St. James to Take over MTA Storefronts on Beach 116th Street
Catholic High School Options For The Class of 2031
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QueensLink Announces Three New Studies To Reactivate Train Line
Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Rockaway: Surveillance and Survivors
CB 14 Highlights: ‘The Overdevelopment Is Scary’
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Uncured Chicken Sausage, Cabbage and Orecchiette
Op-Ed: My Plan to Transform Rockaway
Spectrum Designs Reframes AI as ‘Autistic Intelligence’
From the Courtroom to the Corner
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Preventing Injuries Before They Happen: Why Young Athletes Need Strength, Not Just Practice
Affordability + Safety = Sullivan
St. Francis de Sales Parish is holding its Oktoberfest 50/50 Raffle, with the winner to be drawn on Friday, October 30. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased after Mass. The Grand Prize is expected to be more than $100,000. All proceeds benefit the parish.
*****
Rain washed out the handful of soccer games scheduled last weekend. The RT’s soccer coverage will resume next week – weather permitting!*****
In response to the recent violence on the peninsula, the Queens Community Justice Center (QCJC) will hold a Peace Walk and Community Conversation on Friday, October 16, beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the corner of Beach 51 Street and Beach Channel Drive. The conversation will occur at the QCJC office, 1027 Beach 20th Street at 5:30 p.m.*****
Let’s Revitalize Beach 116th Street. Today’s story about the opening of a St. James store is our first in a series to recognize the 116th renaissance. This vital commercial district has taken it on the chin in recent years. The RT celebrates its road to new glory days.*****
The Belle Harbor Property Owners Association has opened its October meeting –a debate between NYS Assembly candidates Pesach Osina and Tom Sullivan– to all AD 23 residents from Rockaway, Broad Channel, Howard Beach and Ozone Park. Get to PS 114 by 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20. The meeting will start promptly at 7 p.m. The debate will last one hour.*****
Yee-Haw! Tonight and every Thursday through November 5th, enjoy line dancing lessons sponsored by St. Camillus in the Knights of Columbus on Beach 90th St.*****
Before you head to Freedom Fest on Saturday, head over to Hangar B at Floyd Bennett Field to check out some of the airplanes that helped protect our freedom over the years. Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service are having an Open House between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.*****
Politics Night. On Thursday, October 22, local Democrats will hold a Democratic Forum with several candidates, including Congressman Gregory Meeks and Pesach Osina, at the First Congregational Church. That same night, the Rockaway Republican Club will hold its pre-election meeting at the Catholic Club in Breezy Point. Tom Sullivan, George Marsh and other candidates are expected.*****
The NAACP Far Rockaway Branch elections will be in November. At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 15 in Macedonia Baptist Church (330 Beach 67th St.), there will be a report of the Nominating Committee, receipt of Nominations by Petition, and election of the Election Supervisory Committee. All members whose memberships are current as of April 1, 2026, and whose memberships have remained continuous throughout the election process, and who live and/or work within the unit’s jurisdiction, may be nominated for an officer or as an at-large member of the Executive Committee. In order to sign a nominating petition, or be elected to the Election Supervisory Committee, a member must be current as of September 15, 2026. Deadline for submitting Candidate Nomination forms is Saturday, October 10, 2026.*****
Council Member Joann Ariola announced the completion of a $57,000 project to install teleprinters in seven volunteer firehouses, fulfilling her pledge to bring the emergency dispatch equipment to every volunteer firehouse across NYC.*****
You’ve heard of the 30-30 Club in baseball? The Rockaway Times is shooting for the 60-30 Club on social media. We have 60,000 followers on Facebook and are moving toward 30,000 on Instagram.*****
A recent Army Corps study of low-lying areas around Spring Creek recommended that the government purchase and remove 135 homes in Hamilton Beach that are expected to be inaccessible at high tide within 50 years. Do you think this could happen in Rockaway?Read more
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
On Friday, October 16 at 6 p.m., head to the community garden at Floyd Bennett Field to join the Amateur Astronomer’s Association for night sky observation. Canceled if overcast.
Peace Walk
On Friday, October 16 at 4:30 p.m., head to Beach 51st Street and Beach Channel Drive to join the Queens Community Justice Center-The Rockaways for a peace walk in the wake of recent gun violence. At 5 p.m., walk to QCJC on Beach 20th St., where a community conversation will take place.
Hawk Watch
On Friday, October 16 at 2:30 p.m., head to Battery Harris in Fort Tilden to join a park ranger for the chance to see birds of prey like osprey, peregrine falcons, bald eagles and more as they fly over the dunes during fall migration. Be prepared to be on your feet, or feel free to bring a folding chair with you.
Hangar B Open House at FBF
On Saturday, October 17 at 10a.m., head to Hangar B at Floyd Bennett Field to explore and join a Park Ranger for an informal tour of Hangar B and the aircraft inside, which are part of aviation history.
