High Tide
Next Tuesday, October 29, marks the 12th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. That day, and so many that followed, was filled with tragedy here on the peninsula. Loved ones were lost and many were devastated both financially and emotionally. We are all very proud of the peninsula’s resiliency and incredible recovery. That being said, the devastation of Hurricane Sandy can still be seen throughout Rockaway every day. Whether it is having our beaches closed for groin and dune work or the housing lots that remain vacant and overgrown, the storm’s lasting effect remains with us today, twelve years later.
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Now, the anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, is a good time to check batteries and discuss evacuation plans with family. And check with neighbors and seniors who may need additional help during an emergency.
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Speaking of anniversaries (but this one is a happy one), happy 23rd anniversary to our friends at Sands Point Physical Therapy and its owner Timothy Rohrs. Congratulations to them and we wish them many more years!
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Country music star Zach Bryan dropped a teaser yesterday for a new song he will be releasing soon. The song is simply called “Rockaway.” Let me know if any of this sounds familiar: “Recall when we, went to Rockaway Beach, summer heat in eastern Queens, and a subway ride.” Sure sounds like it is going to be a hit to us!
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Thanks to reader Scott Nagel for bringing to our attention the political signs that have been popping up on the Belle Harbor and Neponsit Malls (the grassy islands in the middle of Rockaway Beach Blvd. from Beach 126th to Beach 149th). Election Day is right around the corner, and you are free to post signage for whichever candidate you favor on your own private property. The malls, however, are public property maintained by the NYC Parks Department and are off limits for any signs or posters.
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If you want to show appreciation for a good cause this weekend, the Rockaway Beach Autism Families (RBAF) is hosting their first annual Community Appreciation Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on Sunday, October 27, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus. There is a suggested donation of $20 at the door. Kami-Leigh Agard, a writer for the Rockaway Times, started RBAF in 2016 and we could not be prouder of the work she does at the RBAF and in our community.
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If you are looking to keep your child busy on Saturday nights, send them to the Rockaway YMCA, 207 Beach 72nd Street. The youth officers are hosting Saturday Night Lights, a youth development program that provides young people with fun, safe, and constructive high-quality sports programming. Free for ages 11 to 18 years old. Middle school is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and high school is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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Don’t forget 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 at her Ozone Park or Rockaway office Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until November 1. Councilwoman Ariola’s office is also again hosting a Thanksgiving feast giveaway so that everyone can have a proper Thanksgiving meal. Each package contains a pre-cooked meal for four people and will be picked up Wednesday, November 27. You must register in advance by calling 718-738-1083.
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The Rockaway Track Club is having their marathon, half marathon, and 5K this Saturday, October 26 at Beach 94th Street and the boardwalk. Check in and get your bib and t-shirt at 6:30 a.m. and races start at 8 a.m. For more information, go to www.rockawaytc.org
