September 9, Assateague Room, 8 a.m.
Maddie Welch, a Response Biologist with National Aquarium Animal Rescue, based at the Stranding Response Center in Ocean City will be addressing us today. Since 1991, National Aquarium Animal Rescue has rescued and rehabilitated endangered and protected marine species, including seals and sea turtles, along Maryland's coastline. The Ocean City Stranding Response Center, opened in 2023, is a 400-square-foot facility that allows the team to triage and stabilize stranded animals close to where they're found before arranging transport for longer-term care. Maddie will share a look at the team's work and the animals they care for.
September 2, Assateague Room, 8 a.m.
Starting September 2, our meetings will be back in the Assateague Room.
Our speaker on September 2 is Amanda Koontz from the Believe In Tomorrow Children's Foundation. Believe In Tomorrow is a 501(c)(3) that provides free respite and hospital housing to critically ill children and their families. The nation's first pediatric respite program began in Ocean City in 1986, when founder Brian Morrison rented a single condo so families in cancer treatment could have a week at the beach. Today the Children's House ByThe Sea on 66th Street offers five units, and in August 2025 the Foundation opened House ByThe Sea II on 65th Street, adding two three-bedroom apartments and two efficiencies for larger and military families. Learn more at believeintomorrow.org, 410-723-2842.
August 26, Ocean Pines Library, 8 a.m.
Our speaker on August 26 will be Ken Argot, Executive Director of Diakonia. Diakonia, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has served Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore since 1972, when a group of young Mennonites opened a house in West Ocean City. The name comes from a Greek word meaning "service to others”. Today Diakonia is the only comprehensive provider of emergency shelter, food assistance, homeless outreach, and Veterans services in Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties, offering an emergency shelter, food pantry, thrift store, mobile outreach team, homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing, and Supportive Services for Veteran Families. Diakonia is currently raising funds for a new Supportive Living Campus. Visit diakoniaoc.org or call 410-213-0923.
August 12, Ocean Pines Library, 8 a.m.
Emmet Lyons is a Dublin-based Irish national tour guide, storyteller, and historian with a lifelong passion for Ireland’s heritage. A 50-year member of the historic Palestrina Choir, his work blends music, history, and deeply human storytelling.
Lyons specializes in the early revolutionary period and the United Irishmen. Named after patriot Robert Emmet through his grandfather, he weaves his own family's history into Ireland's national narrative.
In his presentation, The Unfinished Dream: Can Ireland Build a Country in Which Everyone Belongs?, Lyons explores the Enlightenment-inspired ideals of the United Irishmen, connecting past struggles to Ireland's modern peace process. Join us for this transatlantic experience via Zoom.
August 5, Ocean Pines Library, 8 a.m.
Ryan C. Nellans, Executive Director, Worcester GOLD is a strategic communicator and community‑minded leader with experience across public agencies, nonprofits, and infrastructure work. He’s managed major events, led marketing and media outreach, served as a go‑to spokesperson and helped drive meaningful initiatives throughout Worcester County. A steady crisis communicator and relationship‑builder, he blends technical know‑how with creative outreach—and brings a uniquely versatile edge to every project he takes on. His presentation is a look at GOLD’s work, the condition of nonprofits in Worcester County, and ways forward.
July 22, Ocean Pines Library, 8 a.m.
Please join us on July 22 as we welcome Jessica Meehan, Senior Director, Advancement at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. Founded in 1984, CFES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has provided more than $123 million in grants and scholarships to our local community. The Foundation partners with individuals, families, and businesses to match charitable interests with community needs, and strengthens local nonprofits through grants and resources. Jessica will cover Donor Services, the Education Grant Cycle, and the impact CFES has had across the region.
July 8, Ocean Pines Library, 8 a.m.
Our speaker on July 8 will be Perry Angelonga, Computer and Technology Coordinator for Wor-Wic Community College. He started teaching at Wor-Wic in 2002 as an adjunct Faculty member. He taught Introduction to Computers and worked as a computer lab assistant. Currently, he is in Continuing Education and Workforce Development within the Computer and Technology area. He has been teaching a multitude of courses, including MS Word, Excel, Adobe software, Artificial Intelligence, and Senior-focused courses.
This presentation will include the topics Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence. Mr. Angelonga will discuss techniques for creating strong, effective passwords and for locating lost or stolen devices. Recognize and avoid phishing techniques, scam emails and fake social media accounts. Learn how to protect your privacy on smartphones, tablets and computers. He will also touch on Artificial Intelligence (AI), its impact on everyday life, how it can be used in personal life, and its pros and cons.
July 1 - Ocean Pines Library, 8 a.m.
This week we welcome Sandy Winter, founder of 4STEPS Therapeutic Riding Program in Parsonsburg. Established in 2002, 4STEPS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and PATH International Member Center providing equine-assisted activities and therapies for children and adults with disabilities. Located in the Wicomico Forest, the program offers adaptive riding lessons, a summer camp, and veterans’ programs through Operation Charlie Horse, serving families across Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties. Sandy will share how horses help riders build confidence, strength, and connection.
