The New Year Means New Opportunities
As we tear the page off the paper calendar or, in today’s world, click the arrow next to the month on our digital device, we are offered a new beginning. At The Orinda Association (OA) there are new things to look forward to.
While the board’s composition remains the same, The Orinda Association has New Executive Officers. At its December meeting, The OA installed officers for 2025: Kelly Sopak, President; Alex Drexel, Vice President; Lisa Burlini, Treasurer and Cindy Powell, Secretary.
Also new this year, as part of our July 4th Celebration, we plan to revive an old tradition with a new twist. We are in the planning and development stage for an old-fashioned carnival in the park immediately following the July 4th Parade. As a long-time Orinda resident, I fondly remember the park events after the parade and the joy they brought to the children in our community. I am pleased to be Chair of the Fourth of July Committee again this year. I welcome your volunteer participation to make this carnival a reality in 2025.
Resolve to Get Involved in Local Events
The New Year isn’t truly complete without making resolutions. This year, we encourage you to add one more to your list: commit to participating in local events. At The Orinda Association, we are proud of our vibrant community and dedicated to offering programs and services that genuinely benefit our residents. There are many opportunities for you and your family to get involved.
We have two signature events: the Orinda Classic Car Show and the Orinda July 4th Celebration. Like last year, the addition of online volunteer sign-ups where you choose how you would like to help, it is even easier than ever to get involved. You will work alongside your neighbors (adults and children) toward the common goal of ensuring safe and fun events while feeling joy in a shared purpose.
In January, we roll out the Student T-Shirt Design Contest. School children in kindergarten through 7th grade hand draw their art and submit it in celebration of the 4th of July. Eighth to 12th grade students submit digital designs for the Orinda Classic Car Show T-shirt. The T-shirts are available for purchase at each of these events.
This year our Seniors Around Town program celebrates its 20th anniversary. We encourage Orinda residents to volunteer for this iconic community program. You could help provide free door-to-door transportation for Orinda seniors to attend medical appointments when they can no longer drive.
Please visit orindassociation.org/giving.
Don’t forget: tree cycling (recycling your Christmas tree) starts on Jan. 13 in Orinda and lasts two weeks. Please remove the stand and set your clean tree out on your regular pick-up day. If your tree is over 6 feet tall, cut it in half. Alternatively, if you put it out after Jan. 24, please chop it into smaller pieces to fit it into the green bin.
