High Tide
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Here’s to a great Labor Day Weekend. And Happy Mardi Gras Weekend!
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Don’t try to tell your kids (and especially not your DOE/schoolteacher friends!) but the summer is not over yet! Beaches are officially open until September 10, the boardwalk concessions are open at least through the month of September, Riis Park’s concessions are open into October and Connolly’s is open until September 17. The best kept secret of Rockaway is that this is almost always the best time of the year.
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At long last we have our Photo Contest Champion! Congratulations to Tom Farley for his winning shot! Congratulations, also, to Don Riepe and Kenneth Wodzanowski who rounded out the podium. A huge thank you to our sponsors at NYC Ferry, Jamaica Bay – Rockaway Parks Conservancy and NYC Parks Department. Thank you to all who participated this year — we hope to see you next year as well! A little hint — this time of year in Rockaway can be quite photogenic so make sure you keep in mind that next year’s contest is right around the corner. Get out there and get snappin’!
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The war against the spotted lantern flies appears to be a losing one. Like the mythical hydra, when one dies, two more seem to take its place. They have even made their way to the beach now — what’s worse than a DFD, you ask? We are the most advanced society in the universe (or are we?) and the best advice our top leaders and scientists have to deal with an infestation of an invasive species is … step on them when you see them? I would like to think we can come up with something better. Can’t we train plovers to eat them or something? Just thinking aloud here.
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Congratulations to The Summer Classic on finishing up its 39th Season. The Summer Classic keeps the great Rockaway basketball tradition alive and well by providing some of the best summer competition in all of New York City. The long sleeve champion t-shirt is as coveted a trophy as there is. This year featured the most teams ever. Thank you to Keith “Bugsy” Goldberg for continuing to make it all work. Rockaway is excited for the big 4-0 next year!
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Due to the rain, last week’s 3 on 3 By The Sea basketball tournament was postponed. The make up date will be this Friday, September 1.
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The Richie Allen Memorial Surf Classic will be held on Sunday, September 10 on Beach 91st Street. This great day, in honor of a Rockaway hero, features an always impressive youth surf contest for boys and girls aged 16 and under. Sign up is at 8 a.m. and the contest will begin at 9 a.m. There will also be a traditional paddle out in memory of Richie.
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Get your costumes and floats ready because the Poseidon Parade is just over two weeks away! The annual Rockaway celebration will be held on Saturday, September 16 starting at 1 p.m. Registration is open and can be done at www.poseidenparade.com
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For anyone over the age of 18 grieving the loss of a loved one, the St. Francis de Sales Grief Share Support Group will begin Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 7 p.m. The group will meet at the St. Francis de Sales Parish House located at 216 Beach 130th Street, 2nd Floor, in Belle Harbor. Please call the St. Francis de Sales rectory at (718) 634-6464 and leave your information and someone from the bereavement ministry will contact you.
