Rockaway Times 12-19-19

VOL. 6, NO. 26 - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Merry Centennial!

Rogers Celebrates 100 Years on Saturday See Page 14

Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanukkah!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 2

The Rockaway Times

Downed Wire Leaves Beach 116th In the Dark

By Katie McFadden and Ryan Schwach

Beach 116th Street had an eerie similarity to the days and weeks after Hurricane Sandy on Tuesday, December 17. After a rainy evening and a fire on Rockaway Beach Boulevard, power was out on the commercial strip and for more than 2,000 PSEG LI customers on the peninsula. However, the blackout, caused by an arcing downed wire, was temporary, and power was fully restored by late night.

At around 5 p.m., locals and businesses around Beach 116th Street were startled by the sound of an explosion. An electric wire had fallen in front of Rockaway Crown on Beach 115th and Rockaway Beach Blvd., and sparks created a massive fire that appeared to be shooting up from the street.

The fire was so intense that it burned a hole right through the asphalt.

“Everybody started com-

PSEG worked in the dark to fix the wires. Photo by Ryan Schwach.

ing out to watch the fire” Mujib Muharram, an employee at Pickles and Pies said. “Like fireworks.” Meanwhile, nearby businesses went dark and traffic lights and some homes all the way up to Neponsit lost power. FDNY immediately responded to the scene to get the fire under control. Traffic, including buses, was diverted away from the area. No injuries were reported. “Lucky no one was driving at that time,” Muharram said.

For some places, business continued, as much as it could.

Those at Pizza D’Amore continued to make pizza in their ovens, which still functioned.

Owner Andrew Guastella speculated the incident was related to over-salting that corroded wires. As PSEG crews worked to solve the problem, businesses were informed that it would be a long night, as power was expected to be restored by midnight.

Early into the incident, the only businesses that continued to have power were Rogers, the Beach 116th corner store and the Polish deli. Eventually power was cut to these businesses as PSEG needed to turn off remaining power sources to work safely. In true Rockaway fashion, sitting in the dark did not deter customers from finishing their beers at Rogers.

Oddly enough, some parts of Beach 116th Street continued to glow. Sunny’s Nail Salon remained aglow, as did the Beach 116th Street Christmas tree, even though the firefighters in the neighboring firehouse

continued to work through the dark.

In a follow-up with PSEG LI, spokesperson Amy Di Leo explained to The Rockaway Times that Tuesday’s stormy weather caused a cross arm near Beach 116th and Rockaway Beach Blvd. to break and a primary wire to fall into the street.

The downed wire caused the fire and the following blackout. The blackout immediately impacted more than 2,000 customers, but most service was restored within two minutes. However, addressing the full problem took longer, as Rockaway’s electric poles are placed high. “The bucket truck could not reach it and we needed to get a different team to respond to get high enough to fix it,” Di Leo said.

About 254 customers, mostly the businesses and residences on Beach 116th Street, were without power for nine hours and 30 minutes, but everything was back and running by 2:28 a.m.

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The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 3

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

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The Rockaway Times

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 5

#SiobhanStrong – A Christmas Success!

By Marina Cregan

Two Rockaway elves decided to use their guest bartending debut for a great cause this past Saturday, December 14. Rockaway activist and native, Joanne Smith, and Mary E. Ehrhart were behind the stick at RBQ from 4 to 7 p.m. They were “Making Merry” under the direction of veteran bartender, George Ferguson, while enjoying the music of Gerald Bair, all on behalf of a special little girl.

The pair raised over $500 for #SiobhanStrong, a fundraising effort for Siobhan O’Sullivan, a fifth grader, who has been battling leukemia and is now looking forward to returning to school at St. Francis de Sales this coming January. O’Sullivan brought holiday cheer to many last week as she joined in the tree lighting ceremony held in the SFDS Prayer Garden last week. This money is part of an ongoing effort in the community, which began earlier in the year, with orange bracelets

that fellow SFDS students and parents sold for Siobhan. These $10 bracelets, that promote leukemia awareness, can be seen on the wrists of many students at SFDS, as well as many parishioners around Rockaway.

The bartending duo learned about #SiobhanStrong via Facebook and decided they wanted to help. They approached RBQ proprietor, John Moroney, and he and the RBQ staff were extremely receptive to the idea.

Saturday’s activities were nonstop fun with free hourly raffles, reindeer games in ugly Christmas sweaters, and several group sing-a-longs. Bair’s version of “Jingle Bells” kept the crowd engaged for what may have been the longest rendition in Rockaway history.

At one point, Wine with Sue’s drummer and vocalist, Don Sautner, joined Bair on stage in a duet, for a real show stopper.

Not only were Smith and Ehrhart busy making drinks, they were also collecting Toys for Tots. They made sure all who donated got an extra cherry on top of their martini.

RBQ will continue to accept toy donations until December 22. So, the community is encouraged to drop one off, spread some Christmas cheer,

and perhaps enjoy a cocktail off their seasonal menu.

“Lots of fun, lots of laughs, and more importantly, lots of love and good wishes for Siobhan,” Smith said when reflecting on the day’s events. They were able to raise $534 at the event. The money will go to the local Graybeards organization to give to O’Sullivan’s family.

Also in attendance was Siobhan’s uncle and godfather, Chris O’Sullivan. He was celebrating his birthday while showing his love and support for his niece. O’Sullivan says the family is looking forward to the new year and is so appreciative of the continuous support from the Rockaway community.

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Page 6

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

The Rockaway Times

Longtime Scholars’ Principal, Mr. O, On the Way Out

By Ryan Schwach

After more than 15 years since founding the school and serving as its principal, Brian O’Connell will leave Scholars’ Academy in the spring, in search of a new challenge as headmaster of the Lawrence Woodmere Academy (LWA).

“It is with bittersweet and extremely complex emotions that I inform you that effective March 2, 2020, I will no longer serve as the principal of Scholars’ Academy,” he wrote in an email to Scholars’ families last week. “It was a very difficult day,” he said of making the announcement to make the switch from a Scholars’ Seawolf to an LWA Tiger.

Scholars’ Academy began as an idea in Mr. O'Connell's (Mr. O, as he is more commonly called) head back in 2003.

At the time, he was working as principal of P.S. 114 in Belle Harbor and started to notice a sharp downturn in student enrollment from the fifth grade

into the sixth. "People were voting with their feet,” he said, explaining how students were leaving the peninsula for other schools because the then local choice of M.S. 180 was underperforming. O’Connell sent an email to then regional superintendent Dr. Kathleen Cashin with the idea of starting an accelerated program in

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Rockaway. “That email sealed my fate,” he said, now 17 years later.

Scholars’ began as a program split between P.S. 114 and a space at P.S. 105 in Far Rockaway, before eventually moving to its current building in 2005, and replacing M.S. 180. “There were a lot of skeptics,” he said, “There were a lot of obstacles

to start this school.”

However, in his time there, it’s clear that O’Connell was not only able to overcome those obstacles, but excel. Today, Scholars’ places well above the average in test scores, as well as in the overall diversity of the student body. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report ranks the high school as the 15th best in the state, and 129th in the nation.

During his tenure at Scholars’, O’Connell helped push for collaborative learning through group work, and an increase in technology-based learning by bringing iPads, laptops, and interactive boards into every classroom. More recently, Scholars’ has started to implement more Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), which began with monthly advisory sessions where students met in groups outside of a class setting. This has now become “Renaissance Retreat” days, where students Continued on page 7

The Rockaway Times

LONGTIME SCHOLARS’ PRINCIPAL Continued from Page 6 participate in groups around a similar interest, such as film.

Last year, Lawrence Woodmere had asked O’Connell to join their team there, but he had declined. Instead, he advised the school in their search for an interim headmaster after the current one had fallen ill.

“I didn’t think they would be coming back to me with interest, he admitted, rather, “leave me in the rear-view mirror, so to speak.”

However, LWA had their eyes on O’Connell. They eventually did come back to him, and after negotiations, O’Connell ultimately decided it was time he moved on from Scholars’ and the New York City Board of Education. After all he had accomplished at Scholars’, O’Connell felt he had done what he had set out to do and wanted to bring what he had learned into a new challenge.

“I walked around the building, feeling like I was looking

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019 for ways to make work here new and exciting,” he said. He also discussed what he calls, “midlife motivation,” and his desire to do all he can with whatever time that is afforded to him. “Am I going to use those years playing it safe here, or am I going to do something bold and audacious and exciting and new?” he said. He also stressed the need to provide for his family and financially set his children, who both attend Scholars’, up for college. Working at a private institution like LWA would make that easier, but the idea of a new challenge was most tempting. “An opportunity arose that looks to be stimulating, a little scary, and exciting at the same time...I thrive on that,” he said.

However, Scholars’, an idea that came from his own mind and a project he has helped foster for nearly 15 years, will always be his baby. “My blood is in the floor,” he said, and although it will be tough to leave his team and the students of Scholars’ Academy, he trusts he is leaving it in good hands.

“The school is in a place where I am comfortable trusting that it can be maintained and continued to be improved,” he said, “I trust that I have a lot of people here who understand and own the work here deeply, they are going to be great stewards of Scholars’ Academy.”

One of those stewards is Assistant Principal Toni Marie Viera, who has worked under O’Connell for 14 years. “He built this school to be what it is today and undoubtedly, the School Leadership Team will ensure that we continue carrying out our shared vision and mission and make him proud,” she said. Other longtime teachers understand and see the impact Scholars’ has on the community, “Mr. O and Scholars' Academy have created a path for all the children of the Rockaways to enter elite colleges, while still retaining the family-like feel of a local school,” said Charles Hilgendorf, a Chemistry teacher who has taught in Rockaway for 23 years. “I do not want to see him go; he is going to be terribly

Page 7 missed.”

O’Connell’s former students will remember him for his lessons, his leadership, his greeting, “How YOU doin’?”—and his occasional long-winded morning speeches about apathy and the importance of understanding the past.

“Never thought he'd leave,” one alumna, Ashley Walters, said on Facebook. “Thanks for seven years of helping us become the people that we've turned out to be, no matter how long your speeches were!”

Come March of next year, O’Connell will leave Scholars’ for his new position, but he’ll continue to live in Rockaway, and hopes he can continue to serve the community. “I am very proud of the fact we brought the peninsula together under one roof,” he said. He even hopes to possibly foster a relationship between Scholars’ and LWA in the future.

