When the Towers Fell, Rockaway Rose
Shells of Remembrance: Beach Tribute Shines for 9/11
Bishop Brennan Preaches Love at Beach Mass for St. Francis de Sales
9/11: Memories Not Forgotten By Everyday Locals
First 100 Days: Innovation and New Services from The Rockaway Times
‘We’re the Lucky Ones’: 9/11 Survivor Reunites With Local Rescuer 25 Years Later
The Broad Channel Volunteers Were There
Remembering 9/11, One Page at a Time
The Sacred Art of Remembering 9/11
Community Board 14 September Meeting Recap
Rockaway Bow Foundation Lights the Way to Never Forget
Op-Ed: The Responsibility to Remember
A Love Letter to “Day in the Life(guard)”
September Reflection: Choosing Life
USPP Seeks to Identify Suspects After Officer Injured
The Revenge You Take at Bedtime
Humans of Rockaway: Gina Jurlando
Broad Channel Celebrates Mardi Gras!
For Barry Waller Perseveres Through the Local Music Scene
Twenty-Five Years Later: A Reflection on 9/11
Kayaking for Blues and Stripers
Playing Ball for Clare at 3 on 3 by the Sea
Ballhandling: To Dribble or Not To Dribble
On Friday, Rockaway commemorates the 25th anniversary of 9/11. See our special section this week in the centerfold with a variety of stories surrounding that tragic day and how the community was impacted. Rockaway will Never Forget.
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Help us tell Rockaway’s stories. As The Rockaway Times continues to grow—this week’s edition is 56 pages—we need more writers to help us share unique accounts of life on our peninsula. If you have experience as a writer and are interested in penning articles on a freelance basis, please send a letter to editor@rockawaytimes.com.*****
Dirt-Bike Devils. A United States Park Police officer was badly injured in Ft. Tilden last week when his ATV flipped while trying to pull over three dirt bikes. At least one of the bikes collided with the ATV causing it to flip, according to the National Park Service. The three bikers then fled to Brooklyn and were last sighted on Nostrand Ave. The officer was taken to the hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. The USPP released photos of the accused on Saturday.*****
Last Swıngs of Summer. The NYC Parks Department will run its first annual wiffle ball tournament on the sand on Beach 81st Street on Sunday, September 13. The six-team double-elimination tournament will begin at 9 a.m. Each game will be 45-minutes long. There will also be activities for children ages 7-13, including a Dizzy Bat Competition and base running relays.*****
Mother Nature has given us a challenging end to summer. In addition to strong thunderstorms, the beach has had a larger than usual number of jellyfish and sand flies recently. The jellies include red jellies that can deliver a painful sting. Experts say rinse the sting with large amounts of white vinegar, but few of us pack vinegar for the beach.*****
Today is the first day of school for NYC Public Schools. (Parochial schools started yesterday.) Good luck to all the students, teachers and parents throughout this new year of learning.*****
No School for AI. Last week, NYC officials announced a moratorium on the use of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Grok and Claude in elementary school. The new policy bans the use of AI by students to generate images, reports, video and computers during the 2026-27 school year.*****
The latest incarnation of the Subway Series begins tomorrow in the Bronx. In years past, a September showdown between the Yankees and the Mets would have been electric but with the Mets almost eliminated and the Yankees all but guaranteed a spot in the post season, not much is at stake. Still, our local sports bars should have plenty of diehards rooting for the blue and orange or the pinstripes. Check the Rockaway Time app for featured locations.*****
Kudos to the Parks Department and the Friends of Tribute Park for working hard over the last week to prepare the Park for tomorrow’s September 11 ceremony. Special thanks to Rockaway WISH for placing red, white and blue bows around the park and Glen and Mike for repainting the exterior wall. Mike, a retired firefighter, painted the wall when Tribute Park was opened in 2005.*****
On Tuesday, the tickets were pulled for the Tribute Park Mosaic Restoration raffle. The grand prize winner was Kara Brady, the wife of late Firefighter Patrick Brady.*****
Partied Responsibly. Thank you to the Sunday partygoers on Beach 131st Street. Beach parties on Labor Day Sunday always go late into the evening. This group did a great job cleaning up after themselves and left at least eight full construction bags neatly stacked for the Parks Department to remove the following day.Read more
9/11 Prayer Service
On Thursday, September 10 at 7 p.m., head to Beach 105th Street and the boardwalk for a nondenominational prayer service in front of the shell tribute for the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
On Friday, September 11 at 8:30 a.m., head to Tribute Park on Beach 116th St. and the bay to mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center. Music, reading of the names, placing of the roses and more.
