Hot fun at OakwoodOpening its doors, club increases membership

      Patrice Rachlin, a member of the club for 11 years and currently a board member and chair of entertainment and fundraising, said that extending the membership will allow the club to continue to flourish in the face of rising taxes and maintenance costs. Almost all the money collected by the club goes back into it in some way, Rachlin said.
      There are activities for people of all ages and of all interests. Members range from those still in their diapers to grandparents who were among the founding members.
      "There aren't that many places that bring people together in the community like the beach club," Rachlin said.
      New membership is usually $500 per summer and includes access to a large pool and a smaller wading pool, volleyball and basketball courts and invitations to special events, such as a fireworks display, celebrity poker tournament and Rocky Horror Beach Club Party. Reduced rates are available for return members.
      And beginning August 1, all people who were not members during the summer of 2003 will be able to become a member for the rest of this summer at a reduced rate of $375.
      Rachlin urges people to visit the club and learn more about it. "It's a shame because a lot of people don't even know it's there," she said. "But it's a great, community place to be."