Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association to Hold Chinese Auction

While the (LRHA) has only been in existence for the past four years, it was established to honor, and keep alive, the rich history of this unique community, while starting some new traditions of its own.

President of LRHA, Ellyn Okvist, founded the organization along with her friend and neighbor Gerry Givvons. Okvist is a sixth generation resident of Lake Ronkonkoma. She is also a lifetime member of the , of which her grandfather was a founding member.

"We're trying to educate people about Lake Ronkonkoma to make it a better place, because if people realize what went on in the past, they would know that the future is very important in the same way, so we'd better not let it go," said Okvist of what makes LRHA so special.

The nonprofit organization now has more than 60 members, most are originally from Lake Ronkonkoma and belong to at least one other local group. The diverse membership ranges in age from 17 to 89.

"We have a nice group of young people under 30, which a lot of organizations don't have," said Okvist.

Once a year LRHA has a fundraiser to help offset their expenses, liability insurance being the greatest, and without which they would not be able to bring events to the town. This year's fundraiser is a Chinese Auction which will be held this Friday, April 20 in the cafeteria. The viewing and prize selection begins at 6 p.m., and the auction will commence at 7 p.m. sharp. The $5 donation for admission includes five raffle tickets, with more available for purchase, and can be obtained at the door. There will be a door prize, 50/50 raffle, and over 150 prizes, with at least 12 worth $200 or more.

Prizes donated from popular merchants include: gift certificates, hotel stays, dinners, salon visits and basket collections with items such as baking supplies, candles, crafts, home decorations and much more. A top of the line KitchenAid mixer will be auctioned off as well.

"I can't believe that people have been so generous. I can't believe that people have been so willing to donate gift certificates," Okvist said. "We have some prizes that you wouldn't believe."

On Saturday, May 19 at 4 p.m. LRHA will have a Community Heritage Annual Handmade Ornament Presentation to commemorate Armed Forces Day at the World War II Memorial Tree on the corner of Hawkins Avenue and Portion Road. This will be the first annual event. The tree hasn't been decorated in over 50 years. The Sachem School district is giving their complete support to this venture, and every student is going to get involved by making a patriotic ornament to adorn the tree. Sachem schools will also be providing live music. The American Legion in Lake Ronkonkoma will officiate at the ceremony.

"What we're doing is we're trying to make people aware, people that probably go by that tree every day, and they don't know why the tree's there. The tree was a World War II Memorial for a member who came home," Okvist explained. "Money was tight back then, and people wanted to show them some appreciation ... It's been sitting there for all these years, so we decided let's educate people about the tree."

 Saturday, December 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. the LRHA will once again decorate the tree, this time with ornaments, made by the public, celebrating their roots or heritage for the Community Heritage Annual Handmade Ornament Hanging.

Sunday, September 16 will be The Second Annual Motor Parkway Sunday Drive to Lake Ronkonkoma Parade & Car Show. It will be held at Ronkonkoma Beach in the Town of Islip. It will include the Motor Parkway Race, which featured last year, with even more expected this year. The spotlight will be on the Historical Petit Trion, which was located at this beach property owned by William K. Vanderbilt.

Okvist said that despite the pouring rain at last year's event, the Sunday Drive was a tremendous success.

"The thing that's good about it is we did establish what we set out to do ... We had old couples wanting to tell us about when they used to come to the lake," said Okvist. "I think one of the most important things we did was it brought people together. We brought a lot of the groups together, and also brought new members to the group. Everybody had people wanting to join after that."

It is possible that this year's car parade will be starting at the beginning of Motor Parkway, which is in Douglaston. The logistics of having the cars come that far are currently being considered.

"Then [there will be] a really nice event at Ronkonkoma Beach. It should be really good because not only will we be having people from Lake Ronkonkoma, but now we'll be opening up to the Town of Islip," said Okvist. "We'll be having people represent Islip groups as well. This way we can meet them, and everyone can become friends."

If you have a prize you would like to donate to the Chinese Auction, or are interested in joining the Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association contact Ellyn Okvist at thelakeheritage@aol.com.