Fellowship Night at the Seaside Grill
PERFECT WEATHER. GREAT NIGHT!
Stories
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East End Arts Summer Soiree  |
East End Rotary Clubs Summer Social |
Golf Outing 2026   |
Scholarships 2026This year, our Rotary Club of Riverhead was delighted to be able to award an amazing $145,000 in scholarships to 2026 graduating seniors in the Riverhead area. For the first time, the awards included a special Past President Maryellen Ellwood [Memorial] Scholarship of $2000. Scholarship Committee chairperson Annmarie Zilnicki led the celebration which was complete with a wonderful video of all of the recipients.  Along with the scholarship winners who were able to join us for our meeting, Annmarie is pictured here with Rotary President Rob Stromski and philanthropist Brian Stark.  Congratulations and good wishes to all! |
Uncorked 2026 |
Prayers and Condolences to the Family and Friends of Mel Ellwood   Please consider a donation in Mel's honor: Mary Ellen "Mel" Ellwood, a cornerstone of the Riverhead community and a tireless champion for humanitarian service, passed away on May 7, 2026. A woman of deep conviction and action, Mel’s life was defined by the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.” Mel was a devoted member of the Riverhead Rotary Club since 2008. Her leadership within the club was distinguished, eventually leading her to serve as its President starting in July 2013. Her commitment to the organization’s mission saw her rise through the ranks to become the District Governor for Rotary District 7255 for the 2021–2022 term. During her tenure, she oversaw dozens of clubs across Long Island, inspiring thousands of members with her vision for community impact and global outreach. Beyond her volunteer work, Mel was a respected professional in the East End real estate market. As an Associate Broker with Douglas Elliman in Mattituck, she was known for her integrity and deep knowledge of the North Fork. She was a fixture at local events and a mentor to many, always willing to share "Tips and Tricks" for organizational success or professional growth. Mel will be remembered for her infectious energy, her unwavering dedication to the Riverhead community, and her ability to bring people together for a common cause. Whether she was organizing a local fundraiser or presiding over a district-wide installation, she did so with grace and a focus on helping others. Visitation for Mel will take place on Thursday, May 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home, 336 Marcy Ave., Riverhead, NY. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, May 15, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 546 St. John's Pl., Riverhead, NY 11901. Private cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Riverhead Rotary Club by using the link that follows her pictures. May God comfort the hearts of all who mourn. |
Installation 2026The Architect Guy Gets a New Cape  Rob Stromski Installed as the Newest President of the Rotary Club of Riverhead The weather was picture perfect and set the stage for a wonderful night of celebration and song. Not only was President Rob and the new Board installed, but many of our members were also recognized for their hard work and generous contributions to our club. Outgoing President Randy gave shoutouts to Dariia and Kim for their efforts with our new Oyster Program, and to Mary H. for her work with the new Hometown Hero Banners and continued work with the special Rotary Days of Service. The Uncorked and Garden Fest teams, raising $75,000 and grossing $273,000 respectively, were applauded for their amazing efforts, and the Scholarship Committee, led by AnneMarie Z. gave out a record of $145,000 in scholarships.  Randy also pointed out that we were blessed by six -- um, eight as it turns out -- new members during his tenure as President: John Castella, Jill Gevinski, Renee Gosselin, Brandon Ip, Dominick Morreale, Jacob Smith, Jennifer Talley and Britney Zatarga. A warm continued-welcome to you all. Next in line were the Paul Harris award winners. They went to Kimberly Judd (for amazing work as our Secretary), Thud Hill (recruiter extraordinaire), Chrisand Castella (the cheerful and always ready volunteer), Sean Murray (for service as Program Chair and Web Master among other doings), and in absentia to David Troyan (for his work as Survey Master and help with website and PR) and Dariia Protsiuk -- her first -- for her work on several of our projects including the Oysters and Strawberries. Randy, too, was honored for his service as President.  