Christmas Cheer Around the Community
Story and Photos
By Theresa M Racine
Rockaway is in full force with bringing holiday spirit and joy to the community.
On Saturday, December 14, Connect Rockaway Beach Church on Beach 97th Street and Pastors Elvis and Emily Leon hosted a festive Christmas Community Party. Santa’s merry laughter resonated as children took pictures with him and his elves. Meanwhile, ornament crafting and hot chocolate delighted the kids and the parents. Also on Saturday, the Rockaway YMCA on Beach 73rd Street hosted their Winter Wonderland Family Event where kids and adults alike could whisper their wishes to Santa. They also enjoyed refreshments, games, inflatable playgrounds and family photo opportunities, including with a notably huge snow globe. They also hosted a story time event featuring local author Sharmeika Davis-Boyd, who read from her books, “Grandma Has a Mouse in Her House” and “Grandma and Sue Have Nothing to Do,” receiving a warm reception from the attending kids.
This weekend, there is more holiday fun ahead. On Saturday, December 21 at 4 p.m. at St. Camillus gym (180 Beach 100th Street), join the 100th Precinct Community Council for a movie with Santa! There will be photos with Santa, pizza and gifts. Doors open at 3 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. Email vp100pctcc@gmail.com to register.
Also on December 21, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., The B.R.I.D.G.E. Family Enrichment Center (217 Beach 92nd Street) is hosting Festive 2 Frames, with a festive toy giveaway, family photos, light refreshments, hot chocolate, activities and more. There will be music by DJ Peter Vibe. This event celebrates Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hannukah.
On Sunday, December 22 at St. Rose Of Lima Church gym (130 Beach 84th Street), there will be a waffles with Mrs. Claus fundraiser hosted by the youth group after every Mass (8 a.m. [English], 9:30 a.m. [Español], 11 a.m. [English], 12:30 pm [Polskie]). There will be free hot chocolate and coffee, music and pictures. For sale will be sand art, waffles, and face painting.
On Tuesday, December 24 at 2 p.m., the 101st Precinct is hosting a Pajama and Popcorn Christmas Matinee. They will be screening “Jingle Jangle” at the Ocean Bay Community Development Center (57-10 Beach Channel Dr.).
Check out The Rockaway Times’ Things to Do and Rockaway Good Times sections for many more listings on the many events going on.