However, no longer serving as principal of one of Rockaway’s schools may have its perks, “Maybe now I can go to the supermarket,” O’Connell joked.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 8

***** Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas. We feel blessed to be part of this community and further blessed that you’ve shown us so much support. Thank you! ***** Longtime principal of Scholars’ Academy, Brian O’Connell, surprised lots of people with his announcement last week that he’d be leaving the school to take over the headmaster position at Lawrence Woodmere Academy.

Before O’Connell took over the school, parents clamored for a good middle school option in Rockaway. Many Rockaway kids headed to Mark Twain, Boody and other schools in Brooklyn. Scholars’ quickly became a great option for parents and students and then became an even bigger deal when it became a top-flight high school as well. Much of the fabulous suc-

cess is due to O’Connell. He’ll be missed and Rockaway’s loss is certainly Lawrence Woodmere’s gain. We wish him great success and salute him for a job well done. ***** Happy 100th to Rogers. The bar, soon to have its hotel reborn, will celebrate on Saturday, December 21. Owner Mike McMahon has done a great job since taking over from Richie Rogers who resisted turning the rooms into city shelters though was offered big money to do so. ***** Just 100 feet or so from Rogers is the Hot Yoga studio run by Anita Ruderman and another anniversary is worth a mention as Anita celebrates her 10th year at the 116th Street location. We know she’s been getting people to sweat a lot longer than that, but she deserves a big round of applause for being a 116th mainstay and a bigger round of applause is due because she’s donating proceeds from her anniversary class to the Graybeards. Go Anita! ***** Holiday Alert! The Rockaway

Times will finish the paper (hello advertisers and columnists) on Monday, December 23, so everything’s got to be in by 3 p.m.

(Monday!) The office will close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And the same will occur the next week for New Year’s. Delivery will occur over two days, Thursday and Friday. Sign up for email and be assured of receiving it! Go to Rockawaytimes. com and click on "Subscribe." ***** The Graybeards are holding their annual dinner dance on Saturday, January 25 at El Caribe in Brooklyn. You don’t have to be a member to go to this always-fun event. And if you can’t make it, buy a pot o’ gold ticket. You might win some big bucks and you’ll certainly be helping one of the great, great organizations in Rockaway. ***** We hope the Parks Department isn’t looking for Mobi mats next summer. The mats, which allow the disabled and elderly to get to the shoreline, have been left on the beach.

They’re likely to wash away or

The Rockaway Times be buried. ***** Several businesses in the Sands Point building at Beach 102nd Street and RBB have been hurt by rumors that the new owners will want them out. We’ve been told that businesses have actually been offered lease extensions through 2026. ***** Got $34 million? If you do, you might be interested in this “rare opportunity.” A Best Western Hotel and a Wingate by Wyndham Hotel, side-by-side properties on Beach 21st Street in Far Rockaway, are being sold together for $33,900,000. ***** Our condolences go out to local activist John Cori and his family. Cori's father, Salvatore Cori, died on December 16. He was 87. Sal, or Mr. Cori, will be missed by many. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 19 at O'Connor's Funeral Home.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 20, 11 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

The Rockaway Times

Page 9

This Week in History 1864 - During the Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman sent a message to President Lincoln saying, "I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah."

2010 - President Obama officially repealed the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy.

DECEMBER 19 Barbara Lev was born.

Cherice Wilcox was born.

Jim Morton was born.

Brian Beehler was born.

1998 - President Bill Clinton was impeached on two counts by the House of Representatives.

2003 - Muammar el-Qaddafi of Libya announced that his country would DECEMBER 23 discontinue development of weapons Paul Thomas was born. of mass destruction.

1823 - The poem, "A Visit from St. DECEMBER 20 Nicholas" ("'Twas the night before John F. Kimball was born.

Christmas"), written by either ClemSarah Miller was born. ent C. Moore or Maj. Henry Livingston Jr., was published in the Troy Sentinel 1803 - The United States purchased of New York. the Louisiana territory from France for $15 million.

1860 - South Carolina became the first DECEMBER 24 Elizabeth Gardner was born. state to secede from the Union.

Steve Feuer was born

DECEMBER 21

1814 - The War of 1812 between America and Britain ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent.

Jane McDade was born.

Tana Drysdale Hickey was born.

Eileen McBride was born.

1891 -The first basketball game, in- DECEMBER 25 vented at Springfield College in Mas- Jesus was born. sachusetts by James Naismith, was Dorothy Dunne was born. played.

1970 - Elvis Presley met with President Kristen Brady was born.

Richard Nixon in the White House.

1066 - William the Conqueror was crowned King of England.

DECEMBER 22 1776 - George Washington crossed Emma Wresch was born. the Delaware River and surprised the Rita Regan was born.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 10

The Rockaway Times

A Christmas Miracle: The Gift of a Mother After 54 Years

By Katie McFadden

Arverne resident, Theresa Racine, has a lot to celebrate this Christmas after receiving one of the most wonderful gifts of all—a mother.

Racine was about five years old when she found out she was adopted and the desire to learn about her past began early on. “All kids should know who they are and where they came from.

I spent so much time passing people on the street and wondering, is that my mother? Is that my brother? Is that my sister?� Racine said.

Racine’s adoption story was never easy. After being passed through six homes before officially being adopted, Racine faced many years of abuse by her adoptive mother, to the point that she ran away from home at an early age, before moving back in with her adoptive father. However, that miss-

Dorothy, Kim, Theresa and Joey.

ing piece of a loving mother remained. “I felt in my heart that I needed closure,� she said.

At age 20, she began to search. “I went to an adoption agency and they wanted to search, but there was a $300 fee to uncover information from the closed adoption. I had no money,� she said. What Racine was able to receive was “noninformation,�

!

which amounted to learning that she had siblings, and why her mother gave her up as a baby. “I was satisfied because I found out my mother had wanted me. It was her circumstances at the time that made her give me up,� Racine said.

However, the search provided no further information—no names or any other clue as to

who her mother was.

It was only about three months ago, at age 54, that she would try again, after learning that there were changes in adoption information laws in Connecticut, where she was born. She began her search again but was immediately met with the roadblock of the search fee—now $350. “I thought in that moment, that was it,� Racine said. However, hope came. She learned of the Adoption Assistance Program in Farmington, CT and they provided the funding she needed to begin her search.

But it was never easy. At first, they couldn’t find her records, but soon the pieces fell together. An obituary of her mother’s brother led to the information she needed, and a letter was sent to the family. “They have to decide if they Continued on page 12

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Page 12

A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE Continued from Page 10 want to meet you or not. You could go through that whole process and have it end badly. Rejection would’ve hit me hard. I was taking a big gamble,� Racine said.

However, a Thanksgiving blessing was at work when that letter showed up at a home in Chicopee, MA. “The day before Thanksgiving, we received a certified letter in the mail.

At first, I thought I didn’t pay a bill,� Kim Taliceo said. Little did she know it was a letter saying the sister she knew existed, but had never met, was trying to reach out. “I started to cry, and I had to wait like two hours before telling my mother because I was afraid she’d have a heart attack if I told her so early,� Taliceo, who serves as her mother’s caretaker said.

Taliceo eventually handed the letter to her mother, Dorothy Benoit. “I thought it was amazing. I was excited and nervous.

My whole body shook. I didn’t

know what to make of it when I first found out that my daughter was trying to get in touch with me, but then I realized this was a miracle,� Benoit said.

The family opted to let communication begin. “I think I started crying. There are no words to describe what I felt,�

Racine said about learning that her mother was open to communicating.

On December 5, Racine spoke to her mother on the phone for the very first time. Rather than bringing up the past, Racine took a different approach. “My goal was to bring joy, happiness and love into it,� she said. “Had I done this at 20 years old, when I wasn’t in a good place, this might not have turned out so well.� Her call to her mother was returned with that same joy and love, and a plan was set in motion for Racine to meet her 86-year-old mother, at 54 years old.

On December 11, with her pastor as her driver, Racine made the trip to Chicopee, on a journey to her past. “After talking to my mom several times on

The Rockaway Times

the phone, I thought it would be easy, that it was going to be like I knew them all my life. I felt relief, joy and peace the whole trip,� Racine said. And when she finally met her mother—it was just that. “I just looked into her eyes and I knew that was my mom,� Racine said. And Dorothy knew too. “It was like having that something that was missing from me all of these years,�

Benoit said. “All she kept saying was, ‘my daughter, it’s been too long. I should’ve met you earlier,’� Racine recalled.

The reason why they hadn’t was due to misinformation. “My mother had told me about Theresa, but she was told that she was adopted by a doctor and his wife and she didn’t want to interrupt that family, figuring she had a good life,� Taliceo said. So they left it alone, not knowing the reality of Theresa’s abusive situation.

However, upon meeting after 54 years, the whys and thens were not as important as the here and now. Racine made the best of her time with her newly-found mother, and her

new siblings as well—her older brother, Joey and her older sisters, Nina and Kim. Before they departed, Benoit left Racine with something to hold onto until they meet again—a classic teddy bear and a card addressed to “My Christmas Miracle,� that reads, “The teddy bear I was never able to give you when you were born. Now, when you hold him tight, you will know I’ve always loved my little daughter that I wanted to hold so tight. Love you always, your mom.�

For Benoit, who faces some health issues, reuniting with Theresa is not just a Christmas miracle, but a gift that will keep on giving. “Theresa gave our mom the gift of living,� Taliceo said.

For Racine, it is a happy end to a long journey. “I’ve always had this hope of finding this puzzle piece that wasn’t there.

I always felt like something was missing. Now I feel there’s nothing missing. I feel complete. I have closure,� Racine said. “I have this whole new family and I’m not going to feel alone.�

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Page 14

The Rockaway Times

Cheers to Rogers on 100 Years

By Katie McFadden

In 1919, two brothers from Kentucky took a chance on a new development on Beach 116th Street before it was called Beach 116th Street.

They bought the Hotel Pierce, which had begun construction in 1917, but faced early bankruptcy, and reopened it—as Hotel Rogers. A century later, the building still stands. As the oldest bar in Rockaway, it still carries the Rogers name and on Saturday, December 21, the beloved bar will celebrate 100 years of history, good cheer and the best pint of Guinness in town.

An old postcard from Cornelius and James Rogers invites guests down to Fifth and Washington Avenues for the grand opening of Hotel Rogers on May 24, 1919. “Assuring all of painstaking attendance, best service and a good time,” the invite reads. At the time, the Rogers brothers may not have known that one hundred years later, Rogers would continue to offer all that and more, becoming a neighborhood staple of the Irish Riviera.

