As part of its annual Rotary Reads program designed to encourage life-long reading skills in children and impart an important life lesson, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club donated 366 copies of the book “Because of Mr. Terupt” by Rob Buyea for each child attending third through fifth grades at Long Neck Elementary School. The Club worked with Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach to purchase these books at cost. Children in kindergarten through grade 2 received a copy of “Hank: The Unhappy Great Blue Heron” by Long Neck Sunrise Rotarian and author, Christine Tomalin. These books were also provided at cost. The total book donation totaled $3,632.

Each year Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club partners with Long Neck Sunrise Elementary to bring books to each child attending the school. This year’s selections were chosen because of their messaging regarding the value of friendship, particularly when one feels ostracized and remaining true to those friends when facing adversity.

The books were provided to the children at assemblies for the two age groups where Tech/STEAM teacher Samantha Haas addressed the messaging of “Because of Mr. Terupt “and Rotarian and author, Christine Tomalin addressed the difficulties a lone, great blue heron faces in making friends as presented in her book “Hank: The Unhappy Great Blue Heron.”

“We are delighted to work with Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club to select books for our student population that encourage their reading and teach valuable life lessons,” notes Samantha Haas. “The generosity of Long Neck Sunrise Rotary each year  is much appreciated.”

Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club Rotary Reads chair, Sharon Marshall notes, “Our club’s mission is to help the youth of the greater Long Neck area thrive. Helping to instill good reading and life habits in the children at Long Neck Elementary is an important part of this effort. We were thrilled that we were able to use a book published by one of our own members this year and continue to be grateful for the generosity and cooperation of Browseabout Books.”

Caption top photo: Author and Long Neck Sunrise Rotarian Christine Tomalin poses with children of Lauren Miller’s kindergarten class

Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club is pleased to announce it has awarded four Sussex Central high school seniors a $2,000 Service Above Self Scholarship at their annual awards ceremony held on May 15, 2025 at the high school. Juliet Calixto Coconi, Vilmaris Rivera-Morales, Dulce Sontay-Pelico and Evelyn Velasquez-Velasquez were presented honorary certificates by Christine Tomalin, Youth Committee representative from Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club. Recipients can choose if their monetary award will be sent to the college they will be attending for tuition costs or used to defray expenses the student might incur for computers and books.

Students interested in winning the scholarship submitted their applications by May 1, 2025 and a committee from Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club reviewed them for merit. Factors contributing to selection included academic performance, financial need and an exhibition of community service to fit with Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self. Students who are members of the Sussex Central Interact Club were given special consideration.

“This is always a tough decision for us,” remarks Christine Tomalin, Long Neck Sunrise Rotarian managing the application and award process. “We had more qualified candidates than we could award but fortunately one of the students applying had received significant financial aid elsewhere. We are continually overwhelmed by how amazing these students are.”

Award winner Juliet Calixto Coconi is planning to pursue a degree in nursing, and will be attending The University of Delaware in the fall. In addition to maintaining an outstanding academic record, Juliet balanced a 30 hour/week part time job with clubs and associations throughout her four years, including serving as member of the Interact Club where she participated in beach grass planting and Mountaire’s Thanksgiving for Thousands Initiative. She also participated in Take2 Drama, and SCTV, the school’s news program.

Vilmaris Rivera-Morales plans to major in Finance at the University of Delaware. Vilmaris is the first to graduate high school in her family and has accomplished much over her four years. She was a member of Interact where she volunteered in Rise Against Hunger. She also has been an active volunteer with the Green Beret Project. She was a member of Upward Bound, the First State Community Action Center “Teens with Goals”, where she participated in trips and met each month an after school, and she volunteered as a tutor at The Arc Educational Resource Center at Laurel, DE.

Dulce Sontay-Pelico will be attending the University of Delaware studying Business Management and Marketing with a goal to start her own business in film production or food products. Already an accomplished film maker, Dulce has used her talents throughout her high school career to support her projects and assignment. Dulce has balanced a rigorous academic schedule in the International Baccalaureate Program, achieving honor roll status consistently. She served as president of the Interact Club her senior year where she led the group in supporting beach grass planting and Mountaire’s Thanksgiving for Thousands initiative. She served on Student Council, was secretary of the Science club, and was a mentor at Georgetown Elementary School in addition to teaching Sunday school and teaching a week-long bible course in Guatemala.

