Dear Editor:

This past year, more than ever, people have been ordering food for delivery and for pick up. Most of the drivers who do delivery get tips, and I’m sure that a good number of people put a tip on for those people making their food in restaurants, but I think many people forget tipping.

One group that is truly forgotten is those who are making all of the drinks that are sent to people “to go.” Bartenders are not making any tips even though they are providing an essential service

Thank you for another wonderful year of The Rockaway Times, which kept us close to our community in this challenging time of social distancing. I wish you and your staff a very happy new year. 2021 promises to be a better year. Hope this new year keeps its promises to you and all of my dear friends out there. Here is a poem I wrote for my students a few years ago, but I would like to share it with all my friends in our community, during these difficult times.  Fondly, Joan Diehl

PROMISES TO

Dear Editor:

Coronavirus has taken many things, but it will not be the Grinch who stole Christmas this year. Thank you to the many community members who have brought light and love to the Rockaways this holiday season. Although the holiday activities couldn’t be the same this year, I appreciate those who have hosted menorah and tree lightings and those who have brought the magic of Santa to town in unique, Covid-safe ways. It’s so nice to see these events bring a smile to kids’ faces, even

 Dear Editor:

Many of our enrolled Republican Party members have received notifications urging them to change their enrollment from Republican to Democrat before the February 14th, 2021 deadline. These notifications are being received via robo calls, text messages and emails.

Make no mistake: this notification is intended to trick unsuspecting Republican voters and thin the Republican enrollment in our city.

Over the last few years, we have seen an uptick in Republican enrollment. That was

Dear Editor:

In response to Kate Patterson’s letter to the editor (12/3 issue). Just want to assure you that the Rockaway Theatre Company is alive and well. They have had a wonderful online presence the last 9 month, offering FREE online courses and doing Zoom classes for the kids. They are doing inside maintenance and clean up in preparation for re-opening, whenever that may be. Outdoor clean-up is a Spring Fling. Visit www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org.

Peggy Page Press

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cabbage sliced into ribbons
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 3-4 large garlic, chopped finely
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound smoked turkey sausage, cut into ½” circles
• 1 large sweet potato, diced in ¼” slices or chopped into small bite size pieces
• 1 can Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes (or 1 can petit tomatoes)
• 1/3 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon brown sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons smoked