That long history was made possible by three generations of Rogers’. Cornelius’ son, Robert, would go on to take over the business after returning from serving in the Marine Corps during WWII. Eventually the taps would be passed on to Rich, Neil and Jean Ann Rogers, who kept the business going. As times changed, the restaurant within Rogers closed around the 1970s and a fire led the hotel portion to cease in 1992. But the bar kept going and in late 2015, Rich Rogers decided the time was right to pass it along.

While the sale broke the tradition of the bar being owned by the Rogers family, it landed in the hands of the McMahon family, a steward who would not only continue the Rogers name but begin to restore the bar to its former glory, while keeping the classic charm that makes Rogers, well, Rogers.

It is that charm that has kept Rogers going for a century. Its longtime, friendly staff and abundance of regular custom-

The Hotel Pierce/Rogers building was constructed in 1917.

The Rogers building when it first opened as Hotel Pierce.

ers exemplify that Rogers is a place that keeps people coming back.

“When I first came to Rogers, it reminded me so much of ‘Cheers,’” owner Mike McMahon said. “We open the doors early in the morning for any-

body that wants to come in and have a drink or just for someone to talk to. We have people here that don’t even drink anymore. It’s a place to come in, have a cup of coffee, meet somebody and not be lonely.

People come in here just to say

A postcard invites guests to the grand opening of Hotel Rogers.

·

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hello.”

A big part of that is attributed to the people behind the bar.

“I inherited a great bar staff that’s been here for so many years,” McMahon said. “We have one of the best bartenders in the business, that I hear all the time from customers how much they like him—and that would be Brendan Jones.

But our other staff is no less.

From Carol to Renée and Pete, and we lost another one of the best in the business—John McNaughton. He gave me a lot of suggestions. He’s one of the reasons we started sponsoring the Rockway Fisheads rugby and show all of the rugby games and Irish sporting events on TV now.”

International rugby games aren’t the only new addition to Rogers. Since McMahon, along with his wife, Karen, and brother, Jimmy, took over, and with the advice from customers and staff, Rogers has seen many positive changes. From live music every weekend to darts, to an expanded drink menu and even a beer garden in the back that opened for the first time this past summer, Rogers is well on its way to becoming a one-stop shop for music, sports, and a general good time.

And while many things have changed, McMahon has ensured that many things stay the same, and that many of the good things of the historic Rogers, are making a comeback.

“We’ve spoken with the Rogers family about what it looked like years and years ago when their grandfather had it. There was a beautiful dining room and a beautiful bar and the hotel.

So with the information I got from the family, we tried to refurnish the bar as it used to be.

We brought back the old brick and restored it to how it looked naturally. I was thinking of getting rid of the booths, but one crowded day, I sat down in one and realized how comfortable it was and how nice it was to sit in your own area and have a private conversation, so instead, we refurnished them.

Continued on page 15

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

The Rockaway Times

ROGERS Continued from Page 14 We’re trying to hold on to parts of history,” McMahon said.

McMahon also plans to bring Rogers back in time, to its heyday of serving as not just a bar, but a hotel and restaurant. “We’re hoping to have the hotel open by next summer,” McMahon said. “Then we’re hoping to eventually have an Irish restaurant here.”

It’s all part of McMahon’s plan to make Rogers a neighborhood go-to. “What I like about this place is that it’s been called ‘the last stop,’ because everybody stops in at the end of the night,” McMahon said. “Now our plan is to get people to come here before they go somewhere else.

We want to make this the one stop, not just the last stop.”

The Rogers of the next 100 years will be a place to create new memories, as it has over the past 100 years. “The Rogers family didn’t keep this place going on their own. It’s been the people of the neighborhood, the people that support

this business. So many people come in and tell me about how their grandfather or father came here, how they stayed in the hotel here, how they ate at the steakhouse here,” McMahon said. “We want to bring this back to the place it was that people’s grandfathers spoke of. That’s our dream.”

Now it’s time to celebrate all that Rogers has been in its 100 years, and to the promising future it will continue to have under the McMahon family.

On Saturday, December 21, all are welcome to help Rogers (205 Beach 116th Street) celebrate 100 years with a day full of music, food, drinks and good company. The fun begins at 2 p.m. with live music by “one of the best traditional Irish bands out there," according to McMahon—the Brooklyn Bards, followed by local musician, Walter Ensor at around 5 p.m. and the night finishes off with the first band to play at Rogers since the bar started having live music—Wine With Sue at 8 p.m.

The night will also include a

St. Francis de Sales 129-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

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50/50, with the proceeds going to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and a Rogers customer who hasn’t been doing too well. Plus, there will be prizes, raffles and a limited number of t-shirts for sale and performances by the O'Malley Irish dancers.

The family that helped start it all will also be recognized. The Rogers family is set to receive a proclamation from Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato at around 2:30 p.m. Former owner, Rich Rogers, says he’s looking forward to celebrating the occasion.

“This is a great thing. Rogers has been the oldest bar in

Page 15 Rockaway for a long time and everything the McMahon family does is first class. They’re a wonderful family who live in and care about Rockaway.

They’re doing a really beautiful job and all of the traditions of the old Rockaway are moving along under their stewardship, which is very nice to see,” Rogers said. “I hope to be there Saturday. It’ll be fun.

There’s a lot to celebrate.”

As for McMahon, he says he’s looking forward to keeping the Rogers name and the tradition of Rogers being a neighborhood staple that keeps people coming back.

“We want people to come in the door and say what a nice place it is. The old saying is that, we make friends first and money second, and once you have friends, you can always make money. Anybody can walk in the door. You just gotta make sure they come back.”

With a historic past and a bright future, Rogers is well on its way to being a place that keeps people coming back for another 100 years.

WELCOME TO ST. FRANCIS DE SALES PARISH CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2019 (Please (Pleas (Pl easee part pparticipate artici icipppat patee as as much much as po possi possible ssible ble in th these ese ce celeb celebrations lebrat ration ionss of of CChristmas hristm hri stmas as Faith) Faith) Fa h)

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Page 16

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

The Rockaway Times

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The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 17

E

JOY

PEAC

MESSAGE OF LOVE TO THE JEWISH PEOPLE (AND ALL PEOPLE) ON CHRISTMAS.

This Christmas holiday season, I had an epiphany. I was driving in my car to buy some Christmas lights, enjoying the Christmas music and all the decorations on the houses, and suddenly I felt like I needed to share this feeling with my Jewish neighbors. I realized at that moment that not everyone has the same loving feelings about this time of the year as I do. My feelings were confirmed the very next day when a good friend and coworker of mine, who happens to be Jewish, jokingly said to me: “that time of year is here again, bah humbug”. Luckily, God had already prompted me to decorate my house in blue and white lights along with stars of David, a homemade sign that states “we keep the Jewish in Jesus”, as well as the Nativity Scene. I told him “I decorated my home in a more Jewish dFcor this year, after all my Savior Jesus is Jewish.” He smiled. This really got me thinking. I have seen bumper stickers ‘Keep Christ in Christmas’ (which I agree with) but I have never seen anything that pertains to keeping the Jewish in Christ. The Jewish people for whom The Christ (Messiah) came for first, have been left out of their own party.

This may be by choice, and/or by us as Christians making them feel left out.

I for one would like to invite them in! This holiday is not supposed to make anyone feel left out, but it unfortunately can sometimes make people feel that way. This year, I would like to inspire everyone who reads this to remember what the true meaning of Christmas is: A celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world, who would later willingly give His life to pay the for sins of US ALL (1 John 2:2). Jesus invites everyone. He does not want anyone to feel left out. Let us be like Him! Maybe you can put up a Star of David or a Menorah, or invite your Jewish friends/neighbors to your Christmas gathering this year and show some love to the Jewish people this year. *There has been an unfortunate increase in anti Semitism lately both in this country and abroad, and I hope this message can help to extinguish that.

With all the Peace and Love of Jesus to ALL C.L.L benedetto (email me at: cajbenedetto@gmail.com with any comments) ·

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 18

The Rockaway Times

RBAF Celebrates the Holidays with Food, Presents, and A Visit from Santa Last Thursday, December 12, the Knights of Columbus sparkled with yuletide joy as parents, caregivers, friends and their loved ones on the autism spectrum gathered at Rockaway Beach Autism Families’ (RBAF) 2nd Annual Holiday party. Folks were treated to food, fun, a plethora of gifts

generously donated by local businesses and residents, plus a surprise visit from Santa, and the Best Dressed Man in Rockaway wooing the crowd with his always charismatic presence and Christmas suit. And, the best part? Families were again able to celebrate the holidays in a comfortable setting—with

no judgement.

At the event, one local mom with tears of joy shared, “I’m just so happy. My son is comfortable and happy to be here, without the pressures of the usual holiday gatherings. He gets to be himself, and I get to enjoy the moment without having to worry about how folks are going to react to his autism. This gathering with RBAF is such a blessing on so many levels.”

RBAF founder, Kami-Leigh Agard (also reporter and columnist for The Rockaway Times), intimated the party would not have been possible without locals. “Rockaway possesses a beautiful community of supporters that no-holds barred, created a bright light on our holiday gathering. People from all walks of life jumped in and donated gifts, and even attended. Richie Knott, his wife and the crew at Knights of Co-

lumbus, not only generously gifted us their space and food, but were all-hands on deck serving us. Local businesses, Hot Yoga Rockaway Beach, NurtureU Wellness, Whit’s End, RBQ, Rockaway Roasters, Umas and Bernadette’s donatContinued on page 19

Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season Full of Joy and Success!

Many Blessings to All! Congressman Gregory W. Meeks 5th Congressional District of New York @GregMeeksNYC Paid for and authorized by Friends for Gregory Meeks ·

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

RBAF CELEBRATES Continued from Page 18 ed gift certificates. Also Rockaway residents who heard about the event, stepped in and donated gifts for the families, including Annette Lauritsch of Rockapulco Perfectly Posh, Pamela Nardi, Lillian Smith, and Alice Ostrowsky of New

Old Design Gal. Plus to top it all off, Khaleel Anderson was the best Santa ever! Rockaway truly rocks!

“And last, but definitely not least, I want to give a massive shout out to RBAF’s core team: Matthew Wolf, Jane Garfield Frank, Kathy Ryan, Christine

Dydzuhn, Rojo Rafiringa, and Rado Rafiringa, who all zealously jumped in to help; and Dia Pastrikos, who donated a whopping seven pizzas!”

