2025 Cape May County Distinguished Citizens Award Reception Program Book
Patrick Rosenello Mayor of North Wildwood
Rita Rothberg
County Clerk of Cape May County
HONOREES
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Cape May County Distinguished Citizens Awards Reception. Tonight, we celebrate leadership, service, and the spirit of a community that shows up for young people. It is a privilege to recognize our honorees, Patrick Rosenello and Rita Rothberg, for the example they set in Cape May County. Their dedication mirrors the values at the heart of Scouting: character, citizenship, leadership. Because of supporters like you, more youth across southern New Jersey discover the outdoors, lead service projects, learn new skills, and grow in confidence.
Thank you to our generous sponsors, advertisers, patrons, and donors whose commitment makes this evening possible. I am also grateful to our committee for their hard work to make tonight a success. A special thank-you to our Scouts who are here to greet you and share the impact of your support.
As you enjoy the program, I invite you to continue investing in our youth. Your contributions help deliver a high-quality Scouting experience to even more families in our community.
On behalf of the Garden State Council and our event committee, thank you for joining us and for all you do for Scouting. Please enjoy the evening, congratulate our honorees, and take pride in the difference you are making for the next generation.
With appreciation,
David Beyel, Committee Chair Owner, Boulevard Super Liquors
Scouting America is the nation’s leading youth development movement, empowering young people to be Prepared. For Life.® through character building, leadership development, and community service. With more than one million youth members and hundreds of thousands of adult volunteers nationwide, Scouting instills values of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, and citizenship that last a lifetime.
The Garden State Council, chartered by Scouting America, serves thousands of youth across Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties. Through programs like Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Exploring, young people experience hands-on learning, outdoor adventure, and opportunities to lead and serve their communities.
Scouting thrives through a partnership of volunteers, families, donors, and community leaders. While volunteers give their time and skills to deliver the program, community support sustains the infrastructure that keeps Scouting safe, welcoming, and accessible. Donations fund training, camp operations, outreach, and camperships, helping recruit new members and provide every youth the chance to grow in confidence, leadership, and service across South Jersey.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Scouting America Garden State Council is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
THE SCOUT OATH
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my Country and To obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
THE SCOUT LAW
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
THE SCOUT MOTTO
Be Prepared.
PROGRAM
Master of Ceremonies
John Lynch, Director of Sales & Entertainment, Wildwoods Convention Center
The Color Guard
Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath and Law
Troop 1065, Middle Township Volunteer Fire Company
Troop 1073, West Cape May Fire Company
Troop 1076, Veterans Of Foreign Wars
Sea Isle City Memorial Post
Troop 1079, Seaville Fire & Rescue Inc
What Scouting Means to Me
Austin Jenkins
Scouts BSA, Troop 65
ScoutReach Video
Campership Appeal
David Beyel, Committee Chair, Owner, Boulevard Super Liquors
Dinner Served
Message from the Council’s
Immediate Past President
Debra S. Rosen, Esq, Partner, Archer & Greiner PC
Recognitions
David Beyel
Distinguished Citizens Award Presentation
Patrick Rosenello, Mayor of North Wildwood
Presented By: Jodie DiEduardo
Rita Rothberg, Cape May County Clerk
Presented By: Antwan McClennan
Closing Remarks
Patrick Linfors, Scout Executive, Garden State Council
Austin Jenkins graduated from Middle Township High School in 2024 and is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at Atlantic Cape Community College. He enjoys comic books, music, fishing, the outdoors, video games, and spending time with friends and family.
Austin was involved in Scouting for about eight years and went on many trips with Troop 65. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and celebrated his Eagle Scout Court of Honor this past August alongside several fellow Scouts from his troop. His favorite camps were Cavagnaro and Rodney, with Rodney being the summer camp where he gained much of his leadership experience.
Although he did not begin as a Cub Scout, Austin entered the Scouting program as a youth and found the experience deeply meaningful. He is very proud of the younger Scouts in his troop and hopes to one day give back to the program that shaped him.
