High Tide

Today, June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth—the day, in 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and declared that enslaved people were free. Although President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier, Confederate states did not recognize the order during the Civil War. Juneteenth marks the long-overdue enforcement of that historic declaration.

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Tomorrow, June 20, is the Summer Solstice, officially kicking off summer and giving us the longest day of the year. Even though the days are long, they always seem to fly by. To all the students and teachers wrapping up the school year, we hope you have a fantastic and well-deserved summer break!

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New York City’s primary elections are coming up on Tuesday, June 24. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Make sure to get out and vote so your voice is heard! Early voting is open now through June 22 for those who can’t make it on Election Day. To see what’s on your ballot, visit vote.nyc/elections

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After last weekend’s washout, it finally feels like summer! So get out, enjoy the sunshine, take a stroll, and support our local businesses. And if you saw one of their ads in The Rockaway Times, be sure to let them know! This free paper wouldn’t be possible without our loyal advertisers—we appreciate them more than we can say.

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Despite the terrible weather last weekend, one group who still went to the beach were the lifeguards. We know there have been concerns about coverage on certain beaches, but please remember to only swim where and when lifeguards are on duty—and remind your kids to do the same. Tragically, each summer we lose too many lives due to swimming during off-hours or in unguarded areas.

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The Flag Day fireworks celebration, postponed due to rain, is now set for this Saturday, June 21. The festivities will also celebrate the Grand Reopening of the Beach 116th Street boardwalk. Enjoy a concert starting at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks on the beach at 9 p.m.

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Interested in assisting the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) with their fostering needs for cats and large dogs? You can attend the ACC’s next foster orientation on Sunday, June 22—it’s virtual and just 90 minutes. Sign up at nycacc.org/foster 

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Also on Saturday, June 21, Councilwoman Joann Ariola, in partnership with the NYC Department of Sanitation and the Rockaway Beach Civic Association, is hosting an e-waste drop-off and free compost giveaway from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your old electronics to her Rockaway office at 11412 Beach Channel Drive for safe recycling—and while you’re there, grab some free compost for your garden!

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Looking ahead, next Saturday, June 28 is RockStock and Barrels! Save the day for this all-day music, skate, surf and shopping festival on Beach 90th Street.

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Some troubling news for the new Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department (BCVFD) firehouse, which celebrated their contract signing last month. The BCVFD says Senator James Sanders had pledged $1M towards the project to close the funding gap. That commitment has since been reduced to $100,000, meaning they no longer have enough funding to proceed with the bid, so the future of the new firehouse is once again up in the air.

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