High Tide
Well, last week’s parade was a wet one to say the least! But as Rockaway folks do around here, we made the best of it. Kudos to the grand marshals and all who marched in the parade this past Saturday. The Rockaway Times would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the 49th Annual Rockaway St. Patrick’s Day Parade yet another smashing success.
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As we all know, Rockaway St. Patrick’s Day is, of course, the unofficial beginning of spring but it really starts to feel like the tide is turning after daylight saving. We may lose an hour of sleep this weekend with clocks moving forward but another hour of sunlight at the end of the day is well worth it. The change occurs this Saturday night (really Sunday morning at 2 a.m.). So don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars made sure to wish local football star Folorunso Fatukasi a happy birthday on their Twitter (we’re not saying X, are we?) account. Unfortunately, it seems that there was not great communication between their communications team and the front office as only a few hours later, it was announced that Fatukasi was being released from the team. Not exactly the classiest move. Good luck in free agency, Folorunso. Oh, and happy birthday!
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The public hearings for the controversial congestion pricing have concluded. The written public comment period runs until Monday, March 11. This would be the first congestion pricing system in the nation. While it has been mentioned by the MTA that it is anticipated to start in early to mid-June, there has not been an official announcement on the date. We are all watching and waiting. It may cost us all a lot more ($15) to travel to Manhattan below 60th Street during the week.
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Congratulations to Frank Caiati on stepping into the Artistic Director position on the board of the Rockaway Theatre Company, left vacant with the passing of John Gilleece. John would approve! Danielle Rose Fisher-Panepinto will step into Caiati’s previous position. Best of luck, Frank and Danielle!
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Advertiser Alert! It’s officially March. With the thought of more sun and warmer weather also comes The Rockaway Times Summer & Community Guide! Back by popular demand, The Summer Guide, which has been a hit year after year, will be returning for its TENTH year! Time is flying by, so start planning your Summer Guide ad now!
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Councilwoman Joann Ariola is once again sponsoring the Veterans’ Appreciation Essay Contest. All middle and high school students living in District 32 are invited to submit a 500-word essay on a veteran or active-duty military member important to him or her. Send your essay to rvann@council.nyc.gov by May 15. The winner will be “Councilperson for a Day,” get lunch with Councilwoman Ariola and see the inner workings of city government.
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St. Francis de Sales Church concert, hosting Emmet Cahill, the world-acclaimed Irish tenor, is next Sunday, March 17 at 3 p.m. All tickets are $60 and include a meet and greet and post-reception with light fare. Tickets are available online at EmmetCahill.com or at the St. Francis rectory.
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The Rockaway Times 2024 Photo Contest submissions continue to come in. The photos are looking great so far! Keep them coming. For more details on the contest, see page 14. Follow the rules ladies and gentlemen! Remember, submit contest photos to Contest@Rockawaytimes.com. And only submit up to four entries! If you are submitting to our Local Color pages, continue to submit those photos to Mail@Rockawaytimes.com
