Home Page | Rotary Club of Tunkhannock

Thank you to everyone who donated to our collection buckets manned by Tunkhannock Rotarians, Interactors, and families and friends at several locations in town on Black Friday, Nov. 24. Money collected from this event will be given to Interfaith Friends & Wyoming County Children and Youth to provide Christmas gifts to children in need in Wyoming County.

Candy Cane Day 2022

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Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Thursdays at 12:15 PM

Tri-County General Insurance Conference Room

5513 US 6
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
United States of America

District Site

Bulletins

Towards the end of Aug, President Elaine Walker was informed by Shadowbrook that the Resort had been sold and that the restaurant and meeting facilities would be closed down for renovations until April 2024. Hence the Club needed to find a new venue for its weekly meetings. District Governor Samantha Maruzzelli offered the club the use of the Tri-County General Insurance Conference Room for brown bag meetings until a new location can be found or Shadowbrook reopens. So, our meeting will continue in person and via Zoom at Tri-County Conference Room at 5513 Sr 6, Tunkhannock, PA at 12:15 PM every Thursday.

On the first and third Thursdays of every month, the Tunkhannock Rotary has a flash club meeting at 5:30 PM. This is a 15-30 minute meeting for those members or prospective members who cannot make our regular 12:15 PM meeting.

Fall Roadside Cleanup

On Thursday, Nov 16 after the Thursday noontime Rotary Meeting, Rotarians gathered for 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 from the Fireplace Restaurant to beyond Route 87 towards Meshoppen. This Fall, a new 2-mile section of the bypass from Dunkin Donuts to the NAPA field has been adopted by the Club.

Rotarians are "People of Action" and were determined to get the cleanup done to help “Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful”. Although much of the material found in the past was garbage and debris, other more interesting things have also been found such as money, a credit card, shoes, pants, tires and miscellaneous items. All money found is donated to the Club for its service projects.

Left to right: Dave Wilson, Dellana Diovisalvo, Jodi Crimmel, Bill Milligan (back), Laura Charles, Katelynn Nichols, Stacy Huber, Robin Rome, Glenn Holcomb, Don Davis, Ron Furman, Scott Walburn, Norm Kelly, Terri Detrick, and Jill Tague

New Member Orientation

There was a Tunkhannock Rotary New Member Orientation on Wed, Nov 15 at Tri County General Insurance for all new members, their sponsors, and any other Rotarians who could attend. Four out of five of the newest members were in attendance.

District and Club Membership Chair Mary Tempest led the orientation with input from experienced Rotarians: District Governor Samantha Maruzzelli, Club Treasurer Laura Charles and Exchange Student Club Coordinator Terri Detrick.

L to R: Laura Charles, Terri Detrick, Nicky Morgan, District Governor Samantha Maruzzelli, Kristine and Ryan Werkheiser, and Fred Orlando (with Mary Tempest taking the photo)

Rotary Serves Meals at Patriot's Cove

On Tuesday, November 14th, Tunkhannock Rotarians provided and served brunch at 10 AM and dinner at 6:30 PM for the clients and volunteers at Patriots Cove in Noxen.

As stated on their website: “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.”

Rotarians provided lots of food and lots of help preparing, serving and cleaning up after the meals. The clients and volunteers were very appreciative!

Gregg Keen Spoke at Nov 9 Rotary Meeting

The guest speaker at the Nov 9 Rotary Meeting was Gregg Keen from Sawyer Water International, who spoke about their water projects in Poland and the Ukraine.

Also in attendance were Jon Naugle Wyalusing Rotary Club International Service Committee, WASH-RAG Ambassador to our District, and Michele Naugle, Wyalusing Rotary Club President Elect.

L to R: Gregg Keen, Michele and Jon Naugle

Tunkhannock Rotary Polio Speaker - Oct 26

Although the Tunkhannock Club does not meet on Tuesday’s when World Polio Day was commemorated on Oct 24, Tunkhannock hosted as its guest speaker on Thurs. Oct 26, Carol Goodman from the Wyalusing Rotary Club who is a polio survivor. She gave a very informative and outstanding presentation on polio and its consequences for those infected.

