Home Page | Rotary Club of Tunkhannock

On the first and third Thursday's of every month, the Tunkhannock Rotary has a flash club meeting at 5:30 PM via Zoom only for Oct & Nov. This is a 15-30 minute meeting for those members or prospective members who cannot make our regular 12:15 PM meeting.

to everyone who attended our Tunkhannock Rotary Harvest & Wine Festival at Lazybrook Park. Thank you to our fabulous vendors, great bands, sponsors and all our wonderful volunteers who helped make it a success. We hope to see everyone next year.

Fall Roadside Cleanup

Since 1997, the Tunkhannock Club has participated in the Adopt a Highway Program, adopting a 2 mile stretch of Route 6 in Tunkhannock. Twice a year, in the Spring and Fall, Tunkhannock Rotarians clean-up both sides of the roadside along Route 6 from the Fireplace Restaurant to beyond Route 87 towards Meshoppen.

So, on Sat Oct 23, Rotarians & family member gathered at the Fireplace Restaurant parking lot to begin the Fall cleanup. Rotarians are "People of Action" and were determined to get the cleanup done to help “Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful”.

Rotary Foundation Recognition Event

President Mary Tempest led the celebration of many Tunkhannock Rotary’s members along with 7 community organizations at a Rotary Foundation Recognition Event on Thursday, Oct 21 at the Stonehedge Country Club.

The Tunkhannock Rotarians and their families were joined by Rotary District 7410 officials including current District Governor Mary Ellen Bentler, Past District Governor Karen DeMatteo and Tunkhannock’s District Governor Nominee Samantha Maruzzelli, who is currently District 7410 Membership Committee Chair and the Club’s Rotary Foundation (RF) Chair. The Club was also honored by the presence of Assistant Regional RF Coordinator for Zone 32 Joanne Ventura, responsible for RF activities for Districts 7410, 7475, 7490, and who was the keynote speaker.

In her keynote address, Joanne spoke about the importance of donating to the Rotary Foundation to advance the programs that support both local community and international projects and that are implemented and managed by Rotary Clubs.

She also focused on the success of the Polio Eradication program with which Rotary has been involved since 1979. Polio cases have been reduced by 99.9 percent worldwide, but it will take many more millions to complete this eradication effort. The RF is in the last 2 years of a 2:1 donation match from the Gates Foundation for polio eradication, so she urged everyone to make their donations while this match campaign is ongoing to triple the value of their contributions.

The Paul Harris Fellowship was established in Paul Harris’ honor in 1957 to express appreciation for a contribution of $1,000 to the humanitarian and educational programs of The RF by an individual Rotarian or by an organization to recognize someone else.

President Mary Tempest presented various Paul Harris recognitions to 11 Tunkhannock Rotarians, including: Jeannie Brady, Laura Charles, Terri Detrick, Ron Furman, John Hovan, Francine Kanyok, Norm Kelly, Mary Linden, Wade Linden, Samantha Maruzzelli and Elaine Walker.

Once an individual’s cumulative donations to the RF exceeds $10,000, that person is honored by the RF as a Major Donor. Carol Ziomek and Thomas Kukuchka were each recognized as Major Donors – Level 1 and received a personalized crystal recognition piece and a Major Donor lapel pin and pendant/charm.

Although a community organization cannot be honored as a Paul Harris Fellow, it can be recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation. In recognition of their incredible and important services to the local community and/or Rotary, the Club used its cumulative RF donations to recognize community organizations with Certificates of Appreciation. The 7 organizations honored were: Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP), Wyoming County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), H.A.N.D.S. of Wyoming County, Nimble Hill Winery & Brewery, Popstar Drive, Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen and the Tunkhannock Public Library. Representatives for each of these organizations accepted on their behalf.

Pres. Mary Tempest, Zone 32 RF Coordinator Joanne Ventura, DG Mary Ellen Bentler and PDG Karen DeMatteo

L to r: Frank Oliver (Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen), Alisha Myers and Cathy Franko (H.A.N.D.S.), Ron Furman (accepting for Dave Carichner for the Wyoming County EMA), Nick Montero for Dani Ruhl (CHOP), Ellie Toczko (Nimble Hill), Pres. Mary Tempest and Dellana Diovisalvo (Tunkhannock Public Library). Absent from the photo was Chris Maruzzelli (Popstar Drive).

