Bohemia Historical Society
2024 Meetings
December 15, 2024
Holiday Celebration
Featuring the Connetquot High School Brass Band
We all enjoyed wonderful company and music played by the Connetquot High School Brass Band. Many thanks to all of the talented students, and to all who helped to arrange this event, including Vera Truhlar, Mrs. Stacy Stollberger, and Mr. Greg Johnson.
November 17, 2024 • Guest Speakers
Breaking Ground: Ackerson’s Thousand Acre City by the Sea
Presented by Gabrielle V. Manthos-Gomez — with jewelry artist Robert Flynn
At our November meeting we enjoyed the company of two speakers! Our first speaker, Gabrielle V. Manthos-Gomez, shared her presentation, Breaking Ground: Ackerson’s Thousand Acre City By The Sea. We learned all about the history of the Village of Brightwaters, and enjoyed hearing several humorous stories.
Our second speaker, Robert Flynn, talked about his special skills of making jewelry out of recycled silverware and other metals. Robert kindly brought in a wide variety of examples of his super creative work. As usual, refreshments were delicious and enjoyed by all.
October 20, 2024 • Guest Performer
A Musical Journey Through Folk & Classical Traditions
Performed by Dr. David Podles, concert violinist
At our October meeting, attendees thoroughly enjoyed the performance by acclaimed international concert violinist Dr. David Podles. He led us on a musical journey of Folk and Classical music from countries such as Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Moldova, Russia, Slovakia, Macedonia and more. David is an exceptional violinist, and we would love to have him back for more musical journeys.
After the concert we enjoyed refreshments including Vera’s famous Czech kolace and other delicious pastries. Many thanks to the attendees who generously brought donations to the St. John Nepomucene Food Pantry.
September 15, 2024 • Guest Speaker
Ladies First: Common Threads
Presented by local author Debra Scala Giokas
Local author Debra Scala Giokas gave a super presentation about the first ladies who shared a love for needle crafts. Our members enjoyed hearing about inspirational stories that show an appreciation of craft and creativity, patience and perseverance, sacrifice and service, and most of all, the role of the first lady in the history of the United States of America.
Debra’s book, Ladies First: Common Threads, intended for middle school children, has garnered the interest of many adults locally and nationally, and she has been speaking at historical societies, museums and libraries for the past two years. Read the recent Fire Island News book review. Many thanks to Debra, and her husband George, for joining us at our meeting!
June 23, 2024
Scholarship Award Celebration
Honoring Shayaan Ahmed
At our June meeting we celebrated the 2024 winner of the William Tmay Scholarship, Shayaan Ahmed. Shayaan spoke to the audience about how he came to write his essay, and how he is happy to call Bohemia his home. He will be attending Johns Hopkins University in the fall. We wish him well in his academic pursuits.
Congratulations, Shayaan! 🎓
May 19, 2024 • Guest Speaker
Freshwater Fishing on Long Island
Presented by Heidi O’Riordan, Fisheries Manager, NYS DEC
Our May speaker, Heidi O’Riordan, Fisheries Manager, NYS DEC, provided us with an excellent talk about freshwater fishing on Long Island and beyond. The audience was extremely engaged, and Heidi answered tons of questions for us. Thanks so much to Heidi for taking the time to share her expertise with us, and thanks to Frank for making the arrangements.
Heidi O’Riordan, Fisheries Manager, NYS DEC.
April 21, 2024 • Guest Speaker
Local Recollections & Lake Ronkonkoma Folklore
Presented by Ken Nocar
Once again, Ken Nocar wowed us with his colorful recollections of the local area including Lake Ronkonkoma folklore. He spoke extensively about the “Vova Trail” — a path known by the locals that ran from Church Street between St. John Nepomucene and Benedict Lumber north to Joseph Kovarik American Legion on Hubal. Could this once have been part of Mooney’s Pond Road, as displayed on this 1915–1917 Bohemia Map from NYPL?
Many thanks to Ken for sharing his stories with us, and we look forward to any follow ups.
