High Tide

Happy 2025!  We wish you and yours a very happy and healthy new year!

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Today marks the end of Hanukkah. We hope all those who celebrate had a Happy Hanukkah.

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Every year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to Times Square to watch the ball drop. Every year, the rest of the world is left wondering, why?!

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On New Year’s Day, hundreds of people — some would say just as crazy as those who would go to Times Square — all across the peninsula, flocked to their beach of choice and started the year off with a baptism of sorts by taking a dip in the ocean.

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Is Brendan Jones, the best bartender in Rockaway, pulling an Irish exit? Many said their farewells to Brendan on Saturday night after he told a few it would be his last shift at Rogers before he goes in for hernia surgery, and he may or may not return depending on how he likes retirement. Many were upset by the sudden news. But with a little convincing, he’ll be back for another shift at Rogers, working this Thursday, Friday and Saturday for those who’d like a potential parting glass.

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Bah, Humbug! We were sad to receive messages over the holidays that the Beach 116th Street Christmas tree and nativity scene were dark because the NYC Department of Transportation had unplugged them from the outlets. The same outlets that they had been plugged into each year for at least the last fifteen years. With the help of Tom Elges, who builds and lights the Knights of Columbus’ manger, and the FDNY, a temporary battery-operated box was used to ensure the tree and manger remained lit during the holiday season. Thank you to Tom and the FDNY for keeping our spirits and Beach 116th Street bright!

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Traveling into the city is about to become much more expensive and inconvenient for some on the peninsula. Beginning this Sunday, January 5, cars entering Manhattan using local streets and avenues below 60th Street will have to pay a $9 toll during peak travel hours as part of NYC’s congestion pricing plan. Despite considerable push back including several legal battles, the new plan — a tax in all but name — championed by Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA, was conveniently resurrected from the dead shortly after the recent November elections. To make matters worse for local commuters, the local A train shutdown for major renovations will begin in just over two weeks on January 17 with work expected to last until mid-May. During this time, the A train will not run from Howard Beach – JFK Airport to either Far Rockaway – Mott Avenue or Rockaway Park-Beach 116th Street. Free shuttle service will be provided from Howard Beach to both Beach 116th and Mott Avenue.

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Save the date! This year’s Poseidon’s Prom will be held on Saturday, February 1 at Connolly’s. $20 to enter at the door. Fundraising from the event will help benefit the Poseidon’s Parade next September.

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Wondering what to do with your Christmas tree? The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced to put your “naked” tree — remove stands, lights, and ornaments, no plastic bags — with other compostable items for pickup on your regularly scheduled compost/recycling day.

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Didn’t get your Rockaway Times this week? Take another look!  When the forecast calls for inclement weather, your home-delivered copy of The Rockaway Times will be inserted in the same bag as the coupon circular that usually accompanies the paper. As always, if you would rather read the paper online, send an email to mail@rockawaytimes.com and we will sign you up for our weekly email blast.