Preparations Underway for Oct 9 Harvest & Wine Festival

Preparations are underway at Lazybrook Park for Sat. Oct 9 Harvest & Wine Festival. Our Rotarians are hard at work getting the grounds layout defined for the Festival and preparing the wine cellar, where Festival goers can pick up their wine purchases before leaving the Festival.

Mike Donahue Spoke at Sept 30 Luncheon

Mike Donahue, Wyoming County Human Resources Executive Director, was the guest speaker at the Sept 30 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook Inn & Resort. Mike is also heading up the group called the Hope Coalition, which was formed in 2017. The coalition brings together elected officials, law enforcement, medical providers, and other organizations with the goal of helping combat the opioid epidemic in Wyoming County.

Rotary is a member of the Coalition as it provides the community outreach/PR for the District Attorney’s Office semi-annual Drug Take Back Events, the next of which is coming up on Saturday, Oct 23.

Mike talked about the main goals for the Hope Coalition. He also discussed the development of a program to help with the re-integration of individuals into the community and job market who have recovered from their drug or alcohol issues. The importance of this endeavor was underscored by Wyoming County Commissioner Ernie King, who also commented on this goal.

DG Mary Ellen Bentler Spoke at Sept 23 Meeting

District Governor (DG) Mary Ellen Bentler was the guest speaker at the Sept 23 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook Inn & Resort. DG Mary Ellen spoke about the Rotary theme for this year, Serve to Change Lives and presented Pres. Mary Tempest with the theme banner for 2021-2022.

She also talked about events and activities in District 7410, including the District Conference in Ithaca NY May 5-7, as well as Rotary International upcoming programs and the International Convention in Houston in June 2022.

DG Mary Ellen Bentler (left) with President Mary Tempest

Breakfast with Champions Food Drive

On Sept 18, Pres. Mary Tempest organized a Breakfast with Champions Food Drive at the outside pavilion at the Tunkhannock Public Library to benefit HANDS of Wyoming County and the Wyoming County Food Bank. 44 boxes of nonperishable and canned foods were collected plus $250 worth of gift cards and a $50 check. The recipients were overjoyed with the donations.

Thank you to everyone who provided donations, those who helped with the food drive and to John and Ron who transported the food boxes to HANDS and the Food Bank.

Seated L to R: Two Can-structions with Pres. Mary Tempest. Standing: Scott Walburn, Ann Way, Samantha Maruzzelli and Terri Detrick

Donna LaBar Spoke at Sept 16 Luncheon

Donna LaBar was the guest speaker at our Sept 16 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook Inn & Resort. Donna is a Health Transformation Coach Certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and author of the book Simple. Natural. Healing.

She spoke about the 3 Pillars of Health to help get the body back into alkalinity:

How we eat and hydrate: balance minerals and water.
Who we surround ourselves with to achieve a resonance of peace.
Doing things that we love to get into a state of rest and digest.

Donna LaBar

Fran Turner Knighted into French Legion of Honor

On Sept 2, 2021, Rotarian Francis Turner was knighted by French Consul General of Washington, DC, Francois Penguilly with the French Medal of Honor at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, PA.

L to R: Honorary French Consul of Pittsburgh Jean-Dominique Le Garrec, Major (ret) Francis Turner being pinned with the Medal of Honor and congratulated by French Consul General of Washington, D.C. Francois Penguilly (captured from Youtube).

France's Highest Honor, the Legion d'honneur, was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. According to Wikipedia “American and British veterans who served in either World War on French soil, or during the 1944 campaigns to liberate France, may be eligible for appointment as Chevalier (Knight) of the Legion of Honour, provided they were still living when the honour was approved.”

Fran was among 3 World War II Veterans honored at this ceremony with gratitude from the French for their contribution to the liberation of France.

Tunkhannock Rotary Celebrates 96th Anniversary

On August 25, 1925, the Rotary Club of Tunkhannock was chartered by Rotary International. The Club was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pittston. It was the first service organization in Tunkhannock and "Service Above Self" is the motto of the Club and Rotary International.

On Aug 26, 2021 the Club celebrated its 96th Anniversary at its Club luncheon at Shadowbrook Inn and Resort with balloons, Anniversary cupcakes, a rousing chorus of Happy Anniversary and trivia questions concerning the history of the Club.

Past President Terri Detrick Receives Thank You Gift

At the Aug 26 Rotary Luncheon, Past President Terri Detrick was presented with a belated thank you present for her 2020-2021 Presidency.

