Serving the Smithtown Community since 1959

The Smithtown Rotary Club had the pleasure to have Pamela Greene and Mike Dawidziak from the Rollstone foundation as their guest speakers at a recent lunch at the Garden Grill in Smithtown

The Rollstone Foundation, based in Sayville, New York, is dedicated to helping orphaned children with special needs from countries around the world find permanent, loving families. For many of these children, serious medical or developmental conditions can make adoption extremely difficult, leaving them without the care and opportunities available to children in the United States.

" Adopting one child won't change the world but for that child the world will change"

The attached picture:  Pamela Greene, Mike Dawidziak and Smithtown Rotary Club President Ron Rothman

Upcoming Events
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AS A SPONSOR OR DONOR TO OUR CORNAMENT - CLICK ON THE PAYPAL LOGO OR USE THE QR CODE BELOW - THANK YOU !!

Smithtown Rotary Club welcomes Commack-Kings Park Rotarians David Ardem (left) and Steven Catalano (center) from Gift of Life Long Island.

Gift of Life Long Island is giving children with serious congenital heart defects a second chance at life. The organization arranges and funds lifesaving pediatric cardiac surgeries for children from low-income countries who cannot access adequate medical care.

 

Long Island Rotary clubs have been strong supporters of this mission, raising funds through events such as Gift of Life galas. Their efforts are a powerful example of Rotary's commitment to “Service Above Self”—helping children and families around the world, one heart at a time.

For more information go to https://www.giftoflifelongisland.org/

Antoinette DeGruccio and Lauren Stark joined us from the Warrior Ranch Foundation (www.warriorranchfoundation.org). The Warrior Ranch, veterans of the military as well as first-responders are invited to attend clinics and workshops where they learn from an expert how to work with horses in a number of capacities.
 
 
Taylor Kelly and Jet joined us from America's VetDogs (www.vetdogs.org). The service dog program of America’s VetDogs were created to provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to United States veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities, allowing them to once again live with pride and self-reliance. 
 
Proceeds from the upcoming Smithtown Rotary Cornament Fundraiser at Napper Tandy's (September 17) will benefit these two great charities
 
Pictured (L to R): Rotarian and Past President Linda Cherney, Taylor Kelly, Lauren Stark, Antoinette DeGruccio, Rotarian Lisa Lombardi, and Jet, who was a very good boy.
 
Smithtown Rotary club member Arline Goldstein reminded us of the importance of full body screenings as she honors her sister Linda and her challenges from melanoma.
Arline will be holding an on-line art auction of her paintings to raise money for cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering.  There will be a live event at the Knox School on August 29th. 
 
Diya and Inga from the Smithtown Robotics Club joined President Ron Rothman for a plaque presentation in recognition of the Club’s support. The Club is a long time proud supporter of the club and looks forward to another great year !
 
Club Executives & Directors
President
Ron Rothman
President Elect
Donna Napolitano
Treasurer
Glenn Williams
Secretary
Craig Novak
Community Service
Amaury Hernandez
Community Service
Russ von Frank
Vice President
Joe Bollhofer
Club Service
Herta Walsh
Membership
Donna Napolitano
Vocational Services
Ron Rothman
Public Relations
Adam Titterton
SMITHTOWN ROTARY WAS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE LEWIS-PALOOZA.  CONGRATULATIONS FOR A GREAT EVENT !
 
Julia D'Andrea from Hofstra Global Medical Brigades Club (https://fundraise.globalbrigades.org/.../hofstra-university). Julia is a member of the Rotary Youth Leadership Association ("RYLA") and is currently studying at Hofstra to become a physician's assistant. Along with ten other students, the Brigade provides a supporting role to physicians and medical providers in underserved areas of the globe. This year, the students are traveling to Guatemala to provide much needed medical care and training in nutrition and preventive medicine.
The Smithtown Rotary Club is a proud sponsor The Big Brothers Big Sisters walk 
 

Smithtown Rotary Members Visit Pal-O-Mine Equestrian to Learn About Its Life-Changing Mission

Members of the Smithtown Rotary Club recently visited Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals through therapeutic equine programs, education, and skill development.