Other awards included Rotary jackets for Beth, Dariia, and David who completed their work on the board, backpacks for outgoing past-President George and Kim C., our Treasurer Phenom, and watches for both Ron and Randy. Of course, the big event was the official installation of our President Rob, which was nicely handled by Danny Lanieri, Rob's caping by Ron, and the formal installation of the board. And finally, the evening was capped off with Rob's address as new President. Among other things, this year will see a return of club member bios, several evening events, and continued building on our strengths. The teasing, followed by the awkward straight-boy hug, and the caping:    The full new board:  And what happens when you give Ron your phone when you go to pick up an award:  |
Garden Festival 2026✨️ BIG THANKS TO ALL OUR DONORS, VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS! ✨️  |
Hometown Hero Banners NICE JOB... check this out. Lots of pictures included: https://riverheadlocal.com/2026/04/19/riverheads-hometown-heroes-honored-with-155-banners-in-towns-hamlet-centers/ The Town Veterans Advisory Committee has requested our assistance in installing the Hometown Hero Banners along Main Street (and side roads) on Saturday, April 18th. The Downtown Riverhead Hometown Hero Veteran Banners program honors local past and present veterans, active-duty, reserve, and National Guard members by displaying their photos, names, and branches of service on downtown lamp posts. This initiative is managed by the Riverhead Town Veterans Advisory Committee in partnership with the Riverhead Business Improvement District Please meet at Parking Lot of Town Hall on 2nd Street at 10 am. Below is an instruction sheet for those who volunteer, it is recommended to work in teams of two. What you need: Work Gloves Step-Ladder (6 feet in height) WD-40-for the knobs that won’t unscrew Work in teams of two or more- one person to go up the step-ladder and another person to either take the banner or hand the banner. Work gloves may well be needed. Unscrew round knobs from arm poles- turn counter-clockwise. If they are stuck, use WD-40 or leave it and contact Kim Judd, someone with a tool will take it down. New banners will fit tightly, so you may have to squeeze top and bottom arms together and shimmy the banner on or off. After banner is installed or removed, screw knobs back on. Banners are located along Main Street, starting west on the light poles across the street from the Suffolk County Historical Society, proceeding east. Veteran banners are also located on Peconic Avenue, Roanoke Avenue, McDermott Ave and the Town Square. Please e-mail Kim Judd if you can help: kim@kjuddlaw.com |
Run 4 Valor 5K marathon this Sunday, March 29. There's still time to sign up. But be quick.  |
St. Paddy's Shamrocked |
Breast Cancer Research & SupportOn Jan. 31st, the North Fork Breast Health Coalition and the Keri Lynn Stromski Stage IV Breast Cancer Research & Support Fund sponsored a fabulous event at Hotel Indigo for those undergoing cancer treatment. Physicians and medical professionals from Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone and Stony Brook Cancer Center discussed blending conventional and holistic approaches to cancer treatment. This event was spearheaded by our very own Rotarian president elect Robert Stromski and was an outstanding success!    |
Valentine's Day Strawberries |
America 250 Our club was treated to some extraordinary guests at our meeting Wednesday, December 7. Members of the Town of Riverhead's America 250 Committee presented the plans for our town's celebrations marking our nation's semiquincentennial anniversary, beginning with the Red White and Blue Ball on January 23. Club president Randy Morreale is joined above by Town Chief-of-Staff Debi Burkowsky, Councilwoman Joann Waski, member-at-large Meaghan Howard, Councilwoman Denise Merrifield and the President of East End Tourism Alliance Bryan DeLuca. Plans not only include festive gatherings, parade and fireworks, but also banners and stars to adorn our Town. We've been asked to spread the word and share the excitement...and to consider some sponsorships of our own!
