Rockaway Creates to Throw a ‘Snowballer’ Event

By Dan Guarino
Rockaway Creates, the non-profit organization which brings together, networks and supports entrepreneurs, businesses, and creatives all across the Rockaways and beyond, is hosting an event to celebrate community and bring some warmth to the winter chill. Their “Snowballer” gathering will be held on Friday, January 24, starting at 4 p.m., at the welcome center at the Arverne East Nature Preserve (190 Beach 44th Street).
The upcoming event, organizers say, is “the perfect way to kick off the new year with style and fun, featuring a festive theme of Silver and Blue to set the tone for an unforgettable evening.” Guests will enjoy a catered tapas dinner, including a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options, along with delectable desserts and “a surprise beverage that will add a delightful touch to the celebration.”

Photo by Dan Guarino.
Rockaway Creates invites all to “dance the evening away in this enchanting winter wonderland with great music, good company, and festive vibes,” which will feature a “fun and lively photo booth, perfect for making lasting memories.”
“We are hoping our guests include all of our Rockway Creates members and neighbors from all over Rockaway, Broad Channel, Howard Beach and the Five Towns area,” explains Rockaway Creates board member Dana Humphrey.
“We chose Arverne East Community Center/Nature Preserve as this year’s winter celebration” site, she says, because of its central location between those areas. It’s also “the perfect way to see the winter sunset over the ocean, and they also have parking,” Humphrey added.
Rockaway Creates was formed in late 2022, by entrepreneur/business owners Humphrey, Shane Kulman, Galit Tsadik, and Samantha Cintron. It “promotes and connects entrepreneurs, individuals and small businesses, develops and showcases local arts and artists.” Humphrey says, it “began originally as Ladies of Business of Rockaway Beach, created by Rachel Krieger,” in 2017.
It’s “the evolution of Ladies of Business Rockaway Beach,” Tsadik previously noted. “We’ve expanded past being for ‘ladies only’ and wanted to include everyone that shared our values.”
“We wanted a name change to be more inclusive,” Humphrey says, “and welcome people, men and women, and not just business owners, but creatives as well.” Their current Executive Board is now comprised of Tsadik, Humphrey, Kulman and Jessica Charitos, with co-founder/previous Board member Cintron still active with the organization. Each, Humphrey explains, “are business owners and entrepreneurs with many years of experience and varied talents” and “people that pride themselves on being excellent team members and action takers.”
“The energy behind us (Rockaway Creates) is that all are welcome and the whole peninsula is invited. We blend all the parts of Rockaway, including Breezy Point and Broad Channel; we’ve even had guests hailing all the way from Westchester! We go beyond any neighborhood or business cliques and truly desire to honor all ideas and collaborations that benefit all involved,” Humphrey said.
Rockaway Creates hosts monthly meetings, often at different Rockaway business venues to also give them exposure at the same time, with one of their first held at Jamesons Pub. They have also hosted art exhibitions and film showings. Another gathering at the Rockaway Brewing Company drew over 100 people. During the summer months, in addition to regular meetings, Humphrey says, they “host events that encompass art making, dancing, and ways for our local vendors to contribute to the events. We love joining in on larger events that are hosted by the Parks Department and other local substantial organizations.”
“The goal of Rockaway Creates is to always be creating and celebrating in the community,” she added. “Anyone can join! Even the entrepreneurial youth!”
Their Facebook page allows members to highlight their businesses, services and creative projects, while its podcasts invite guests speaking on a wide variety of topics.
In January of 2024, Rockaway Creates hosted their Winter Wonderment gala at the Jade event space on Beach 129th Street. The evening honored 11 local non-profit organizations which support the Rockaways. More than 60 guests enjoyed dinner, drinks, a photo booth, DJ music and dancing, food catered by Pizza D’Amore and creative desserts by member Stephanie Berwick’s Pastazerts company.
This year’s Snowballer will feature mingling, music and dancing and is timed for all to enjoy a clear view of the Rockaway seaside winter sunset. The “fun, festive photo booth will be back by popular demand,” Humphrey notes.
The menu, provided by a local caterer, will include cranberry and Brie bites, plus loaded potato bites, stuffed mushrooms, BBQ meatballs, spinach feta pinwheels, stuffed mini-peppers, pesto tortellini skewers, chicken taquitos, goat cheese dates- all gluten free, and beef, chicken and veggie empanadas.
“For just $18 (or $34 for non-members) come out and connect!” Rockaway Creates encourages. “You will spend the same on takeout!”
“In the winter it can be easy to hermit within,” they note. “We are giving you an opportunity to meet with neighbors, colleagues, acquaintances, and friends over some yummy cuisine. It’s early so you will be home early and can carry on your…weekend plans. This January, Rockaway Creates community, and we cordially invite you!”
There is also an open invitation to join Rockaway Creates. “Are you an entrepreneur, artist or creative?” they say. “Become a member! Membership is only $120 per year.”
Membership perks include exclusive invites and specials, professional workshops, admission, and/or discounts to Rockaway Creates events, WhatsApp group inclusion, “access to the ring of light for photo shoots and content creation, featuring your projects on social media,” “co-working, field trips, shopping markets” and “community, friendship support (and) belonging.”
Rockaway Creates’ plans for 2025 include continuing to offer free monthly connection meetings at varied locations around the peninsula, where all are welcome, even just to see what they are all about. There will also be new podcasts spotlighting local guests, workshops, and events like quarterly plant and clothing swaps and more.
With Snowballer kicking it all off, Humphrey says, “If you want to be a part of a feel-good time, show up and enjoy the sunset, your neighbors and fun.”
“Don’t think about it, just come eat, dance, mingle and sunset with us!”
For more information and tickets, go to www.rockawaycreates.org or email hello@rockawaycreates.org