March 2021 President’s Message

 We are excited about this being our first Ronkonkoma area news and update in the Ronkonkoma Review and Brookhaven Review Newspapers and thank the publisher for his involvement and support in the Greater Ronkonkoma community.

I hope that you and your families are staying safe and healthy and are following the recommendations put forth by the CDC and the New York State Department of Health. As the COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out at an increased rate, we remain hopeful that the restrictive policies and protocols being mandated by Albany can soon be relaxed.  Again, I need to advise that we need to support our local business and organizations in the Greater Ronkonkoma community by “shopping local”.

This has been a very harsh winter, but Spring is now around the corner.  Even Holtsville Hal did not see his shadow on Groundhog Day, which points to Spring arriving earlier this year. The Ronkonkoma Chamber is cautiously optimistic on holding its annual Labor Day Ronkonkoma Street Fair on Sunday, September 5. In the meantime, you are cordially invited to attend our monthly Zoom meeting on Tuesday, March 2 at 7:00 P.M.  Our guest speaker is Mr. Brian Jata, Senior Executive Manager of Sales at Douglas Elliman Real Estate.  He will be speaking on Current Real Estate Trends. To register for this meeting, please click here.

On another note, I understand that many of us are under significant stress and suffering from COVID-19 fatigue.  The Association for Mental Health & Wellness, a member of the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce and a NY Project Hope local crisis counseling provider, through an emotional support helpline, educational materials and trusted referrals provides support so that folks can manage the changes brought on by COVID-19.  Their phone call is always free, confidential and anonymous. The Emotional Support Helpline number is 631-471-7242 ext. 1800. Trained crisis counselors are available Monday-Friday from 9 AM – 7 PM. For coping tips, relaxation exercises and much more, log onto NY Project Hope’s website, NYProjectHope.org.

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, and Palm Sunday!

Kevin Hyms, M.B.A.
President
Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce