High Tide

Chag Sameach! Happy Passover to our Jewish friends. The holiday begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 1 and ends at nightfall on April 9.

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Spring has officially arrived, and while we’re starting to see the early signs—like tulips beginning to pop up—it doesn’t quite feel like spring just yet. Hopefully, that changes in the very near future.

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We’ve all been enjoying March Madness so far, and we were especially happy to see St. John’s take down Kansas on Sunday, punching its ticket to the Sweet 16. Rick Pitino and St. John’s will be back in action tomorrow, Friday, March 27. Let’s go, Red Storm!

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With spring here, summer is right around the corner. Here’s a reminder to our valued advertisers: start thinking about your ad for The Rockaway Times Summer & Community Guide—the one-can’t-miss publication of the year. The summer magazine comes out the Thursday before Memorial Day, and advertising deadlines will be in early May. Thank you for your continued support and participation!

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The 100th Precinct Youth Officers are hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beach 108th Street and Shore Front Parkway. The event will include an egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny. It is recommended for children ages 12 and under. Be sure to bring your own basket.

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St. Francis de Sales Parish is hosting Bagels with the Bunny this Sunday, March 29, after the 10 a.m. Mass, in the school gymnasium. There will be light refreshments, supervised activities, face painting, simple crafts, and an opportunity for photos with the Easter Bunny.

Looking to adopt a cat or kitten? PURR RBNY is hosting an adoption event on Sunday, March 29, from noon to 3 p.m. at Rockaway Beach Veterinary Services (92-02 Rockaway Beach Blvd.). To expedite the process, you can fill out an application in advance at www.purrrbny.org/adopt-1

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On Saturday, April 18, the Rockaway Beach Civic Association will host an Earth Day volunteer “spring cleaning” event. From 10 a.m. to noon, participants will help tidy up the planted flower beds outside the 100th Precinct and Peninsula Library, located at Rockaway Beach Boulevard and Beach 93rd Street, by weeding, collecting litter, and spreading mulch. RBCA’s next regular meeting will be Thursday, May 7 at Knights of Columbus. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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Councilwoman Joann Ariola will host a Spring Food Distribution on Wednesday, April 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at her office at 114-12 Beach Channel Drive. Individual meals of chicken, a side vegetable, and dessert will be provided. You must live in District 32 to register, and you must call 718-318-6411 to do so.

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Have a teen looking to stay active on Saturday nights? The Rockaway YMCA (207 Beach 72nd Street) hosts Saturday Night Lights, a free basketball program held every Saturday. Middle school sessions run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by high school from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Registration is available in person at the YMCA.

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Submissions for the 2026 Rockaway Times Photo Contest are rolling in, and the photos have been fantastic so far. 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 32.