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Interact Holiday DeliveryAfter helping out with our Holiday Food Baskets, Riverhead's Interact Club delivered holiday cards and socks to the residents of Acadia Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, Dec. 19  |
Donation for RVAC |
Historic SigningOur club was honored and delighted to be a part of the historic signing of the bill of sale of the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall on December 16, 2025. As part of the ceremony Rotary Club members Beth Hanlon, Sean Murray and Dariia Protsiuk presented the Jazz Loft President Thomas Manuel with a ceremonial check representing our club's $25,000 donation and extended a prayer of blessing on the endeavor. Our club members also posed with the Jazz Loft players, Board of Directors, Town officials and top donors who have championed the venture.   |
Holiday Coat Drive with Thanks |
Holiday Food Baskets    Photos: RiverheadLOCAL/Erin Breitenbach Jr.
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Holiday Train Night Wonderful outing! Big THANKS to Sherry for a superb job of organizing the trip. Plus, there were two added delights in the day. It was our Club President's birthday (perhaps you heard). There was some singing to him that was done -- well, okay, a lot of singing to him, and even some cake with the song:  And the BIG NEWS of the night was Diane and John's engagement! For real. Even done the right way:  |
Bell Ringing |
Veteran BannersThis year, Riverhead Rotarians assisted the Town of Riverhead Veterans Advisory Committee with the annual removal and storage of the veteran banners. From Memorial Day through Veterans Day, the banners are on display on Main Street, Peconic Ave., Roanoke Ave., McDermott Ave. and Town Square. Nice work, folks!      |
Socks for VetsAt a special Veterans Day celebration Nov. 11, the vets at Acadia Center of Nursing and Rehabilitation were presented gift bags of new socks, donated and collected by Riverhead Rotarians. Rotarians Kimberly Judd and Randy Morreale joined the commander and veterans from the VFW, our Town Supervisor Tim Hubbard, and Councilwoman Denise Merrifield for the celebration.   Thank you for your generosity! |
Team Up with Twin Folk |
Thanksgiving Teamwork Another WOW. 161 Thanksgiving Turkey Boxes distributed! Good eating to all!
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Anti-Litter Service Event |
Pancake Breakfast 2025  SEE MORE PHOTOS OF OUR HARD-WORKING AND FUN-LOVING VOLUNTEERS! |
Evening Fun and Fellowship |
Evening on the Beach |
Hallockville Gala |
Thank-you Party WONDERFUL PLACE. GREAT FOOD AND DRINK. DELIGHTFUL TIME. THANKS PAUL!!!
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Bruce Stark Memorial Golf Outing 2025 |
Summertime evening at Seaside Grill! ----  As presented by President Randy, congratulations went out to Chrisand Castella who picked up her first Paul Harris award, to Kurt Van de Wetering and to Sean Murray who received their third blue, and to Tom Lennon who picked up his third red (!). The evening gathering made for a great time with delicious eats. Thanks also go out to the folks at the Grill for the complimentary beverages and fine service.