For Agard, autism is not a death sentence. “I want people to understand that being different does not mean you are less. My 11-year-old nonverbal daughter taught me that. This holiday event was about celebrating the holidays in an environment boosting understanding and acceptance for families and their loved ones with autism; and I invite the community to join us in achieving our goal for 2020 to create vocational opportunities for our kids. So, come to our meetings, learn, share, and together we can put Rockaway on the map for making a difference. Join us in turning the tide for our community, one wave at a time,” she said.

For more information about RBAF’s upcoming events and monthly meetings, visit Facebook page: Rockaway Beach Autism Families or email: ourartisticchild@outlook.com

Page 19

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Merry Christmas and Happy Channukah T C A NTR

IN CO

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The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 21

HOLIDAY GREETINGS FOR A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HANUKKAH TO ALL

3 Susan Lavin â&#x20AC;˘ Kate Patterson â&#x20AC;˘ Peggy Moore â&#x20AC;˘ Ciji Stewart â&#x20AC;˘ Bronagh Rayder

Coming Soon !!! Belle Harbor 50.78 x 100 , 3232 sq feet 1HZ ([FOXVLYH )DPLO\ +RPH Z VWXGLR JXHVW DSW 6W Ă RRU ZDON LQ EHGURRP EDWK DSW 2ZQHUV $SDUWPHQW QG UG Ă RRU NLWFKHQ GLQLQJ URRP OLYLQJ URRP Z Ă&#x20AC;UHSODFH DQG EHGURRPV EDWKV Two terraces with great bay views. Large Yard and double driveway with garage. Asking $1,295,000.00  Call Susan for viewing 347 260 3891

NEW EXCLUSIVE BEACH BLOCK BELLE HARBOR ONE FAMILY &KDUPLQJ EHG EDWK IURQW DQG EDFN SRUFKHV 0DVWHU %HGURRP Terrace, Eat in Kitchen, 1HZ 6WDLQOHVV 6WHDO $SSOLDQFHV /LYLQJ URRP 'LQLQJ URRP )XOO Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG %DVHPHQW lovely yard, and long private drive.

CALL SUSAN 347 260 3891 ............................... $995K

Belle Harbor House Rental 1HZO\ UHQRYDWHG EHG EDWKV )LUHSODFH /RQJ 'ULYHZD\ [ :DVKHU GU\HU CALL SUSAN 347 260 3891.........$5K PAY ALL UTILITIES

EXCLUSIVE LEGAL TWO FAMILY ONE OF A KIND This beautiful home offers open living space, huge living room, HDW LQ NLWFKHQ FXVWRP EXLOW FDELQHWV VN\OLJKWV /RYHO\ KDUGZRRG Ă RRUV WKURXJKRXW 7KUHH H[WUD ODUJH EHGURRPV EDWKV ZDON LQ FORVHWV EHDXWLIXO GHFN RYHUORRNLQJ VXQVHWV DQG FLW\ VN\OLQH Basement perfect for mother/daughter situation. Private entrance to rental apartment, one bedroom. Private outdoor VSDFH DQG ORYHO\ JURXQGV SULYDWH SDUNLQJ DQG JDUDJH &DOLIRUQLD FHGDU VLGLQJ CALL GERI 917 751 8476 ....................................... $1.200,000

COMMERCIAL SPACE PROFESSIONL SPACE B 102 SANDS POINT 1800 sq ft VW )ORRU ZDON LQ /DUJH 2SHQ Ă RRU SODQ KDQGLFDS DFFHVVLEOH SULYDWH EDWKURRP DQG RIĂ&#x20AC;FH VSDFH DOO XWLOLWLHV LQFOXGHG Z GHVLJQDWHG SDUNLQJ VSDFHV Call Susan 347 260 3891 1250 sqt VW Ă RRU 'RFWRUV RIĂ&#x20AC;FH VHW XS :DONLQ KDQGLFDS DFFHVVLEOH SULYDWH EDWKURRP DOO XWLOLWLHV LQFOXGHG Z GHVLJQDWHG SDUNLQJ VSDFHV Call Susan 347 260 3891

ROCKAWAY PARK 2500 sq. ft. 3URIHVVLRQDO :DON LQ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH VSDFH $OO XWLOLWLHV ,1&/8'('

CALL SUSAN ................................................................................$3500

COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE ROCKAWAY PARK 875 SQ. FT ............................................... $1800 ROCKAWAY PARK 1375 SQ. FT .............................................$2300

EXCLUSIVE GRAND NEPONSIT BEACH HOME 166 BEACH 142 St. STEPS TO THE OCEANâ&#x20AC;˘60 X 100 3226 SQ FT

EHG EDWKV 6SDFLRXV URRPV Z ORWV RI VXQOLJKW /DUJH OLYLQJ URRP Z Ă&#x20AC;UHSODFH GHQ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH )RUPDO GLQLQJ URRP ([WUD ODUJH HDW LQ NLWFKHQ )LQLVKHG basement w/ bath and guest quarters, Long private driveway, Two car garage, Lovely grounds w/ SRUFK WHUUDFH DQG ODUJH EDFN\DUG IRU HQWHUWDLQLQJ $1.950,000. CALL SUSAN 347 260 3891

YOU DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T WANT TO MISS SEEING THIS CLASSIC NEPONSIT BEACH HOME!

NEW EXCLUSIVE 2 FAMILY HOME W/ STUDIO GUEST APT 6W Ă RRU ZDON LQ EHGURRP EDWK DSW DQG *XHVW 6WXGLR $SW 2ZQHUV $SDUWPHQW QG UG Ă RRUV NLWFKHQ GLQLQJ URRP OLYLQJ URRP Z Ă&#x20AC;UHSODFH DQG EHGURRPV EDWKV Two terraces with great bay views. Large Yard and double driveway with garage.

CALL SUSAN FOR VIEWING 347ď&#x161;ş260 3891.....ASKING $1.295,000

OCEANFRONT LAND %(//( +$5%25 Â&#x2021; [

$2,300,000.00 CALL SUSAN 347 260 3891

BELLE HARBOR BEACH BLOCK ONE FAMILY

Be on vacation every day in this lovely home by the Sea. Spacious and welcoming, this home offers 3 Bedrooms and 2 Full Bathrooms. Large living room, dining room, EIK, new washer and dryer. Enjoy gorgeous sunsets and ocean views from the second level balcony.

CALL KATE TO SCHEDULE APPT. 917 680ď&#x161;ş8051 REDUCED PRICE $895,000 PROFESSIONL SPACE B 102 â&#x20AC;˘SANDS POINT

1800 sq ft VW )ORRU ZDON LQ /DUJH 2SHQ Ă RRU SODQ KDQGLFDS DFFHVVLEOH SULYDWH EDWKURRP DQG RIĂ&#x20AC;FH VSDFH DOO XWLOLWLHV LQFOXGHG Z GHVLJQDWHG SDUNLQJ VSDFHV CALL SUSAN 347 260 3891

1250 sqt VW Ă RRU 'RFWRUV RIĂ&#x20AC;FH VHW XS :DONLQ KDQGLFDS DFFHVVLEOH SULYDWH EDWKURRP DOO XWLOLWLHV LQFOXGHG Z GHVLJQDWHG SDUNLQJ VSDFHV CALL SUSAN 347 260 3891

PRICE REDUCED EXCLUSIVE BEST BEACH BLOCK 80 X 100

SHORT TERM FURNISHED RENTALS 120â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s One bedroom, parking, use of yard, all utilities included. Call for details Call Susan 347 260 3891...............................$1800 BELLE HARBOR PRIME LOCATION SHORT TERM OR YEAR ROUND - Center hall , large living with ďŹ replace, formal dining room, kitchen offers, Viking stove, sub-zero Fridge, and extra state of the art refrigerator in basement, 3 great sized bedrooms, 3 full baths, porch, terrace, garage and lovely grounds. Pay all utilities, Call Susan 347 260 3891...............................$4000

APARTMENTS ONE BEDROOM 120â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach Block, out door space, small deck.

Furnished, No pets, $100 for parking, all utilities inclued.

Call Susan 347 260 3891.................................$1550 120 No pets, pay $100 for parking, all utilities included. Available December 15th......................$1500 101 Furnished available from nov to april.

CALL Kate 917 680-8051..................................$1100 Beach 90s Bright and Airy with Oceanviews Two level apt loft style w/ hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;oors No parking No pets Rent $1550 pay all utilities Call Susan .................................. 347 260 3891 90s Ocean views, loft apt, Walk up, Hard ďŹ&#x201A;oors, No pets No Parking Call Susan 347 260 3891 ....$1600 pay all utilities 90s Charming Sunny & Bright loft apt w/ocean views, hardwwod Floors, lots of closets.

No Pets No parking. 3rd ďŹ&#x201A;oor Walk up.

Call Susan 347-260 3891 ..... $1550 pay all utilities.

TWO BEDROOM 120â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Large 2 Bed apt w/ terrace, lots of sunlight , parking, washer /dryer. 3rd ďŹ&#x201A;oor walk up. Pay utilities Call Susan 347-260-3891 ...................... $2450 120â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Walk in unit, one block to beach. EIK, w/d hook up, 1 car summer parking, weekend only. Pay all utilities. Available Dec. 15th.

Call Kate 917 680 8051 .................................. $2200 120â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Small two bed w/ terrace and summer Wknd parking. Heat included.

No smoking. No pets. Available December 15th.

Call Susan 347 260 3891.................................$1600 B120s Beach block 2 bath w/ terrace, washer/dryer, parking 1 car. No pets. Pay all utilities Call Susan 347 260 3891 ....................... $2200 Arverne By The Sea â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stunning, bright and sunny.

Ocean views, 2 bath. Large master bed suite, outdoor patio steps to beach, 2 parking permits, pay all utilities.

Call Susan 347 260 3891 ........................$2500

/2&$7(' ,1 1(3216,7 35,9$7( 75(( /,1(' %/2&. 2:1(5 +$6 $33529(' %8,/',1* 3/$16 )25 $ %($87,)8/ +20( CALL SUSAN 347 260 3891â&#x20AC;Ś..$1,900,000

THREE BEDROOM 140s 3 bed, 1bath, kitchen , dining room, livingroom w/ ďŹ replace , unďŹ nished basement for storage and washer and dryer unit, long private driveway.

