High Tide
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Okay, it’s December 1, officially not too early to talk Santa. If you’re looking for a Santa costume, we’ve got an idea. You could run (or walk) for one. The Love Rockaway Santa Suit Run is set for Saturday, December 10. The classic, fun, tradition, (once called The Santa Shuffle) will kick off at Beach 108th Street and the Boardwalk at 10 a.m.. You can register for the 5k run and 1 mile walk at RockawayTC.org. The registration fee gets you a Santa Suit, a Santa medal, and a free beer at Healy’s.
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Speaking of red suits…. On Monday, with a little help from the FDNY’s Engine 329, Santa Claus arrived in style at the St. Camillus Special Olympics lighting of the Little North Pole, the annual extravaganza in Neponsit. Mayor Adams showed up at the big show on Saturday to celebrate the season as did hundreds of people and various entertainers.
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It was reported by the Daily News and other outlets that Saul Delacruz, a field intelligence officer from the 100th Precinct, was suspended without pay after the FBI was seen at the Precinct and at his home in Queens. Reports say an anti-corruption probe is underway by the Feds.
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Our thoughts are with those at Rockaway Beach Veterinary Services whose longtime groomer Jennifer Fraser died unexpectedly on November 26.
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NYC Parks is “looking for all New Yorkers who have the physical and the mental discipline to become part of our lifeguarding team for summer 2023!” Qualifying tests begin on Friday, December 2, and will be held at 10 pools around the city. Register for an upcoming qualifying exam at the NYC Parks Lifeguard information page (nycgovparks.org/opportunities/jobs/lifeguards)
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The New York Times did a feature on the rail vs park debate regarding the abandoned tracks in Queens that if revived would dramatically improve the commute from Rockaway and southern Queens. Queenslink, the rail advocates, suggest both a park and a rail are possible. Those who want Queensway, a High Line-type park, don’t seem to want anything to do with a new transportation option. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards says he wants both and was quoted saying he could get to Florida faster than he could get to the City from Far Rockaway. Well, what exactly are you doing to make that happen, Mr. Borough President? We like this from a Queensrail advocate: “When you tell a NYer that they could have better transit, they universally love the idea. But our opponents are trying to scare people into thinking that it’s not possible. They think they own the old Rockaway Branch. It is a public asset, and we must fight for all residents.”
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Reminder: The Army Corps is accepting public comment on its storm surge protection plan until January 6, 2023. This $52 billion project would include a storm barrier across Jamaica Bay and other flood protection methods around Broad Channel, Hamilton.
If you’d like to tell them what you think, go to mvr.usace.army.mil/Public-Comment-Form/