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Scholarships 2005SUPREMELY WELL-DONE SCHOLARSHIPS! Our Scholarship Committee, headed by the exceptionally capable and dedicated Annmarie Zilnicki, presented life-changing gifts to Riverhead students this year. Flanked by Riverhead Rotary President Randy Morreale on the left and Immediate Past President George Dupree on the right, with AnnMarie in the middle, eight of the bright and talented recipients are shown here along with Brian Stark whose generous donations did much to augment the blessings.  Here's how the Riverhead News-Review reported it: The Rotary Club of Riverhead awarded a total of $105,500 in college scholarships to 15 students at their annual Scholarship Luncheon Wednesday, July 9, at the Hyatt’s Sea Star Ballroom. Annmarie Zilnicki, chair of the group’s scholarship committee, opened and closed the awards and introduced the recipients. The winning students were selected from a pool of 42 applicants. The two Riverhead Rotary Scholarship award amounts increased from $4,000 to $8,000 this year. One recipient, Stephanie Cardona, received two awards — the Rotary scholarship and the INTERACT scholarship. “Look at the courses that these kids are taking, the activities that they’re involved with, the internships they might do. It’s just amazing, and I don’t know how they can get it all done and still play sports or be in the orchestra or whatever it might be,” said Ms. Zilnicki in her opening remarks. “It’s very, very impressive. My hat’s off to all of you.” The largest award category was the three W. Bruce Stark Memorial Scholarship at $25,000 each. Brian Stark, the son of a long-time Rotarian and a former member of the rotary himself, praised the recipients’ dedication to service. “It’s always nice to see kids like this, who get it. They all have the grades, they all play sports, but when they write the essays, they show that they’ve bought into doing the extra stuff,” said Mr. Stark. “It’s easy to get caught up in our social media corridors, right? Everybody goes online and they listen to a lot of people like themselves. But these kids get it that you have to go out into the community and do things.” He went on to challenge the students to continue their good works of service. “Get out there and give back, because that’s what we all do here, and that’s very important. So, thank you for being good scholarship winners and keep giving back,” Mr. Stark said. “I am very proud of the work Riverhead Rotary does with our scholarship program as well as all of the programs Rotary funds throughout the year in our Riverhead community,” said Ms. Zilnicki in a follow-up email. “Our long-term hope for this year’s scholarship winners is for them to return to Riverhead during their careers and one day become Rotarians themselves.” The scholarship awardees were Lorena Correa, Annabelle Dunn, Adrianna Mosca, Jaidin Hansen, Stephanie Cardona, Sara Maas, Gianna Viola, Renata De Paz Abreu, Logan Pilon, Camden Wallace, Dean Redmond, Alice Ries, Hunter Thompson, and Kimoralynn Bland. Each recipient gave a short speech detailing their future plans. Since 2013, the Rotary has given $705,000 in scholarship funds. [Amanda Olsen, 07.10.2025 NEWS] Congratulations one and all! |
Fellowship Evening at Sandy Pond Links *RSVP: Dawn@AppleHonda.net
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VFW Memorial Garden Our VFW Riverhead Post 2476 dedicated its new Memorial Garden, Saturday, June 28. Members of the Ladies Auxiliary led the solemn service which included ribbon cutting and a blessing by the Rev. Dr. Sean B. Murray, pastor of First Congregational Church of Riverhead and Riverhead Rotarian. Our Riverhead Rotary was honored to contribute a memorial brick In Memory of Riverhead Veterans.
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Installation Dinner 2025 Our new Club President, Randy Morreale, was caped at our Installation Dinner, June 25 at The Village Idiot Pub in Aquebogue. It was a great night of good fun and fellowship, applause and thanksgiving, and lots of laughs.Among the highlights of the night was a special presentation, led by Tom Lennon and Sherry Patterson, to Pat Wiles who was given the Mark of Excellence Award for his many years of service as Chair of Uncorked.  Several of our members were presented with Paul Harris Awards: Debbie Doyle, Kurt Van de Wetering, Tom Lennon, Mimi Wood, Pat Wiles, Beth Hanlon and out-going President George Dupree.  After a bit of a reset, our incoming Board of Directors and Officers were sworn in by President Randy. They are: New Directors David Troyan, Chris Nasseur, Eleanor Daly and Bob Ward, Secretary Kimberly Judd, Treasurer Kimberly Cioch, and President Elect Rob Stromski.   The reset: "Raise your right hand... No Kimberly...your other right" -- Note the smirks! Out-going Board Members, Dawn Vogel, Diane Tucci, Sean Murray and Vinny Barry were thanked for their service on the Board and presented with club jackets. Eleanor Daly was recognized with our Club Excellence Award for her outstanding service. Sean Murray was presented with a plaque and thanked for his service as "Web Master." But the big highlight of the night was Randy's installation, officiated by Ron Farnworth, and presentation of the AG Cape. Contenders for the AG designation this year were "All's Good Guy," "Always Hungry Guy," and "Ain't No Leftovers Guy" with the winner being "'Are you gonna' finish that?' Guy."    CONGRATULATIONS RANDY! |
Congratulations Eleanor!Riverhead Rotarian Eleanor Daly was awarded New Rotarian of the Year - East End by District Governor Beverely James, June 7.   |
Uncorked! 2025 Special thanks to all of the generous donors and vendors,
hard-working volunteers, and supporters. Really well-done and lots of fun. |
Garden Festival 2025 Check out what the folks at the Riverhead News Review have to say about it: And those of our RiverheadLocal...  |
Epic Day of Service - May 17th
Thank you for your service of May 17th on our Epic Day of Service! You made a world of difference for many of the hungriest in our community! Keep on spreading the love.
