Concluding November's General Needs Veterans Drive…
Concluding our November General Needs Veteran's Drive with the delivery of four (4) cartloads of donations and a check for $1,000. General Needs volunteers. (l. to r.) Volunteers with Lonnie Sherman-Founder, Teri Fallon, and Jonathan Pryor. |
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Rotarians Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the International Peace Pole Movement
The Rotary Club of Sayville celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Pole Movement. This project was started 50 years ago on November 22nd by Rotary International as part of its peace and conflict resolution area of focus. |
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2025 Bring A Veteran to Lunch! |
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Welcoming our Newest Rotarians! |
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Beefsteak 2025 Thank you!
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Now, a succinct Sayville Rotary sign at the parkPosted Story by Linda Leuzzi Suffolk County News Most people who attend Rotary Park on Gillette Avenue for a quick visit, concert, or event, aren’t cognizant of its historical origins. Former Sayville Rotary president Carolyn Leyboldt, who just stepped down, wanted to ensure there was a sign that pointed to its formation… |
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Save The Bay Oyster ProjectOn summer Saturday mornings, Sayville Rotarians join with volunteer members of the Sayville Yacht Club, to clean, count and lower oysters back into the water to continue growing for the summer. In Fall, with the help of the Cornell Cooperative scientists, the mature oysters are added to the Great South Bay to help naturally clean the water! This is our third year supporting this valuable project.
daughter, Lucy Baldwin learns to count with help of dedicated Rotarians |
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Summer LunchBox ProgramOnce again, with the help of Rotarian Jonathan Pryer, the Sayville Library and Teens from Sayville Schools, we were able to begin our Summer Lunchbox Program. We aim to provide kid-friendly lunches to students who receive free lunch when school is in session, but who could use some extra lunch foods during summer vacation time. Four times during July and August, Sayville Rotary members shop for supplies. Students then help pack 25 cartons of food, twice a month, to be distributed to families through the Sayville Food Pantry. It’s a win-win for all:)
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Rotary Day of Service
This year, the Sayville Rotary Club proudly partnered with Sayville High School for a meaningful community initiative during the school’s annual Service Day. Together, they transformed plain trash cans into vibrant, hand-painted works of art, ready to be placed at The Common Ground at Rotary Park. The project not only beautifies the park but also highlights the power of community collaboration and student involvement in service.
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The Rollstone Foundation honors Linda and Vinny Leuzzi |
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405 Pairs of Gently Used Shoes Collected! |
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Last Chance Animal Rescue
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Rotary of Sayville supports Los Angeles RotaryThe Rotary Club of Sayville is proud to support the Los Angeles Rotary Club, in District 5280, with a $2,000 donation to assist the community impacted by the devastating fires. Pictured here, Mike D., Rotarian from Sayville presents the check, demonstrating our commitment to helping those in need during this challenging time.  |
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Sayville Rotary Holiday Parade Float!Thank you to everyone who built this year's float, for our Oyster Project theme! Special thanks to Rotarian George Larson, of Larson's Christmas Trees in Oakdale Shopping center, Montauk Highway. Enjoy our short video!    |
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Sayville Rotary Oyster Project End of Season!Another fun filled and successful Oyster season for the Sayville Rotary Club comes to an end. Dave Fallon, Kaitlyn and Drew Baldwin are pictured here in Islip relocating the oysters from the Sayville Yacht Club. The oysters are now in their forever home in the bay. We will be seeding new oysters in the spring and hope you can all spread the word to help volunteer with us next season!