Through the connection between people and horses, Pal-O-Mine helps children and adults with disabilities, veterans, first responders, and others facing personal challenges build confidence, develop independence, and experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of equine-assisted activities.

 

For more information about Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, visit www.pal-o-mine.org or call 631-348-1389.

 

Pictured above: 
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian Founder & CEO Lisa Gatti (center) with members of the Smithtown Rotary Club - Sister T, Herta Walsh, 

Lisa Lombardi & Ron Rothman

Smithtown Rotary President Ron Rothman (right) welcomes Regina Napolitano (left) from the Breath of Life Center. For more than two decades, the Breath of Life Center in Islandia has been providing compassionate care and practical assistance to women facing unplanned or challenging pregnancies. As a nonprofit, faith-based organization, the center is dedicated to supporting expectant mothers and helping them navigate pregnancy and early parenthood with confidence and dignity. The Center is located at 1930 Veterans Memorial HWY, Suite 4, Islandia, NY 11749. For more information, call 631-738-8829 or go to www.breathoflifecenter.org

HAPPY VISIT TO CAMP PA QUA TUCK !
 
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John Kelly, Program Director of Northwell Health's Military & Veterans Liaison Services

Northwell Health’s Military and Veterans Liaison Services provides comprehensive support to active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and their families. The program helps individuals navigate healthcare systems, access physical and mental health services, secure VA and disability benefits, and connect with employment, education, housing, legal, and community resources.  

 

For more information please call 516-821-5140 or visit northwell.edu/veterans

 

The Smithtown Rotary Club President Ron Rothman (right) welcomes Phil Como- Executive Director of The Smithtown Industry Advisory Board. 

 Established in 1977, the Smithtown Central School District’s Industry Advisory Board (IAB) has served as a vital bridge between education, business, government, and the community, helping prepare students for success in an ever-changing workforce.

The board’s broad range of programs and partnerships remains one of its greatest strengths. By bringing together educators, business leaders, parents, and community members, the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board continues to create meaningful opportunities for students while helping shape the workforce of tomorrow.

Winters Center for Autism Executive Director Christine Ponzio Rotary Club Members to the amazing center started by Joe Winters.   An incredible mission, providing vocational training to hundreds of adults with autism. They are giving a very able and willing population purpose and the sense of ongoing accomplishment. They deserve to be very proud of the work they do each and everyday
 
A recent article from Our Town St James is below 
The Smithtown Rotary Club and the Smithtown Opioid And Addiction Task Force built a garden at St Catherine’s Hospital for First Responders and Caregivers to relax.   Our clubs Peace Pole represents Rotary’s ongoing mission of “May peace prevail on earth” written in several languages. 

Smithtown Rotary Club President Ron Rothman (right) and Rotarian Kelli Porti (center) welcomes Thomas Ronayne (left) a United States Navy Veteran and Ambassador for Paws of War. 

Paws of War is a nonprofit organization based in Nesconset that helps veterans, active military members, first responders, and rescued animals often bringing healing and hope to each at the same time.

Veterans who once struggled with isolation have found companionship and renewed purpose through the animals they are paired with. At the same time, rescue dogs that may have once faced uncertain futures are given loving homes and meaningful roles.

 
PLEASE SUPPORT THE GREAT WORK OF OUR INTERACT STUDENTS
 
The Smithtown Rotary is proud to support the Smithtown Performing Arts Center.
 
Fantastic event in Roslyn Heights for Paws of War watch the video here
The Smithtown Rotary Club recently welcomed Mary Wickman, the grandmother of Gabby Petito. Founded in 2021 by the family of Gabby Petito, the organization was created shortly after the 22-year-old’s disappearance and death during a cross-country trip captured national attention. 
The organization aims to improve responses from both communities and law enforcement. Offering training programs and raising awareness about the warning signs of abuse, the foundation hopes to empower individuals to seek help before situations escalate.
For more information or to donate go to info@gabbypetitofoundation.org

The Smithtown Rotary Club also welcomed Clia Finn, mother of Emily Finn. An 18 year old from West Sayville, Emily Finn was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend at his Nesconset home the day before Thanksgiving 2025. The newly formed Emily Finn Foundation aims to raise awareness and address critical issues impacting youth, including mental health, gun safety, domestic violence and violence prevention.

