The Brightside: Women’s Club of Ocean Pines

OCEAN PINES, Md. – A group of women in Ocean Pines makes it their mission to promote civic, social, and educational activities in order to benefit the Ocean Pines community for years to come. “I just think it’s an outreach for the community and so we want to give back.,” says Suzanne Palamara, a member of the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines.

Founded in 1974, the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines has been finding creative ways to service their community while creating life-long friendships; Like a sorority specific to Ocean Pines. Karin Benton, President of the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines says, “We have something for everybody and I think it’s an excellent way to just feel part of the community and feel like you’re benefiting in some way.” While Palamara adds, “Just over the years I’ve seen us raise money to continue to have the ability to make these donations and scholarships to kids in the community.”

This group of women, many of whom are retired have managed to raise thousands of dollars each year through unique initiatives, such as fashion shows, raffles, and restaurant nights. With funds going towards scholarships for local students, and donations for local organizations also befitting the community. “We’re investing in the future, for everyone else we’re investing in the present,” says Benton. She adds, “You give back to the community but in the process of doing it, you really gain a lot too. 41 in terms of feeling like you belong, that you’ve made a little difference to the groups.”

Beyond giving externally, members of the club tell 47 ABC, that their ability to give back stems from their internal work on bettering themselves through opportunities such as speaking engagements from people across Delmarva. “I look for people who are going to be interesting to the membership and that we would learn something from,” says Jan Chiampa, the second Vice President of the Women’s Club.

Their speaking engagements range from cupcake decorating demonstrations, a judge, to a morning anchor raising a three-year-old on Delmarva. This opportunity gives members a chance to take something away from each engagement to better serve their community and to continue to grow at any age. “It’s not just about fundraising, it’s about learning things about the community,” says Chiampa. Benton adds, “Everybody brings something to the table and I think that’s the way we think.”

Members like Chiampa and Palamara say being a part of this group as a transplant in Maryland, also gave them a sense of purpose. “Well I moved in 2006 to Ocean Pines and one of the first things I did was join the women’s club,” says Palamar. “I just think people join because we are friendly and because we do give back to the community.” While Chiampa adds, “I joined the club and I found a place, I found a home, I found friends… and that’s something I don’t think any other organization can offer..”

At the end of the day, the club’s mission to invest in the future of Ocean Pines, Worcester County, and in turn, the next generation of Delmarva only reiterates why the organization continues to grow. Benton adds, “Being visible in the community, being part of the community and it makes you feel more invested in the community.” While Chiampa goes on to say, “Just trying to foster some community spirit and building a sisterhood is how I see it.”

Their next big event is their holiday luncheon on December 7th at lighthouse sound in Ocean Pines.

To learn more about their events, and ways to engage if you’re in the Ocean Pines community, head to their Facebook page.