Sandy Anniversary Planting
On Saturday, October 17 at 10 a.m., head to Beach 44th St. and the boardwalk to join RISE in planting the dunes in honor of the upcoming Hurricane Sandy anniversary. All ages. Students can receive community service hours. Rain or shine. Registration is encouraged at www.riserockaway.org/rise/events/
Fall Freedom Fest
On Saturday, October 17 from 12 p.m. ‘til late, enjoy Fall Freedom Fest around Beach 129th and Beach 130th. Participating businesses include Callie’s, Pico, Harbor Light, Panino Rustico and Jamesons. Enjoy live music, drink and food specials at each establishment. $20 for a bracelet, which can be purchased at any of the participating venues.
Park Pals
On Sunday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., head to the Nest at Floyd Bennett Field to join JBRPC for Park Pals, an early childhood family program for children ages 0–6 and their caregiver(s) that introduces the next generation of young scientists to parks and urban wildlife. This session focuses on the special pollinators of Jamaica Bay and the unique coastal habitats where they can be found. Explore and identify native pollinators like monarch butterflies, bumblebees, and cabbage moths, and their favorite snacks.
Soils and Sounds of Jamaica Bay
On Sunday, October 18 at 10:30 a.m., head to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to join a ranger-guided walk to explore the landscapes and soundscapes that have shaped Jamaica Bay.
Fall Fest
On Sunday, October 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., head to The Rockaway Hotel (108-10 Rockaway Beach Dr.) to enjoy live music from The Mystic, face painting, a community pie contest, local vendors, seasonal food and drinks and craft stations for the kids.
Fall Foliage Walk
On Monday, October 19 at 2 p.m., head to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to join a ranger on a walk to learn about the fall changes you see in Jamaica Bay, and bask in the beauty of brilliant fall leaves.
Line Dancing Lessons
On Thursdays at 6 p.m., head to the Knights of Columbus (333 Beach 90th St.) to enjoy country line dancing lessons. Thursdays through Nov. 5. $10 a class.
Cardio Punch
On Saturdays at 11 a.m., head the Beach 60th boardwalk to join Gloria for Cardio Punch, a total body workout. Punch to the rhythms of motivating music.
Got events? Send an email to katie@rockawaytimes.com with details for consideration to be listed.
‘Fall’ into Rockaway Good Times—autumn edition—with live music, fall festivals, films and more. Check out our round-up below. This week’s tips: Beach 129th Street Freedom Fest this Saturday and The Rockaway Hotel Fall Festival this Sunday!
LIVE MUSIC
THURSDAY, October 15
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Every Thursday, designate Sayra’s Wine Bar—the afterwork chillaxing zone at Far Rock Shop’s “Off The Clock,” with live deejays spinning Afrobeats, R&B, Ampiano, reggaeton, dancehall, Kompa, soca and more world beats by DJ D-For-Dayo.
91-11 Rockaway Beach Blvd
THURSDAY, October 15
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
LL Duo—Paddy & Linda serve up their signature lineup of blues, rock and soul classics at Similan On The Bay.
375 Beach 92nd Street
FRIDAY, October 16
6 p.m.
Head to the boards for jam/rock n’ roll band, Mighty Quinn, at Bar 97’s indoor stage.
Beach 97th Concession
FRIDAY, October 16
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Encore! Aerial Acoustics is back at Similan On The Bay—enchanting restaurant-goers with their infusion of rock, jazz, classical and Spanish guitar.
375 Beach 92nd Street
FRIDAY, October 16
7 p.m.
Fill your cup of good times at Rockaway Tiki with happy hour and karaoke!
67-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd
FRIDAY, October 16
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Country folk meets slacker rock with Hudson Valley’s Patrick Collins’ acoustic show at Tap That.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd
FRIDAY, October 16
7:30 p.m.
Beach girl, country rocker—Lauren Jaimes brings her coastal-country show to Kennedy’s. For reservations, call: (718) 945-0202.
406 Bayside, Breezy Point
FRIDAY, October 16
8 p.m.
Piano man, Phil Kadet, keys up your Friday night revelry at Belle Harbor Yacht Club.
533 Beach 126th Street
SATURDAY, October 17
5:30 p.m.
Calling all Dead Heads! Be Grateful Dead again as tribute band, Rainbow Spirals, brings the spirit of Jerry Garcia to life on the boardwalk at Bar 97.
Beach 97th Concession
SATURDAY, October 17
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Snuggle up at Similan On The Bay with bay-rrific views and Arturo Rivera’s acoustic tunes.
375 Beach 92nd Street
SATURDAY, October 17
7 p.m.
Giddy up for good food, good drinks and good music with DJ Mike Combat behind the turntable at Adrienne’s.
