High Tide

Next Wednesday is September 11, the twenty-third anniversary of the attack on America. It was said then and should be said always: Never Forget. Never Forget those who died that day. Never Forget the bravery of so many that day. Never Forget that we are blessed to live in this country. Never Forget the people who lost their lives to make that a possibility. This day remains immensely difficult for many here in Rockaway and we wish them comfort and solace. We will Never Forget.

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There will be several memorial ceremonies taking place throughout the peninsula. See page 5 for more details. Thank you to those who make the effort to organize and plan memorials each year.

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If you were lucky enough to be on the beach on Monday enjoying the Labor Day holiday, you were in for a treat. On top of the perfect beach weather, our local marine life put on a show with at least two whales going by, as seems to be the usual these days, loads of dolphins. We truly live in the best place on earth! And even though school is back in session, beaches don’t officially close until this Sunday, September 8.

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The Richie Allen Memorial Surf Classic is this Sunday, September 8, on Beach 91st Street. This is a great day in honor of a Rockaway hero and 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 begins at 9 a.m. There will also be a traditional paddle out in memory of Richie.

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Reminder: uptown weekend summer parking rules remain in effect until September 30.

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And just like that, we are now looking forward to fall events. St. Francis de Sales Parish is having their Fall Fest on Saturday, September 28, in the schoolyard at Beach 129 Street. The day will kick off with the Family Festival from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., with rides, games, vendors, crafts, a pumpkin patch, fall flower sale, and raffles. It is free to enter, and kids’ wristbands will be sold for $25 for unlimited games and rides. Then, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., it will be Oktoberfest, with the Russo Brothers Band, beer, wine, German food, DJ, dancers, and raffles. Tickets are for ages 21 & older and will cost $100, and $75 for seniors 65 and older. Tickets are available at the Parish House and before and after Mass.

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The Beach 116th Street Fall Fest is Sunday, September 29, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you are a local vendor and want to be part of the Fall Fest, contact Michael Fiore at Michael@themeatupgrill.com for further details.

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Congratulations to Maureen “Moe” Collins, who retired last Friday night after 35 years of working at The Wharf! Based on all the comments on our Facebook post congratulating her, she is one popular lady and will be very missed by all those who have visited her over the years! Best of luck to you, Moe!

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Last Wednesday, local resident Tim Moriarty came across an unconscious young man on the sand on Beach 73rd Street. He called 911 and first responders determined the young man showed signs of an overdose. They tried to revive him, but Moriarty said there was no response as the young man was taken to the hospital. This occurred three days short of International Overdose Awareness Day.

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On Thursday, August 29, the body of a man in his 50s was recovered from the water under the Marine Parkway Bridge. This incident is under investigation.

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