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Our Oyster Project |
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World Polio Day Oct. 24th - What does the work of polio eradication entail?Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two (2) countries to date that are still reporting new ases, although Gaza had a small outbreak a few weeks ago. October was Polio Plus Matching funds month. Thanks to Nick Wartella's collecting, Sayville Rotary raised $610 over the last four (4) meetings. Our Fundraising was matched to $1,200 to pass on to the District 7255, which will match those funds for a $2,400 donation to the Foundation's Polio Plus program. Thank you to all who participated in this worthwhile Rotary local to global project. Learn how Rotary-funded resource centers are supporting polio eradication efforts in Pakistan. |
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Sayville Rotary supports Pal-O-Mine Veterans Program! |
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Sayville Rotary Continues Tradition of Sponsoring Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Dinner
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Beefsteak Fundraiser Dinner 2024 The Sayville Rotary Club recently hosted their 74th annual beefsteak fundraiser dinner event - an evening filled with great food, excellent company, and a beautiful waterfront setting at the Long Island Maritime Museum on Thursday, Aug. 8th. Here are our fellow club members grilling the filet mignon for all attendees. |
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Our lunchbox summer program is in full swing!Take a look at our Lunchbox program in Action!
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2024 Rotary Club of Sayville Scholarship Winner! Today we had the pleasure of gifting $1,000 to Madeline Jensen, this year's Rotary Club of Sayville Scholarship Recipient. Madeline graduated from Bayport-Blue Point High School in May and will be attending Binghamton University in the Fall. Fellow Rotarians took the time to share advice, tips about their past College club, organization and work experiences that helped provide a path to success. One of the reasons Madeline was selected was her POV on service, stating "I believe that community service is not just something you do as a requirement--it is an outlet to better yourself and your community. Throughout my life, I have learned the value of connecting with community members of different backgrounds, lifestyles, and purposes. As high school comes to an end, my commitment to my community here on Long Island and my new college community will not diminish". Best Wishes on your fall semester Madeline!
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GiGi's Playhouse Mike Cirigliano, President and Karen Drago, Executive Director of Gigi's Playhouse visited Sayville Rotary for Thursday's lunch meeting. GiGi's Playhouse changes lives through the consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, through a replicable playhouse model. With a recent $1 million grant from Suffolk County and another $1 Million received through Congressman Andrew Garbarino (also a Rotarian), Gigi's is looking for a larger building in which to serve the community. Please visit their wonderful website to see all the amazing programs they have for children and (soon) adults with disabilities. We are lucky to have them! |
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Sayville Rotary supports the Naval Sea Cadet Program! (pictured l. to r.) Brendan McCurdy, Maureen Murphy, Gary Verticchio The Rotary Club of Sayville is proud to support the Naval Sea Cadet program, under Commander Gary Vertichio. Last week, at the evening fellowship meeting at the http://www.cullhouse.com, Sayville NY, Sayville Rotary presented a check for $2,000 to support the ongoing training of the Sea Cadets under Gary's direction. Brendan McCurdy, Sayville Rotarian, Past President, and incoming Vice President, has been volunteering these past years supporting the cadets with their pool training. We were delighted to have Maureen Murphy join us for the presentation. Maureen is the Gold Star Mother of Medal of Honor recipient Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy, the namesake of the museum and sea cadet training facility.
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Welcome Pojero Family Chiropractic! Rotary Club of Sayville welcomed Dr. Gabrielle and Dr. John Pojero as our guest speakers this week. Dr. Gabrielle took the floor to educate Sayville and the Ronkonkoma Rotarians during our joint lunch meeting. Gabrielle enlightened all and discussed the importance of achieving optimal health through natural chiropractic care, inclusive of the physical, social and mental well being. Located on Main Street in Sayville, John and Gabrielle have over 27 years experience taking care of families in the community, and especially our own Sal. Thank you for a wonderful presentation! https://www.pojerofamilychiropractic.com/about-us/  |
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District 7255 Conference in Scotland! Rotary Club of Sayville Members recently returned from our District 7255 Conference, this year held in Scotland. Pictured here: Rotary Club of Sayville President, Chris Imperato, in front of the famous Forth Bridge, in South Queensferry, with Neil McKinley, President of the South Queensferry Rotary Club . During the conference, when attendees learned of a Rotary project to provide desks for schools on Ukerewe Island in Lake Victoria, our District #7255 donated 152 desks for a total of $4,576. Our District also donated $5,000 to plant 1200 Rotary trees on Scotland’s coast, which was a clever climate-conscious project to offset the carbon emissions of their flights to and from Scotland. |
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Earth Day Clean-Up 2024 Rain or Shine was the call for Earth Day Clean-up on Saturday, April 20th. We had a great turnout from Sayville Rotarians! Thank you all so much for your time and effort to help keep our community clean! |
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Dogs and Mental Health! Today we welcomed two (2) guests from St. Joseph's University! (l. to r.) Amanda Sanford, Club Advisor for the newly formed Rotaract Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Patchogue and Guest Speaker Debra Zaech, Asst. Dean, L.M.S.W. and senior lecturer in Psychology, with Rotary President, Chris Imperato. In support of District Governor Tom Crowley and his initiative to destigmatize Mental Health, Debra brought a portion of her "Dogs and Mental Health" workshop to share with club members. This meeting focused on how a positive relationship with your dog can reduce anxiety and depression, and increase self-esteem. The discussion centered on how we know we are bonded with our dog and how we can increase the bond to reap the benefits of the relationship. Rotarians had the opportunity to fill out a stress scale and an anxiety scale, for themselves and for their dogs. Thank you Debra!
