High Tide

We hope everyone enjoys a wonderful Columbus Day … or Indigenous Peoples’ Day … or whatever we’re calling it now. And if you’re lucky enough to have the day off, here’s to a great long weekend!

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Last weekend couldn’t have been more perfect weather-wise. It was another beautiful few days in Rockaway. Many hit the beach to soak up the sun, while others participated in the Catch a Cure run/walk. Unfortunately, those heading to Riis Park ran into some trouble — the main parking lot was closed due to the government shutdown, causing quite the traffic jam as drivers searched for spots.

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The reviews are in for the annual Beach 116th Street Fall Festival, and it’s unanimous — a great success! Congratulations to everyone who made it happen, and a special thank-you to the hardworking business owners along Beach 116th who continue to make the block shine. Well done!

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Even though it’s fall, some of the boardwalk concessions are still open at Beach 97th. So if you’re looking to enjoy the crisp weather with a walk or bike ride, stop by — food vendors are serving up favorites, and music and events are scheduled throughout the season.

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This Saturday, October 12, Sail Rockaway will offer free youth sailing lessons for ages 6 to 18, departing from 4806 Norton Ave. in Edgemere. The rain date is Monday, October 13. To reserve a spot, email sailrockaway@gmail.com, call or text 516-206-2642, or sign up at sailrockaway.com

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Last week’s paper inadvertently left off the byline for the “Sol De Vida” article. That piece was written by the one and only Kami-Leigh Agard.

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If you’ve been watching Black Rabbit on Netflix, you may have noticed a familiar face — Rockaway’s own Forrest Weber (known to many as the husband of local singer Lauren Jaimes) appears in the show as Junior. Congratulations, Forrest!

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The Rockaway Beach Civic Association (RBCA) will have its rescheduled meeting tonight, Thursday, October 9. RBCA will welcome Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz as their guest speaker. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room of the Knights of Columbus, 333 Beach 90th Street.

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Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-­Powers is hosting a free Senior Appreciation Brunch next Wednesday, October 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rockaway YMCA (207 Beach 73rd St.). The event will feature community resources, food, and games for seniors.

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Next Saturday, October 18, our friends from The Harbor Light, Callie’s, Pico, Jameson’s, and Panini Rustico Baya Bar will host their annual Fall Freedom Fest. $20 bracelets are available at any of the participating establishments. Every year has been a blast — full of good fun, music, and great company — and this year will surely be no exception. Check out their ad on page 5 for details.

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Tee’s Arts and Crafts Club is hosting two upcoming sessions to make fall crafts including cork wreaths and other creative fall ideas on Tuesdays, October 14 and October 28 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima (130 Beach 84th). The sessions are free but kids must be with a parent or guardian.

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St. Francis de Sales Parish is holding its Octoberfest 50/50 Raffle, with the winner drawn on Sunday, October 26. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased after Mass or from any Parish Council or Finance Committee member. All proceeds support the parish.

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We email out the full paper every Thursday morning to more than 4,200 subscribers. It’s fast (arrives at 8:30 a.m.) and free! If you’re not already receiving it, drop us a note at Mail@RockawayTimes.com, and we’ll add you to the list.