As Austin reflects, Scouting taught me how to be a citizen and gave me the tools to thrive in a respectful and decent society. “
The award presented this evening is a miniature replica of The Ideal Scout, a bronze statue sculpted in 1915 by Dr. R. Tait McKenzie, a longtime member of the Philadelphia Boy Scouts Executive Board. Created to represent the spirit and character of an “ideal” Scout, the figure symbolizes reverence, truthfulness, integrity, and service—qualities that define both Scouting and strong civic leadership. Today, many councils across the country present this iconic award at events like the Distinguished Citizens Award Reception, often referring to it as the “Good Scout” or “Distinguished Citizen” award. While honorees may not have a personal Scouting background, they are selected for their outstanding example of leadership, service, and commitment to the values that Scouting works to instill in young people.
The Ideal Scout statue, a timeless symbol of Scouting values, stands proudly outside the Garden State Council Scout Shop.
Pictured:
Patrick Rosenello Mayor of North Wildwood
Mayor Patrick Rosenello was born in 1972 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and moved with his family to North Wildwood, New Jersey, in 1977. He is the eighth of nine children of the late Joseph Rosenello and Mary Conway Rosenello.
Mayor Rosenello is a proud graduate of St. Ann’s Grade School and Wildwood Catholic High School. He earned a degree in American Government from the Catholic University of America in 1995. Following graduation, he began his public service career in Washington, D.C., serving as a Legislative Aide and Deputy Communications Director for U.S. Congresswoman Sue Kelly. He later returned to New Jersey to serve as Communications Director for State Senator Nick Asselta. His career in local government began with a term on the North Wildwood School Board. In 2004, he was elected to the North Wildwood City Council, where he served for a decade, including nine years as Council President. On January 7, 2014, he was sworn in as Mayor of North Wildwood and is currently serving his third four-year term.
Mayor Rosenello has been recognized for his proactive leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for his early efforts to safely reopen businesses— many of which served as models adopted statewide. A vocal and passionate advocate for coastal preservation, Mayor Rosenello has garnered national media attention for his firm stance on sustainable shore protection policies. His willingness to engage candidly with governors from both parties has solidified his reputation as a leading voice for the Jersey Shore.
Beyond his elected role, Mayor Rosenello has contributed to numerous community organizations. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Wildwood Little League, as Chairperson of the Wildwood Catholic Advisory Council, and as a member of the boards of the Naval Air Station Wildwood, the Cape May County Bridge Commission, and the Cape May County Open Space Board. In 2024, he was honored as a member of the inaugural Hall of Fame class at Wildwood Catholic High School.
In addition to his public service, Patrick is a successful entrepreneur with deep roots in South Jersey’s business community. He owns and operates a commercial property management company and is a partner in a group that manages a portfolio of commercial properties and restaurants throughout the region. Among the most notable assets under his management are the iconic Wildwoods Boardwalk Sightseer Tram Cars—an enduring symbol of the Jersey Shore experience—and Byrne Plaza, a vibrant event venue that has played a key role in the revitalization of downtown Wildwood.
Patrick has been married to his wife, Michelle, since 2002. Together, they are the proud parents of three sons.
Rita Rothberg
County Clerk of Cape May County
Rita Rothberg (formerly Fulginiti) has worked in the Cape May County Clerk’s Office since 1985 and was first elected County Clerk in 2005.
During the summer of 1977, at age 16, she applied for a U.S. passport at the County Clerk’s Office and discovered it to be a place of important recordkeeping, history, and tradition. From that moment, she aspired to work in the Clerk’s Office and one day lead it as County Clerk.
As County Clerk, she oversees the recording of real estate transactions, maintains an archive of land and civil records dating back to 1692, serves as an election official, administers oaths, acts as a U.S. passport agent, and has officiated more than 2,100 marriage ceremonies. Additionally, she serves as County Adjuster, a human services role in which she oversees court commitments of psychiatric patients and the burial of indigent citizens.
