The election of officers to the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization Executive Board will take place at the Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 9th, at 7:00 PM, at the Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook.

2024-2025 Executive Board Nominees
President: Dawn Hopkins (Term Ends May 2026)
Treasurer: Thalia Bouklas (Term Ends May 2026)
Recording Secretary: Thalia Bouklas (Term Ends May 2026)
Director #1: Ken Kellaher (Term Ends May 2026)
Director #2: MaryLou Gonzalez (Term Ends May 2026)

Vice-president: George Schramm (Term Ends May 2025)
Corresponding Secretary: Bonnie Sulz (Term Ends May 2025)
Membership Secretary: Mark Salzano (Term Ends May 2025)
Director #3: Peter Bonna (Term Ends May 2025)
Director #4: Barbara Mandello (Term Ends May 2025)

Please join us on Thursday April 11th for the April meeting of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization which will be at the Sachem Public Library.

We will have a presentation by Mitch Brendle from Integrity Expediting. Expeditors can assist homeowners in a variety of ways when dealing with the local township:
- if you are planning a new project and need permits
- if you need to legalize a previously constructed alteration
- if you have a town violation related to your home
- if you are preparing your home for sale

In addition, local elected officials have been invited to provide updates and to answer questions. We will also discuss local development projects and other community news.

Meetings are open to residents of Lake Ronkonkoma and neighboring communities.

Date: Thursday, April 11th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Sachem Public Library, Community Room C

Please feel free to share this info with others who may be interested in joining the meeting.

Thanks to all who attended our March meeting last week at the Sachem Library. We enjoyed a presentation on RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening) led by the civic's student director, Lydia Hicyilmaz. See picture below from the meeting. Thank you Lydia, Abby and Brianna for sharing your experiences from this leadership development program!

Please take a few minutes to read this editorial from The Times of Middle Country, a local newspaper, regarding the importance of civic associations. Hopefully you will be inspired to join us at future meetings:

Editorial: The importance of Civic Associations and Resident-run Conversations

In the heart of every thriving community lies a network of voices, opinions and ideas that form the very essence of its identity. These voices, when united through platforms such as civic associations and other civic groups, become a powerful force for positive change and progress. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is essential to recognize and emphasize the invaluable role that community forums play in representing the unified voice of residents.

Civic associations and similar groups serve as the lifeblood of local democracy, providing a platform where residents can come together to discuss issues that matter most to them. These forums offer a space for open dialogue, collaboration and problem-solving, allowing community members to actively engage in shaping the future of their neighborhoods and cities.

One of the primary benefits of community forums is their ability to amplify the collective voice of residents. In a world where individual voices can often feel drowned out by larger forces, these forums empower individuals to come together and advocate for common goals and interests.

It is necessary for these groups to facilitate ongoing and productive dialogue rather than drown one another out with differences of opinions. The goal of such associations is to gather together and advocate together. Whether it’s for improved public services, addressing community concerns or promoting initiatives for positive change, the unified voice of residents carries significant weight in decision-making processes.

Community forums foster a sense of belonging and solidarity among residents. By bringing people together from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, these forums bridge gaps and foster understanding, strengthening the social fabric of our communities. They provide opportunities for residents to connect, build relationships and work toward common objectives, creating a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the well-being of their community.

Civic groups can serve as a vital link between residents and local government authorities. By acting as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, these forums enable residents to communicate their needs and priorities to decision-makers. This direct engagement not only ensures that the voices of residents are heard but also facilitates more informed and inclusive decision-making processes that reflect the genuine needs and aspirations of the community.

In today’s rapidly changing world, the importance of community forums cannot be overstated. As we face various challenges, ranging from urban development and environmental sustainability to affordability and changing public school landscapes, it is crucial to harness the collective wisdom and energy of our communities.

By actively participating in civic associations and other civic groups, residents can contribute to the creation of vibrant, resilient and inclusive communities that reflect their values and aspirations.

Please join us on Thursday March 14th for the March meeting of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization which will be at the Sachem Public Library.  
We will have a presentation on RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening) District 7255 by Lydia Hicyilmaz, a member of the civic's executive board and a Sachem student.   RYLA is a leadership development program for young people to hone their communication and problem-solving skills, and to discover strategies for becoming a leader in their school or community.  RYLA strives to bring out the best in high school students, following the motto "Service Above Self".  Participants focus on uniting others and bettering the world.  The annual spring event will be in April where sophomores from Long Island and New York City will be led by junior and senior leaders as they enter the program for the first time.  

In addition, local elected officials have been invited to provide updates and to answer questions.  We will also discuss local development projects and other community news.  

Meetings are open to residents of Lake Ronkonkoma and neighboring communities.   More information on the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization and how to become a member can be found at www.lakeronkonkomacivic.org.

Date:  Thursday, March 14th
Time:  7:00 PM
Location:  Sachem Public Library, Community Room C

Please feel free to share this info with others who may be interested in joining the meeting.