High Tide

“There is no way that this winter is ever going to end as long as this groundhog keeps seeing his shadow. I don’t see any other way out. He’s got to be stopped. And I have to stop him.” Next Monday is Groundhog Day, and while we’re hoping Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow, it still won’t save us from the cold weather we’re dealing with this week.

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Last weekend was one of those rare times the weather folks got it right—we got exactly the snow and cold they promised. We hope everyone stayed warm and has been able to dig out from the storm that hit early Sunday morning into Monday. And for those who enjoyed a “snow day” on Monday, we hope you made the most of it! Some are predicting more snow this weekend, but considering we haven’t even cleared last weekend’s snow, we’re really hoping they’re wrong this time.

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Want incisive sports perspective? Read The Rockaway Times! In a High Tide item six years ago (9/13/18), we wrote: “First time for everything. The football Jets look good! The team’s opener last Monday night started off with their new quarterback, Sam Darnold, throwing an interception on the first play of the game. The rookie quickly recovered and showed why Jet fans are so excited by his potential.” Of course, the Jets let him go and he seemed destined for oblivion—but now Darnold is leading the undefeated Vikings and has become one of the best stories in the NFL so far this season.

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The Seaside Library, located at 116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, will reopen next Thursday, February 5, at 12 p.m. The last day of mobile library services will be Monday, February 2.

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St. Francis de Sales is once again remembering its neighbors in need with its annual “Souper Bowl” collection. Parishioners are asked to bring a can of soup to church the weekend of the Super Bowl, February 7 and 8. Food bins will be located at the back of the church. You can also send soup through Amazon directly to neighboring parishes, including St. Camillus, St. Rose of Lima, and St. Mary’s Star of the Sea.

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Councilwoman Joann Ariola has called on Mayor Mamdani to retract a city mandate set to take effect in June that requires homeowners to use official NYC trash bins. The city’s designated manufacturer and online vendor are reportedly experiencing significant issues, making the bins nearly impossible to obtain. If the mandate is not repealed, Ariola is urging the city to allow small businesses to sell the bins so residents can access them. Hopefully, City Hall listens.

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The next meeting of the Rockaway Beach Civic Association will be held on Thursday, February 5, at 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus (333 Beach 90th Street). The RBCA will be introducing Captain Sachi Singh, the newly appointed Commanding Officer of the NYPD 100th Precinct. The meeting will also include updates from the NYPD 100th Precinct and elected officials and/or their representatives.

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It’s almost that time of year—get your cameras ready! In just a few weeks, the Rockaway Times Photo Contest kicks off. Start snapping now so you’ll be ready to submit your best shots when the contest begins. More details coming in upcoming issues.

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If you’re a snowbird and want to make sure you receive The Rockaway Times, we email the entire paper every Thursday to more than 4,300 readers. It’s fast (8:30 a.m. Thursday mornings) and free. Drop us a note at Mail@RockawayTimes.com and we’ll add you to our list.