President Mary Tempest presented Terri with a Rotary jacket and the Club's thanks for guiding the Cub through the difficult COVID-19 pandemic year, initiating Zoom club meetings and eventually hybrid in person and Zoom meetings. Thanks to Past President Terri for a job well done.

Past President Terri Detrick (2020-2021)

Bill Kern Spoke at Aug 26 Rotary Meeting

Bill Kern from the Countryside Conservancy was the guest speaker at the Aug 26 Rotary luncheon at Shadowbrook Inn & Resort. Bill was a 2000 graduate of the Tunkhannock Area School District.

The Countryside Conservancy started in 1994 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust committed to protecting and connecting greenspace in and near the Tunkhannock Creek watershed for the public benefit, now and for future generations. They manage almost 600 acres and build trails through Lackawanna State Park. It also has 30 miles of hiking trails. It is responsible for the upkeep and extension of the 5.1 miles of the Trolley Trail.

Bill Kern

Dr. Williams Spoke at Aug 19 Rotary Luncheon

Dr. Daniel Williams was a guest speaker at the Aug 19 Rotary luncheon at Shadowbrook Inn and Resort to educate Rotarians on the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Williams described the different vaccines, how they were produced and how they work in the body. He considers them to be a modern miracle in terms of how fast they were able to get them to the public and how well they are working.

Of all people who have tested positive for COVID-19, 4 in 100 will end up in the hospital while 1.5 of 100 will die of it. This may seem like a small number, but it is 10 times as deadly as the flu. For many who get COVID-19, it may be the worst illness they’ve ever encountered.

For those that have been fully vaccinated but have a ‘breakthrough’ case of COVID-19, 4 in 10,000 will be hospitalized and 1 in 1,000,000 will perish. So, he stressed how worthwhile it is to be vaccinated.

Dr. Williams also described how the COVID-19 variants develop through “replication errors” and how the Delta variant is comparable to the high contagion level of chicken pox.

Dr. Daniel Williams

Jeff Mitchell Spoke at the Aug 12 Rotary Luncheon

Jeff Mitchell was the guest speaker at the Aug 12 Rotary Luncheon. Jeff spoke about hiking throughout Wyoming County and showed some breathtaking photos from hiking the region during all seasons of the year. He commented that people outside Wyoming County are now coming to this area due to the outstanding beauty in our mountainous regions with incredible rock formations and waterfalls. The highest point in his hiking experiences was at 2,700 feet above sea level.

Jeff Mitchell

Welcome to 3 New Rotarians

At the Aug 5 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook Inn & Resort, Membership Chair Ron Furman inducted 3 new members into Tunkhannock Rotary. David Carichner and Cathy Franko were sponsored by Ann Way and Tenny Rupnick was sponsored by Harry Sharpe. Unfortunately, Harry was not able to attend the meeting, but asked the members of Rev. Rupnick’s congregation at the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church to stand with her during her induction.

L to R: David Carichner, Ann Way, Cathy Franko, Ron Furman, Tenny Rupnick, George Gay, Ruth Gorski, Norm Werkheiser, Jim Welch, Frank Oliver, Dave Wilson, Sandy Lane and Rick Miller

Jeff Swire Gives Update on Patriot's Cove

Jeff Swire from Patriot’s Cove was the guest speaker at the Aug 5 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook Inn & Resort. “Patriots Cove is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in northeastern Pennsylvania and founded by a military veteran and his spouse to empower other veterans, first responders, and their caregivers to heal and adapt to life after service. Through events on our eighteen acre refuge, we provide restorative outdoor activities, environmental service projects, and educational events and retreats for caregivers.” (Taken from their website).

Jeff spoke about the most recent developments at the Noxen site. During the pandemic, they tried to provide in person services to those who need it while still protecting them during the pandemic. They only shut down for 2 months and put various measures in place and geared most activities to be outside in an open-air environment and no one got sick. They also continued their environmental projects.

They built a caregivers house and activities center over the last winter for the spouses & caregivers of their guests. They are now planning to build a bunkhouse for the volunteers coming from out of state to help.

Jeff Swire receiving a speaker's thank you gift from Past Pres. Terri Detrick

Tunkhannock Rotary Welcomes 2 New Members

At the July 29 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook Inn & Resort, Membership Chair Ron Furman inducted 2 new members into the Club. Scott Walburn was sponsored by Norm Kelly and Dellana Diovisalvo was sponsored by Jeannie Brady. In Jeannie's absence, Ann Way stood by Dellana for her induction.