Call Susan 347-260-3891

BELLE HARBOR ONE FAMILY

120s loft apt, Lots of windows, Hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;oors, Walk up, 1 spot, Washer /dryer in building Call Susan 347 260 3891 ........................$2450

$OO %ULFN [ OLYLQJ URRP GLQLQJ room, beautiful granite CO BROKE NLWFKHQ EHGURRP EXCLUSIVELY WITH EDWKV Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG EDVHPHQW BELLE HARBOR Two zone central a/c.

REALTY

$1.399M

140â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grand and newly renovated to perfection. 2 bath, large rooms, huge living room, EIK, terrace, W/D hook up, share yard, parking .................$3900 $3500

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 22

The Rockaway Times

B R O O K LY N M E M B E R

8 Year Member

Lic. Broker-Owner: Lisa Jackson Lic. Associate Brokers: Barbara Ferguson • Nia Casilla Lic. RE Agents: Ariana David • Colleen Brady • Tanya Bass • Joseph Magiera • Zachary Plattner

417 Beach 129th St • (718) 634-3134 • Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

The Rockaprop Team

Magnificient 5 Tiered French Chateau

Neponsit - Second Home From The Ocean This breathtaking Atlantic ocean coastal retreat is impressive yet livable with 5 bedrooms, each with its own private ocean view balcony and 4 and a half luxurious baths. A grand entrance with Calcatta marble steps and strikingly beautiful iron staircase leads into exceptional and generous gathering rooms, a custom chef’s kitchen with Italian handcrafted cabinetry and French doors that open to a south facing sun deck. The home has an indoor spa with sauna, steam room, invigorating hydrostatic pressure heated pool and jacuzzi, a wine cellar, a billiards room and an elevator to easily access every floor of living space including the massive rooftop deck with incredible sweeping ocean views.

From imported mosaic tiled floors, Venetian plaster walls, Sergio Sogolof hand painted murals, gold and silver leaf domed ceilings, delicately gilded fireplace and antique chandeliers curated from all over the world, every room in this exquisite home is a study in European refinement and elegance, combined with contemporary comfort.

Call Lisa Jackson for more details. 917-623-8985 Available Homes and Land For Sale

OCEANFRONT - LAND

BELLE HARBOR

UPPER BELLE HARBOR

Belle Harbor - 72' x 100' This dream beach home can become your reality! Build your 3,600 sq. ft. masterpiece. Call today and we will get you started! $2,500,000

Beach Block - 40' xE100' D T offers Delightful 4BR, 3 bath Phome E C high ceilings throughout, terrace AC HW floors. with oceanE Rviews, F 4 homes from the Situated Fjust O with a long private oceanfront driveway. $1,395,000

Featured In Top5Queens.com Charming Tudor situated on a 6000 sq ft. corner lot which retains its original charm with 3BR's, 3 baths, fireplace, Fin. bsmt, CAC and lovely grounds. $1,299,000

BELLE HARBOR

FAR ROCKAWAY

NEW TO MARKET

Legal 2 Family - 60' x 100' Owner enjoys 2 BR, 2 bath, full fin bsmt. decked yard with pool front porch and TWO private driveways.

Two BR rental with private terrace.

Perfect Mother/Daughter. Come take a look. $1,250,000

Move Right In! 4BR home with open floor plan, master BR suite with walk in closet and private tiled bath.

Gated property, cozy backyard and private parking. $689,000

Oceanfront This upgraded 2BR, 2BA oceanfront condo boasts breathtaking panoramic ocean views. High end finishings, balcony and deeded parking. $599,000

OCEANFRONT BEAUTY!

NEW TO MARKET!

DIRECT OCEANFRONT

Rockaway Park Immaculate 2BR oceanfront apartment located on the top floor, with massive upgrades including Hunter Douglas Plantation shutters, quartz counters HW floors, plus direct oceanfront terrace. $540,000

Ocean Grande - 5 Star Amenities Spacious 2BR, 2BA, side sweeping ocean views, 24' terrace, chef’s galley kitchen, granite counters and a master bedroom suite with step in shower and spectacular penthouse rooftop deck. $499,000

Rockaway Park - 2 Bedrooms Bring your renovation ideas and transform this diamond in the rough into a dreamy beachfront retreat. This building is pet friendly, super and laundry on site. Present all offers! $325,000

UPPER BELLE HARBOR

ROCKAWAY PARK

ROCKAWAY PARK

Brand New to Market Tremendous 2 Br 1.5 bath co-op in mint condition. Totally renovated with gorgeous EIK, SS appliances, quartz counters plus an enormous patio. Indoor parking! $325,000

Oceanfront Building ED FREE MAINTENANCEEFOR P T A YEAR! Gorgeous 1BRCC Boardwalk A apartment Ewith R SW ocean and F city views.

Sunny end unit with O F kitchen and bath just Renovated re-priced at $309,000

Beach Front Apartment Fabulous 1BR water view apartment is a blank canvas for your classically beach inspired decor . Mint condition with HW floors, fresh paint, wonderfully spacious rooms with ample storage closets. $280,000

NEW TO MARKET

NEW TO MARKET

OCEANFRONT BUILDING

Belle Harbor - Beautiful ED 1 BR apt. has custom Ecabinetry and PT built ins, deep crown moldings, CC A granite counters R and hardwood F E feature is the huge floors. A bonus F O that's perfect for hosting private deck friends and family. $199,000

Land - 37' x 75' This Broad Channel lot has been approved for a 2 story home. Architect is ready to work with you on a plan.

Lot is 37' x 75'. $180,000

Rockaway Park North facing studio co-op unit with Manhattan views and great closet space. The alcove gives this unit some privacy should you need it. $165,000

·

To advertise in THE ROCKAWAY TIMES call 718-634-3030 ads@RockawayTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

The Rockaway Times

Page 23

There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays!

FIND YOUR NEW HOME WITH THE ROCKAPROP TEAM! We've had a gangbuster year, thanks to our amazing clients.

Best Wishes and Happy Holidays to All from the Rockaprop Team

A Sparkling Diamond By The Sea

Neponsit Ocean View Home Give yourself and your family the gift of a lifetime! This stunning home is a shining example of how good life can be. Positioned just steps from the glorious beaches of the Atlantic Ocean in the highly desirable and pristine enclave of Neponsit. A welcoming entry beckons you into an airy and comfortable living space complete with cozy, crackling wood fireplace and a dedicated dining space large enough for all your family gatherings. You have open access to the chef's kitchen with large center island and breakfast bar, a sub zero refrigerator and Wolf appliances. Upstairs are four generous sized bedrooms and 4 beautiful baths including a spacious master suite. A fully finished basement with additional bedroom, gym and kitchenette make this a wonderful space for extra guests or a mother/daughter set up. Create a lifetime of summer memories in the amazing outdoor space.

Invite family and friends to enjoy your own in-ground heated salt water pool and back yard bbq's on the brand new pavers. With the double driveway and seperate garage there's never a problem with parking! This gorgeous home offers everything you and your family want and deserve! - $1,975,000

NEPONSIT Beach Block - 80' x 100' Sprawling 5BR D multi-level home.

OL S Enormous kitchen, ST wood J U beautiful burning fireplace and 2 car attached garage. $1,800,000

Just Sold & Under Contract Properties ROCKAWAY BEACH NEPONSIT ARVERNE Corner 60' x 100' Lot MassiveD EIK with oversized O L island, SS S appliances, FDR and S T fin. bsmt, family J U full room and office.

Parking for four cars. $1,600,000

Large Corner - 42' x 100' Legal Dtwo family, owner O L has a 3BR, large S LR/DR combo with ST of closets and J U loads stand up attic. A 2BR rental,W/D hookup. $625,000

BELLE HARBOR

Duplex Condominium

Studio Apartment

Beach Dblock, 1 bath condo, recently OL S renovated ,hardwood T S full basement J U floors, with family room and half bath. Call today! $419,000

JU

Belle D Harbor waterfront building.

OL S T Beautiful new EIK

S with large windows

and high ceilings.

Parking available. $129,000

BELLE HARBOR

ARVERNE BY THE SEA

ARVERNE BY THE SEA

BRAND NEW TO MARKET

NEPONSIT

NEW TO MARKET

ROCKAWAY PARK

BRAND NEW TO MARKET

NEW TO MARKET

Oceanfront Condo T C Huge 2 BR, R2 Abaths, T OCEANFRONT patio N an oceanfront COand PRIVATE E R terrace. deeded parking spot D plus storage space. .

UN $469,000

Rare 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo C T with Close R toAbeach private terrace, N T and backyard.

COgarage in one of the E R Live most desirable surf D communities in all UN NYC! $469,000

Rockaway Park T AC raised Fully upgraded R bungalow in mint N T 2 bedrooms, COcondition: full bath, eat-in E R 1kitchen, living/dining D room, huge backyard UN and more. $425,000

Move Right In! C T A This home T Rit all,defintely has 3BR's N CO(2 are master suites), R HW floors, central DE air, radiant heat, inground heated pool.

UN $1,450,000 60' x 100' Land for Sale T Cblock to One short R A Build T the beach. your N sq/ft home.

CO3,000 us today and E R Call we will help you get D started. $799,000 UN

ROCKAWAY PARK Mint Condition Beachfront Condo C T and Abright Spacious, R airy best describes N Tmint condition COthis R beachfront condo E in the strikingly D contemporary Seavon UN building. $399,000

2 Family Home for Sale T ACin the Located R beautiful Dunes.

NT COEach home has 5 BR, R 3.5 baths, private DE parking, yard and garage. Present all UN offers. $999,000 Broad Channel T AC totally SingleRfamily, renovated, 3 BR home N Tthe water with COon R beautiful Manhattan E views. Wont Last!!

D $589,000 UN

Legal Two Family C T Owner's R Aunit is 3BR, 2.5N T baths, large CObackyard, garage and R private parking. 2 BR E D rental apartment for a guaranteed income.

UN $895,000

ROCKAWAY PARK Oceanfront Co-op T C The newest R A tobeachfront T apartment hit the N market!

CORockaway R Fabulous open floor plan with granite DE N breakfast bar, gleaming U H/W floors. $279,000

BELLE HARBOR New to Market T A1CBR, fully Spacious R updated granite NT stainless COcounters, R steel appliances and hardwood floors.

DE N $175,000 U

Rockaway Park C T Legal R2,A beautifully updated N T 3BR, 2 bath COwith skylights and R water view terrace.

DE Rental 2BR, 2 bath with N a bonus 1BR apt on the U 1st floor. $849,000

ROCKAWAY PARK Oceanfront Building T C Enjoy R theA sights and T sounds of the N in thisAtlantic sutdio COOcean R apartmentlocated E on the 5th floor.