Evelyn Velasquez-Velasquez also plans to pursue a career in nursing and will attend the University of Delaware in the fall. Evelyn consistently achieved honor roll status while being team caption of the cross-country team, and achieving Academic All-Conference for her participation in cross country, soccer, and winter track and field. Academically, she was awarded by National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program, National Hispanic Recognition Program, and National First-Generation Recognition Program. She was also an active member of the Interact and Environmental and Science clubs.

Caption to photo at top:

Service Above Self $2000 Scholarship winners at the Awards Ceremony at Sussex Central High School on May 15, 2025 (left to right) Rotarian Christine Tomalin, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club Youth Scholarship coordinator; Scholarship recipients Dulce Sontay-Pelico, Evelyn Velasquez-Velasquez, Vilmaris Rivera-Morales, and Juliet Calixto Coconi.

Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club held its 15^th Annual Charity Golf Outing on Monday, June 24, 2024 at The Peninsula on The Indian River Bay. Despite heavier than normal winds, the golfers were able to hit the green and finish their holes in what resulted in a fun day of golf. The club realized a total of $28,435 in profits from local and regional partners as well as from the putting, wiffle ball and Pot of Gold contests, mulligans, and 50/50s.

“This event is our club’s major fundraiser, and as such our committee works diligently throughout the year to secure partnerships and work with The Peninsula on the day’s details,“ remarked Barry Henry, who chaired the event this year along with his wife, Lynn Henry. “We are delighted that those who participated viewed the day as successful and that the proceeds we were able to generate will once again allow us to support the many local organizations and causes serving those in need.”

Proceeds from this tournament have been earmarked for the following:

• Four Service Above Self Scholarships for graduating seniors at Sussex Central High School
• Monthly birthday bash and pizza parties at the Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club
• Rotary Reads program at Long Neck Elementary School
• Literacy Delaware
• Great Futures Funds for Boys and Girls Club
• Beebe Hospital
• Bayhealth
• Warrior Community Connect
• Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad
• Indian River Volunteer Fire Company
• Tunnel to Towers
• Working with Rehoboth Beach Sunrise to support an AED project
• Rise Against Hunger

Tournament participant awards were presented to the top five foursomes in the “best ball” style tournament play along with on-course contest winners. These included:

• First Place Team with a score of -15 included Ben Hammond, Mel Frank, Thom Hammond and Trevor Kirchner
• Second Place Team with a score of -14 included Amber Genco, Keith Genco, Stephen Clark and Adam Hartzell
• Third Place Team with a score of -14 included Jack McCahan, John McCahan, Jonathan Storck and Johnny Martin
• Fourth Place Team with a score of -12 went to Zack Evans, Lee Evans, Tyler Majchrzak and Jimmy Sweet
• Fifth Place Team with a score of -12 went to Max Cividini, Marlon Palmer, Jason Hurlock and Izzy Eleazar
• Putting Contest Winner was Jim Martini who won with a putt closest to the pin
• Wiffle Ball Contest Winner was Trevor Kirchner
• Men’s Closest to the Hole Winner was Joe Gianetto
• Ladies’ Closest to the Hole Winner was Amber Genco
• Men’s Longest Drive was Michael Sauder
• Ladies’ Longest Drive was Sharon Pierson
• Men’s Straightest Drive was Jason Hurlock
• Ladies’ Longest Drive was Jenn Hubbard

Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club is pleased to announce it has awarded five Sussex Central high school seniors a $2,000 Service Above Self Scholarship. The honored students are Ruth Gomez-Bartolon, Vanessa Hernandez-Barrios, MacKenzie Rementer, Mary Julienne Villareal and Ashley Durasky who were presented honorary certificates at the Sussex Central Awards Ceremony in May. Recipients can choose if their monetary award will be sent to the college they will be attending for tuition costs or used to defray expenses the student might incur for computers and books.

Students interested in winning the scholarship submitted their applications by April 9, 2023 and a committee from Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club reviewed them for merit. Factors contributing to selection include academic performance, financial need and an exhibition of community service to fit with Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self. Students who are members of the Sussex Central Interact Club were given special consideration.