Pictured from L-R: Rotary President Ron Rothman, Mary Wickman, and Clia Finn 
 
 
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The Smithtown Rotary Club recently welcomed Lisa Mitnick and Erika Pugliese of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island.  Founded in 1977, the nonprofit organization serves children across Nassau and Suffolk by pairing them with adult volunteers who provide guidance, support, and companionship. For more information contact Lisa Mitnick at 516-617-9028 or go to LMITNICK@BBBSLI.ORG
 
 
Pictured L-R: Erika Pugliese, Lisa Mitnick, and Rotary President Ron Rothman.pe caption here
THANK YOU TO OUR 5K RACE SPONSORS 
 
SMITHTOWN NEWS - THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING OUR RACE AND FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR COMMUNITY!
 
PICTURES FROM THE RACE ARE IN THE SLIDE SHOW BELOW
 
The Smithtown Rotary Club is proud supporter of the St. James Chamber of Commerce
The Smithtown Rotary is a proud sponsor the St. James Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick's Day Parade
 
 Sister T & Ruth Garthe - The Saint James Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshall & Emerald Queen !

The Smithtown Rotary Club recently welcomed Andrea Coleman and Katherine Griffins of the Avalon Nature Preserve in Stony Brook.

Avalon Nature Preserve is a free, 216-acre public preserve, with 140 acres open for exploration. The site features meadows, woodlands, and shoreline, along with approximately five miles of trails for hiking, birding, and nature walks. Known for its diverse habitats and educational programs, the preserve also offers dog-friendly trails (on leash) and unique features such as a labyrinth, ponds, and open fields. It is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Unlike traditional parks, Avalon was designed with a focus on conservation and habitat restoration. For those seeking a quiet, uncrowded alternative to busier parks, it remains one of Long Island’s hidden gems, offering a blend of natural beauty, ecological purpose, and peaceful recreation.

For more information, visit avalonnaturepreserve.org or call 631-689-0619.

Pictured from L-R: Katharine Griffiths, Executive Director, Andrea Coleman, Executive Assistant, Rotary President Ron Rothman

 
THANK YOU STROLL MAGAZINE FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.
(THIS PICTURE IS LINKED THE STROLL WEBSITE)
Originally published in the March 2026 issue of STROLL MAGAZINE
Thank you to Smithtown Rotarian and Smithtown Historian Rich Smith for sharing this fascinating local history 
 

The Smithtown Rotary Club welcomes its newest member, Kelli Porti.    Kelli is a Queens native raised in Nesconset and a graduate of Smithtown High School East, served in the United States Army from 1994-1997 as a Supply Clerk, Unit Armorer and Budget Analyst, with assignments at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, and Suwon Rock Air Force Base in South Korea. Kelli serves as a Veteran and Community Outreach Liaison for Paws of War in Nesconset, helping provide rescued animals and trained service dogs to veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members at no cost. 

Pictured are Past Club President Linda Cherney, Kelli Porti and current club president Ron Rothman

 
The Smithtown Rotary Club proudly welcomed Desiree Krajnyak-Baker as a new member at their recent lunch at the Garden Grill restaurant in Smithtown.  
Desiree is a longtime long island resident and is the Executive  Director of Whisper Woods Assisted Living in Smithtown.  
 
Pictured with her is Smithtown Rotary past president and current club board member,
Joe Bollhofer and Ron Rothman, the Smithtown Rotary Club president. 
At this week's meeting on March 4, 2026, held at the Garden Grill restaurant in Smithtown, the Smithtown Rotary Club welcomed guest speaker Jenna Rugile from Pal-O-Mine Equestrian Inc. and presented her with a donation of $1,000.00 towards this great cause!
 
Established in 1995 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Pal-O-Mine Equestrian Inc. sets the standard of professional excellence in operating a multi-faceted equine assisted therapeutic center. The mission of Pal-O-Mine is to use horses and a working farm to facilitate growth, learning and healing. Their populations include children and adults with disabilities, survivors of trauma and abuse, adjudicated youth, military and first responder communities, and individuals with mental health challenges. Fifteen thousand children and adults have been given the opportunity to lead a more independent and productive life as a direct result of their visits to the farm.
 