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
SATURDAY, October 17
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Coastal country music queen, Lauren Jaimes, brings country music’s heartland to Tap That.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd
SATURDAY, October 17
8 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Every Saturday, The Rocks Billiard hosts Noche Latina with DJ Jeffrey. Buy a drink or shot, and get one free. Play pool for $2 per game. Party time starts at 9 p.m.
348 Beach 72 Street
SATURDAY, October 17
Brooklyn singer-songwriter Sanford ushers in alt-country, Americana, retro-soul and indie rock at Kennedy’s. Call (718) 945-0202 for showtime and reservations.
406 Bayside, Breezy Point
SUNDAY, October 18
5 p.m.
Every Sunday, Long Island singer and guitarist, Evan Kuriga, performs pop, rock, soul and R&B acoustic covers with a sprinkling of original music at Adrienne’s.
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
SUNDAY, October 18
5 p.m.
DJ Repoman spins, “Tropical Vinyl Sundays” at Rockaway Tiki!
67-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd
SUNDAY, October 18
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Similan On The Bay sweetens your Sunday with Brazilian jazz performed by pianist/vocalist, Miho Nobuzane.
375 Beach 92nd Street
FILM
ROCKAWAY FILM FESTIVAL
PRESENTS:
“THE SOUND OF MUSIC”
AT ARVERNE CINEMA
THURSDAY, October 15
1 p.m.
Who knew that a Rockaway local, Richard Rodgers, born on Brandreth Avenue (now Beach 79th Street), just blocks away from the Arverne Cinema—composed the music for “The Sound of Music.” Rockaway Film Festival celebrates the hometown legend with a relaxed screening of the classic musical. Lights will be raised slightly and audience members are welcome to get up and move around. This screening is free and open to everyone with priority seating given to community members ages, 60 years and over. Doors open at 12 p.m. with complimentary snacks provided courtesy of the Office of Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson. For more info, visit: https://www.rockawayfilmfestival.org/events/the-sound-of-music
415 Beach 72nd Street
SPECIAL MENTIONS
BROAD CHANNEL PLAY GROUP 1ST ADULT-ONLY KARAOKE FUNDRAISER
FRIDAY, October 16
7 p.m.
Help Broad Channel Play Group’s kids thrive, while keeping music alive at their 1st Adult-Only Karaoke Fundraiser with The Karaoke Knights. 50/50 and gift raffle. Admission: $20. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For tickets and more info, contact Ms. Mo: (718) 490-8570.
104 Noel Road
BEACH 129TH STREET ANNUAL FALL FREEDOM FEST
SATURDAY, October 17
Live music starts at 12 p.m.
Celebrate fall, fun and freedom at Beach 129th Street’s drink and dining establishments—Callie’s, Pico, Harbor Light, Jameson’s and Panino Rustico-Baya Bar. The annual Fall Freedom Fest returns chock-full with a variety of American and German food fare and bevies, plus live music throughout the day. A $20 event bracelet grants access to all specials and discounts being offered at the four participating pub/restaurants, (which are also selling the bracelets). Proceeds go toward covering medical expenses for a local family in need. Music lineup—12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wine With Sue at Callie’s (410A Beach 129th Street); 3 p.m. Pete Brady at Pico (419 Beach 129th Street); 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Knobs at Harbor Light (129-18 Newport Ave); and 7 p.m. to closing DJ Celli at Jameson’s (421 Beach 129th Street). Also participating is Panino Rustico-Baya Bar (431A Beach 129th Street). For more info, follow: calliesrb, picorbny, harborlightpub, jamesonspub and paninorustico_bayabar_rockaway on Instagram.
THE 6TH ANNUAL ROCKAWAY HOTEL FALL FESTIVAL
SUNDAY, October 18
1 p.m.
The Rockaway Hotel hosts its 6th annual autumn celebration featuring live music from The Mystic, seasonal food and cash bar, face painting, vendor shopping and Rockaway Beach Bakery pie contest. Plus, kids craft stations and specialized pumpkin workshops for pressed flower pumpkins and pumpkin keepsake boxes are available by reservation. Free admission. For more info, visit: https://www.therockawayhotel.com/things-to-do-rockaway-beach/event-calendar
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
COUNCILWOMAN JOANN ARIOLA BRINGS DISNEY MUSIC
TO BROAD CHANNEL
SUNDAY, October 18
3 p.m.
Disney aficionados! Bring the entire family to the ultimate Disney rock and roll tribute at Broad Channel Park. Sing along to music from Disney’s “The Little Mermen,” “The Princess Pals,” “The Lion King,” “Frozen,” The Little Mermaid,” and more! Bring your own chairs and come dressed as your favorite Disney character. Free admission.
Channel Road & East 16th Road
Got info. on local live music, arts and more? Email: editor@rockawaytimes.com
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