From Humble Beginnings to a Modern Hub: The Story of CHEER at Long Neck
The history of the Long Neck CHEER Center is a testament to growth and community, beginning in the 1,600-square-foot community room of the Oak Orchard Community Church. Here, a group of dedicated individuals fostered a place of fellowship and support, a foundation that would eventually blossom into the vibrant center it is today.
In 1980, under the direction of Pauline Worthington, the center was already a place of lively exchange. A notice in the paper described a monthly “Birthday Meal” where members enjoyed conversation, ice cream, and cake, and were even serenaded by a State Trooper who was a son of evangelists. The center’s early years were characterized by a focus on essential services and community building, with calls for Meals On Wheels drivers in 1985 and the offering of AARP Safe Driver training in 1988.
By the early 1990s, the center was expanding its offerings to include craft classes, a travel club, and trips to see theatrical performances. The spirit of volunteerism was exemplified by Marion Lessig, who was named volunteer of the year in 1993 for donating an astonishing 2,603 hours to the center. For over a decade, she and her husband cooked meals, organized sales, and tended a large vegetable garden, proving that a small group of people could make a huge difference.
A New Chapter
By 2004, the center had outgrown its space. The solution was the opening of a beautiful new 8,200-square-foot facility on May 19, 2005. The new location, directed by Meg Smith, was five times larger and offered a wide range of new amenities, including a fitness club, medical exam rooms, a choir, and a bunko club. The new center was an immediate success, serving up to 80 lunches a day and delivering another 80 meals to homebound clients. “We have new faces every day,” said Cliff Toomey, assistant nutrition program director. “And that’s a good thing.”
That same year, a collaboration with the Rehoboth Beach Film Society launched the monthly Screen Cuisine program, which combined a movie with a meal. The first event, featuring the film “Chicago,” drew 75 people and was met with rave reviews.
Health, Wellness, and Continued Growth
In recent years, the Long Neck CHEER Center has continued to evolve into a hub for health and wellness. On May 10, 2019, the La Red Health Center clinic opened at the Pelican Cove Activity Center, marking the second stage of a partnership to make healthcare more accessible in Sussex County. The clinic offers health screenings and treatment for acute illnesses, bringing vital services directly to the community.
The center’s commitment to growth was further solidified in March 2020 with the purchase of an additional 1,800 square feet in the shopping center. Like all other CHEER locations, the Long Neck center had to suspend in-person activities due to the coronavirus pandemic, but members and staff relied on phone and email to stay connected.
Now, with the “all clear” sounded, the center is more vibrant than ever. Its calendar is packed with activities promoting healthy living, from Tai Chi and Zumba to social events like Mahjong and Table Tennis. With a full schedule of day trips, parties, and restaurant outings, the Long Neck CHEER Center has become a truly active and essential part of the community, a place where people can find both support and fun..