The Rotary Club of Wicomico County is pleased to welcome to its Tuesday, March 12th meeting Circuit Court Judge Matt Maciarello. Matt will speak about the Doverdale Lacrosse program and the partnership it has formed in our community.
In the spring of 2017, Doverdale Park became the home of the newly founded Doverdale lacrosse program. Created by former Wicomico County State’s Attorney and current Circuit Court Judge Matt Maciarello, the group was formed to keep kids off the streets and introduce them to a new sport. Each Tuesday and Thursday from March to May, Maciarello and several law enforcement officials and community members would bring sticks, balls and lacrosse equipment to the park, hoping to garner some interest among the Doverdale youth.
The program had taken years to develop, but with support from elected officials, county employees and police officers, the judge’s dream finally became a reality. “The kids are really enjoying themselves, they’re learning through sport, and this is a valued lacrosse program,” Maciarello said. “We’re teaching them more than lacrosse — it’s all about leadership, it’s all about character, it’s all about ethics and it’s about family.”
A year later, the Doverdale Hawks were back for their second season, bringing several new additions to the community-funded program. With an increase in numbers and now girls trying their luck in lacrosse, the Doverdale Hawks have become Wicomico’s latest success story in the goal to show commitment toward youth sports.
“It’s just continuing to grow,” said Barbara Duncan, Salisbury’s Police Chief. “It’s really inspiring, and it’s inspiring for kids knowing they have people who are out there rooting for them. When you’re able to instill a positive goal in a kid … you know they’re going to meet it.”
With the help of Chief Barbara Duncan, Board of Education employee Mark Thompson, Wicomico County Recreation Superintendent Andy Kitzrow, County Executive Bob Culver, Salisbury Mayor Jake Day, Acting State’s Attorney Ella Disharoon and countless police officers and volunteers, the Doverdale Hawks were officially part of the community.
Annually, The Rotary Club of Wicomico County contributes over $50,000 back into our community through the support of agencies and causes including: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, scholarships for local high school and college students, The Christian Shelter, RYLA, Easter Seals Camp Fairlee, Polio Eradication (Global), Fruitland Community Center, HALO, Wicomico County Library, the construction of wheel chair ramps and much more.
The Rotary Club of Wicomico County meets every Tuesday at noon in the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center at 500 Glen Avenue in Salisbury. To learn more about the Rotary Club of Wicomico County or to obtain membership information, please contact Gary Stiegler, Membership Chair at jgstiegler2477@comcast.net or visit the club’s website at www.wicomicorotary.com.