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Spring Raffle 2025Good news! All 300 of our available Spring Raffle tickets have been sold. Drawing is May 28, 2025. Good luck and THANKS to the ticket holders.  |
In Support of our Veterans and Veterans-to-BeOur Rotary Club of Riverhead is proud to support our local veterans through generous donations to our local VHW, to Run4Valor (that addresses critical needs such as healthcare, housing and community support), and to support the veterans in the making through our local ROTC.  https://www.actofvaloraward.org/run4valorhttps://www.actofvaloraward.org/run4valor  |
Rotary Scholarships 2025Riverhead Rotary is pleased to offer scholarships for high school students heading to college. The due date for HS Seniors who live within the Riverhead Central School District is March 21, 2025. We are offering 11 scholarships this year via this application process.
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Funds for PBMC Portable SonogramWith thanks to a successful Rotary Walk, the Team -- Kimberly Judd, Beth Hanlon, Dawn Vogel, Sherry Patterson and Keri Grace Najdzion -- was able to present $2,785.00 to Dr. Susan Lee (Breast Surgeon at Northwell) so she could purchase a portable sonogram machine.  |
Strawberries 2025 |
Warm Wishes for a Wonderful WinterMay all your winter celebrations be filled with love and laughter, and your New Year long remain bright with hope and good cheer.  |
Bell Ringing On behalf of our very grateful local Salvation Army, many thanks are extended to all the Rotarian bell-ringers. Your service will do much to help the continued outreach to many of those in need in our area.
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Holiday Food Baskets 2024 |
November TributeWe Salute our Veterans With prayers of remembrance and thanksgiving, Riverhead Rotary joins our friends and neighbors in thanking our veterans for their service.  |
Thanksgiving Baskets |
Huddle for Hunger Games
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On the Rocks: Pizza and PaintJoin us next Thursday evening, October 24, at 5:00 for a night of fellowship, inspiration and laughter -- OH and pizza! -- as we paint up some rocks of hope to decorate the garden at East End Radiation Oncology. Rob Stromski is hosting the event at 44 Circle Drive, Jamesport. Please let him know you're coming, either by online registration, listed under Upcoming Events, or at: robert@stromskiarchitecture.com
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Pancake Breakfast 2024 |
VIP Golf Outing |
Riverhead Country Fair 2024 The 2024 Riverhead Country Fair was another success for our Club. Thanks to all the volunteers.
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Presidential Peace Conference - Istanbul |
Purchase Garden Fest Vouchers! |
Bruce Stark Memorial Golf Outing32nd Annual Bruce Stark Memorial Golf Outing Raises Thousands of Dollars for Local Scholarships On behalf of our Rotary Club of Riverhead, sincere thanks are extended to all the generous sponsors, participants, and donors
who helped make our annual golf outing another wonderfully successful venture. |
Run for LifeOur Rotary is a proud sponsor of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation's Run4Life and its campaign to Help Prevent Veteran Suicide.
