High Tide
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Robert Kaskel, the owner of Thai Rock, who passed away this week at the age of 60 after a long battle with cancer.
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We have our Top 10 for the Rockaway Times Photo Contest. Our judges — from the NYC Parks Department, NYC Ferry, Jamaica Bay – Rockaway Parks Conservancy and The Rockaway Times — have worked tirelessly to narrow down the field to ten finalists from an absolutely stacked Top 30. Congratulations to our Top 10 — all of whom are eligible for the $500 grand prize and eternal bragging rights! The Top 30 are still up for display on the boardwalk and the five honorable mentions are up at the ferry landing but will not be for much longer.So, if you haven’t yet, get out there and check them out. They are great. Our champion will be crowned on August 25 at the Rockaway Times office.
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On a call this past Sunday, the Biden administration informed Governor Hochul that it would not agree to her plan to use Floyd Bennett Field to house migrants amid the ongoing crisis. While the former military airbase just across the Marine Parkway Bridge seems to be off the table for now, the NY Post did report that at least one source from the Governor’s administration feels that the plan “is still very much in play.” Congressman Gregory Meeks met with local civic leaders this past week to discuss the situation. The congressman told those present that he believes in order for President Biden to utilize Floyd Bennett Field, he would need to declare a state of emergency in New York over the migrant crisis — something that may be difficult for him to do both politically and legally — due to the land’s current designation as a national park.
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This Friday, August 18, don’t miss what is sure to be an epic performance as Shakespeare on the Beach presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The performance is set to begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. so grab your beach chair or blanket and head to the new amphitheater between Beach 94th and Beach 95th Street. There will also be a dress rehearsal open to the public tonight, Thursday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m.
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Not even a mid-tournament downpour could deter the Rockaway Beach Volleyball League from naming their 2023 champions this past Saturday! Congratulations to not only the champs from all ten divisions but also to all of the event’s organizers who continue to make this great league possible.
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Next week, on Friday, August 25 head up to the St. Francis de Sales schoolyard for what has turned into an incredible summer tradition — the 3 on 3 By The Sea Basketball Tournament. The annual tournament was started by Rockaway legend Clare Droesch and is now continued in her memory. For more information check out page 4 and 36.
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The Riis Park lifeguards are a small but mighty bunch entrusted year after year with the arduous task of protecting the many visitors of “The People’s Beach.” This past weekend, they sent their best down to the USLA National Lifeguard Championships, and they did not disappoint! For a full breakdown of their accomplishments, check out page 37. Thanks for making Rockaway proud on the national stage!
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The Rockaway Film Festival begins this Saturday, August 19, and will continue through Sunday, August 27. This year’s festival is set to impress with nine days of movies, music and other surprises. The locations will be the Arverne Cinema and T149 in Fort Tilden. For a full list of this year’s screenings and more information, visit rockawayfilmfestival.org.