Carol Goodman

Mary Kay Pivovarnik Spoke at Sept 28 Meeting

Mary Kay Pivovarnik, Executive Director of CASA of Luzerne County was the guest speaker at the Sept 28 Rotary meeting. According to their website: "CASA of Luzerne County is a non-profit 501(c)3 child advocacy organization which was established in 2013. Their mission is to recruit, train, and support community volunteers to serve as the voice of abused and neglected children in the Luzerne County court system so that these children will be safe, secure, and given the opportunity to thrive."

They were contacted by Wyoming County Children and Youth to start CASA in Wyoming County where there are approximately 30 children in the family court/foster care system in Wyoming County. They are in the process of becoming CASA of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties and will be looking for volunteers to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

Past President Michael Markovitz with speaker Mary Kay Pivovarnik

Welcome to 4 New Rotarians

At the Sep 14 Rotary meeting at Tri-County General Insurance Conference Room, Membership Chair Mary Tempest inducted 4 new members into Rotary. Frank Orlando was sponsored by George Gay, Matthew Piontkowski was sponsored by Dave Wilson and Kristine Werkheiser and Ryan Werkheiser were sponsored by Jill Tague.

Please welcome our newest Tunkhannock Rotarians!

L to R: George Gay, Fred Orlando, Dave Wilson, Matthew Piontkowski, Kristine Werkheiser, Ryan Werkheiser and Jill Tague

Brien McChesney Spoke at Sep 14 Meeting

The guest speaker at the Sep 14 Rotary Meeting at Tri-County General Insurance Conference Room was Brien McChesney, who spoke about the future Drop-In Center for high school youth being planned in Tunkhannock. Brien is the Director of Youth Ministry at the Lake Winola Methodist Church and a graduate of Marywood University.

The Center will be within walking distance of Tunkhannock Area High School for 14-18 year old students to belong and enjoy mentorships. It will be a coffee house style where the students can learn social, professional and other skills as determined by the students themselves.

Rotarians Laura Charles and Cammie Anderson are on the board of directors for the newly incorporated entity.

They are currently looking for volunteers who can help get the Center up and running and share their talents through mentorships.

Brien McChesney

Cemetery Flag Replacement

On Sat. Sept 9, a group of Rotarians assembled at Sunnyside Cemetery in Tunkhannock to replace/change the faded, torn or missing American flags on the veteran's graves. Co-organizer George Gay mentioned that the storm that had torn through the area prior to Sept 9, had badly damaged or destroyed many of the flags, so this activity was happening at an opportune time.

Brother's Keeper Quilting Group

Tunkhannock Rotary was honored to have 2 visits from the My Brother's Keeper Quilt Group with local spokesperson Ida Ferguson providing information and answering questions related to the activities of the group on Aug 24 and Sep 7. Ida related that they are not a club, but individuals and groups desiring to help the homeless by making simple sleeping bags from recycled fabrics. The sleeping bags are then distributed FREE to people who are cold on the street, including those in Scranton, Binghamton and Syracuse. In Scranton, they are distributed through the Community Intervention Center.

She explained how the sleeping bags are made and that they are always in need of donated materials, monetary donations for desperately needed deliveries and for individuals and groups to help make the sleeping bags. Among the materials needed are: men's neckties, clean blankets, sewing needles, thread, sample size toiletries, socks, men's underwear, hats, gloves and scarves.

At the first meeting, Ida and her quilters showed some of the sleeping bags they had in progress and a few Rotarians stayed after the meeting to help work on them. At the Sept meeting, Rotarians brought materials needed by the group especially men's ties that they use to tie up the sleeping bags once complete.

If anyone would like more info or to make a donation, please feel free to contact Ida Ferguson at 607-742-2179.

Top: Ida Ferguson Bottom: Rotarian Laura Charles (center) helping the quilters with this sleeping bag.

Rotary Supports Wyoming County Fair

In lieu of a Rotary meeting on Thursday Aug 31, members of Tunkhannock Rotary worked the ticket gates and parking lots at the Wyoming County Fair.