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The Bayport-Blue Point St. Patrick's Day Parade 2024! The sun was shining for this year's 2024 Bayport-Blue Point St. Patrick's Day Parade! The community turnout for the Parade was terrific!
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Congratulations to Sayville Rotarian Jonathan Pryor Congratulations to Jonathan Pryor, Sayville Rotarian, and Head of Sayville Library Outreach Program on his recent New York State outstanding Library Award! Jonathan, accompanied by Donna DiBerardino, Head of Youth Services, enthusiastically gave Rotarians a recent update on Sayville’s adapting and ever learning Library to meet Community members’ expectations. For Reference on the latest changes and updates, I have composed an amazing list to enjoy:
Thank you! |
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Welcome Arthur Kopleman, Ph.D! We had the pleasure of hearing from Arthur H. Kopelman, Ph.D. at Thursday's meeting. Arhur is president of Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island, a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, & Professor Emeritus of Science at SUNY-FIT, and a Lecturer (part-time) at SUNY Stony Brook, SoMAS. Arthur's current projects are Photo-ID of harbor seals at a haul-out site in Cupsogue Beach Park, Westhampton Beach NY,' and Photo-ID of fin and humpback whales in the waters off Montauk, NY, USA. We are so very lucky to have Arthur in our West Sayville Community and thank him for taking the time out of his day for his informative presentation. We encourage everyone to take the Seal Walk in the days ahead.
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What's in the Foreign Trade Zone? pictured l. to r. Rotary President Chris Imperato and Brad Hemingway, Executive Director, Town of Islip Foreign Trade Zone Authority The Town of Islip Foreign Trade Zone, also known as FTZ52, is a designated 52 acre area within the Town of Islip, New York, authorized by the United States government for specific trade-related activities. With the nicest sign on Vets Highway in Ronkonkoma, FTZ52 provides businesses situated within its boundaries incentives aimed at promoting international trade and competitiveness. We had the enjoyment hearing from speaker Brad Hemingway, the Executive Director of the TOI Foreign Trade Zone, who gave us the skinny. Brad said it has two (2) prongs: The first being an Economic Development Corp., whereby local and non-profit businesses are offered grants. In fact, 2 million federal dollars were distributed during the COVID pandemic to local American small business owners, as "small business is the fabric thread of our community".
