An Epic Day of Volleyball for Timmy Klein
Humans of Rockaway: Jared Lachner
Arverne East Pool Plans Dive Forward
Veterans Feel the Love During Rockaway Warrior Weekend
Rockaway Summer Music Spotlight: Cherry and The Gunnz Shoots Their Shot in the Local Music Scene
Jamaica Bay Festival Returns on Saturday, July 25
Aviator Sports Complex Under New Management
Whistles, and Closures, and Drones, Oh My!
A Practice Is What You Return To
Local Dancers Shine on National Stage at North American Irish Dance Championships
Trying to Help Without Losing Myself
Potpourri Part III: JUST&T a Few Thoughts
Oven Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings
Broad Channel Parades for America 250
LOCAL COLOR: READERS SEND IN THEIR PIX
Beyond being an amazing event, the Timothy Klein volleyball tournament was a great demonstration of how locals and good visitors do things. More than 1,000 people attended a beach event for 10 hours –some of whom may have consumed adult beverages– and throughout, everything remained orderly and cordial. With help from NYC Parks, many bags of garbage were removed, leaving the sand in good shape for the next beach day. Well done.
*****
For additional photos and video from the TK Volleyball Tournament and expanded coverage of the RBVL, check out the RT’s online coverage at rockawaytimes.com/volleyball-report*****
The price of a first-class postage stamp increased to 82 cents this week. The rate for a postcard is now 65 cents.*****
It is always a pleasure to see so many young people line Rockaway Beach Blvd. for the parade that kicks off Rockaway Warrior Weekend. Rockaway parents teach their children about service.*****
Next Monday, July 20, is the last day to nominate a home in the Belle Harbor Property Owners Association service area for the BHPOA’s Garden and Flower contest. To nominate a beautiful home, send an email to belleharbor11694@gmail.com*****
Speaking of July 20: In 1969, “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”*****
Rockaway has an up-and-coming online movie critic, Chilly Chivy, a.k.a. Tyler Williams. He has more than 81,000 YouTube subscribers and can be found at www.youtube.com/@chillychivy435*****
In July and August, the City Parks Foundation offers free youth sports programs including golf, soccer, and a girls’ flag football program at the Beach 30th Street playground. Register online at cityparksfoundation.org/play*****
The 2026 World Cup finals will be played on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. That will conclude the World Cup watch events across Rockaway, including watch parties at the official site (Pilot House) and several other bars, as well as the “Movies & Matches” series at Arverne Cinema, organized by Rockaway Film Festival.*****
Show Me The Money! Tonight, July 16, Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers will host a community budget briefing at the Rockaway Y, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The briefing will explain how New York City’s fiscal year 2027 budget affects Southeast Queens.*****
Copies of the Rockaway Times’ America 250 Commemorative keepsake are available upon request through August 31. For a free copy, stop by the office. The RT will ship you a copy for $10 each. To request a shipped copy, email us at mail@rockawaytimes.com*****
Join the RT Team! The Rockaway Times is looking for a part-time team member to help us coordinate ad production. Excellent communication, multi-tasking and time management skill required. Creativity welcome. Knowledge of Adobe and Google Workspace is a plus. Interested? Send your resume to mail@rockawaytimes.com*****
“Success has one hundred fathers, but failure is an orphan.” It’s an unfortunate truism but, looking at events in Rockaway – patriotic hydrant painting, Warrior Parade, TK Volleyball Tournament, Graybeards Family Run, etc. – it can be better said that in Rockaway, “success has one hundred (or more) volunteers.” So many neighbors give their time selflessly to good causes.*****
Gotham FC, the two-time reigning champion of the National Women’s Soccer League, will move to Queens in 2028, joining the men’s professional team NYC FC in the new soccer stadium across the street from Citi Field.*****
This Monday’s news roundup by one of the excellent newspapers on the Queens mainland started with four crime stories: mortgage fraud, rape, stabbing, and a random assault against a senior citizen. We have our share of problems on the peninsula but it feels safer here.*****
The third annual Charlie Marquardt Basketball Camp will take place August 17-21 at St. Francis de Sales.Read moreMuch Ado About Nothing
From Thursday, June 16 to Sunday, June 19 at 6 p.m., enjoy Shakespeare on the Rocks’ free performance of “Much Ado About Nothing” at various locations. Thursday, June 16 and Sunday, June 19 at the Beach 94th Street Amphitheater. Friday, July 17 at Panino Bozza (Beach 96th Street and Shore Front Pkwy.). Saturday, July 18 at the Beach 108th Hockey Rink.
Jamaica Bay Book Club
On Friday, July 17 at 2 p.m., head to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge for book club! Read selections of nature-themed literature and hold respectful discussions. Please bring your thoughts and questions.
Hangar B Tour
On Saturday, July 18 at 10 a.m., head to Floyd Bennett Field to learn about the aviation history and explore restored aircrafts on a ranger-led tour of a historic airplane hangar.
