The picnic area at Lake Ronkonkoma County Park. (July 22,...

The picnic area at Lake Ronkonkoma County Park. (July 22, 2010) Credit: Newsday / Brittany Wait

Today in Ronkonkoma, I’m looking forward to meeting with Jim Browne, a lifelong resident that more than one person has suggested I speak with.

Browne now lives at Lake Shore Assisted Living and is meeting me at the historical society museum to talk about growing up in Ronkonkoma and help round out my knowledge of area history. Look for that story this weekend and a history video I’ve been working on throughout the week.

If you’re in the Ronkonkoma area this weekend, you may want to check out the third annual Festival of Trees and Lights at Sachem North High School. The two-day holiday event runs from 1 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 12 to 7 p.m. on Sunday. It will feature local singers Lexxi Saal and Jenna Rose, a comedy show by Dr. Mike’s Hypnotic Comedy Show, craft vendors and a festival of lights to end the celebration on Sunday.

The entire event is organized by the high school’s Father’s Club, a group that was started three years ago to get more dads involved in school activities.

I’ll be at the event on Sunday, so look for full coverage and more about the Father’s Club that night.

I’ve had a great week getting to know the Ronkonkoma area and the people that live there. I was surprised by the rich history I found and the strong sense of community. Thanks to our LI Now readers, Twitter followers and the people I’ve met this week who have helped guide our coverage. Keep your ideas coming.

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

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