High Tide

This Saturday, August 2, marks the return of the Rockaway Sandcastle Contest! Councilwoman Joann Ariola will be hosting the event on Beach 108th Street, with NYC Parks and The Rockaway Times on hand to help out. Registration runs from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with castle/ sculpture building taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Be sure to bring your own shovels and pails—supplies will be limited. Participants will compete in the following age categories: 9 and under, 10-18, and 19 and up. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded based on creativity, design detail, and originality. Even if you’re not building, stop by to check out the finished pieces—they never disappoint!

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We’re always excited to welcome new advertisers to The Rockaway Times! This week, a special shout-out to Chris Mullin of CJM Contracting and Andrew Helicher of King of the Hill Propane—two new faces in our Business Directory, featured on pages 28 and 29. Thank you to them and all of our loyal advertisers. Your support allows us to deliver this paper for free every week. We couldn’t do it without you!

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Local swimmer Tess Howley continues to impress. At a time of 2:05.20 for the 200M butterfly, Howley broke a record for the World University Games in the semifinal, and the University of Virginia student is now the third fastest American in history.

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Good news for those missing the Seaside Library! Starting Monday, August 4, the branch (located at 116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard) will begin offering mobile library services every Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., right outside the building. While the library remains closed for HVAC system replacement, this mobile service will continue weekly until the branch reopens in the fall.

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Mark your calendars! The Graybeards Family Run returns next Friday, August 8, and there’s a race for everyone. The Kids’ Run starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Special Olympians Run at 6:45 p.m., the 1 Mile at 7 p.m., and the 5K at 7:15 p.m. It’s always a fun and inspiring evening—don’t miss it! For registration info and full details, see page 2 of this week’s issue.

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Next Tuesday, August 5, is National Night Out (NNO) Against Crime, and Rockaway will be hosting not one, but two great events! From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., head to Beach 94th to 95th Streets, where the 100th Precinct Community Council—alongside local businesses—will be offering free food, rides, raffles, demos, performances, and more. See their ad on page 7 for details. Also, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at O’Donohue Park (Beach 17th Street and the Boardwalk), another NNO event will offer free food and community exhibits. Join your neighbors and help promote safety and unity across the peninsula.

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We were glad to see Councilwoman Joann Ariola and Congressman Gregory Meeks come together last week to discuss the condition of the Fort Tilden sports fields. To say they need funding and repairs is an understatement. Here’s hoping our representatives continue to work together to bring these fields up to standard. The kids of the peninsula deserve safe, quality spaces to play.

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