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.

(Millsboro) (June 14, 2021) — Once again the sun was shining, a light breeze was consistent all day, and predicted afternoon thunder storms held off for the Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club’s 12th Annual Charity Golf Outing on Monday, June 14, 2021 held at The Peninsula on The Indian River Bay. The event was returning to its original June time slot, after having to delay the prior year’s tournament until October of 2020. Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Golf Committee members worked diligently to make sure that the outing did not slack off, and to everyone’s delight, the event was sold out with 136 golfers and a waiting list, and many local and regional Partners provided donations to make this outing the most profitable the Club has held. Proceeds exceeded expectations and prior year’e earnings at $28,528.58.

This charity golf tournament is the Club’s main fund-raising function, where all proceeds are used to support local organizations serving youth, veterans, adult literacy and programs to stem and care for victims of the opioid epidemic as well as Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

“We were simply overwhelmed by the response we received this year for our tournament,” noted Mike Hall, Chairperson of the Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club Golf Committee. “We went into this knowing that many had been financially hurt by the pandemic, and yet, so many were able to help us raise the funds we use to support local and Rotary International initiatives. It is truly a testament to how we as a society recognize the need to help those less fortunate, and also shows how anxious folks were to get out and enjoy a day on a beautiful golf course.:

First Place Team and First Place Rotarian Team with a score of -17 for the “best ball” style tournament play included Justin Grossman, Steve Grossman, Wes Hood and John DiStefano. Other foursome winners included:

• Second Place Team at -15 was team of Bruce King, Scott Schockley, Joe Shockley and Frank Miller
• Third Place Team at -14 was team of David Patch, Erick Perez, Carl Schlesinger and Danny Gilseth
• Fourth Place Team at -14 was team of Joe Mongillo, John Murray, Andrew Hess, and Dave Ogle
• Fifth Place Team at -13 was team of John McCahan, Jack McCahan, Patrick McCahan, and Kevin McGill
• Sixth Place Team at -12 was team of Tom Law, Ken Hellings, John Berner and Tom Gargan
• Seventh Place Team at -12 was team of Lucille Cavan, Scott Cavan, Shaun Cavan, and Ryan Cavan
• Eighth Place Team at -12 was team of Max Hutsell, David Hutsell, Pat Wassmuth and Dave Jacobin
• Ninth Place Team at -11 was team of Don Zakrociemski, Stan Zakrociemski, Daniel Zakrociemski, and Chris Zakrociemski
• Need More Practice Team at +10 was team of Mark Moscowitz, Andy Chin, Travers Downs, and Gary Jones

All  10 of these teams were awarded complementary rounds of golf at golf courses across Delmarva.

On-course competitions include four “Holes in One“ sponsored by Terry Megee of Megee Motors with no winners this year. Other on-course winners include:

• Closest to the Pin Men  — Rich Graves
• Closest to the Pin Women — Diane Karbonik
• Longest Drive Men — Andrew Michel
• Longest Drive Women — Trish Dieringer
• Straightest Drive Men — Bruce King
• Straightest Drive Women — Cathy Bassett
• Winner of Whiffle Ball Driving Contest — Danny Gilseth
• Winner of Pot O Gold hole #13 — Vincent Schettino

The day was capped by a plated and served gourmet dinner at the Peninsula.
Next year’s tournament is scheduled for June 13, 2022.

Pictured Above: Golf Committee Chair, Mike Hall (left) awards the First Place Rotary Team trophy and golf course certificate to overall First Place team winner representative, Wes Hood.

Rotary District 7630 Grant Helps to Supply Much Needed Instruments

(Millsboro) (May 4, 2021) — It started as a conversation in late 2019 between some area Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Club Rotarians as many of these Rotary philanthropic projects do and resulted in a $5,000 Rotary District 7630 Grant for $5,000 plus an additional $6,000+ donation from the Rehoboth Beach Sunrise and Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Clubs to procure much needed instruments for the music programs at Sussex Academy.

Dr. Uday Jani, who serves on the Sussex Academy Executive Board, had learned that the Academy did not have the resources to fund the instruments needed to meet growing demand in the Academy’s various music programs. High school enrollment had grown every year since the Academy started its high school program in 2012, and was projected to be 860 students in the 2020-21 school year – up from 770. The school was also introducing performing arts to grades six through eight. The Academy has a strong tradition of student participation in music, appearing at many County and State band festivals each year and offering various band programs to its Middle and High School students. Wanting to continue this rich tradition of music education and performance, Dr. Jani turned to his fellow Rotarian, Larry DeFrancisco, Vice President Marketing & Sponsorships, Rehoboth Jazz Festival, to see what he thought Rotary could do.

Larry felt a District Grant could cover a good portion of the cost, and as part of the package he would work with musicians from the Rehoboth Jazz Festival to offer performances to the students. Larry DeFrancisco and Dr. Jani brought their idea to the Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Club where it was enthusiastically endorsed. And then COVID struck. Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Club now needed another club to lead the Sussex Academy project to secure grant funding, as they had a grant project established for PPE for Beebe Medical Center. Enter Steve Grossman, a Board member of Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club at the time, and friend of Dr. Jani and Larry DeFrancisco. He saw the opportunity for Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club to offer another program to area youth, and a partnership was formed to underwrite the costs of the program. Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club would act as lead to secure a grant from Rotary District 7630.