Pal-O-Mine operates a full-time program, seven days a week, 12 months a year. They support 25 program horses on a 13 acre farm, spanning over four contiguous properties. Over 85 volunteers give freely of their time. To learn more about this great charity, please visit their website: https://pal-o-mine.org/
 
Pictured with Ms. Rugile is Rotary Club President Ron Rothman.
Congratulations to Smithtown Rotarian David "Super Dave" Lewis, who was recently honored in recognition of his charitable work and lifelong commitment to community leadership by Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine, the Suffolk County African American Advisory Board, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs & Community Engagement as part of Black History Month.
 
 
Thank you Dave for your selflessness and tireless efforts to help our community and everyone in it!
 
THANK YOU TO THE INTRACT CLUB FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS !  THE SMITHTOWN ROTARY CLUB IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THIS EVENT.
A great night with the Interact Club and Paws of War in support of our First Responders !
You can find the latest edition of OUR TOWN at their website https://www.ourtownstjames.com/
Smithtown Rotarian Dave Lewis surprised us at our lunch with these handmade chocolate houses.  Dave built over 200 of these houses and delivered them on Christmas eve to our neighbors in need of some cheer. 
 
Dave is the founder of BRINGING OUT THE SMILES and we are very proud to have him as a member of our club. 
 
 
The Smithtown Rotary is a proud sponsor of the IAB Perfect Pitch.  Congratulations to all of the participants and winners !
Holiday Helpers:  Members of the Smithtown Rotary Club (from left) Bob and MaryAnn Jacoutot, David Lewis, Susan Buroker, Janice Zingale, Linda Cherney, Craig Novak, Herta Walsh and JoAnn Ruggirello spend Monday evening, December 8, wrapping presents for the Smithtown Children's Foundation to distribute to needy families for Christmas.                                                                                                               
Photo and Story by David Ambro (click the picture to see the article)
ST JAMES CHAMBER IS HONORING OUR HEROES !
 
The St. James Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce the 2026 Avenue of Heroes Banner Program, a community tribute created to honor the men and women who have served, or are currently serving, our country. From Memorial Day through Veterans Day, commemorative banners will be displayed along Lake Avenue.  

 

 

ORDER YOUR BANNER HERE
To see more stories click this link for the OUR TOWN Website    https://www.ourtownstjames.com/ 
A fantastic and festive event on Saturday December 6th led by the St. James Chamber of Commerce and the Deep Wells Historical Society.  The Smithtown Rotary Club is proud to be a sponsor. 
Congratulations to Scott Posner and the dedicated volunteers at the Deepwells Farm for the completion of the new garden and ribbon cutting ceremony 

The Smithtown Rotary Club presented a $1000 donation to Bob Policastro (left), founder of Angela's House. Angela's House was established by Bob and his wife, Angie Policastro, in honor of their daughter, Angela.

The organization's mission is to support families caring for children with chronic, complex, life-threatening or medically fragile conditions. 

For more information, visit angelashouse.org or

call 631-979-2620

Another successful Pre-Thanksgiving Food Collection for Smithtown Food Pantry, led by Smithtown Rotary Club members and Smithtown East Interact Club volunteers.
Thank you, Rotarian Frank Mangione, for organizing this important event 
Smithtown Rotary's donation of 224 supermarket gift cards and over 30 Thanksgiving dinners to families in need is a testament to the power of community support.  Special thanks to Rotarian Herta Walsh for managing the event. 
 
Our sponsors' consistent backing throughout the year has
facilitated this achievement!   

The Smithtown Rotary Club recently donated $10,000 to the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry.

Pictured from left to right: Lynn Sisti from St.Philip & James Roman Catholic Church, Rotarian Father Vladyslav Budash from the Byzantine Catholic Church, Ruth Roman and John Monaco from the New Jerusalem Church, Rotarian Herta Walsh, Rotary President Ron Rothman, Pat Westlake of the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry. 

