High Tide

It’s back to reality for students and teachers returning from spring break this week. We hope everyone had a great break. And just in time, it finally feels like spring at home!

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What’s that sound we hear? For those of us around last week, we were thrilled to hear the unmistakable jingle of the Mr. Softee truck rolling through the streets. Whether you’re indulging in ice cream or not, it’s the sound that signals summer is on its way!

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Here’s a reminder to our valued advertisers! If you haven’t reserved space for your ad in The Rockaway Times Summer & Community Guide—the one-can’t-miss publication of the year—now is the time to lock in your spot. You can reach Mary at Mary@RockawayTimes.com. The summer magazine comes out the Thursday before Memorial Day, and advertising deadlines are in early May. That means there are only a couple more weeks to reserve your space. What are you waiting for? Thank you for your continued support and participation!

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There are just a few days left to submit your photos for the 2026 Rockaway Times Photo Contest! The deadline is Monday, April 20, and submissions have been fantastic so far. If you’d like to take part, be sure to get your entries in. To be eligible, photos must be emailed to Contest@RockawayTimes.com. We will continue to run our regular Local Color pages, but those photos should be sent to Mail@RockawayTimes.com. For more details, see page 11.

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Rockaway will never forget. If you were unable to attend last Friday’s fundraiser at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club to help restore the Tribute Park 9/11 Mosaic, you can still donate to support the restoration efforts ahead of the 25th anniversary this September. Visit rockaways9-11tributepark.com to contribute.

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Heads up straphangers: there will be no A train service between Broad Channel and Far Rockaway this weekend, from Friday, April 17 at 11:30 a.m. through Monday, April 20 at 5 a.m., due to structural maintenance work. Free shuttle buses will run between Far Rockaway and Beach 67th Street, with connections to the A train at Beach 90th Street. Transfers between trains and shuttle buses will take place at Beach 90th Street.

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The Ava Conklin Foundation is hosting its first event, a One Pitch Softball Tournament on June 27, 8 a.m. at Broad Channel Park. It’s a $250 donation per team. For questions or to enter a team, contact John at 718-673-0894 or Matty at 917-562-7495. Proceeds support scholarships for young artists in memory of Ava Conklin.

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Councilwoman Joann Ariola is teaming up with GrowNYC to bring free fresh produce to residents of District 32. Distribution will take place on April 22 at 1 p.m. at her Rockaway office (114-12 Beach Channel Drive), while supplies last. Boxes are heavy, so if you’re traveling by public transportation, be sure to bring a cart. The Councilwoman’s office is also hosting a diaper drive in support of the Glendale Kiwanis Wyckoff Hospital Expectant Moms Baby Shower. Diapers (sizes 1–8) and baby wipes can be dropped off at her Rockaway office through May 11.

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If you 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. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook, too!