In 2007, Rita received the PARIS (Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support Program) Grants Award for Excellence from the New Jersey Secretary of State and the Archivist of the United States for her leadership in establishing the County’s Records Recovery Center for Electronic Records.
Rita serves on the boards of Cape May MAC, the Woodbine Developmental Center, and the Union League of Cape May County. She also chairs the Cape Women’s Resource Fund, Inc., which promotes the achievements of women.
She holds an A.A. from Atlantic Cape Community College and has earned the New Jersey Department of Personnel’s Certified Public Manager designation.
Rita grew up in North Wildwood and has lived in Wildwood, Ocean City, and Middle Township. After 30 years of marriage to Anthony Fulginiti, she was widowed in 2017. On November 5, 2018, while delivering Vote-by-Mail ballots to voters with special needs, she met Michael Rothberg, who was also widowed in 2017. Rita and Michael married in 2019 and live in Dennis Township with their beloved pets—Izmir (Kangal Shepherd), Beverly (King Charles Spaniel), and Wewe (Singapura cat).
Rita enjoys attending Eagle Court of Honor ceremonies, cooking, and organic gardening.
2006 Jeff Van Drew
2007 Daniel Beyel
2008 Thomas Tower* 2009 Will Morey 2009 Jack Morey 2010 Charlie Pessagno
2011 William Kindle
2011 Leonard Desiderio 2012 Douglas Heun
2012 Veronica Town
2013 Jerry Reeves
2013 Scott Halliday
2014 Jay Ford
2014 Brian Broadley
2015 Alan Gould 2015 Joyce Gould 2015 Dave Beyel 2015 John Lynch
Jay A. Gillian
The Mullock Family
Brendan Sciarra *Deceased Recipient
David “Dave” Beyel, Sr.
David “Dave” Beyel, Sr. is a dedicated community leader, successful business owner, and proud Eagle Scout whose lifelong commitment to service embodies the values of Scouting. A recipient of the 2015 Cape May County Distinguished Citizens Award, Dave now serves as Chair of the event’s committee for the Garden State Council, helping to honor others who demonstrate outstanding leadership and civic engagement.
As owner of Boulevard Super Liquors in Marmora—a fourthgeneration family business founded in 1938—Dave has long upheld his family’s legacy of entrepreneurship and community service. Beyond his professional success, he has devoted more than 30 years of volunteer leadership to Shore Medical Center, where he currently serves as Chair of the Board, guiding the hospital’s growth and commitment to compassionate care. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for 1st Bank of Sea Isle City and an active volunteer with Jersey Cape, supporting regional workforce and community development initiatives.
Dave’s deep roots in Cape May County, combined with his dedication to service, reflect the true spirit of Scouting and the impact of a life devoted to community, leadership, and integrity.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
ABOUT THE COMMITTEE
The Cape May County Distinguished Citizens Awards Committee is a dedicated group of community leaders committed to advancing the mission of Scouting in South Jersey. Through their time, outreach, and generosity, committee members help secure sponsors, engage community support and ensure the success of this annual celebration. Their efforts directly benefit the youth served by Scouting America Garden State Council.