“We are thrilled to have such wonderful applicants,” remarks Christine Tomalin, Long Neck Sunrise Rotarian managing the application and award process. “We originally had budgeted for four scholarships, but the applicants were all so remarkable that we decided to award all five.”

Award winner Ruth Gomez-Bartolon is planning to pursue a career in accounting and finance, beginning at the University of Delaware. She also will pursue some medical training through her church as Master Guide, where she will serve as a cadet to provide training to those in need. In addition to maintaining an outstanding academic record, Ruth has participated in numerous clubs and associations throughout her four years, including: Sussex Central Business Professionals of America, Brother/Sister Knights, Future Health Professionals, Interact Club, Yoga Club, Higher Education Opportunities, K-popp, National Honor Society and the Philosophy Club, In addition she also was in charge of the Music Youth Department.

Vanessa Hernandez-Barrios plans to follow a path into cybersecurity with a minor in pre-law at the University of Scranton. Vanessa also has an outstanding academic record and has been very active with JROTC in part of her high school career which piqued her interest in cybersecurity. She served in Color Guard JROTC, Drill JROTC, US Naval Stern, Fund Raising JROTC, Community Service Committee JROTC, as well as participating as a premium student in Great Dame, Interact Club, Marching Band, UD Dual Enrollment, UD DRSI, Del Tech Upward Bound Math and Science, Teens Drive Change, School Coding: Qubit x Qubit, Knitting Committee, Making for Better Future Classes by DGSA, Marksmanship, and Global Health: Racial, ethnic and socioeconomic classes by DGCA.

MacKenzie Rementer will be attending Delaware Technical Community College studying Nursing and then will transfer to DeSales University to partake in their Physician’s Assistant program. MacKenzie has combined the traditional academic extracurricular activities Interact Club, Wrestling Manager, Dance Team/ Marching Band, Social Justice Club, ASL Club, Best Buddies Club and Chick-fil-a Leadership Academy with attending Rotary’s RYLA institute and volunteer projects with Long Neck Methodist Church serving veterans, nursing home residents and the homeless. She also had an excellent academic record.

Mary Julienne Villareal will be attending Delaware Technical Community College to obtain an RN and later a BSN, after which she hopes to make enough money to attend dental school or perhaps become a Nurse Anesthetist. Mary excelled academically as well as participated in Rotary’s RYLA and a Rise Against Hunger Initiative. Her extracurricular activities included the Interact Club; National Honor Society; Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field and Cross Country where she achieved numerous certificates of recognition in Indian River All Conference; and Student Council Class Officer,

Ashley Durasky plans to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Delaware with the goal of becoming a lawyer. In addition to her strong academic achievements, Ashley is a member of Boy Scouts of America where she has served as senior patrol leader. She has volunteered for Rise Against Hunger and is now working on a food drive for a Crisis House as an Eagle scout project. In addition to Boy Scouts, Ashley has been a member of Sea Scouts, the National Honor Society, Interact, the National Honor Society and Student Council.

Pictured Above: Service Above Self $2000 Scholarship winners at the Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club June 13 meeting. (left to right) Christine Tomalin, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club Youth Scholarship coordinator; Scholarship recipients Ashley Durasky, Mary Julienne Villareal, Vanessa Hernandez-Barrios, Ruth Gomez-Bartolon, (not pictured) MacKenzie Rementer; Lucille Cavan, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club Youth Committee Chair.

On April 3, 2023, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club partnered with Long Neck Elementary School to present a school assembly on cyberbullying to students in grades 3-5. The students were treated to a rousing presentation on cyberbullying by Guest Speaker, Dr. David J. Carter, Indian River High School Administration Team, and each was given a copy of The Technology Tail: Teaching Your Child How To Navigate Social Media, by Julia Cook, purchased by Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club.

In a talk that centered on “putting out kindness”, Dr. Clark discussed the digital footprint of students and what he sees in the schools in terms of the misuse of technology, including cyber bullying. He explained how anything done on social media is there forever and encouraged the students to only put out something they would be proud of. He stressed the importance of the power of forgiveness, and encouraged students who feel they have been wronged, to “choose to forgive, be kind and be mindful when on social apps.”