Rockaway Rally Volleyball Tournament
On Saturday, July 18 at 12 p.m., head to Beach 77th and Shore Front for a 4 x 4 volleyball tournament. Cash prizes. Contact 917-979-6328 or email Rockawayrally@gmail.com to register.
Knights of Columbus Luau
On Saturday, July 18 at 4 p.m., head to the Knights of Columbus (333 Beach 90th St.) for their third annual luau. Music by DJs@Work, food, beverages, 50/50 and fun. $50 entry. Hawaiian shirts encouraged.
Guided Walk
at JBWF
On Sunday, July 19 at 10:30 a.m., head to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to join for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay. For more information about a week’s tour, call 718-318-4340.
Rockaway Refresh Beach Cleanup
On Monday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., head to Beach 17th St. and the boardwalk to join JBRPC for a beach cleanup. Sign a waiver at www.jbrpc.org/events
Moth Ball: A Night of Moth’s & Moonlight
On Monday, July 20 at 8 p.m., head to The Nest at Floyd Bennett Field to join Don Riepe for the Moth Academy. Enjoy a moth mask art station, practice photography skills at a UV “Glow-up” station, and then head outside for sugar baiting and a guided UV light walk to find moths.
Community Bird Outing
with Russell Jacobs
On Thursday, July 23 at 5:30 p.m., head to Beach 60th St. and the boardwalk to join NYC Bird Alliance to search for shorebirds like Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers.
Kayaking for Beginners
On Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m., head to the Floyd Bennett Field Sea Plane Ramp for a free kayaking program for beginners. Open to ages 6 and up with an adult. Dress to get wet. Kayaks, personal floatation devices and instruction provided.
Riis Park Boardwalk Pop-up
On Sundays at 1 p.m., head to Bay 9 in Riis Park to stop by NPS’ boardwalk table to get summer beach essentials, park information, and partake in activities and programs.
Yoga/Human Movement
On Sundays and Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m., head to the beach at Beach 102nd Street to join Kevin Campbell for yoga. Call 347-804-2559 for more info.
Body Weight Circuit Training
On Tuesdays at 7 p.m., head to the Sorrentino Recreation Center (18-48 Cornaga Ave.) for a free body weight circuit training class with Edith.
Zumba Under the Stars
On Thursdays at 7 p.m., head to Beach 17th Street’s O’Donohue Park for a Latin dance fitness class led by Lisa G. Through Aug. 27.
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.
With Rockaway in full-throttle summertime mode, make The RT’s Good Times page your ultimate neighborhood guide to live music, arts and more! Plus, this week’s tip—World Cup Final Watch Parties this Sunday!
LIVE MUSIC
THURSDAY, July 16
5 p.m.
Eat, drink and soak in picturesque bayside views at The Wharf, plus tunes by Taylor and Brady.
416 Beach 116th Street
THURSDAY, July 16
7 p.m.
Every other Thursday, don’t miss Patsy’s folk FamJam at Rockaway Beach Surf Club.
302 Beach 87th Street
THURSDAY, July 16
9:30 p.m.
Break free from the work week with acoustic vibes from Danny Riordan at
The Blarney 2.0.
202-24 Rockaway Point Blvd, Breezy Point
FRIDAY, July 17
5 p.m.
Party with Poppa Lou & the Baba Lou’s at Pico.
419 Beach 129th Street
FRIDAY, July 17
5 p.m.
Back by popular demand is rock and pop cover band, Cherry & The Gunnz, firing up Bar 97 on the boardwalk. Plus, special guest, DJ Moochie.
Beach 97th Street Concession
FRIDAY, July 17
6 p.m.
Uncle Jack throws down your favorite rock classics at The Wharf.
416 Beach 116th Street
FRIDAY, July 17
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Enjoy a feast at Tap That as Crossfade Nights drops songs from the days you rocked a mullet or a perm. Every Friday and Saturday (5 p.m. to 11 p.m.), valet parking available at $15 per car.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd
FRIDAY, July 17
6:30 p.m.
Board the weekend fun train at Bungalow Bar with Cat Nip Duo, followed by DJ Mike B.
377 Beach 92nd Street
FRIDAY, July 17
7 p.m.
Kerry Kearney Mardi Gras Band blazes the Belle Harbor Yacht Club with blues/roots music.
533 Beach 126th Street
FRIDAY, July 17
Soak in sunset views and Chris Decker’s acoustic tunes at Kennedy’s. Call (718) 945-0202 for showtime and reservations.
406 Bayside, Breezy Point
SATURDAY, July 18
5 p.m.
Sean Jacoby switches your music dial to sweet rock indie jams at The Wharf.
416 Beach 116th Street
SATURDAY, July 18
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
From Allman Brothers, Skynyrd, ZZ Top and more—southern rock tribute band, Blackstone, performs at Tap That. Valet parking available every Friday and Saturday.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd
SATURDAY, July 18
6:30 p.m.
The Knobs jam your favorite alternative rock/new wave hits at Bungie; followed by DJ Joe J.
377 Beach 92nd Street
SATURDAY, July 18
10 p.m.
