your pooch like going for walks? Then this group is for you!
Join this group whether you have a dog or not and meet your neighbors while enjoying the outdoors.
Details soon to come...
Calendar of Events
Birthdays & Sunshine
April Birrthdays
April 2nd - Lauri Triggs
April 2nd - Debra Welch
April 2nd - Lynn Canton
April 7th - Julie Maurer
April 7th - Linda Mazzara
April 8th - Rose Rock
April 9th - Ann Webb
April 10th - Kathy Manulkin
April 10th - Bebe Russo
April 11th - Andrea Furr
April 20th - Lynda Stewart
April 26th - Kirsten Murphy
April 27th - Kristi Sambrano
April 27th - Andrea Wood
May Birthdays
May 3rd - Sandy Forkert
May 7th - Carolyn Aliotta
May 12th - Cindy Nelson
May 19th - Dona Mah
May 27th - Jan Diaz
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
We would love to see you at our next event. Check out our "Calendar" for upcoming events.
Welcome! We invite you to be part of a fun and giving back organization that fosters friendships and builds fellowship among the women in our diverse community.