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Sayville Rotary Welcomes Suffolk Counseling Services. |
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Sayville Rotary Goes Bowling with Splashes of Hope OrganizationThe Sayville Rotary "Big Lebowski" themed Bowling Fundraiser raised $5,700 partnered with Splashes of Hope organization. This was a truly unique event that entertained with gift baskets, 50/50 raffle donations along with a fun night of fellowship bowling. Can you pick out our "splashtastic" President, Chris Imperato, from the real "DUDE"? Thank you to all who supported this cause and can't wait to see that new splashmoble VAN! Please see the link below to Splashes of Hope updates. https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTg4MjIx     |
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Sayville Rotary and Sayville High Connect for Community Service Day! |
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Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
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District Food Drive Collection  Rotarians and friends of the Sayville Rotary Club came early and helped haul many needed Food Pantry items for the upcoming Holiday season and colder months. Many local patrons helped fill our baskets from supporting Stop N Shop stores in Holbrook and Sayville. Purchased food items also came from neighboring Target in Sayville. Sayville Rotary is challenging all the Rotary clubs in our district to a "Stock the Pantries Challenge", where all clubs are encourage to host a food drive/food collection around or on 11/1 and donate the food to their local food pantry. As always, Rotarians stepped up to serve! Thank you to the community for helping stock the food pantry! |
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Sayville Rotary Welcomes Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (Pictured L. to R.) Chris Clayton, Special Counsel to the District Attorney and Division Chief of the Special Investigations Division, John Lorenzo, Town of Islip Councilman, Chris Imperato, President of Sayville Rotary and Long Island Coin and Ray Tierney, Suffolk County's District Attorney. A Brown University Graduate, St. John’s Law School Graduate, and 27-year Prosecutor, District Attorney Ray Tierney came and spoke with The Sayville Rotarians about his initiatives. Gang and Gun Violence and the Opioid overdose crisis are top of mind in his office.
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The 2023 Oyster Project On a sunny October 11th, the Sayville Rotary clubbed wrapped up the 2023 Oyster Project by planting the oysters raised at the Sayville Yacht Club in a sanctuary off of East Islip. Working together with Cornell Cooperative Extension and Save the Great South Bay, 25ft3 of oysters were planted in two (2) reefs approximately 25 feet apart. The reefs are planted in uncertified waters which means that it is illegal to harvest shellfish growing there. Water certification depends on the water cleanliness and oysters are the most efficient and one of the heartier natural filters of water around Long Island. Over time, reefs built in uncertified waters will result in the improvement of water quality and the eventual certification of more of the bay. The goal is that as these reefs mature, they will work as spawner sanctuaries to help rebuild the native oyster population in the Great South Bay. Previous plantings in this area have resulted in oysters over 8 inches in length. |
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World Polio Day - October 24th 2023  |
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What a Great Day for a Pet Parade! On Saturday, Sept. 9th we held our annual Pet Parade down Main Street, with judging in Rotary Park. Thank you to the Cub Scouts pack 363 who provided water bowls for the pets, to the Sayville Pet Port for sponsoring the event, to Vanderbilt Quality Fence for graciously providing our fence rings every year, and to Last Chance Animal Rescue fo bringing pets looking for forever homes. Thank you to members of Sayville Rotary, and our supportive neighbors, for their participation and enthusiasm. See you again next year! Click through for more pictures!
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Rotary Welcomes Peter Fertig Peter Fertig, President and Founder of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation was our Luncheon speaker this week, September 14th. Peter, a fellow Rotarian from the Ronkonkoma club spoke about honoring our service members and how important it is teaching the legacy of the greatest generation to the youngest generation on the lessons of citizenship, service to one's country and sacrifice in times of great national need. Beginning in 2020, The Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation organized fundraising Walks and 5K Runs to increase awareness of Military Suicide Prevention and raise funds to educate our military children. Following is the flyer to Register and support these events. Visit online at www.actofvaloraward.org.  |
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 When you see a beautiful colored tile in the phlebotomy room where many children get their blood drawn, or when you see the painted mural in the Children's Hospital, think Splashes of Hope and founder Heather Buggée. A Huntington based 501 (c)3 non-for profit organization, Splashes of Hope is dedicated to creating art to transform spaces, enrich environments and facilitate children's healing process. The beautiful murals they paint on the walls of hospitals expand children's connections for conversation with each other, give them a distraction during their blood extractions, comforts and helps use their imaginations with other children during their hospital stay. Liz Schafer, Volunteer Coordinator and Studio Manger for Splashes of Hope gave the most inspiring presentation and what's next for Splashes of Hope. There is a valued connection between Splashes of Hope and the Rotary's four (4) Way Test
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Rotary Welcomes Paul Achenbach |
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 Sayville Rotary welcomed Ms. Sandra Peddie as our speaker this week, accompanied by fellow long time Newsday reporter, Mr. Rick Brand. A gal from Minnesota, don't ya know, found Long Island to be the "Garden of Delights" which was derived from all the varied stories she and Newsday covered. |
The Bayshore 100th Anniversary Gala took our weekly meeting spot last Thurday night. Everyone was grateful the AQI had dropped and we could enjoy a beautiful evening on the water at Captain Bill's in Bayshore
Sayville Rotarians and friends came out to support "Splashes of Hope" on their annual "Bay Cruise" fundraiser on Saturday. A Huntington based 501 (c)3 non-for profit organization, Splashes of Hope is dedicated to creating art to transform spaces, enrich environments and facilitate healing. Pictured is incoming sayville Rotary President, Chris Imperato and Splashes of Hope founder, Heather Buggée. A wonderful day had by all.