Big Sit Birding
On Saturday, September 12 at 10 a.m. head to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to sit, watch, and listen for as many bird species as possible. Sit on benches near the pollinator garden, adjacent to the visitor center while you watch and listen. Binoculars available to borrow.
NYC Honey Fest
On Saturday, September 12 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., head to the Beach 106th boardwalk to enjoy various honey and beeswax vendors, learn about beekeeping and more.
Beach Sessions
On Saturday, September 12 at 6 p.m., head to Beach 110th Street to see “Amusement,” a dance performance on the sand, commissioned by Alexa West.
Park Pals
On Sunday, September 13 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 creatures that live on the shore and in the waters of Jamaica Bay. Activities include crafts, a nature walk and a puppet show.
Guided Walk at JBWR
On Sunday, September 13 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 info about this week’s tour, call 718-318-4340.
Creative Time Sandcastle Competition
On Sunday, September 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., head to Beach 108th St. to watch a sandcastle competition between artists.
Zumba!
On Monday, September 14 at 11 a.m., head to RISE (58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd.) for a free Zumba class led by LaDeidre Smith.
BHPOA Meeting
On Tuesday, September 15 at 7 p.m., head to the Belle Harbor Yacht Club (533 Beach 126th St.) for the Belle Harbor Property Owners Association meeting.
NAACP Far Rockaway Meeting
On Thursday, September 17 at 7:30 p.m., head to Macedonia Baptist Church (330 Beach 67th St.) for a general membership meeting of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Far Rockaway branch meeting.
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.
Yoga on the Beach
On Mondays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m., head to Bay 9 in Riis Park for yoga with Joann. Email joannjayanthiyoga@gmail.com for more info.
Kids in Motion:
Beach 59th Playground
On Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., head to Beach 59th Street Playground near the boardwalk for a day of activities for children including sports, games, fitness demos, and more! Must be accompanied by a guardian.
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.
Poseidon Parade
On Saturday, September 26 at 1 p.m., Poseidon Parade steps off from Beach 105th Street and marches down the boardwalk to Beach 94th Street. Register at www.poseidonsparade.com
Labor Day has come and gone, but our sweet summer Good Times aren’t over. So, soak in every last drop by planning your Rockaway crawl with our weekend roundup below! This week’s tip: NYC Honey Fest this Saturday!
LIVE MUSIC
THURSDAY, September 10
6:30 p.m./ 6:30 p.m.
LL Duo—Paddy & Linda serve up their unique lineup of blues, rock and soul classics at Similan On The Bay.
375 Beach 92nd Street
THURSDAY, September 10
9 p.m.
Celebrate The Rocks Billiard 2nd Year Anniversary of “AfterWork Grown and Sexy Throwback Thursdays!” Happy Hour: 5p.m. to 10 p.m. Buy 1 get 1 free. Beats by DJ Gully. Party time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free admission. To reserve a table, call Ray: (917) 702-1950.
348 Beach 72nd Street
FRIDAY, September 11
6 p.m.
Grab your crew and head to the boardwalk for jam/rock n’ roll band, Mighty Quinn, at Bar 97.
Beach 97th Street Concession
FRIDAY, September 11
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Acoustic song stylist Barry Waller returns to bayside Thai spot, Similan On The Bay.
375 Beach 92nd Street
FRIDAY, September 11
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Join The Uncle Jack Band for several rounds of rock classics at Tap That.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd
FRIDAY, September 11
7 p.m.
Cash in an epic bayside dance par-tay with DJ Chris Cashen at Adrienne’s.
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
FRIDAY, September 11
7 p.m.
Belt out your best at Rockaway Tiki Karaoke Night.
67-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd
SATURDAY, September 12
5 p.m.
Don’t miss Bill Fleming‘s final performance at Callies for summer 2026 with special guest stars: Uncle Johnny Intro on keys, and Annette.