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Rotary Club awards nearly $100K in scholarships to 16 college-bound grads |
Community NewsRiverhead Rotarian Receives Top Honors:At the Long Island Lending a Helping Hand Annual Gala Dinner September 28, 2023, Ms. Melissa Daley (center), on behalf of Melissa A. Daley Insurance Agency, was presented with the "Business Lending a Helping Hand of the Year" award.  Riverhead Rotary President Dawn Vogel was there to provide a big affirmation of support and boost the smile content. Congratulations Melissa!
Riverhead Rotarian in the Press:Local physician prepares to embark on his 23rd medical mission to save lives in a foreign country.
Riverhead pulmonologist Dr. Rajesh Patel speaks about his medical mission trips with Operation International during Wednesday's Riverhead Rotary Club meeting. Photo: Gianna Volpe By Gianna Volpe |
2022 Scholarship Winners |
Garden Festival 2022The 26th Annual East End Garden Festival is Scheduled! Click here purchase your Vouchers or Raffle Tickets online. Click "Read More" to print a Voucher Order Form to mail in.  Click below to print a Voucher Order Form to mail in.
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Annual Golf Outing is On!
September 16th at The Vineyards Golf Club |
Riverhead Rotary Member 50/50 FundraiserUse link below for 50/50, Happy Dollars or Dues  |
DONATE NOW - COVID 19 Support |
Events Canceled We regret to announce that the Riverhead Rotary Club’s Annual Garden Festival (held the first weekend of May) and Rotary Uncorked (scheduled for May 20th) has been canceled due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. In the near term, the Riverhead Rotary Club is meeting virtually to address the needs of our community that are currently, or will be, affected financially. Please look for upcoming announcements about how you can assist. For now, we encourage you to take precautions to protect yourself from contracting the virus or spreading it. |
2022-2023 Scholarship Opportunties
Scholarship Application Deadline March 24, 2023 Please submit application with all attachments to azilnicki@eefgcorp.com
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UPDATE TO - 2020 Scholarship opportunties
Scholarship Application Deadline has been extended to April 30, 2020 Please submit to Guidance Office
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Annual Pancake Breakfast |
2019 Scholarship Winners |
Riverhead Rotary Announces Scholarship Winners$38,500 in 2018 College Scholarships Awarded to College Bound High School Seniors at Riverhead and McGann-Mercy High Schools |
Herb Dresher Memorial Spaghetti Lunch/Dinner a Huge Success
The 2017 Herb Dresher Memorial Spaghetti Lunch/Dinner was a huge success, Riverhead Rotary president Beth Hanlon said. |
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Riverhead Rotary to host Annual Pancake Breakfast
 The Riverhead Rotary Club will host its Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 at Riverhead Polish Hall, 214 Marcy Avenue, Riverhead, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Breakfast of pancakes — choice of chocolate chip, blueberry or plain — sausage, apple wood-smoked bacon, eggs, bagels, coffee and juice. Clown, face-painting and balloons for the kids. 50-50 drawing and raffle. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $8 for kids. (Kids under 3 are free). Tickets are available at the door or in advance from any Riverhead Rotarian. This fundraiser helps Riverhead Rotary support scholarships and many worthwhile community charities in Riverhead and beyond. |
Riverhead Rotary Club president skydives to raise money for Gift of Life Riverhead Rotary Club president Tom Lennon jumped out of an airplane on Saturday, Aug. 22 at Sky Dive Long Island in Calverton.
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District Conference 2013 |
Don't Forget Interact!
Visiting the Interact Club at Riverhead High School is a great way to makeup for a missed meeting.
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2012 Scholarship Winners |
RI President's Theme |
Meeting Location |
New Pictures on Flickr |
ClubRunner Mobile App Now Available |
"Like" Us on Facebook! |
DGN Announced
District Governor Tom Kerr has announced that Riverhead's own Connie Gevinski is the new District Governor Nominee (DGN), which means that Connie will be District Governor in 2012-2013.
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2014-2015 Board of Directors installed |
Meet 2014-2015 exchange student, Raimundo Sandoval |
How to Send an Email Blast |
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