Thanksgiving Day in Rockaway

Story and Photos

By Theresa M Racine

The Rockaways celebrated Thanksgiving Day in a unique way on Thursday, November 27. For some, it started with a Mass at St. Rose of Lima on Beach 84th Street. About 75 people gathered to hear Father James Rodriguez’s uplifting message of hope, a reminder to acknowledge God’s goodness even in challenging times as He remains faithful. If you have never observed Thanksgiving in the community, it’s an experience worth having. Thanksgiving is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November, as a day to express gratitude for the blessing of the past year, marked by a festive meal with family. Rockaway has its own distinct ways of celebrating, with numerous organizations and community gatherings all aimed at bringing the community together, especially to bring a spark of joy, a smile and a full stomach to those who need it. One such event is the New York Dippers Club breakfast and optional dip into the ocean. At Beach 67th Street, the Dippers set up a table of light breakfast treats like bagels and coffee to stay warm, on the windy, brisk beach. Those who want to take it up a notch were welcome to join for a Thanksgiving dip into the ocean, like the Dippers do every day in the cold season.

Over at the 100th Precinct was a feast which they do annually. The 100th Precinct is proud to be the only precinct to provide free meals to the community on Thanksgiving. They served over 500 people this year. What’s even more special is they personally deliver to seniors and disabled people who are unable to attend. Gratitude to all the partners who make this happen including Kiwanis Rockaway, 100th Precinct Community Council, House On The Rock Church, Bagel Barista and Belle Harbor Property Owners Association. Everyone who went had turkey, ham, chicken, mashed potatoes, rice, cranberry sauce, and so much more.

Not far away, Rev. Larry Shell, the Senior Pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on Beach 86th Street, also made sure everyone was fed. Doing exactly what the gospel mentioned in James 2:14-17: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed, be filled,’ without giving them things they need for the body, what good is that?” Rockaway is a living testament to what Thanksgiving is truly all about, giving back the blessings the year has given to all of us.