L to R: Norm Kelly, Scott Walburn, Ann Way, Dellana Diovisalvo and Ron Furman

Laura Charles Spoke About Vaccine Advocacy

At the July 29 Rotary Luncheon, our speaker was Laura Charles, chair of the club's Vaccine Advocacy Committee. Laura talked about the hesitancy of some individuals to get vaccinations from Polio to COVID-19, including childhood vaccinations.

A group of Polio Survivors banded together in Pennsylvania to start a coalition to support all vaccinations. A video was made and played at our meeting and information cards were handed out to members to give to anyone seeking additional information on the vaccinations. The slogan is “No One Should Suffer From A Vaccine Preventable Disease.”

Preparations are being made to hold an informational meeting with local doctors to help provide information to our community and beyond.

Laura Charles

Fran Turner Visited Tunkhannock Rotary

Rotarian Fran Turner, along with his daughter Susan, attended the July 22 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook Inn & Resort. Fran has been a Rotarian for 71 years. He was Club President (1973-4) and served as secretary of the Tunkhannock Rotary for a record breaking 25 years. He was made a life-time member of the Tunkhannock Rotary for his 100th Birthday in 2019. Fran is also one of our veterans of WWII and we thank him for his service.

Fran told us a little about his life in Western PA. Although this was an emotional visit with a lot of his friends in attendance, it was also a chance for several members to tell some funny stories about Fran, so it was somewhat of a Roast, as well as, a celebration of an inspiring individual. It was truly delightful to have Fran (and Susan) at our meeting, and we wish we could see more of him.

Fran Turner

Deb Shurtleff Spoke about the Wyoming County Heart & Soul Project

At the July 22 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook, our guest speaker was Deb Shurtleff from the Wyoming County Community Alliance who spoke about the Wyoming County Heart and Soul Project of which she is the Coordinator. There kick-off event is Friday, July 23. As stated on their website: "....resilient Community Heart & Soul towns are finding innovative and safe ways to engage residents, build relationships, honor homegrown talents and assets, and reclaim and reshape their communities".

The Project committee members currently include Ernie King, Wyoming County Commissioner, Lynnelle Farber, Wyoming County Community Planning Office, Gina Suydam, Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, Erica Rogler, Wyoming County Cultural Center and Dietrich Theater, Cain Chamberlin, Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Jean Ruhf, Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Allison Schultz, Community Liaison Member, and Shurtleff, Community Heart & Soul Project Coordinator, Wyoming County Community Alliance.

New Member Orientation

On Tuesday July 20, there was a new member orientation at Lazybrook Park. Pres. Mary Tempest did introductions and led Rotary Trivia. She also talked about club dues & event costs, as well as, information about District and international conventions. Samantha Maruzzelli talked about RYLA, youth exchange, Club Runner and our website. Al Noble discussed the Rotary Foundation. Mike Markovitz described the various Club Committees. Pres. Mary commented that "It was a fun evening at the park".

Belated Congratulations to Ann Way

Absent from the June 27 District Banner Exchange was Tunkhannock’s Ann Way, who is taking over from Assistant Governor (AG) Dave Palmer as AG for Cluster 2, which includes: Forest City, New Milford, Trail, Tunkhannock, Winola and Wyalusing. AG Dave Palmer had previously given Ann all the info she needed to act as AG at one of the Club’s meetings.

Belated congratulations to Ann becoming Assistant Governor for Cluster 2.

Dave Palmer and Ann Way

Keystone College President Spoke at July 15 Meeting

The speaker for the July 15^th Rotary meeting at Shadowbrook was President Tracy Brundage, PhD from Keystone College, who spoke about "Building the Future Today". The college is preparing students with a revolutionary competitive advantage in the work place. There is a 13:1 student to faculty ratio currently at the college. There are 40 degree options available within Keystone College and a 94% placement rate.

Keystone College President Tracy Brundage

Welcome to 2 New Rotarians

Membership Chair Ron Furman inducted 2 new members at the July 15 Club Meeting. Leslie Bullock was sponsored and pinned by Mary Tempest and Kenda Peck by David Wilson.

L to R: Leslie Bullock, Ron Furman, Mary Tempest, Kenda Peck & Dave Wilson

Hope You Enjoyed The July 3rd Fireworks

Thank you to everyone who turned out for our July 3rd Fireworks display at the High School Athletic Field. Thanks also to PopStar Drive for the great music, the American Legion Honor Guard and the Senior Class, who manned the concession stand and sold glow wands. We also want to acknowledge the support from the School's Security and Maintenance Staff, from the Tunkhannock Ambulance and Triton organizations and from all our Rotarian volunteers, family and friends.

