High Tide

Just when we thought we were finally turning the corner, we woke up Monday morning to yet another coating of snow. Thankfully, most of it had melted by day’s end, and we’re starting to see a bit more thawing across the peninsula. Still, enough is enough.

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Where is everyone? It’s a quiet week around Rockaway with schools closed for winter break. It seems many folks on the peninsula are away—either getting in some quality ski time or escaping the cold for somewhere warm. Wherever you are, we hope you’re having a great time.

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We stayed local this weekend, watching the Olympics on TV, enjoying a great Valentine’s Day dinner at one neighborhood restaurant and a pre–Presidents’ Day brunch at another favorite spot. Winters can be tough for local businesses, so even if you’re not heading out of town, remember to support them whenever you can.

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Our thoughts and prayers are with Maureen Hayes, Assistant Principal of St. Francis de Sales. We are all praying and pulling for her continued healing. If you are in town, St. Francis invites everyone to join them for a candlelight vigil for Maureen tonight, Thursday, February 19, at 7 p.m. in the church.

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NYC Ferry announced last weekend that all ferry landings resumed service on Sunday, February 15. Riders are encouraged to check individual route schedules ahead of time at ferry.nyc. The app schedules are updated overnight to reflect the following day’s service. There may still be lingering effects from ice, so minor delays or temporary adjustments are possible as conditions are monitored to ensure safe operations.

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It’s hard to believe, but do you know what’s just over two weeks away? Rockaway St. Patrick’s Day—Saturday, March 7! It’s always a great day and a sure sign that spring isn’t far behind. Fingers crossed the snow is gone by then.

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The 2026 Rockaway Times Photo Contest opened last week, and submissions have been coming in hot. Keep them coming! To be eligible, photos must be emailed to Contest@RockawayTimes.com. We will continue to run our regular Local Color pages, but those photos should be sent to Mail@RockawayTimes.com. We look forward to reviewing your submissions. For more details, see page 7.

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Her Care Inc., in partnership with Wellcome Care Medical, is hosting a community baby shower on Sunday, March 22, from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 29-15 Far Rockaway Blvd. They are collecting new and gently used baby clothes, strollers, car seats, diapers and wipes, baby essentials, and self-care items for moms.

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The Almeda Club, located at 69-62 Almeda Ave, closed earlier this month after six years. But the Jupiter Club, a surf club, co-working space and community event space, opened in its place. They’ll be hosting an opening party this Friday, February 20, from 6 p.m.to 9 p.m. Check out the space, learn about membership and upcoming events and connect with neighbors.

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Looking for a summer job? Registration and applications for the 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program are now open, with a deadline of February 27. To apply, visit application.nycsyep.com. The PIN for younger youth (ages 14–15) is 894482, and for older youth (ages 16–24) is 815736. For questions, contact the Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) at rdrcsyep@gmail.com or 718-327-5300.

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If you’re a snowbird and want to receive The Rockaway Times, we email the entire paper every Thursday to more than 4,300 subscribers. It’s delivered fast (8:30 a.m. Thursday mornings) and it’s free. Are you receiving it online? If not, drop us a note at Mail@RockawayTimes.com and we’ll add you to our list.