“Being able to partner with fellow Rotary Clubs to achieve a goal is the beauty of our global organization,” remarked Randy Smith, President, Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Club. “We are very fortunate to have Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club support and lead this project.”

Susan Giove of Rehoboth Beath Sunrise Rotary Club developed the 2020-21 District Grant request from Rotary District 7630 to help underwrite the required instrument cost. A $5,000 grant for “Musical Instruments for Sussex Academy of Arts & Sciences Middle School and High School” was requested and received, with the two clubs to split the remainder of the $11,295.68 cost needed to procure the requested instruments in the fall of 2020. The grant would procure 24 instruments, and through the work of Larry De Francisco, arrangements had been made for the Rehoboth Jazz Festival Musicians to conduct sessions with the bands during the week of October 12, 2020.

Delays ensued as Clubs and the Academy worked to develop their COVID rhythms, but the project remained top of mind. Undaunted, Lucille Cavan, President of the Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club, worked with Sussex Academy Music Director, Michael Marotta to finalize the instrument purchase list in March of 2021: 14 x 12 snare drums, Vic Firth Double-Sided practice pads, four different sizes of bass drums, a 3-valve tuba, snare carriers, a tenor carrier, bass carriers, a French horn, a trumpet, a tenor saxophone, an innovative percussion field series Multi Tom Mallets, innovative percussion field series Marching Bass Mallets and a set of ukuleles for the Middle School program.

“Our Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club, together with the Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Rotary, is pleased to bring Larry DeFrancisco’s wonderful idea to reality,” remarked Lucille Cavan.  “Arts are such an important part of education and we are proud to support the students of the Sussex Academy bands and music programs.”

Most of the Instruments finally arrived and the two Rotary Clubs attended Sussex Academy on May 4^th to present them. The black marching drums will be used by the school’s new Marching Percussion Ensemble, led by newly appointed percussion director, Mr. Scott Litzenberg. The brass and woodwind instruments will be used for both the middle and high school bands. A set of ukuleles (still on their way) will be used by Nancy Curry who teaches drama and music to the elementary students. Larry DeFrancisco has worked with Rehoboth Jazz Festival on presentations for the students this coming fall.

According to Sussex Academy’s Music Director Mike Marotta,”This grant and the generosity of these two Rotary clubs are allowing us to offer all middle and high school band students the opportunity to participate in concert band, percussion ensemble and eventually, a marching and pep band. The students and I will be forever grateful.”

Dr. Jani, who started it all with a simple conversation among Rotarians, is “tremendously excited that the two Clubs were able to supply the instruments to enable the school’s first marching band.”

And the bands play on!

Pictured above: Presentation of Instruments to Sussex Academy.SITTING left to right: Zach Burger; Oliver Graves; Nancy Curry, Elementary School Music Teacher; Randy Smith. President, Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Club; Lucille Cavan, President, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club; Gail Dejmal, President Elect Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Club; Steve Grossman, Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Club; Larry DeFrancisco, Vice President Marketing & Sponsorships, Rehoboth Jazz Festival and member, Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Club. STANDING — in front of drums (L to R) Bella Crisci; Finna Graves; Mike Marotta, Music Director.  STANDING — back row (L to R) Tom Peet, Middle School Dean; Drew Brubacker; Christian Wright; Alex Fitzkee; Jovan Jean-Louis; Grace Thomas; Eric Anderson, Principal; Jack Thomas; Pat Campbell-White, Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Club.

CAPTION: Students practicing with donated instruments. Top Row: Left to right:  6^th grader Drew Brubacker, marching percussion snare drum; 6^th grader Jack Thomas, student trumpet;  8^th grader Mitchell Lorah, tenor saxophone.

(Millsboro) (April 30, 2021) — Despite high winds that nearly collapsed the check sign, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club President, Lucille Cavan, presented CJ Pitts of Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club with a check for $1,500 that the organization can use for upcoming pizza / ice-cream parties. The parties will be held as an incentive reward to students who accomplish stated goals. Such goals would be for the completion of educational components including homework, zooms and remote work 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. The hope is that the donation will cover about 12 months of parties and awards.

“Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club has been a major contributor to programs here for the boys and girls and we are very grateful for their support,” remarked Erica Kennedy, Executive Director, Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club.

Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club has long supported the Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club with holding a Pitch, Hit and Run contest in association with the MLB; and providing monthly birthday bashes with cupcakes and fruit juice for all, and $25 gift cards and a balloon for those celebrating a birthday that month.

“Helping the children in Long Neck is one of our stated missions,” notes Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club President, Lucille Cavan. “It has been particularly difficult for many of the area children to maintain their school work during this pandemic, so we are delighted to be able to support the Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club in this motivational endeavor.”