High Tide

This It’s hard to believe that this past October 7, marked the one-year anniversary of the deadly Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. And one year later, 101 hostages are still in captivity. We continue to stand with the people of Israel and Jews all around the world in fighting back against this evil. Rockaway, of course, has a tremendous Jewish community, and to our Jewish friends, as you observe Yom Kippur this weekend: G’mar chatima tovah. We wish you a meaningful Yom Kippur.
*****
Just over a week after getting devastated by Hurricane Helene, another monster storm is bearing down on the Sunshine State. As we go to press, Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall on the Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm late Wednesday night. The storm is so powerful that by the time it crosses the peninsula and reaches the Atlantic coast of Florida, it is expected to still be a Category 1 hurricane. We are praying for everyone in this storm’s path.
*****
We hope everyone has a wonderful Columbus Day … er, we mean Italian Heritage Day … wait, Indigenous People’s Day … Whatever we are calling it these days, have a great long weekend!
*****
This past Saturday, the Queens Edition of Monopoly was revealed and as predicted, Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk made the cut of famous Queens landmarks. The game is available online and in stores.
*****
In advance of Veterans Day, Councilwoman Joann Ariola is collecting new full or queen-size sheet sets to give to our veterans in the Veteran Homes throughout the city. You can drop off any at her Ozone Park or Rockaway (114-12 Beach Channel Drive) office Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 1.
*****
On Saturday, October 5, the body of a decomposed woman washed up near the Breezy Point Surf Club. Shortly after and unrelated, there were reports of a deceased minke whale that washed up not too far away in Fort Tilden.
*****
The Rockaway Beach Civic Association is hosting a volunteer planting project to support the Daffodil Project (New Yorkers for Parks) on Sunday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to noon. The group will be beautifying the area on the east side of the 100th Precinct on the corner of Beach 94th Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard. Tools and gloves will be provided. Community service certificates are available. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
*****
Save the date: Our friends at the Harbor Light, Jamesons Pub, Callie’s, Pico and Panino Rustico/Baya Bar are having their third annual Fall “Freedom” Fest which will take place next Saturday, October 19. The first two years of the Fest were a lot of fun and a great success. Please support the local establishments that help to make this community the amazing place it is!
*****
October is Adopt-A-Dog month, and the NYC Animal Care Centers are hoping that they can get many prospective adopters eager to find their match. The fee for adopting a dog is $75 and includes a spay/neuter, initial wellness vaccinations, a certificate for a free exam from a participating vet, microchip, leash and collar, heartworm test, and a Royal Canin adoption kit.
*****
On Friday, October 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be an Evening of Stargazing with The Garden by the Bay and the Amateur Astronomers Association at the Arverne East Welcome Center, 190 Beach 44th Street and Edgemere Avenue. Bring the family and be delighted as you search for star clusters and view our planetary solar system through telescopes. You will see Venus and Saturn at sundown and view the waning Moon shortly after 7 p.m. If it rains or is cloudy, the event will be canceled. RSVP at https://forms.gle/AGEcJuExBpCJbLAq6