D $162,000 UN

BELLE HARBOR

Desirable Corner - 50'x100' CT Afamily Legal two home R need N TTLC. Over 2,000 O C Sq Ft of living space E R has 3 BR, 2 bath and D lovely grounds. Private parking with attached UN garage! $829,000

BELLE HARBOR Newly Renovated T AC Fully Rupdated 1 T bedroom apartment N COwith hardwood floor R and located in the E PS 114 school D district. $144,900 UN

TO VIEW ALL OF OUR RENTALS VISIT ROCKAPROP.COM ABTS: Spacious and freshly updated 2BR, 1BA walk-up apartment (NC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

66th: Newly renovated 2BR, 1BA 3rd floor walk up apt with street parking (ZP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

109th: Large renovated 2BR, 1BA legal bsmt apt with private back entrance & shared yard (NC). .

116th: Renovated 3rd floor 3BR, 1BA apt with updated kitchen and terrace (ZP) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

110th: Beach block 2nd floor 2BR, 1BA apt with Eat in Kitchen (CB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

139th: 1BR, 1BA walk in apt with outdoor space and private entrance (NC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

80th: Spacious and updated 2BR, 1BA condo unit with laundry in building (NC) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

97th: Newly renovated 3BR, 1BA apartment in Rockaway Beach (ZP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,800 $1,850 $1,850 $1,900 $1,900 $2,000 $2,100 $2,150

ABTS: Updated 2BR, 1BA apt with private terrace and stackable W&D (CB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

91st: 3BR, 2BA 2nd floor apt with SS appliances and W/D (CB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

100th: Spacious 3BR, 2BA apt with HW floors, shared backyard and parking (BF) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

92nd: Renovated 2BR, 1.5BA duplex condo with HW floors, basement and parking (NC) . . . . . . .

118th: Beach block 4BR, 1BA with SS appliances, HW floors and 1 car parking (ZP). . . . . . . . . . . .

44th: Single family 3BR, 1BA home totally renovated with modern finishes (NC) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

102nd: Upgraded 3BR, 2BA apt with water views from terrace and parking (NC) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

137th: 3BR, 2BA home for rent with HW floors, available Sept-May (AD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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$2,200 $2,300 $2,300 $2,350 $2,400 $2,450 $2,600 $3,300

To advertise in THE ROCKAWAY TIMES call 718-634-3030 ads@RockawayTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 24

Ask the DOC

By Peter Galvin, MD

CBD THC AND THE FDA It is possible that you may be as in the dark as I was about the many legitimate products derived from the marijuana plant, specifically Cannabis sativa. I knew little about these products until I read a review article on them that was published a few months ago. As you know, this country is in the midst of an opioid use epidemic, which has taken a great toll on our society in the last few years. Therefore, the medical community has been looking for alternate treatments for chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and other disorders and conditions. One area of promise is medical marijuana and other compounds derived

from the cannabis plant. These products include hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) oil. CBD and hemp oils have become popular because of their low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, resulting in medical benefits without the “high” of marijuana (THC is the psychoactive compound in marijuana).

Cannabis sativa has been used across the world for its therapeutic properties, from pain relief to the treatment of epilepsy. Hemp seed oils come from the plant’s seeds. They are high in Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, linolenic acid, and other nutritious antioxidants. Hemp seed oil contains no THC. Hemp and

Absolutely MINT 1 bedroom CO-OP in the Belle Harbor section of the beautiful Rockaways. This unit is completely updated with fully restored wood floors, brand new kitchen with stainless steel appliances and new paint. Tons of closet space.

Located steps from local restaurants, bars, public transportation, and markets as well as 1 block to the beach. Laundry on site. Prime location.

Asking $279,000 Call Cass for private showing (702) 332-9776 To advertise in THE ROCKAWAY TIMES call 718-634-3030 · ads@RockawayTimes.com

CBD oils come from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant.

They contain very low levels of THC but higher levels of CBD, phytocannabinoids and terpenoids, and have many medicinal uses.

Recently, the FDA approved the first CBD drug, Epidiolex, which is used to treat intractable seizures due to epilepsy. Cannabis oils are derived from the flowers and leaves of the marijuana plant. They contain mostly THC with low levels of CBD and are used medicinally for pain relief, sleep aid, stress reduction, and other uses. Products may be labeled as “full-spectrum” formulas, dietary supplements, hemp oils, and CBD-enriched products and come in many forms including oils, balms, sprays, foodstuffs like gummy bears, capsules, and even chew toys for pets. Recent research has found phytocannabinoids and terpenoids in other foods like carrots, cloves, black pepper, ginseng, and echinacea.

If you choose to use these products, selecting a high-quality one is important. However, because they are not regulated by the FDA,

The Rockaway Times there can be great variations in their contents and amounts of ingredients. In addition, there are state to state variations in their legality and availability.

The FDA deems these products to be herbal supplements akin to food supplements. Therefore, select a product that has the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) certification from the U.S. FDA, a European Union (EU), Australian (AUS), or Canadian (CFIA) organic certification, or a National Science Foundation (NSF) international certification.

Also, the company’s website should include the following: does it have an independent adverse event reporting program, is the product certified organic or ecofarmed, and has the product been tested by batch to confirm low (<0.3%) THC levels and no pesticides or heavy metals.

To read the full article go to: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.01.003 or Mayo Clinic Proceedings, September 2019:94(9):1840-1851 Questions and comments may be sent to editor@rockawaytimes. com.

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

The Rockaway Times

Happiness Shared My intention each time I sit down to write this column is to help people become whole and healthy. The greatest gift is to give people your enlightenment, to share it. This week’s column is about what I love to do and how it makes me feel every day, even on dark, cloudy days. Maybe some of you have this same experience and others could use some prodding to enhance your life’s experiences. I have found my source and will share this magic with everyone I meet. There is no doubt in my mind this is where

I am meant to be. This is my path and it makes me a better person to be around, for the most part! I am not perfect in any way or form, nor do I strive for perfection but rather happiness and good health. If a time comes in my life when I am not in good health, I hope I will use the tools I have learned in my practice of yoga.

Heaven is a virtue that is within me. For me, yoga is a very spiritual practice, shifting something inside me and I feel the energy breathing in my body. My mind becomes

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quiet and I truly let go of the chatter, noise, the constant activity of life itself. I do believe and have always believed there is something much greater than myself. From the moment I started practicing yoga, I felt the spiritual connection.

It was not an easy practice for me because I was physically very tight and contracted from swimming and running. Yes, I went to yoga to lengthen my muscles but really it was the special euphoric feeling when relaxing in savasana that kept me coming back to my mat.

Something had stirred inside me and I knew this was a practice I wanted to invite into my life’s journey. It would require me to drop my ego and competitive nature. Many years of practice would teach me to expect nothing and stop judging, good or bad. It would mean dedication to a practice that would make me feel whole and complete. I would come home to myself and connect easily to my source.

Yoga is said to be a journey onto yourself and higher

self. It is guided by the breath and brings awareness to every cell, neuron, muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, etc. You feel everything and begin to notice things you never would have taken the time to feel. There are many different practices of yoga. Some are intense vinyasa flows, others are gentle stretching, while others are restorative using props to support the body, and then there is the yin practice that allows you time to go deep, opening the fascia and connective tissue.

Many roads, but the same destination. The real practice makes you feel whole and complete. It brings out the best of you and leaves behind what doesn’t serve you.

I hope each and every one who reads this column has the same peace and calm that I feel in my heart. One of our teachers, Alex, read a quote from the Buddha today, “Thousands of candles can be lightened from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened.

Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 26

Angels Dear Editor: Over the weekend (12/1415), apparently someone tried to break into my car, leaving me with a broken driver’s side door handle, still usable ‘if ’ you were careful opening and closing the door.

Yesterday (12/16), I needed to go to Stop & Shop, and drop off a package to UPS. Driving home, I see the UPS truck parked. I pull over, close my door and race to give him my package, leaving my car running. When I return and attempt to re-enter my car, the broken handle came off

in my hand and I was locked out of my running car. I tried, with the help of ‘Gerard’ (UPS guy), to get the door open, but nothing worked. Now, I had no key or phone (both locked inside) and my running car is blocking someone’s driveway…..I walk up and knock on the door, cowering, fully expecting a very angry person to emerge. Instead out came an Angel.

She smiled and did everything possible to help me. Lent me her phone (I couldn’t remember phone numbers, having relied on my phone’s memory all these years—note to all cellphone users out there—haha!). She drove me home to get my spare key (lucky for me my son was home). She waited, drove me back to my car BUT no luck, the spare key didn’t work. Her next thought was to go to Bulloch’s. She drove me there, came in with me, and, thankfully, Tommy Bulloch was there. He smiled, said, “don’t worry, I will come right over.” Within minutes, he was

The Rockaway Times

there. His first attempt didn’t work, he had to go back to the shop for a different tool and finally….SUCCESS! I truly don’t know what I would have done without these ANGELS! I guess the moral of this story is: Believe. There really are Angels—they show up just when you need them most.

Mine showed up this Christmas season and left me feeling very thankful.

My Angels had names: Gerard (UPS), Tommy Bulloch and Noreen Linares (she was driving the sleigh). Merry Christmas to All! Margaret Quartuccio

Road Woes Dear Editor: Is it a plot or a revenge? I just know IT IS ABSOLUTELY DISGRACEFUL! I am referring to the mine stretch called Rockaway Beach Blvd between Beach 116th Street and 113th Street. Every time I ride over it, I fear for my tires and metal wheel rims. It is three misera-

ble blocks of bumps and ruts and I loathe passing over it, worrying about a blowout.

And this strip happens to be part of the most commercial intersection on the peninsula. Who do we seek out to remedy this? Eric Ulrich? Others? Meanwhile, Broad Channel and Howard Beach have both been recently repaved, smooth as a baby's behind.

Help!

Glenn Lawson

Want To Get In Touch?

Send Email to Mail@RockawayTimes.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

The Rockaway Times

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Pasta

By Sharon Feldman

Page 27

dium heat.

Add garlic and cook for 3 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring frequently.

Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes, or until they turn pink, stirring frequently.

Add prepared pasta to skillet and mix until well combined.

Add the cheese, milk, parsley, salt and pepper; mix and stir 1-2 minutes, or until creamy and heated through.

Remove from heat.

Garnish with parmesan cheese.

This is for my friend, Daisy!

Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 cup of pasta (I used thin spaghetti) 6 tablespoons butter 5 garlic cloves, minced 12-16 ounces extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined ¼ cup low fat shredded parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons skim milk 2 tablespoons chopped parsley Salt and pepper to taste Shredded parmesan cheese for garnish Directions: Prepare pasta according to package.

In a large skillet, melt butter over me-

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 28

The Rockaway Times

Arverne Chess Club Clocks in One Year of Youth Making Moves

By Kami-Leigh Agard

There is a saying, “Life is like the game of chess,” and for the last year, every Saturday at St. John Baptist Church, under the tutelage of Head Coach Omar Graves, local youth at the Arverne Chess Club (ACC) have been dedicatedly learning why thinking ahead and thinking strategically are critical, not just on the chess board, but in life—and their hard work is paying off. In January, the band of chess players will be competing in their first tournament.

Edwin Williams, The Heart of Rockaway (THOR) Civic vice president, said he came up with the idea for ACC over a year ago after attending a chess competition in Manhattan.

Williams said, “After seeing youth compete in a tournament in the city, I was so inspired. I said to myself, ‘Why

not start a local chess team here with THOR and get other partners involved?’ I asked Gerry Romski, project executive for Arverne By the Sea, to sponsor our chess team, and approached Jondrea Williams-Graves, who runs the Josephine Johnson Tutorial Program at St. John, about a space to teach the kids. Jondrea was immediately on board, and

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said her husband, Omar, would love to teach. So right after the tutoring program, our kids go straight to chess; and Gerry generously provides resources for our club like chess boards, pizza and refreshments for the children, and club tees for their first tournament.”

Going to St. John on Saturdays is a double-win for the children, as they get free academic

tutoring from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., they get to learn the game of chess amongst their peers. ACC currently has 15 children, spanning from ages 15 to as young as six years old.

At the end of January, ACC will be competing against teams from Rosedale, Bayswater, Breezy Point, and Edgemere, who recently came in second place in a competition.

Graves exuberantly expressed his pleasure in coaching the children and instilling values he believes not only apply to the game of chess, but in life.

“I learned the game from my father when I was about 10 years old, and it just stuck with me.

The game always kept me strategically thinking, and with my 12-year-old son, I started teaching him chess strategies such as to think before you make Continued on page 29

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

The Rockaway Times

ARVERNE CHESS CLUB Continued from Page 28 the next move, which goes not just with chess, but with life.

The youth of his generation are stuck in the video game era, so pulling them away from the screen for at least two hours to learn the game of chess, is so gratifying. As we know, chess promotes growth and exercises both sides of the brain.

“You see what’s going on with many of our kids today, whether it’s drugs or smoking. However, learning chess teaches them to think ahead.

Like if I make this move, what will be the outcome? I tell them to think before you make that move—like with life, think before you act because there is a cause and effect to everything we do,” Graves said. “I encourage all youth and their parents to come to our chess club and put their thinking caps on.”

For 12-year-old Tyler Williams, learning chess has been a game changer. “Chess has taught me how to be patient,

and I like how I can outthink my opponent by creating strategies that sometimes actually work. You really have to study the chess pieces and think ahead and anticipate what moves your opponent is going to do,” Williams said. His eight-yearold brother, Christian, agrees.

“Chess is a very complicated thinking game. Even sometimes when I take both wins and losses, I learn from both.”

Eighth-grader Angelina Rodriguez shared that learning chess at St. John has also been a great experience because of the environment. “We all support and learn from each other, and learning at St. John is great because our club is well structured, and amongst a group of friends, we get to learn in a loving and nurturing environment, instead of just in a classroom,” she said.

Arverne Chess Club meets every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. For info, email: heartofrockawaycivic@gmail or feel free to stop in and join the club at St. John Baptist Church (7405 Rockaway Beach Blvd).

Page 29

Shore Garden Club Spreads Holiday Cheer

The Shore Garden Club of Neponsit and Belle Harbor delivered holiday cheer to the retirement home of the Sisters of St. Joseph Stella Maris. Club members donated their own Christmas bouquet designs. Pictured on the left are two of the sisters, and on the right is the club president, Kathy Holahan.

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Page 30

The Rockaway Times

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The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

VUE: Rockaway Times In Quebec

Page 31

Salvatore J. Cori (JULY 27, 1932 - DECEMBER 16, 2019)

We have no idea if “vue” is the proper translation for spotted but we know for certain that Dominique Richardson brought spectacular color to her hometown of Boucherville, Quebec.

She was clearly the best dressed Canadian. Her message to us included this: Tu peux tout accomplir dans la vie si tu as le courage porter un t-shirt Rockaway Times.

Salvatore J. Cori died December 16, 2019 at the age of 87. Born July 27, 1932, Mr. Cori was a resident of the Rockaways since 1965, coming from Brooklyn, New York. He served in the U.S. Army and was a handyman. Sal Cori was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Friends of Rockaway Beach, the Rockaway Beach Civic Association, and senior groups at St. Rose of Lima, St. Camillus, St. Virgilius, and St. Francis de Sales.

Preceded in death by his wife Maureen B. Cori (nee O’Connor), his son Christopher Cori, his brother Robert, and sisters, Phyllis and Josephine, he is survived by sons, Brian Cori (Lisa), John Cori (Tonya), Michael Cori (Maureen) and daughters, Deirdre O’Donoghue (Patrick), Maureen Cleary (Thomas), brother Thomas, sister Mary, and grandchildren Chris, Rebecca, Gillian, Christopher, Victoria, Thomas, Patrick, Cori, Emily, Michael, Thomas, Lauren, and Matthew and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass will be held on Friday, December 20 at 11 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church (130 Beach 84th Street, Rockaway Beach).

The Parish of St. Camillus – St. Virgilius St. Camillus Church - 99-15 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Park NY 11694 St. Virgilius Church - 16 Noel Road, Broad Channel NY 11693 Telephone: 718-634-8229 Website: www.stcstv.com CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE OF MASSES:

Holy Day of Obligation

SOLEMNITY OF MARY (January 1) SCHEDULE OF MASSES:

Holy Day of Obligation

Christmas Eve (December 24) St. Virgilius (Broad Channel) at 4 p.m. with Adult Choir & Children’s Pageant at 3:30 p.m.

St. Camillus Church (Rockaway Park) at 5:30 p.m.

New Year’s Eve (December 31) St. Virgilius (Broad Channel) at 4 p.m.

St. Camillus (Rockaway Park) at 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Day (December 25) St. Virgilius (Broad Channel) at 10 a.m.

St. Camillus (Rockaway Park) at 8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

New Year’s Day (January 1) St. Virgilius (Broad Channel) at 10 a.m.

St. Camillus (Rockaway Park) at 11:30 a.m.

Merry Christmas & Blessed 2020 Father Richard Ahlemeyer Father Thomas Basquel Sister Maureen Ahlemeyer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 32

The Rockaway Times

an unwrapped toy to be donated.

Bring boxes of pasta to make a Hanukkah Menorah. Must RSVP to office@WestEndTemple.org or call 718-634-0301

and their habitat through a hike and an owl pellet investigation. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Reservation required. Call 718-318-4340 to reserve a spot.

Saturday, December 21, 10 a.m.

Sunday, December 22, 3:45 p.m.

ST. JOHN'S HOLIDAY PARTY Rockaway YMCA 207 Beach 72nd Street Free toys for kids and more at St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Hospitalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Party.

WINTER SOLSTICE YOGA & WALK Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Celebrate winter solstice by relaxing.

Find ease and freedom of movement through full range of motion in the body. A meditation closes the class.

Bring a mat. Chairs are available. All ages are welcome. With a renewed sense of contentment, join a park ranger on a nature walk after the class.

BEACH 116TH MENORAH LIGHTING Beach 116th/ RBB Join for a community menorah lighting, singing, hot chocolate, jelly donuts, chocolate gelt and more.

Friday, December 20, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 21, 2 p.m. - late

BOARDWALK CHRISTMAS CAROLS Beach 94th Boardwalk Join House on the Rock Church for a night of caroling and fun.

ROGERS 100TH ANNIVERSARY BASH 203 Beach 116th Street Help Rogers celebrate its centennial with an all-day party. Music begins at 2 p.m. with Brooklyn Bards, 5 p.m. with Walter Ensor and 8 p.m. with Wine With Sue.

Thursday, December 19, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

PAJAMA/COAT DRIVE RISE Center 58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd Food, fun and music. Coats and pajamas for kids age 4-12. Must register at Pajamacoatdrive.eventbrite.com

Thursday, December 19, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, December 20, 6:30 p.m.

PRE-HANUKKAH PARTY West End Temple Celebrate Shabbat and Hanukkah with a service and play by West End Templeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s religious school students.

Plus enjoy a pot luck supper for $10 per family. Bring a dish for at least 10 people to share. Consider bringing

Saturday, December 21, 3:15 p.m.

JR. RANGER OWL PROWL Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Kids can join a Park Ranger on an owl adventure. Learn about owls

Sunday, December 22, 1 p.m. TO 5 p.m.

LBRB HOLIDAY PARTY 164 Beach 91st Street Join the Ladies of Business Rockaway Beach for a holiday fundraiser and boozy potluck brunch.

Wednesday, January 1, 11 a.m.

NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY WALK Fort Tilden Chapel Greet the New Year with a brisk hike along the beach, dunes and woodlands of Gateway's Fort Tilden.

Meet at the Chapel just inside the entrance to the fort. After the hike enjoy champagne, coffee, and cookies at the Rockaway Artists Alliance bldg. For information, call 718- 4740896; email: don@littoralsociety.org.

Free. All ages welcome.

Fridays, 11:30 a.m.

MORNING STORYTIME Peninsula Library 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd Join for an all ages storytime. Read books, sing songs, do finger plays, and more! All ages are welcome to participate.

Saturdays, 11 a.m.

SHAPE UP: ULTIMATE CARDIO FOR ADULTS Seaside Library 116-15 Rockaway Beach Blvd Shape Up NYC instructor Gloria leads this total body workout that incorporates techniques such as kicks and punches that move to a rapid pace to promote cardiovascular fitness, strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility using high energy and motivating music. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers; bring a water bottle and towel. First come, first serve.

Mondays-Fridays, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

STACKS: HOMEWORK CENTER Peninsula Library 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Homework Center for Grades 1-8.

Help with homework and projects in all subjects.