DJ Combat gets your Saturday night craic flowin’ at Jamo’s.
421 Beach 129th Street
SUNDAY, July 19
1 p.m.
Chillax at Bungalow with Wine With Sue-Acoustic. Next, DJ Louis Mole pumps up the bayside party.
377 Beach 92nd Street
SUNDAY, July 19
1 p.m. / 4 p.m.
Every Sunday, wine and dine at Adrienne’s with sweet acoustic tunes from Evan Kuriga, followed by DJs At Work.
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
SUNDAY, July 19
2:30 p.m./ 5:30 p.m.
Similan On The Bay sweetens your Sunday with first up, Chris Tedesco on violin, followed by Japanese jazz pianist/vocalist, Miho Nobuzane.
375 Beach 92nd Street
SUNDAY, July 19
5 p.m.
Don’t miss this epic music collab at The Sugar Bowl starring Bobby Butthead, Mad Larry and Vic Thill of The Bogmen!
15 Bedford Avenue, Breezy Point
SUNDAY, July 19
5 p.m.
Bid adieu to another sublime Rockaway weekend with Irish rocker John “Amo” Doyle at The Wharf.
416 Beach 116th Street
SUNDAY, July 19
11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Celebrate summer Sundays at Blarney 2.0 with DJ Combat.
202-24 Rockaway Point Blvd, Breezy Point
MONDAY, July 20
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Bobby Butler, Jenna Baker and Danny Mulvanerty of Indaculture continue their summer Monday night residency at The BayHouse.
500 Bayside Drive, Breezy Point
CONNOLLY’S OPEN MIC NIGHT
Every TUESDAY!
8 p.m.
Mike drop! Head to Connolly’s for Connollystock, the tour de force of open mic nights hosted by Professa Squid.
155 Beach 95th Street
WORLD CUP FINAL LOCAL
HAPPENINGS—SUNDAY, July 19
ROCKAWAY FILM FESTIVAL MOVIE MATCH CUP
10 a.m.
Happening outdoors at the Arverne Cinema, The Rockaway Film Festival concludes its “Movies & Matches” series with a Movie Match Cup before the FIFA World Cup finals. Schedule: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., teams of three to five play 25-minute games, one match at a time at the Arverne Cinema outdoor sand. 3 p.m., watch the World Cup finals inside. Registration: $20 (includes an original Movie Match Cup shirt). All registered players will be assigned to a team. The winning team will receive tickets to opening night of the Ninth Annual Rockaway Film Festival. Open to all skill levels. For more info and to register, visit: https://www.rockawayfilmfestival.org/events/movie-match-cup
72-02 Gouverneur Ave
WATCH THE WORLD CUP
FINALS AT PILOT HOUSE
2 p.m.
Fútbol aficionados! It’s the World Cup final and with several ginormous screens—sound on, bucket specials and more—watch all the action at Pilot House.
190 Beach 69th Street
THE ROCKAWAY HOTEL
WATCH PARTY ON THE ROOFTOP
3 p.m.
See Spain faceoff against Argentina at the FIFA World Cup Final on The Rooftop at The Rockaway Hotel. Watch the biggest match in soccer alongside refreshing cocktails, fresh seafood, shareable plates, and unbeatable rooftop vibes. For reservations and more info, visit the Happening tab at www.therockawayhotel.com
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
OTHER PLACES TO WATCH
THE WORLD CUP
Most local watering holes and dining spots with a TV will be showing the World Cup final. Food and drink specials may be available. Inquire within.
The BayHouse: 500 Bayside Drive, Breezy Point
Harbor Light: 129-18 Newport Ave.
Jamesons: 421 Beach 129th Street
Rogers: 205 Beach 116th Street
The Wharf: 416 Beach 116th Street
Adrienne’s: 25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
Bungalow Bar: 377 Beach 92nd Street
OTHER SPECIAL MENTIONS
GRANDTIME SKATE SHOP
PRESENTS LIVE MUSIC &
SKATE CHALLENGE
FRIDAY, July 17
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Whether you’re into skating or moshing—come support local music and talent with GrindTime Skate Shop at the Rockaway Beach Amphitheater. Live performances by: Vi o lit and Eden, 2/14, Lucky You and Neta AR1. For more info, including about the obstacle skate challenge, follow: grindtimeskateshop on Instagram. Free! All ages welcome.
Amphitheater, Beach 94th/boardwalk
SHAKESPEARE’S ‘MUCH
ADO ABOUT NOTHING’
JULY 16-JULY 19
6 P.M.
Shakespeare On the Rocks is back with “Much Ado About Nothing.” On Thursday, July 16 and Sunday, July 19, they’ll be at the Beach 94th Amphitheater. Friday, July 17, they’ll be at Panino Bozza on Beach 96th and Shore Front. On Saturday, July 18, they’ll be at the Beach 108th Hockey Rink. Don’t miss this free performance!
Got info on local live music, arts and more? Email: editor@rockawaytimes.com
July 16
July 9
June 25
June 11
June 4
May 28 Local Color
Flags of Rockaway
