High Tide
Many folks trying to get in some beach time contacted us about the traffic getting onto the peninsula this past Sunday. The NYPD and State Police had checkpoints at both bridges during the day. Like anything in Rockaway, people have mixed feelings about the stops. Some frustrated folks said it added an extra hour to their trip to the beach, while others said it moved pretty quickly and appreciated the officers’ efforts to crack down on fake plates, illegal vehicles and other infractions.
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The St. Francis de Sales Summer Classic 40th Anniversary at the Rockaway Hotel last Saturday night was a slam dunk. It was a great night of reminiscing the history of the Summer Classic and celebrating some legends in the community. Thanks especially to the committee who made it happen and organized the incredible evening.
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The Graybeards Family Run is tomorrow, Friday, July 26, at St. Francis de Sales. The Kids’ Run starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Special Olympians Run at 6:45 p.m., the 1 Mile at 7 p.m., and the 5K at 7:15 p.m. There will be refreshments, awards, raffles and entertainment following the races. It’s always a fun night, so get out there and run. You can still register tonight, Thursday, July 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales, or tomorrow before the race from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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Calling all Rockaway rugby players, alumni, and friends! Starting tonight, July 25, and continuing on Friday and Saturday, the Rockaway Rugby Club will be celebrating the Fisheads 50th Anniversary. The weekend long festivities will include events at Rogers Pub tonight, the Cabana in Long Beach on Friday, and will culminate with a celebration at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club on Saturday evening. For more information and to see the full itinerary, you can visit the Rockaway Fisheads Rugby Club on Facebook or contact John at RockawayRugby@gmail.com
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The 2024 Mustache Bash was, yet again, a smashing success. This year’s Bash raised $4,000 for local Jeff Dolan, aka Jeff the Plumber, who is continuing his fight against cancer. Previous years saw money raised for the Timmy Klein Foundation and Jimmy O’Neill. While the Bash organizers wish to remain anonymous, they would like to extend their sincere thanks to the bars who hosted for their generosity and their patience. And after a long hiatus, the Bash’s sister affiliate, The Pony Tail Trail, will be making it’s triumphant return next month!
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We wrote a few weeks ago about the NYC Department of Education and the Queens Public Library providing free summer meals for kids and teens (ages 18 and under) from Monday to Friday through August 30. The two Queens Public Library locations on the peninsula providing the meals are in Arverne at 312 Beach 54th St. and Peninsula at 92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard. Registration is not required; just show up from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for the Summer Meal Program.
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Ferry riders alert! Starting September 9, NYC Ferry has announced there will be a price hike. A single fare ticket will now cost $4.50, and a 10-trip bundle will cost $29.
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In case you did not know, the NYC Parks Department has beach wheelchairs that can roll on the sand and into shallow water available for use at no charge. You can stop by their office at Beach 86th Street or call 718-318-4000 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to make arrangements. The equipment is available for walk-ins, but they suggest making a request in advance to ensure that they have a chair available and ready when you need it.
