High Tide

Today, April 24, will mark three years since the loss of Firefighter Timmy Klein. Hard to believe it has been three years already. We know we speak for all of Rockaway when we say that we will never forget Timmy, his sacrifice, and everything he stood for.

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On Sunday, April 27 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Timmy Klein Foundation and Country Swag are hosting the 3rd Annual TK Country Fest at The Rockaway Hotel. The afternoon includes music by Rock Country Nights and Tommy Cole, line dancing, raffles, drinks, lite fare and more. For tickets see countryswag.com/tkfest25

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Tuesday, April 22, was Earth Day. We are blessed to live in the greatest place on Earth.

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It is not too late, but it sure is getting close. The Rockaway Times Summer Guide advertising space is filling up fast! Don’t miss the boat because, unlike the Ferry, you will not have another chance until next year to get your business in the hands of thousands of people from one end of the peninsula to the other. Think you might be interested? Shoot us an email, give us a call (718-634-3030), or contact us through Facebook or Instagram.

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Thank you to everyone who submitted photos for this year’s Rockaway Times Photo Contest. We received several hundred submissions! Our sage and prudent judges are currently sifting through those submissions and will soon have a top 30. Their task is not an easy one. The number of high-quality photos this year was incredible. Those top 30 will then have their photos blown up and placed along the boardwalk and five honorable mentions will be at the ferry landing on Beach 108th.

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Come out and support the Rockaway Beach Autism Families (RBAF) this weekend. On Sunday, April 27, RBAF will be hosting the 3rd Annual Walk For Autism on the boardwalk and Beach 95th Street. The walk will begin at 11 a.m. You can sign up online at www.rockawaybeachautismfamilies.org. RBAF is also hosting a radio bingo event on Saturday, April 26 at the Knights of Columbus (333 Beach 90th Street). Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 per person at the door. To RSVP, go to www.rockawaybeachautismfamilies.org or email support@rockawaybeachautismfamilies.org. For more information, see RBAF’s ad on page 15 of this week’s paper.

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The Belle Harbor Property Owners Association’s 35th Annual Beach Clean Up will be held Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please meet at the Beach 134th Street or Beach 140th Street beach wall. Come out and volunteer to get the beaches ready for the season! Bring your own rakes! It’s a great way for kids to get community service, and at the same time, making our beaches ready for summer.

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Be an All-Seasons Blood Donor! There will be a blood drive at the St. Francis de Sales gym (219 Beach 129 Street) next Sunday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in memory of Walter Blum.

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Looking to get out on the water and sail? On next Saturday, May 3, from 2 p.m. to dark, Sail Rockaway is hosting its opening party with free sailing tours and lessons, live jazz, and $1 oysters. This family friendly event is located at Marina 59 on Beach 59th Street.

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The next meeting of the Rockaway Beach Civic Association will be on Thursday, May 1, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus (333 Beach 90th Street) in the upstairs meeting room. Their guest speaker will be Elizabeth Walsack, the new Rockaway Administrator for NYC Parks Department.