410 Beach 129th Street
SATURDAY, September 12
5 p.m.
Don’t miss Rockaway’s viral music sensation, Rock Soup’s last gig of Summer 2026 on the boardwalk at Bar 97! Followed by “Lazy Summer DJs.”
Beach 97th Street Concession
SATURDAY, September 12
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Similan On The Bay serves up a special treat with award-winning multi-instrumentalist, Chris Tedesco on violin.
375 Beach 92nd Street
SATURDAY, September 12
7 p.m.
Live it up at Adrienne’s as DJ Marvin Myers spins funk, house, R&B, hip hop and more!
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
SATURDAY, September 12
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
From The Smiths, The Cure, Depeche Mode and more—the Knobs jam the ultimate New Wave and alternative rock show at Tap That! Plus, join The Knobs in singing, “Happy Birthday,” to Tap That’s owner, John Agnello.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd
SATURDAY, September 12
7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Get your dance on with DJ Naked NY at Rockaway Tiki.
67-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd
SUNDAY, September 13
1 p.m.
Every Sunday, wine and dine at Adrienne’s with acoustic tunes from Evan Kuriga.
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
SUNDAY, September 13
5 p.m.
Bask in balmy bayside views and acoustic grooves from Kieran Monaghan at The Wharf.
416 Beach 116th Street
SUNDAY, September 13
5 p.m.
Get ready for a LD blowout with JunXion at Bar 97.
Beach 97th Street Concession
SUNDAY, September 13
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
SUNDAY, September 13
10 p.m. until late
Celebrate every last drop of the summer the breezy way with DJ Combat at Blarney 2.0.
202-24 Rockaway Point Blvd, Breezy Point
MONDAY, September 14
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Kick off the work week on a mellow note with violinist, Chris Tedesco, at Similan On The Bay. Plus, delish Thai food and spirited cocktails.
375 Beach 92nd Street
TUESDAY, September 15
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Similan On The Bay tunes up your Tuesday with Japanese jazz pianist/vocalist, Miho Nobuzane Band.
375 Beach 92nd Street
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
SPORTS WATCH PARTIES
U.S. OPEN
ROCKAWAY OCEAN CLUB U.S. OPEN WATCH PARTY
FRIDAY, September 11 through SUNDAY, September 13
12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Catch the U.S. Open Men’s and Women’s Singles on a jumbo screen in the courtyard at Rockaway Ocean Club. Enjoy special food pairings and sip specialty tennis-themed cocktails from Moet Hennessy.
Riis Bath House (157 Rockaway Beach Blvd)
WATCH THE U.S. OPEN AT PILOT HOUSE
ongoing through SUNDAY, September 13
Cheer on your favorite U.S. Open tennis pros at Pilot House! For food and drink specials inquire within. For more info, follow: pilothouse_ny on Instagram.
190 Beach 69th Street
NFL KICKOFF
PILOT HOUSE NFL TAILGATE PARTY
1 p.m.
Pilot House makes the kickoff to American football season a family affair featuring: Watch Party on the Patio, live DJ, sound on for games, drink specials and giveaways, plus, free face painting from StefUNI! Outdoor and indoor fun for the whole family! For more info, follow: pilothouse_ny on Instagram.
190 Beach 69th Street
OTHER PLACES TO WATCH THE NFL KICKOFF!
Let’s get ready to rumble! Grab your mates to watch the NFK kickoff at any of the following local establishments. (Note, food and drink specials may be available. Inquire within.)
The BayHouse: 500 Bayside Drive, Breezy Point
Blarney 2.0: 202-24 Rockaway Point Blvd, 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
Pilot House: 190 Beach 69th Street
SPECIAL MENTIONS
15TH ANNUAL HONEY FEST
SATURDAY, September 12
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Get ready for another sticky sweet NYC Honest Fest on the boardwalk at Beach 106th Street featuring a honey marketplace, food and beverages with a honey focus, tastings, NYC beekeepers, face painting, honey extraction demonstration and Black Jar Honey Contest. Plus, live music. For more info, visit: nychoneyweek on Instagram.
Beach 106th Street Boardwalk
Got info on local live music, arts and more? Email: editor@rockawaytimes.com
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