High Tide

We are freezing—and there is no end in sight. We don’t know about you, but we are officially done with it!

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Monday was Groundhog Day, and the groundhog has spoken. Unfortunately, the cold is sticking around a little longer. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow after emerging from his den in Pennsylvania, signaling six more weeks of winter. Had he not seen his shadow, spring would have been right around the corner. Oh, Phil … you let us down.

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This Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday. Enjoy the big game!

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The Seaside Library, located at 116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, is reopening today, Thursday, February 5, at 12 p.m. Many in the neighborhood have missed it and are happy to welcome it back.

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Super Bowl weekend is upon us, and just days after the big game, Valentine’s Day saunters into the picture. Whether you’re hosting friends and family for the Super Bowl or taking your sweetheart out for dinner—or picking up a special gift—be sure to check out the ads from our loyal advertisers throughout this week’s paper. When you visit, order, or make a reservation, don’t forget to tell them you saw their ad in The Rockaway Times!

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If you’re heading to St. Francis de Sales this weekend, don’t forget they are once again remembering neighbors in need with their annual “Souper Bowl” collection. Parishioners are asked to bring a can of soup to church this weekend, February 7 and 8. Food bins will be located at the back of the church. You can also send soup through Amazon directly to neighboring parishes, including St. Camillus, St. Rose of Lima, and St. Mary’s Star of the Sea.

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Looking for some Valentine’s Day exercise to keep that New Year’s resolution going strong? Start your Valentine’s Day by joining the Rockaway Track Club for their Half Marathon and 5K run on Saturday, February 14, at 9 a.m. Meet first at Healey’s Pub on Beach 108th Street for bib pickup, a t-shirt, and check-in, beginning at 8 a.m. For more information or to register, visit rockawaytc.org

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And it’s almost that time of year! Just one week until the Rockaway Times 2026 Photo Contest opens next Thursday, February 12. Get your photos ready for submission! More information about the contest will be in next week’s paper. Please note: the official contest email address will not be operational until the start date, so hang on to those submissions for now.

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The Graybeards Dinner Dance was once again a huge success. This year’s Pot of Gold winner took home a whopping $300,000! Congratulations to the winner and to the Graybeards, who will undoubtedly do a lot of good with their share of the winnings. There’s always next year, folks—but remember, you have to be in it to win it!

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If you’re a snowbird and want to make sure you receive The Rockaway Times, we email the entire paper every Thursday to more than 4,300 subscribers. It’s fast (8:30 a.m. Thursday mornings) and free. Are you receiving it online? If not, drop us a note at Mail@RockawayTimes.com and we’ll add you to our list.