High Tide

“People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.

*****

Happy MLK Day to everyone! And for those who are off on Monday, enjoy the long weekend.

*****

Just a reminder: the NYC Department of Sanitation collects live Christmas trees and wreaths as part of its Curbside Composting service. All you need to do is remove all lights, stands, and ornaments, and leave your bare tree or wreath (not in a bag) at the curb on your regular recycling day.

*****

If you’re interested in helping protect our beaches and swimmers next summer by becoming a NYC Parks lifeguard, you can learn more about the application process and testing at www.nyc.gov/parks/lifeguards

*****

Community Board 14 will be hosting the Department of Buildings at its office, located at 1931 Mott Ave., on Wednesday, January 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you would like to meet with the DOB for assistance with issues such as building violations, permits, inspection procedures, or enforcement actions, please call the CB 14 office at 718-471-7300 to reserve a 30-minute appointment.

*****

Come out and support a friend in need on Saturday, January 24, at the American Legion, located at 209 Cross Bay Blvd., in Broad Channel. Enjoy a fun night of music, friends, and community to help support a family dealing with a medical issue. Doors open at 6 p.m. The evening will feature live music by Wine With Sue and DJ Miltey. There will be a $10 donation at the door, and refreshments will be available for purchase. Guests can also enjoy great raffle prizes, including a 50/50 raffle.

*****

The NYC Ferry will operate on a weekend schedule on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19. To check the schedule and plan your trip accordingly, visit www.ferry.nyc

*****

And it’s almost that time of year! Get your cameras out—do you know what’s coming up in just over a month? That’s right: the kickoff of the 2026 Rockaway Times Photo Contest! Start snapping now so you’re ready to submit your best shots when the contest begins. More details will be announced in upcoming issues.

*****

The Rockaway YMCA, located at 207 Beach 73 Street, with the support of the NYPD, continues to host Saturday Night Lights—a free program offering youth basketball in a clean and safe environment. The program is open to ages 11–18. Middle school–aged participants attend from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and high school–aged participants from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Parents can register their children in person at the YMCA.

*****

The Queens Animal Care Center (ACC) is always a great option when considering adopting or fostering a pet. They are currently in need of large dog crates, crate covers, and bedding for their homeless dogs, and are asking for the community’s help. You can donate a large crate or other items through their Amazon Wishlist at www.nyacc.org/amazonwishlist. Items not on the Wishlist may be sent directly to the Queens ACC at 1906 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385.

*****

If you’re a snowbird and want to make sure you don’t miss an issue of The Rockaway Times, we email the entire paper every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m.—fast and free—to more than 4,300 subscribers. Are you receiving it online? If not, email us at Mail@RockawayTimes.com and we’ll add you to our list.