Rockaway Republican Club Celebrates at Winter Gala
By Theresa M. Racine
On Wednesday, December 4, the Rockaway Republican Club (RRC) hosted its 2nd Annual Winter Gala at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club. Appropriately, the night started off with a dance that, thanks to President-elect Donald Trump, has gone viral on the internet: The YMCA. The chart topping 1978 hit from the Village People has become a staple at Trump’s rallies and even by Trump himself. Mary Glynn, President of the RRC, then got up and announced to the crowd, “We did it! We have gotten the best president ever, Donald J. Trump, elected.”
Glynn continued by expressing gratitude to all that have helped to spread the word about the RRC and all they have accomplished this past year. She thanked local newspapers including the Rockaway Times and others. In fact, Glynn was recently interviewed by the London Times about Republican party gains in usually deep blue New York City. While the election results were successful in the club’s eyes, the real victory is obvious for the RRC: membership has risen from zero to 356 current members in just two years.
Glynn went on to thank all those who have supported the club this year including Sid Rosenberg and friends, Scott LoBaido and many others have appeared at the RRC meetings throughout the year. “We are definitely getting out there, the work is not finished, much more needs to be done to continue each victory in the years ahead,” Glynn said. She also thanked everyone for their volunteer work, from going door to door, to passing out fliers, and poll watching. She also thanked their Vice President who put together the Winter Gala.
Afterwards, the special guest of the night was introduced. This year’s Winter Gala honorary guest was Jon Levine, a political journalist for the NY Post. Levine’s work is extensive and includes the Hunter Biden investigation and work on both the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. His work has been featured on Fox News, CNN, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Levine is also a native New Yorker.
Levine began by expressing how happy he was to be in Rockaway to celebrate victory instead of loss, since the polls were predicting a tight race between the two candidates right up until the election. His message was not really political, but more a show of empathy for the other side of the aisle. He gave as an example how thanksgiving looked from his own family experience. His family consists of all parties, from right wing to left wing to swing voters. He shared his thoughts on how although Republicans are feeling victorious and happy with this election’s outcome, it’s important to remember there is half a country that feels differently. Levine spoke about all sides coming together, not fighting, but preserving friendships and family, and taking care of those you love and care about. After his speech, he wished everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and a blessed New Year.
Throughout the night, the gala was serenaded with live music from local bands and a DJ. The festivities also included an open bar and a buffet dinner. There was even a 50/50 raffle.
When all was said and done, it was another unforgettable evening for the Rockaway Republican Club.