3 of the many Rotarians who worked the Wyoming County Fair

Tunkhannock Welcomes 2 Exchange Students

At the Aug 17 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook, club members had the opportunity to welcome our first of 2 new exchange students Botond Batyky (called Boti), who is 16 and from Budapest, Hungary. In addition to his parents, he has 2 little brothers and a cat. His sport is water polo.

At the Aug 24 meeting, he indicated that he will try football as his first sport at Tunkhannock Area High School.

At the Aug 24 Rotary Luncheon, our newest exchange student Tanguy Verrier from France was welcomed by the Club. He is from a small town in the champagne region of France. The first sport he is trying at school will be cross-country.

Botond Batyky

Tanguy Verrier

Congratulations to Ron Furman

Congratulations to Tunkhannock Rotarian Ron Furman (left), who received his Paul Harris +4 pin from Club President Elaine Walker at the Aug 24 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook.

Taylor Finan Speaks at Aug 17 Luncheon

The guest speaker at the Aug 17 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook was Taylor Finan, President of the Tunkhannock Business Professional Association (TBPA). Taylor spoke about the activities of the TBPA, including June's Founder's Day, the Hometown Harvest Fest and Christmas in Our Hometown.

Taylor Finan

Rotarians Participate in Golf Tournament

On Aug 19, several Rotarians participated in the 25th Annual Kevin Kitchnefsky Foundation for Spinal Cord Research Golf Tournament at Stonehedge Golf Course in Tunkhannock.

Rotarians Laura Charles and Mary Tempest were on the lady's team and Peter Sehne was on the men's team. A great time was had by all and a very worthy cause was supported.

Shirley Fackler, Laura Charles, Mary Tempest and Sandy Flynn

Rotary & Friends Support Operation Smile

Every year, Tunkhannock Rotarian John Hovan has spearheaded the collection of money from Rotarians, family and friends to help support the mission of Operation Smile. Operation Smile operates in more than 60 countries “to heal children’s smiles and transform lives across the globe”. Many of these children are suffering with cleft lips and cleft palates.

This year, enough money was collected to provide surgeries to 186 children to correct their facial defects.

Natalie Bolcavage Speaks on RYLA Experience

The guest speaker at the Aug 3 Rotary Luncheon was Natalie Eve Bolcavage, a student at TAHS, who attended the 2023 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards conference at Keystone College June 25 to 29. She thanked the Club for sponsoring her.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Award conference (RYLA) is a program for High School Sophomores who have shown leadership potential in their home, school, and community. The conference is designed to introduce participants to thoughts and ideas which if utilized, will strengthen and develop their leadership skills.

Natalie summarized her experience in this way: "I met so many wonderful people that will remain lifelong friends. It was one of the best experiences. I am very grateful for RYLA and Tunkhannock Rotary to be able to attend such an amazing event. Thank you!!"

Natalie Bolcavage

Fishing Event at Ron's Pond

On Sat. morning July 15, Tunkhannock Rotarians and their families, who were fishing afficionados met at Ron Furman's pond to enjoy a morning of fellowship and fishing. A great time was had by all.

DG Samantha Maruzzelli Spoke at July 13 Meeting

The speaker at the July 13 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook was District Governor Samantha Maruzzelli. DG Sam highly recommended that members get involved in District Events and increase membership in our clubs.

This year's theme is Create Hope in the World and includes working on mental health issues. The District will be developing ideas and programs to help improve mental health services in the District and break the stigma around mental health. The hope is to help make it easier for people to get help and maintain that help.

She also encouraged clubs to collaborate and share fellowship. Samantha pointed out that communication is very important and that members should read the District Newsletters and website. She also encouraged clubs to post on Facebook and share postings from other Rotary clubs.

District 7410 Governor Samantha Maruzzelli

Club Year End Awards

At the End of Year Rotary Banquet on July 6 at Shadowbrook, outgoing President Mike Markovitz announced the awards to deserving members. The President’s Award went to Dave Wilson for his work with the Interact Club and to Jennifer Williamson for her fundraising and sponsorship recruitment efforts for Club Events.