Smithtown Rotary Club had the pleasure to visit our friends at General Needs to deliver a check for $6,200, from of the funds we raised at our "Cornament" hosted by Napper Tandy's Smithtown NY
 
Special thanks to Lisa Lombardi and her team at The Dime Bank in Smithtown for organizing and leading the cornhole event 
 
General Needs focuses on helping the 5,000+ homeless Long Island Veterans and their families by providing basic necessities through your charitable donations and support. Their mission focuses on providing basic necessities that are missing in the everyday lives of our homeless veterans.
For more information, please visit their website link below
 
THE SMITHTOWN ROTARY CLUB PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE SMITHTOWN CHILDRENS FOUNDATION. CLICK ON THEIR LOGO FOR MORE INFORMATION
A great time visiting Paws of War and celebrating the donations we raised at the recent Smithtown Rotary
Club CORNAMENT at Napper Tandy's in Smithtown. Congratulations to our event leader Lisa Lombardi and her team at DIME BANK in Smithtown for their efforts and contributions!!  (Lisa is holding the cute puppy) 
 
THANK YOU TO PAWS OF WAR FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR VETERANS, FIRST RESPONDERS AND GOLD STAR FAMILIES 
 
 
CLICK ON THE LOGO TO GO TO THE PAWS OF WAR WEBSITE
The Smithtown Rotary Club proudly supports the Historical Society
Click on the logo above to see all of the great work they do for our local community 
Congratulations to our fellow Rotarian Matt Kelly from The Smithtown Rotary Sunrise Club for receiving the Cornelia Smith Butler Community Service Award from the Smithtown Historical Society.   
 
Matt, thank you for all of your contributions to our community!
The Smithtown Rotary Club is helping  to build a new front entrance at the Smithtown Historical Society. 
Executive Director Priya Kapoor joined us at our lunch meeting. 
Great to see it finished ! 

The Smithtown Rotary Club proudly supports The Smithtown Opioid and Addiction task force. Above pictures are from the Recovery Day Event at The Smithtown Historical Society, the tree lighting ceremony at St. Catherines Hospital and the beach cleanup at Short Beach in Nissequogue. 

Scott Posner addresses the crowd at the Walk to End Alzheimer's event at the Suffolk Farm in Yaphank.
Click on the button below to see the 100 pictures on the Long Island Alzheimer's Association Facebook page
 
The Smithtown Rotary is a proud sponsor of the Walk to End Alzheimer's
Smithtown Rotary proudly supports the Deep Wells Historical Society in the restoration of their property on the corner of Moriches  Road and N. Country Rd. In St James. Happy to present this check for $1000 to the Deep Wells President and a member of our Smithtown Rotary Club, Scott Posner 
 Smithtown Rotary Club presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Winter’s Bros. Waste Management for their support of this year’s “Go for the Green” Fundraiser. Receiving the award was Dan Schaefer, Manager of Public Affairs. We are grateful to Winter’s Brothers for their loyal support of our many efforts to serve the local community. Pictured with Dan (center) is club president, Ron Rothman (left) and club treasurer Glenn Williams (right)
Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.
SMITHTOWN ROTARY CLUB HAD A GREAT TIME AT CAMP PA QUA TUCK !
Thank you to the Garden Grill restaurant for hosting our lunch meetings !

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Club Information
Welcome to Smithown Rotary Club  -  Please check our calendar for a schedule of club meetings and events
Smithtown

 Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m.
Garden Grill
64 North Country Road
Smithtown, NY 11787
United States of America
Our club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 12:15 PM. Please see our Calendar for additional meetings and events.
District Site
Venue Map
CONTACT US HERE 
 
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    SMITHTOWN ROTARY RESTAURANTS PARTNERS - Please check our calendar to confirm days and times 
    The Smithtown Rotary Club lunch meets at 12:15 the Garden Grill on the first and third 1st and 3rd Wednesday
    The Smithtown Rotary Club meets at Napper Tandy's in Smithtown for our quarterly assembly and our annual CORNAMENT event and 5K Run
     
    The Smithtown Rotary Club meets for dinner on the last Wednesday of the month at Villa Olivetti in Smithtown