High Tide
This past Sunday was Groundhog Day, and our groundhogs had some differing predictions. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter. But Staten Island Chuck did not see his shadow, meaning an early spring. According to the Staten Island Zoo, Chuck has been more accurate than Phil, making the correct prediction 85% of the time, dating back to the first Groundhog Day festivities at the Staten Island Zoo in 1981. So, sorry Phil, we are going with Chuck’s prediction.
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Although New Yorkers don’t have much to root for this Super Bowl, we know everyone will still be watching — you just can’t help yourselves. If you are hosting friends and family for the big game, be sure to take a look through our loyal advertisers’ Super Bowl specials. There are some great deals! When you order from them don’t forget to tell them you saw their ad in The Rockaway Times!
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St. Francis de Sales is once again remembering its neighbors in need and collecting cans of soup during its annual “Souper Bowl” collection. They are asking that folks bring a can of soup to church this weekend. Food bins will be located at the back of the church. You can also send soup through Amazon directly to St. Mary’s Star of the Sea at 1920 New Haven Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691.
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If you happen to be walking in Riis Park, you will notice that some significant work has been going on with the construction of the much-anticipated hotel at the Riis Park Bathhouse. Tom Farley posted some great photos on Facebook this past week showing the progress that has been made.
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Rhythms on the Rock, a new seafood and brunch spot located at 112-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, is expected to open this Saturday, February 8. Welcome to the neighborhood!
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Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Jerry Perich and Umberto Lopresti, who both died on January 31. Jerry owned the Irish Circle from 1995 until it closed in 2014. Umberto, better known as Nino in Broad Channel, was the former owner of Tommy’s Pizza.
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We would like to give a warm welcome to Ann Donnelly, a new advertiser in the hallowed Rockaway Times real estate section. Be sure to check out her ad on page 27 of this week’s paper.
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A big congratulations to Pawlacio Pets who will be celebrating their fourth anniversary this week. We know there are countless pet owners throughout the peninsula who would be lost without you!
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The next meeting of the Rockaway Beach Civic Association will be held tonight, Thursday, February 6 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room of the Knights of Columbus (333 Beach 90th Street). Guest speakers include the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), Queens Deputy Borough Commissioner Jason Banrey, and Queens Borough Planner Emanuel Evans.
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The Rockaway Times 2025 Photo Contest will officially open on February 13! Get your photos ready to start submitting! More information concerning the contest will be in next week’s paper. The official contest email address will not be operational until the start date so please hold on to those submissions.
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While the A train is shut down, the MTA has published a schedule for the shuttle train. They are working on an extended version that will be posted at stations to include all subway stations but for now, see the published schedule at https://mta.info/document/9536
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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 will be inserted in the same bag as the coupon circular that accompanies the paper. If you’d rather read the paper online, send an email to mail@rockawaytimes.com and we will sign you up for our email blast.