Dave Wilson with Pres. Mike

Service Above Self awards were presented to Judy and Scott Walburn for working with the Feed the Future Program and providing shoes to those in great need in Mexico.

Judy and Scott Walburn with Pres. Mike

The Distinguished Service Award went to Don Davis who has been a key component in organizing the Club Essay Contest, Fireworks Celebration, and one of the most time-consuming tasks, the Rotary Relays.

Don Davis

The Tunkhannock Rotarian of the Year was Mary Tempest, fresh from her win as District 7410 Rotarian of the Year. Mary has been ALL-IN when it comes to participating in all club events and activities, been a true mentor, a listener when needed, and a leader. She also has been organizing Food Drives, working on Membership Growth Ideas, working with District events, taking on more responsibilities in the District, even her personal Facebook page has more items promoting the club and the district / events than her own personal accomplishments.

Mary Tempest with Pres. Mike

Congratulations to all the deserving award winners1

Elaine Walker Installed as Club President

At the end of each Rotary year (e.g. July 2022-June 2023), the Tunkhannock Rotary holds a celebration to mark the year end awards to members and the installation of the new Officers and. Directors. This year’s celebration took place on Thursday, July 6 at Shadowbrook Resort.

Outgoing President Mike Markovitz thanked the club, officers and directors for supporting his 2nd term as President.

Then New District Governor and Tunkhannock Rotarian Samantha Maruzzelli installed Elaine Walker as Club President. She also then swore in the other Officers and Directors: President Elect Ann Way, Vice President Mary Tempest, Executive Secretary/Director Jill Tague, Co-Secretary Sandy Lane, Treasurer Laura Charles, Immediate Past President Michael Markovitz and Directors Dave Wilson, Terri Detrick, Scott Walburn, John Proctor, Francine Kanyok, Ryan Visneski, and Samantha Maruzzelli.

President Elaine's goals for her term include:

1) Increase membership

2) Improve attendance at meetings

3) Have an active mentorship program for new members

4) Have more hands-on projects so we can better know the needs of our community.

Tunkhannock Rotary President Elaine Walker (2023-2024)

Tunkhannock Rotary Officers and Directors

Samantha Maruzzelli Installed as District Governor

Every July 1^st, Rotary Districts change their District Governors (DG) at a Banner Exchange, which this year was held on Saturday, July 1 at Creekside Gardens in Tunkhannock. For this Rotary year 2023-2024, Tunkhannock’s Samantha Maruzzelli was sworn in as the new District 7410 Governor by Past District Governor Mary Ellen Bentler. After a 20 year gap, Samantha is the fourth Tunkhannock Rotarian over the 98 year history of the Club to serve as DG, joining the distinguished company of Frank Dolbear (1953-54), Otto Keil Jr. (1986-87) and David L. Whipple (2002-03).

District Governor Samantha Maruzzelli

District Rotarian of the Year Mary Tempest

Tunkhannock Rotary, not only celebrated Samantha Maruzzelli’s installation as District Governor at the Banner Exchange at Creekside Gardens on July 1, but one of its own, Mary Tempest, was named District 7410 Rotarian of the Year. Mary, who took over from Samantha as Chair of the District 7410 Membership Committee, has also been active in the organization of District social and other events over the last 2 years and is chair of the Club’s Membership and co-chair of the RYLA Committee as well as, serving on other Club Committees.

Mary Tempest, District 7410 Rotarian of the Year

Rotary Supports Patriot's Cove

On Wednesday, June 28, Members of Tunkhannock Rotary visited Patriot’s Cove in Noxen, where they presented a check for $1,000 to support the Cove’s efforts to help veterans, first responders and their caregivers to heal and adapt to life after service.

L to R: Scott Walburn, Laura Charles, Jeff Swire (Co-founder & President of Patriot’s Cove), John Proctor, Ann Way, Sandy Lane and Club President-elect Elaine Walker.

