High Tide
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah from The Rockaway Times!
*****
With Christmas falling on a Wednesday next week, we will be finishing up the paper on Tuesday. For our loyal advertisers, please submit your ads by Tuesday. The paper will still be delivered via email and to your door as usual on Thursday, December 26. (If Scrooge could give Bob Cratchit the day off, we could give our awesome team the day too.)
*****
This Saturday, December 21, is the winter solstice and will mark the longest night of the year. Starting Sunday, slowly but steadily, the days will begin to get longer and longer.
*****
As you shop for last-minute gifts, don’t forget to shop local and support Rockaway’s small businesses. Rockaway has great shops, bars, and restaurants, and we’re sure they’d appreciate your business this holiday season.
*****
Beginning December 15, pet stores in New York are banned from selling cats and dogs, as a 2022 state law takes effect. The New York City Health Department will enforce the ban and has notified all 24 permitted pet stores in the city to remind them of the deadline. For those seeking a furry friend, visit one of the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) to adopt a pet in need of a forever home.
*****
The 100th Precinct Community Council is hosting a Movie with Santa on Saturday, December 21, at 4 p.m. (doors open at 3:30 p.m.) at the gym at St. Camillus (180 Beach 100th St.). Photos with Santa, pizza, and gifts will be provided, all for free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. Register at https://forms.gle/FaLktujM8W22DYhU7.
*****
Mount Carmel Baptist Church’s free toy giveaway event is Sunday, December 22, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 348 Beach 71st St. Children must be present, and the event runs until supplies last. For more details, contact Evangelist Marshay Hosley at 646-319-7798.
*****
Now through December 31, the Queens Public Library is partnering with Food Bank for New York City to collect canned food at 57 of its locations. When visiting the library to pick up some reading material, bring a can of food to help those in need.
*****
Looking ahead to January, St. Francis de Sales Church will host a Family Pasta Night on Saturday, January 11, following the 4:30 p.m. Mass. Tickets are $15 per person. The meal is provided by Michael’s of Brooklyn, La Sorrentina, and A&S at the Harbor, and includes salad, bread, pasta, soda, and dessert. BYOB. Tickets are available via St. Francis’ Facebook page and at the rectory.
*****
Just a reminder: There will be no trash, curbside composting, or recycling collection on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25. Those who normally receive Wednesday collection may place their material at the curb Wednesday evening for collection beginning Thursday. However, there may be delays due to the holiday.
*****
Didn’t get your Rockaway Times this week? Make sure to take another look! When inclement weather is forecasted, your home-delivered copy of The Rockaway Times will be inserted in the same bag as the coupon circular. And, as always, if you’d rather read the paper online, email mail@rockawaytimes.com to sign up for our weekly email blast.
