High Tide
What a start to the summer of 2024! The Memorial Day weekend weather, which has a reputation for not sharing the same enthusiasm for the weekend as everyone else, was extremely cooperative for most of the long weekend.
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While this past weekend has become an event to mark the beginning of summer, it is still important to remember Memorial Day for what it is really about – remembering those who have sacrificed their lives fighting for our freedom. There were so many people lined up on Rockaway Beach Boulevard and the boardwalk, watching the Rockaway parade, and in Breezy Point and Broad Channel, as well, for their parades.
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Speaking of the boardwalk, if you are out and about, take some time to look at the Top 30 photos of the 2024 Rockaway Times’ photo contest. They are on the boardwalk in the low to mid-Beach 90s. We will announce the Top 10 later this summer, and the winner in August. The Honorable Mention photos are also being displayed by the ferry landing on Beach 108th. Thank you to JBRPC for blowing them up to poster size and the Parks Department for displaying them.
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Last Saturday was the first day for lifeguards to report to duty. Right now, only about half of the lifeguards needed to man the city’s beaches are ready for duty. So please only go swimming at open beaches where lifeguards are on duty. And please remember to remind your children to do the same.
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Rockaway is rockin’ these days! There are so many great things going on around town. You are probably wondering how you’re going to keep track of it all! Easy, by using your 2024 Rockaway Times Summer and Community Guide! Didn’t get yours yet? Fret not! The Summer Guide is now up on The Rockaway Times website and was also blasted out to our email list this morning directly following this week’s paper. Additionally, there will be more dropped off at all the usual bulk paper drop spots for the next few weeks and if they run out (this is the hottest ticket in town you know), you can stop by our office for a copy. And please, please support our great advertisers. We could not provide our FREE weekly paper and our FREE 2024 Summer Guide without them. And when you do support them, tell them you saw their ad in The Rockaway Times weekly paper or the Summer Guide!
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Our congratulations go out to Monsignor Bracken at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, who celebrated his 57th Anniversary of Ordination this past week. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!
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There will be a free veterinary clinic for dogs, cats, and owners in financial need at the Rockaway YMCA, 207 Beach 73rd St., on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment only. It will include vet exams, wellness checks, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and pet food and supplies. Registration opens on June 5, and space is limited. Registration is limited to four animals per household. To register, visit www.positivetails.org/clinic or if you have questions, call 646-397-1484.
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Save the date — next weekend is the Annual Rockaway Beach and Breezy Point Irish Festival hosted by AOH Division 21. On Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., come on out to St. Camillus Church (located at Beach 100th St. and Shore Front Parkway). It is $15 per day for an adult, and children under 12 are free. For more information, visit www.IrishFest21.com
