High Tide

 High Tide

Merry Christmas! Our fingers are crossed for everyone who has travel in their plans. The weather looks more messy and wet than white. Well, look on the bright side, the days are now getting longer with the sun shining about a minute longer each day until June.

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Madeleine’s Chocolate is a much-loved specialty at holiday time. The store on Beach 95th Street hasn’t operated since Covid but our friends at Madelaine tell us the delicious chocolate is still available at The Gift Is Love shop on Beach 116th Street. Which reminds us, there’s still time to shop local. Online scams and unreliable delivery times are a thing this time of year. Avoid those potential pitfalls and shop Rockaway.

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Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed Senate Bill 6980B, which would have enabled FDNY personnel to receive credit for any time they served as an EMT member prior to becoming firefighters. Councilwoman Joann Ariola was not pleased. “This was something that drew support from both sides of the aisle, both at the city and the state level. The governor’s decision to veto a bill that would have helped a huge number of FDNY personnel is nothing short of a slap in the face.”

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The New York City Dippers Club is doing a triple holiday dip! On Dec. 24, 25 and 26, they’ll be taking the plunge at Beach 67th at 9 a.m. The 26th is host Graham Cullis’ last day in NY. Bring a potluck brunch item to enjoy! Plus join them again on New Year’s Day!

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Happy Kwanzaa! The celebration begins December 26 and ends January 1.

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Well, that’s pretty viral. Our Facebook video (shot by Timothy Moriarty) of people attempting to save a sperm whale last Tuesday was viewed more than 7 million times and reached more than 10 million. Ten million! Too bad the story had a sad outcome as the whale died sometime later.

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On Tuesday, supporters of Challenge Charter School gathered for a groundbreaking in Arverne by the Sea for a new middle school that was a long time coming. The expected, hope-for school opening is June 2024.

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You know what they say about advertising. You have to repeat it to make it effective. So, we’re back to remind you that Rick Horan is selling tickets again. The Graybeard is doing his annual full-court press to get people to buy Pot-o-Gold raffle tickets which support The Graybeards, the non-profit which has done so much for Rockaway through the years. Last year’s winner-take-all raffle was like Rockaway Powerball as the pot surpassed $250,000. You can contact The Graybeards directly or call Rick Horan at 917-345-3700 and he’ll get a raffle ticket to you. A ticket is $100.

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The never-ending State Assembly race between incumbent Stacey Amato and Tom Sullivan won’t conclude this year. Some 94 ballots have to be cured (if they can be) and those that are will be hand counted on January 4 at the Board of Elections. There are some other ballots in dispute and both sides are waiting for a court ruling or two.

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Here’s a reminder to not put your garbage out before 4 p.m. A local recently got a $100 fine for doing so. And starting April 1, you won’t be able to put your garbage out until 8 p.m.

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