High Tide

It’s December! All those arguments about whether it’s too early for Christmas lights or music are officially out the window. Like it or not, the holiday season is here — and we love it!

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The peninsula is buzzing this time of year. From holiday lights to festive events to great live music at local establishments, there’s a lot going on. Don’t forget to check out our loyal advertisers’ ads in the paper, as well as our “Things to Do” and “Rockaway Good Times” sections, to stay up to date so you don’t miss anything.

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The holiday season also brings plenty of local markets and pop-up boutiques. If you’ve waited until the last minute to do your gift shopping, here’s your solution — and you’ll be supporting local businesses at the same time! Many of our loyal advertisers are offering fantastic holiday specials. When you take advantage of those deals, be sure to tell them you saw their ad in The Rockaway Times. We always appreciate that! Supporting local businesses — not just our advertisers, but every shop and restaurant around town — is more important than ever.

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The Rockaway Track Club is hosting its annual Santa Suit and Grinch 5K run/walk on Saturday, December 13, on the boardwalk at Beach 108th Street. You can sign up on their website, www.rockawaytc.org, or register at Healy’s (108-07 Rockaway Beach Drive) starting at 9 a.m. The race begins at 10 a.m.

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Ferry riders — don’t forget that the ferry route expands starting Monday, December 8. Check out the updated schedule and new routes at www.ferry.nyc

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The next meeting of the Rockaway Beach Civic Association (RBCA) will be held tonight, Thursday, December 4, at 7 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at the Knights of Columbus (333 Beach 90th Street). The RBCA will welcome guest speaker Kim Fraczek, Director of the Sane Energy Project, who will discuss the ramifications of Governor Hochul’s approval of a key water-quality permit for the Williams NESE Pipeline.

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The RBCA will also host its annual ornament-painting event on Saturday, December 6, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Peninsula Library (92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach, NY). The event is free and open to everyone. All materials will be provided, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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The Catholic Teachers Association will hold its annual Christmas Dinner Dance at Russo’s on the Bay next Wednesday, December 10, at 6 p.m., where Father Jim Cunningham of St. Francis de Sales will be honored. Tickets are $120. To attend, contact teachers191@yahoo.com or call 347-633-5035.

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St. John’s Episcopal Hospital is hosting a tree lighting in its lobby at 327 Beach 19th Street tomorrow, Friday, December 5, from 11 a.m. to noon. There will be musical performances and light refreshments.

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This Sunday, December 7, is Christmas in Belle Harbor from noon to 5 p.m. on Beach 129th Street. Enjoy vendors, a snowman bounce house, a train ride, and festive fun for the whole family.

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On Sunday, November 30, the NY Jets, late FDNY Lt. Patrick Brady’s favorite football team, welcomed and honored the Brady family as honorary captains at MetLife Stadium. And the Jets beat the Atlanta Falcons!

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It may be December but it’s never too early to start thinking about the summer. There’s never been a better time to become a New York City lifeguard. Sign up for a qualifying test. Learn more at http://nyc.gov/parks/lifeguards

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Councilwoman Joann Ariola’s office has received a shipment of free leaf bags to help keep your lawn neat and tidy. You can pick them up at her Rockaway office at 114-12 Beach Channel Drive.