Our speaker 5/23/23 was Robert Vasiluth, founder and CEO of Save Environmental. Eel grass is one of our key habitats here on the south shore. The decrease in eelgrass has been occuring at an exponential rate chiefly due to the increasing presence of nitrogen and rising temperatures in the bay.
June 29, 2015 at Land's End
Posted by Sayville Rotary on Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program, Suffolk County United Veterans
John Cox gave an update on the Sayville Chamber of Commerce and the upcoming events in Sayville at our February 19th luncheon.
Speaker Alex Lopez, from Inclusive Sports & Fitness receives a donation of $200 from Sayville Rotary.
President Alina Rossi, new Sayville Rotary member Tom Homestead and Past District Governor Fred Notter
Sayville:Troy Artz; Connetquot: Thomas A. Stocker; Bayport-Blue Point: Arianna Roussis
Chestene Coverdale, new member Carolyn Villegas and Past President Shawn Weis
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DG Tony, President Alina and ADG Justin
Don H, Joe D, Mary Ann Sagritalo, speaker on "Living Well with Diabetes," Alina R, Vera E and other members of the Diabetes Wellness Center.
John Burke was the Rotary Veteran of the Month at our August 28 luncheon. CPL John Burke began active service in March 1940 and he continued through to October 1944. He was assigned to the 782nd Field Artillery Battalion (Company B). Stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, CPL Burke participated in the Alaskan Campaign and received the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, the American Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and one Battle Star. John Burke is a retired Air Conditioning Repairman.
Pictured (l to r): John St Lawrence, Fred Hinze, Steven Antonacci Post Commander, John Burke, Honoree, Gary Teel, Ray Tomich and Alina Rossi Rotary President
Henry Fiorillo, recent Rotarian and President of Friends Of The Grange, Alina Rossi Rotary Club of Sayville President, George Munknbeck, speaker on August 25, Karlyn Grasso & Frank Grasso
Henry Fiorillo and Karlyn Grasso present the check to Rotary President Alina Rossi
Charles Baack, a 98 years 'young' WWII Navy Veteran, was honored at the July 31 luncheon. Charlie has served in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary for the past 40 years and was a Charter Member of Sayville Flotilla 1‐7. He continues to perform duties at Coast Guard Station Fire Island. Congratulations Charlie!
Another successful Pet Parade took place on July 12, 2014. Thank you to all the Rotarians that help at the event and a special THANK YOU to Linda Stein, Nick Wartell and Allison Brown our event coordinators.
Please view more photos by Carolyn Leyboldt, Timothy Butler and a video by EJ and SmartScanMedia on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sayvillerotary
Helena Ederle was our guest speaker at our May 8 meeting.
Event sponsored in part by Brookhaven Hospital
Contact the Sayville Rotary Club at: alina@sayville.com or drop us a note at P.O. Box 34, Sayville, NY 11782. We'd love to hear from you!
Are you a visiting Rotarian? Come join us Thursday!
Interested in joining our club? Contact us for details about membership at alina@sayville.com. You'll be happy you did!
On July 10th, the Sayville Library had the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the new Native Garden, Pollinator space and Sayville Rotary donated Peace Pole. Peace Poles are 4- or 6-sided monuments inscribed with the message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth” on every side. On each side the same message is written in a different language.
