State and community leaders celebrate Pine’eer Craft Club golden anniversary

(April 25, 2024) April 18 was a banner day for the Pine’eer Craft Club, as state, county and community leaders helped celebrate 50 years of club activity.

Chief among those, Club President Sharon Puser said Craft Club donations have benefited many community groups over the last five decades, with more than $185,000 to date in total donations.

That includes more than $35,000 for Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks, more than $23,000 for Ocean Pines Police, and more than $15,000 for the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department and EMS. Other donations went to Ocean Pines Public Works, the Neighborhood watch, the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, the Ocean Pines Library, the Ocean Pines Garden Club, and others.

“Unfortunately, years of records were lost due to flooding, so that’s the verifiable donation number – we know there is more,” Puser said. “The money has gone toward critical needs that support a growing community, like playground equipment, masks for firemen, bike helmets for children, equipment for policemen, tables and chairs for the community centers, support for concerts in the park, and much more.”

Maryland Sen. Mary Beth Carozza was a featured guest of the luncheon and presented Puser with a citation sponsored by herself and Del. Wayne Hartman offering special recognition for “the stunning handcrafted gifts” the club creates, and the good service it does for the Ocean Pines community and beyond.

Worcester County Commissioner President Chip Bertino was also present to read a proclamation to club members and guests by declaring it “Pine’eer Craft Club Day.” Bertino celebrated the creativity and donations that the club members have made to Worcester County in their 50 years of giving.

Worcester County Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines President Kerrie Bunting was also present to recognize the club. Bunting offered a special ribbon cutting to celebrate the occasion, and guests and club officers were invited to participate.

In addition to club members past and present, Ocean Pines Board of Directors Elaine Brady, John Latham and Monica Lankowski attended, along with General Manager John Viola and Police Chief Tim Robinson, Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore, and Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue.

One special guest, 92-year-old Anne Turner, was president of the club in 1975. She brought a sweatshirt that she bought at the Artisan Gift Shop many years ago, claiming it was one of her favorites as she reminisced about the many friends she made.

Turner also offered the story behind the club’s name.

“Mary Fickle was the first president of the crafting group, and we used to have meetings in the campgrounds under the trees,” she said. “As one of the first clubs to form in Ocean Pines, and as she looked up through those pines at the blue sky above for inspiration, she decided to name the group the Pine’eer Craft Club.”

Other former members were invited to stand and share memories, and there were many smiles around the room.

The Craft Club is busily preparing for big fundraising events, including the August Craft Fair, Desserts in the Park, and the Holiday Craft Fair.

The August Craft Fair will be held on Aug. 3 in the Ocean Pines Community Center and White Horse Park. Those interested in becoming a vendor this year should contact Kelly Davis at [email protected] or call 609-351-2125 for more information.

The Pine’eer Craft Club always welcomes new members. For an information packet, email Sherry Waskey at [email protected] or attend meetings on the third Thursday of each month in the Ocean Pines Community Center.

The Pine’eer Craft Club also operates the Artisan Gift Shop, across from the Ocean Pines Administration Building and next to the Farmer’s Market. The shop is open weekends, year-round, and features gifts, seasonal items, and home décor favorites. Artisans who would like to be featured in the shop may contact Debbie Jiwa or Barbara Herzog at [email protected] for more information.

For more information about Pine’eer Craft Club events and announcements, search for “Ocean Pines Pine’eer Craft Club” on Facebook.