MEMBERS
Maryann Adams~ President, Avalon Flooring
Joseph Cleary CFO, Morey’s Piers
Tammy Garrison Director of Sales, South Jersey Gas
Scott Halliday, Sr.~ Owner & President, Halliday Leonard General Contractors
Scott Halliday, Jr. Halliday Leonard General Contractors
Douglas Heuhn~ Partner, Friedman LLP
Javier Juarez
Patrick McMahon~ McMahon Agency
Jason Miller Founder & Sr. Wealth Manager, JWM Wealth Management
William Oakley Morey’s Piers
Martin and Lynda Pagliughi~ Longtime NJ Public Servants
Larry Schmidt~ President & CEO, 1st Bank of Sea Isle
Jackson Sole Cape May Winery
Rick Wright Partner, MBI
COUNCIL STAFF
Osprey District Director, Garden State Council
Deanna Keough Development Director, Garden State Council
Patrick Linfors Scout Executive, Garden State Council
~Past Honoree
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
BRONZE FIRST CLASS SPONSORS
1st Bank of Sea Isle City Borough of Avalon
Crest Savings Bank
Ford, Scott, & Associates LLC
Halliday & Leonard General Contractors
J. Byrne Agency, Inc.
Marsh McLennan Agency LLC
McMahon Agency
Rosenello’s Windows, Siding & Roofing
South Jersey Gas
The First National Bank of Elmer
PREMIER EAGLE SPONSOR
GOLD LIFE SPONSORS
SILVER STAR SPONSORS
Alan I. Gould, PC
Anchor Insurance Agency, Inc.
Azeez Foundation
Blaney, Donohue & Weinberg, PC
Boardwalk S.I.D. Management Company
Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning
Design Land Surveying PA
Done Rite Construction Inc.
Greater Wildwood Jaycees
Guzzo Stucco
Halliday Architects
JR Drywall Construction
Kramer Beverage Company
Margaret Clark
Mariner’s Arcade
Mark Haas
Post to Post, LLC
The John F. Scarpa Foundation
The Lobster House
Patrick Rosenello and Rita Rothberg
Investing in Character and Leadership
Borough of Avalon
Providing Professional Accounting, Auditing and Tax Services Since 1923
1535 Haven Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
P: 609-399-6333, F: 609-399-3710
Leon P. Costello, C.P.A., R.M.A., L.P.S.A.
Michael S. Garcia, C.P.A., R.M.A., L.P.S.A.
John A. Sabella, C.P.A., M.S.T.
Monica Brunetti, C.P.A.
Harvey Cocozza, C.P.A., R.M.A., L.P.S.A.
Nancy Sbrolla, C.P.A., R.M.A., L.P.S.A.
Municipal | School Districts | Not for Profit | Corporate Tax Management Advisory Service | Financial Consulting
CONGRATULATIONS
to Rita Rothberg and Patrick Rosenello
on being named the Garden State Council’s 2025 Cape May County Distinguished Citizen!
Helping Build Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
Congratulations
Patrick Rosenello and Rita Rothberg
2025 Cape May County
Distinguished Citizens
SCOUT SPIRIT IN ACTION
This summer, seven-year-old Wolf Scout AJ from Crossroads Pack 811 demonstrated remarkable bravery and calm under pressure when his babysitter suddenly had a seizure.
Instead of panicking, AJ immediately called his parents for help, comforted his younger brother, and stayed by his babysitter’s side until she recovered.
Moments like this show the true impact of Scouting—teaching young people practical skills, courage, and the confidence to act when it matters most. AJ’s quick thinking, kindness, and sense of duty embody the Scout Oath—to help other people at all times—and the Scout Law—to be trustworthy, helpful, brave, and kind.
We are incredibly proud of AJ for living out the spirit of Scouting in such a meaningful way. His story is a powerful reminder that the lessons learned in Scouting prepare youth to make a difference every day.
EXPLORING, LEARNING, AND GROWING TOGETHER
Family Pack 3064 kicked off the fall with an exciting adventure at Edelman Fossil Park and Museum in Sewell, New Jersey, welcoming many new Scouts and families along the way.
Scouts explored the museum, learning about dinosaurs from the Cretaceous Period, examining real rock and fossil samples from around the world (including some from right here in Sewell), and even meeting the park’s friendly mascot, TerryDactyl.
After a tasty snack, everyone gathered to see live animals, listen to a story about our planet, and discover how natural resources help us thrive.
Experiences like these capture the heart of Scouting—encouraging curiosity, inspiring discovery, and helping youth build confidence, character, and a lifelong love of learning. A day filled with exploration, connection, and Scout Spirit!
