Faith Rewarded. Keith Goldberg, who runs the St. Francis de Sales Summer Classic among his many other contributions to Rockaway and local youth, had his bicycle stolen last week. Rather than file a police report, “Bugsy” posted on Facebook, “If you are that person [who took his bike], I would appreciate if you return it… To avoid any embarrassment, please just return it to the SFDS schoolyard by the backstop storage area.” His bicycle was found by the stores on Beach 129th, spotted by a neighbor and returned.
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Work out with the Congressman? Tonight, August 27, at 6 p.m., there will be a “community conversation” with Congressman Gregory Meeks at the Rockaway YMCA. The event was organized by the Heart of Rockaway civic association. Bring your questions.
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The Rockaway Times would like to thank Dr. Peter Galvin for his contributions to our newspaper over the last 11 years. Dr. Galvin’s office on Newport Ave. was well known in the neighborhood. He retired from private practice in 2020 but continues to serve Rockaway. Our staff wishes Dr. Galvin the best on the next leg of his journey.
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Not all surfing is done with boards. Seventy-two contestants will compete in the 10th Annual Rockaway Beach Bodysurf Contest on Saturday, September 12 starting at 10 a.m. in The Box at Beach 84th Street. There will be an awards ceremony on the sand after the finals, with an after party to follow at Rippers. For information, go to @rbbunderground on Instagram.
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Last year, the Ray Marten Foundation was created to honor Belle Harbor resident Ray Marten who died from a Glioblastoma brain tumor in 2022. The foundation awards scholarships to graduates of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy. To fund the awards and help local families who need support, the foundation is running a 50/50 raffle through September 6. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased via a Zelle payment to RayMartenFoundation.
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Hurricane season officially begins on June 1 but in Rockaway, the historic prime time for major tropical storms is from now through mid-October. Do you have a plan (evacuation or home protection) in case Mother Nature sends a hurricane our way?
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The NYC Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains and deploys civilian volunteers for fire safety, light search and rescue, community disaster support, disaster medical operations, and traffic control. You must be 18 years or older, and live or work in New York City to apply. If you are interested in volunteering to help in an emergency, find more information at nyc.gov/cert
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The Rockaway Times joins the rest of the country in mourning the great loss of American Treasure, Dolly Parton. Dolly epitomized the American Dream rising far above her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee. An illiterate farmer’s daughter, she used her talents to reach the Country Music Hall of Fame and world-wide stardom. Dolly prayed that she would be a light for the world. Her prayers were answered. Thank you for your light Dolly Parton. Rest in Peace.
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You know our summer season is coming to a close when the monarch butterflies start their journey south. These beautiful insects have begun passing through on their way to overwintering sites as far south as Michoacán, Mexico. Enjoy their migration over the next few weeks.
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Filling the boxes: Starting today, The Rockaway Times will print 500 additional copies each week. Several of our sidewalk boxes are empty before the weekend. Thank you to all our loyal readers, both residents and visitors.
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The next Rockaway Beach Civic Association meeting will be on Thursday, October 1 at the Knights of Columbus.