We hope to see you again on July 3rd, 2022!

Installation of 2021-2022 Officers

Rotary District 7410 Assistant Governor (AG) Dave Palmer installed the Tunkhannock Club Officers and Directors for 2021-2022 at the Jun 27 Year End Celebration at the Moose Club Pavilion.

After the installation, outgoing Pres. Terri Detrick summarized her year as President including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She thanked everyone for their support during this challenging year and for the Club so readily adapting to first Zoom only meetings and then to hybrid in-person and Zoom meetings.

The Celebration ended with 2021-2022 President Mary Tempest giving her first Presidential address, in which she talked about this year’s Rotary International theme “to do more and grow more”. To do more, Rotary membership needs to increase, and she encouraged every Rotarian to bring in one new member this year.

Finally, Pres. Mary briefly summarized her local goals for the Tunkhannock Rotary, including some fun new events and demonstrations to which the community will be invited.

L to R Back Row: Directors Dave Wilson, John Proctor, President-Elect Mike Markovitz, Vice President Samantha Maruzzelli, Immediate Past President Terri Detrick. L to R Front Row: Directors Norm Kelly, Francine Kanyok and Laura Charles, Treasurer Elaine Walker, Secretary Sandy Lane and President Mary Tempest with AG Dave Palmer. Absent: Directors Ruth Gorski, Sue Kelly and Ann Way.

2021 End of Year Awards

A Rotary Year End Celebration and 2021-2022 Officer Installation was held at the Moose Club Pavilion on Sunday Jun 27.

Pres. Terri Detrick announced several End of Year Awards. Each recipient received an award certificate and a personal gift from Terri.

The President’s Award went to Laura Charles (left photo), the Service Above Self Award to Pres-elect Mary Tempest (middle photo), and the Rotarian of the Year Award to outgoing Secretary Carol Ziomek. Pres Terri also announced that The Distinguished Service Award was awarded to the absent Ann Way.

EMA Director Gene Dziak Thanks Rotary

Gene Dziak, Director of the Wyoming County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), thanked the club at its Jun 17 meeting for everything Rotary did to support the Wyoming County COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Approximately 1,000 people were vaccinated by the Wyoming County clinics.

Gene Dziak

Gene indicated that he is not yet sure whether there will be more clinics. They canceled the Sat clinic at the High School, since only 21 people signed-up to be vaccinated by Tyler Hospital staff. The registered individuals were redirected to Tyler Hospital to get their shots.

Approximately 51% of Wyoming County residents have been vaccinated at the Wyoming County and surrounding County COVID-19 vaccination clinics. The incidence of COVID-19 cases is declining in Wyoming County.

Gene commented that Rotary orchestrating the volunteers was a great help and a big asset to Wyoming County. He also indicated that he might be coming back to the club for help with any future vaccination clinics or other EMA endeavors.

Pres. Terri summarized that 130 slots were filled with volunteers to the support the vaccine clinics.

L to R: Tunkhannock Rotary COVID Clinic Volunteer Committee: Mary Tempest, Laura Charles, Chair Ann Way, Gene Dziak (EMA), Terri Detrick and Samantha Maruzzelli. Absent: Sue Kelly, Robin Rome and Elaine Walker.

At the Jun 27 Officer Installation, 2021-2022 Pres. Mary Tempest reminded everyone that Shekhar Mehta RI President 2021-2022 is asking Rotarians “to do more and grow more.” Donors as in bigger and impactful service projects and grow more as in increasing membership and expanding the participation. Each Rotarian should bring one new member to Rotary.

Mary then provided a brief overview of her goals for her Presidency:

To have 1-2 family events this year. Rotarians can bring their children or grandchildren to the events. For example a Fish Derby, Corn hole Tournament, Kayak trip, or a baseball game between dad’s and their children.
Have a speaker once a quarter give a speech, give a demonstration to the club and possibly invite the public.
Increase Rotarian‘s engagement by going to district events.
To connect with the younger generation to grow Rotary.
Our club should sponsor a Rotaract club, possibly with the new branch of Lackawanna College in Tunkhannock.
Possibly start an Interact Club at Elk Lake.

2021-22 Rotary Theme

RI President-elect Shekhar Mehta is urging members to become more involved in service projects, saying that caring for and serving other is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own.