June 17 - Ocean Pines Library, 8 a.m.
Belinda Gulyas is the principal of Cedar Chapel Special School, located in Snow Hill MD. The school is one of 14 public schools under the Worcester County Public School system. CCSS was built specifically to meet the needs of children with the most severe intellectual disabilities combined with medically fragile conditions. Mrs. Gulyas will be sharing information about disability awareness and strategies for specific interventions.
To learn more about Cedar Chapel, please visit https://ccss.worcesterk12.org
June 10 - Ocean Pines Library, 8 a.m.
Nonprofit founder, blogger, and author Jackie Kurtz will deliver the keynote at our Annual Scholarship Award Meeting, sharing an inspiring message about the impact of everyday kindness and the choices that shape who we become. Drawing from her book Kindness Heroes: Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things and her work with Matt's Kindness Ripples On, Jackie highlights real-life stories of compassion creating lasting ripple effects. We have invited our 2026 Kiwanis scholarship recipients and their parents/guardians to celebrate. At the meeting will present the scholarship award certificates to Stephen Decatur students and recognize Snow Hill and Pocomoke students, who will have already received their certificates. We will also present each student with a personalized copy of Kindness Heroes — a fitting send-off as they step into this next chapter.
We will be having a potluck breakfast at this meeting, so please bring food to share.
June 3 - Assateague Room, 8 a.m.
Claude is an artificial intelligence created by Anthropic — one of the world's leading AI research companies. In this unusual presentation, Claude speaks directly to our members through a voice recording, in its own words, about what AI actually is, what it can and cannot do, and what you personally should pay attention to. No jargon. No hype. Just an honest conversation — from an AI that learned everything it knows from human beings like you. Claude will be taking questions at the end of the presentation.
May 27, Assateague Room, 8 a.m.
A retired U.S. Marine with over 35 years of community-building experience, Mark DeLancey is the Founder and Executive Director of Together We Thrive, an organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, youth, and allies on the Eastern Shore. With 11 years of local nonprofit leadership, Mark focuses on resource connection and community stewardship, ensuring every individual has the support needed to move beyond survival and truly thrive. His leadership is rooted in radical honesty and authentic local connection. Mark will discuss the vital role of inclusive community networks and how Together We Thrive is building a more vibrant future for the Delmarva Peninsula.
May 13 - Assateague Room, 8 a.m.
The Vision That Changed Everything. Discover how an unexpected vision sparked a powerful journey. In this inspiring talk, Margie Hamner shares how a Zoom call and a meaningful dream led to writing a best-selling book, Magic Ball of Light: Summer Camp, transforming a lifelong dream into reality and showing how imagination, courage, and inner light can guide your own path.
April 29 - Assateague Room, 8 a.m.
Jen Fela is the Managing Director of Plastic Pollution Coalition, a U.S.-based non-profit communications and advocacy organization working with global partners to stop plastic pollution at the source. She has engaged with a variety of audiences about the plastic pollution crisis and solutions, including companies, investors, and the general public. She’ll speak about the plastic pollution crisis and what you can do to protect yourand your loved ones health from the toxic impacts of plastic and the chemicals in plastic.
To learn more about Plastic Pollution Coalition, go to: https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/
April 22 - Assateague Room, 8 a.m.
Dr. Erin Kim is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Hamilton Hand to Shoulder in Ocean Pines, currently pursuing her Certified Hand Therapy credential. Danielle Hines, Practice Manager, helped launch the clinic in 2019 and oversees billing, insurance, and daily operations. Together, they’ll share practical insights — and things they wish everyone knew — about physical therapy and navigating health insurance. Don’t miss this informative presentation!
You can reach Erin and Danielle at Hamilton Hand to Shoulder — 410-208-3300 — hamiltonhand.com
April 15 - Assateague Room, 8 a.m.
Kaitlyn Johnson is a Program Specialist with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore, where she connects youth with caring adult mentors across Wicomico and Worcester Counties. She facilitates 4–5 new matches each month and has recently expanded to Worcester County, where several young people in the Ocean Pines area are currently waiting to be matched. Kaitlyn will speak about the impact of mentorship and how you can make a meaningful difference in a child’s life.
Kaitlyn can be reached at kjohnson@shorebiglittle.org — 443-944-449
April 8 - Assateague Room, 8 a.m.
Gloria Dietz, Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT200) with Glo with the Flow Yoga, will speak about how yoga can transform your mind, body and spirit. Gloria brings experience teaching seniors restorative yoga and chair yoga at two private communities. She will share testimonials of how simple yoga movements can help with chronic pain, increase range of motion, sleep better, build strength, improve balance, and so much more. One of her favorite quotes to end each class with is, “If you don’t focus on your wellness, you will be forced to focus on your illness.” Gloria can be reached at glowiththeflowyoga@gmail.com or 410-206-1316.