Rotary at Founder's Day

Members of the Tunkhannock Rotary manned a booth at the Tunkhannock Founder’s Day on Sat. June 24, 2023. In addition to the new brochure the club has produced to help explain Rotary and summarize major programs of the Tunkhannock Club, posters were displayed to remind people about Tunkhannock Rotary’s July 3^rd Fireworks display at the Tunkhannock High School Athletic Field with music by PopStar Drive from 7 to 9:30 PM.

Information was also available on the Oct 14 Harvest and Wine Festival at Lazy Brook Park. Tickets for the Festival were available for sale at the booth, although online and local vendor ticket sales will not commence until Aug 14.

Passing of Rotarian Fran Turner

It is with great sadness and the highest respect for his great accomplishments in life that we announce the passing this past weekend of our oldest Member of the Tunkhannock Rotary, Francis (Fran) C. Turner, at the grand old age of 104 years. Fran joined Rotary on August 1, 1950. He spent nearly half of his life as a Tunkhannock Rotary Member, serving as Club Secretary for a record 25 years, and will be sorely missed by all.

Fran was the last of our Club's World War II veterans and will be buried with full military honors at Fort Indiantown Gap on Thursday - 6/29/2023 at 1 pm EST.

Rest in Peace our Dearest Friend! You will be missed by all!

Francis C Turner

Angelo Maruzzelli Speaks at Jun 15 Luncheon

Angelo Maruzzelli was a recent guest speaker at Tunkhannock Rotary. Angelo is the grandson of Past President Al Noble and son of Past President and District 7410 Governor Elect Samantha Maruzzelli. He was raised as part of the bigger Rotary Family. Angelo participated in RYLA as both a student and counselor and was president of the Tunkhannock Interact Club.

Both Angelo and his farther Chris are fabulous musicians and singers playing with local bands. Angelo was asked to join the band Cold, who has a large following due to their music albums, as a guitarist and backup singer for their 3-month tour to 53 cities across the U.S. Angelo spoke about the trials, tribulations and highs of living for most of 3 months on a tour bus performing at both large festivals and smaller venues.

Angelo Maruzzelli

George Day - Multiple Paul Harris Fellow

At the June 15 Rotary Luncheon at Shadowbrook, District 7410 Governor Elect and Club Foundation Chair, Samantha Maruzzelli, presented George Gay with his Paul Harris +7 Pin for his cumulative donations to the Rotary Foundation.

Club Foundation Chair Samantha Maruzzelli with George Gay

Logan Zdaniewicz Accepts Donation

At the June 15 Rotary meeting, Past President Ann Way (right) presented a check for $500 to Logan Zdaniewicz to help with his Eagle Scout Project to build an outdoor sports court at Lazy Brook Park. The tiled court would be for volleyball, pickle ball and tennis play with a height adjustable net.

Club Bids Farewell to Mark Holovacs

At the June 8 Rotary Luncheon, Tunkhannock Rotarians got the opportunity to say goodbye and best wishes for the future to exchange student Mark Holovacs from Budapest, Hungary. As a parting gift, Mark received a copy of a photo book on Pennsylvania that was signed by many of the Club Rotarians.

L to R: Pres. Mike Markovitz and Mark Holovacs with Interact Advisors Laura Charles and Dave Wilson

Wyoming County Community Health Foundation

At the June 1 Rotary Luncheon, our guest speaker was Shealynn Shave, the Executive Director of the Wyoming County Community Health Foundation (WCCHF). Shealynn spoke about the origins of the Foundation as a spin off from Tyler Hospital and the mission of the Foundation to help support health care and related programs in Wyoming and surrounding Counties.

Through a grant review process, the WCCHF solicits health related grant applications twice per year with a suggested maximum request of $5,000 per grant. However, under special conditions, larger grants have been awarded as was done for personal protection equipment for the local ambulance services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

An annual golf tournament is the chief fundraising event for the Foundation with a portion of the profits earmarked for a special program each year. Donations from the public are also gratefully accepted.

Shealynn Shave with Pres. Mike Markovitz

2023-2024 Rotary Theme

RI President Gordon R. McInally calls for Rotary to create hope in the world by working for peace and mental wellbeing. He urges members to engage in tough conversations and earn the trust that’s necessary to realize these values.

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Service Above Self

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