According to event organizer, Long Neck Sunrise Rotarian Sharon Marshall: “Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club was thrilled to partner with Long Neck Elementary Assistant Principal Stephen Lovellette to offer this educational session to the students of Long Neck Elementary. Anything we can do to help children avoid mis-steps in using technology will only serve to protect them now and in the future.”

Based on a 2020 study by the Cyber Bullying Research Center, cyber bullying is very much an issue with children aged 9-12. Key findings on cyber bullying among this tween group are as follows¹:

1. One in five tweens has been cyberbullied, cyberbulliedothers, or witnessed cyberbullying.
2. Cyberbullying affects tweens in a variety of ways.
3. Tweens use a variety of strategies to stop cyberbullying.
4. Nine out of ten tweens use social media and gaming apps.
5. Many tweens have also experienced bullying at school.
6. Tweens are helpers.

Part of its annual Rotary Reads program with Long Neck Elementary, this year’s assembly and book donation served a growing educational need among elementary school students on the use of social media.  Working with Browseabout Books, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club purchased 685 copies of the book for every student at the school. Books were generously supplied at cost by Browseabout Books for a total of $4,822.40. Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club also presented Dr. Clark with a $250 donation in his name to the Crisis House Shelter, Georgetown.

¹ Justin W. Patchin, Ph.D. Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., “Tween Cyberbullying in 2020,” Cyber Bullying Research Center in Partnership with Cartoon Network, pg.3.

Pictured at top: Student members of Long Neck Elementary Student Council showcase their new books. (Standing left to right): Dr. David Carter, Genevieve Geddio, Le’Andria Sunkett, Lillian Toms, Daniel Martin-Farrera, Adrian Santiago, and Sharon Marshall, Long Neck Sunrise Rotarian.

Pictured at right: Dr. Clark addresses the assembly.

Celebrates Birthday Bash In-Person

Millsboro) (March 28, 2021) —  At the monthly Birthday Bash celebration held in March, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club President Apryl Parcher presented Erica Kennedy, Executive Director of Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club, with a check for $2,000. The check is to be used for upcoming special pizza / ice-cream parties that serve as an incentive reward to students who accomplish stated goals. Such goals would be for the completion of educational components including homework, as well as showing positive behavior. The money will also be used for winners of the Club’s Team Art contest held throughout the summer and to help defray the cost of summer field trips. The hope is that the donation will cover about 12 months of parties and awards. $1,500 of the donation came from Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual charity golf outing, held each year in June, and $500 was part of a special $2,500 donation made by Morse Roofing and Siding to Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club earmarked for youth related projects.  “This partnership with Morse Roofing and Siding is truly special,” noted Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club President, Apryl Parcher. “Having extra funds to support these worthwhile programs makes such a difference in our community.”

With pandemic restrictions lifted, Long Neck Sunrise Rotarians were once again able to enter the Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club to host the monthly Birthday Bash, celebrating those children who have a birthday that month. Each birthday child receives a $25 gift card and a balloon. All children at the Club are provided with cupcakes and a fruit drink.  Begun in October 2017 under a Rotary District grant, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club has continued the monthly tradition each year for every student attending the Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club. When outsiders were restricted from entering in deference to pandemic restrictions, Long Neck Sunrise Rotarians dropped off the treats and gift cards at the door so that the children could continue to celebrate. Over the years, hundreds of children have enjoyed their special birthday recognition.

“We had a great in-person club bash in March and are particularly grateful for the wonderful donation to keep the celebrations ongoing for the children and for one of their summer trips!,” remarked Erica Kennedy, Executive Director, Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club. “The kids were so excited to hear this news! We appreciate all that the Sunrise Rotary club does for our club and kids!”

Pictured Above: Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club Apryl Parcher (right) presents Erica Kennedy, Executive Director of Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club (center), with a check for $2000. Rotarian Cathy Cardaneo stands left. She is the liaison from Long Neck Sunrise Rotary to the Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club.

Children celebrating their March birthdays are from left to right:  Callie, Kaden, Fiona and Dylan. Adults (left to right): Madison Fleetwood of the Boys and Girls Club Apryl Parcher, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club President; and Cathy Cardaneo, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club manager of the Birthday Bash program.