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Wishing everyone

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and a Healthy New Year! a

Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. New York State Senator District 15

District Offices: 88-08 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Rockaway Beach, N.Y. 11693

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ROCKAWAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PREMIER STORAGE FACILITY â&#x20AC;¢ 60,000 Square Foot Facility â&#x20AC;¢ Rockaway Owned & Operated For More Than 20 Years â&#x20AC;¢ Most Competitive Rates In The Borough â&#x20AC;¢ Documents & Record Storage Services â&#x20AC;¢ Lighting And Security Cameras Throughout 24/7 â&#x20AC;¢ Climate Controlled Rooms Available â&#x20AC;¢ Mail Boxes Available â&#x20AC;¢ Drive Up Accessible Rooms â&#x20AC;¢ Perfect For Contractors â&#x20AC;¢ Shipping & Packing Supplies Available 226 Beach 88th Street, Rockaway Beach, NY 88StreetSelfStorage.com

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You Are Invited To Attend Our Traditional Candlelight Service And Adult Nativity Pageant On Christmas Eve At 8:00 p.m.

No Matter Who You Are Or Where You Are On Life's Journey, You Are Welcome Here.

First Congregational Church, UCC (The Church by the Bridge)

Reverend Joyce Dugger, Pastor

320 Beach 94th Street, Rockaway Beach, NY (718) 634-4701 first94th@gmail.com

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The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 33

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ATTORNEY

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 34

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

HOME EXPO NY, INC. European Style of Curtains, Blinds, Wallpaper, Linen QUEENS 96-56 Queens Blvd.

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B&D Painting, Inc. • Skim Coating Application • Interior Painting • Plastering of Walls • Repair & Restoration of Damaged Walls • Removal of Wall Paper • Water Damage

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LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Formation: EYSTONE LLC. Arts of Org filed with Sec. of State of New York (SSNY) 10/29/2019.Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to the LLC, 3901 Main St STE 610, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: General Notice of Formation of NOVEL 3 LLC, Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/28/2019. Office location: Queens, NY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Novel 3 LLC, C/O Allen Michel 11627 225th Street Cambria Heights, NY 11411). Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

REGAL QUEENS PROPERTY LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/13/19. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Ken Huang; Norman Lui 3808 Union St Ste 8A Flushing NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NYSkyline Realty LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/27/2019. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 13631 41 Ave., #1A28, Flushing, NY 11355. General Purpose.

Notice of Formation of 12-55 150th St. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/17/19.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 48-12 Fresh Meadow Lane, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Cut to Fit LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 9/30/2019. Office located in Queens Co. SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 158-11 Archer Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

EAM RENTALS LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 11/15/2019. Cty: QUEENS. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to ISABEL MERCADO & ELCIDO VICTOR MERCADO, 105-33 DITMARS BLVD., EAST ELMHURST, NY 11369. General Purpose.

CARING DENTISTRY OF QUEENS, PLLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/18/2019. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of PLLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The PLLC 104-16 Jamaica Ave Richmond Hill, NY 11418.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

KAPP INTERNATIONAL LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/31/2019. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 1002 44 th Dr., Long Island City, NY 11101, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 46-30 Center Boulevard LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/27/19. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 4705 Center Blvd., Apt. 2812, Long Island City, NY 11109.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

·

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The Rockaway Times

LEGAL NOTICES Articles of Organization (DOM-PROF. LLC).

Design Innovations for Architecture, PLLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) 10/18/19. Office loc.: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent of DOM-PROF. LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail copy of process to 28-48 42nd St., Floor 2, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: The practice of architecture.

Notice of formation of Floral Parkwewell LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the secretary of state of New York SSNY on 10/15/2019. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process.

SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 195-18 42 Ave, Flushing, NY 11358. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

1259 PLACE LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/29/2016.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 88-08 Liberty Ave., Ozone Park, NY 11417. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 1717 MADISON, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/17/2019. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process may be serviced and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 151-71 25 th Avenue, Whitestone, NY 11357. Principal business address: 1717 Madison Street, Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: any lawful act.

Go Merchandise LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 9/13/19. Office: Queens Co. SSNY design. agent for process & shall mail to Legalinc Corp Srvcs Inc. 1967 Wehrle Dr #1-086 Buffalo, NY 14221. General Purpose.

Dos Vidas, LLC Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 10/16/2019. Office in Queens Co. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 104-49 115th Street, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SPEC'D STUDIO LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/3/2019. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Stella Chang, 57-20 Catalpa Ave., #3R, Ridgewood, NY 11385, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

PARAGON TRANSPORTATION SERVICES LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY)11/13/2019. Cty: QUEENS. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to MICHAEL LEVINE, 25-11 41ST AVENUE, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. General Purpose.

382 BURGER LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 07/23/19. Off. Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 20807 42nd Ave Bayside, NY 11361.

Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Jose L. Nieves and Associates, PLLC Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 08/27/2019. Office in Queens Co. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 213-37 39th Avenue, Suite 184, Bayside, NY 11361-2071.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

CHROMATIC FAS LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 10/15/2019. Cty: QUEENS. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 6762 79TH ST., MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY 11379. General Purpose.

ALMA TOWER LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/02/09. Latest date to dissolve: 12/31/2079. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 3110 37th Avenue, Suite 500, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SUNNYSIDE CONDO RELIANCE LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 10/10/2019. Cty: QUEENS. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 84-11 256TH ST., FLORAL PARK, NY 11001. General Purpose.

Notice of Formation of Cypress Avenue Apartments, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/19/2019. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served and SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at c/o WellLife Network, 142-02 20th Ave., 3rd Fl., Flushing, NY 11351.

Purpose: any business permitted under law.

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

By Shane Kulman

Giving and Receiving Angst Dear Enchantress, I have a problem. I have a friend who insists on buying me gifts and I don’t enjoy buying friends gifts, especially around the holidays, because I have a big family.

And she always gets me gifts that are very expensive, like last year she bought me a $65 candle and some very expensive makeup. I am a teacher and I really have to be careful where I spend my money. I have hinted to her that I don’t want to exchange gifts anymore and she doesn’t take the hint and she keeps telling me she loves to buy me gifts!

Help! What am I to do?

with her? Do you like to cook fine meals? Or perhaps a day trip to the spa with her?

In other words, we can give gifts like time and creativity that have our own personal authentic giving-ness that is meaningful and generous. And by the way, you can also use this kind of thinking for family gifts as well. Making cards, knitting scarves, or tie-dying napkins, etcetera. You can get so many ideas if you look online.

Then gently let her know that while you appreciate these gifts and are happy to receive them, it brings you joy to also give gifts, and your gifts are the most fun when they are handmade.

So basically, you are checking in to let her know what brings you joy and gift giving. There’s no need to explain any money challenges and imagine that she actually enjoys buying you these fancy gifts!

After you have the communication, check in to make it clear that the gifts you are giving her bring you joy whether it is time spent, a home-cooked meal or an art piece.

It is so easy to get caught up in tit for tat around the holidays, and it can add extra stress and actually cause unnecessary resentment...

So create and carry on with your generosity!

Love, Shane

Dear Gift Refuser, So there are two main points I would love to make.

The more fun one is: learn to receive. Which means, be gracious and humble and say, "Thank you," and receive fancy items that perhaps you would not buy yourself.

The second thing is, as I always believe, having clear communication can be such a great way to bond. If she is your friend, she will hear you and you will both understand each other better. I am assuming that she has monetary resources (just based on her candle choice). Tell her that you appreciate her gift so much because you would never spoil yourself with these fancy or expensive items.

Now I have some questions for you: are you artsy or creative? Is there a way For more info on Enchantthat you do want to show your gratitude and appre- ress Shane, go to www.enciation for your friendship chantedembodiment.com

Page 35

File No.: 2018-3136/A CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BY THE GRACE OF GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT To: Elsa Jean Silverman, Alice S. Levine, Michael R. Wenger, Victor J. Schwartzman, Edward Schwartzman, Sandra Stain, Ira Ofsink, Deanne Jacobi, David Sorin, Attorney General of the State of New York. The unknown distributees, legatees, devisees, heirs at law and assignees of Lewis Offsink, deceased, or their estates, if any there be, whose names, places of residence and post office addresses are unknown to the petitioner and cannot with due diligence be ascertained. Being the persons interested, a copy of this citation and account and all amendments to it, if any, shall be served on the Guardian ad Litem, Shelley Ann Quilty-Lake, Esq., as creditors, legatees, distributees or otherwise in the Estate of Lewis Offsink, deceased, who at the time of death was a resident of 8800 Shore Front Parkway, #11P, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693, in the County of Queens, State of New York. SEND GREETING: Upon the petition of LOIS M. ROSENBLATT, Public Administrator of Queens County, who maintains her office at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens County, New York 11435, as Administrator of the Estate of Lewis Offsink, deceased, you and each of you are hereby cited to show cause before the Surrogate at the Surrogate’s Court of the County of Queens, to be held at the Queens General Courthouse, 6th Floor, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, City and State of New York, on the 30th day of January, 2020 at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon, why the Account of Proceedings of the Public Administrator of Queens County, as Administrator of the Estate of said deceased, a copy of which is attached, should not be judicially settled, and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow a reasonable amount of compensation to GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., for legal services rendered to petitioner herein in the amount of $40,688.03 and that the Court fix the fair and reasonable additional fee for any services to be rendered by GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., hereafter in connection with proceedings on kinship, claims etc., prior to entry of a final Decree on this accounting in the amount of 6% of assets or income collected after the date of the within accounting; and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow an amount equal to one percent on said Schedules of the total assets on Schedules A, A1, and A2 plus any additional monies received subsequent to the date of this account, as the fair and reasonable amount payable to the Office of the Public Administrator for the expenses of said office pursuant to S.C.P.A. §1106(3); and why each of you claiming to be a distributee of the decedent should not establish proof of your kinship; and why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship, or deposited with the Commissioner of Finance of the City of New York should said alleged distributees default herein, or fail to establish proof of kinship, Dated, Attested and Sealed 26th day of November, 2019. HON. PETER J. KELLY Surrogate, Queens County James Lim Becker Clerk of the Surrogate’s Court GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ. (718) 459-9000 1981 Marcus Avenue, Suite 200 Lake Success, New York 11042 This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not obliged to appear in person. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested unless you file formal legal, verified objections. You have a right to have an attorney-at-law appear for you. Accounting Citation

·

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 36

The Rockaway Times

Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy RECEIVES COASTAL CONSERVATION AWARD

On Sunday, December 15, the American Littoral Society, a coastal environmental organization, presented its annual Coastal Conservation Award to the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for their tireless effort to help restore and enhance the city, state, and federal parkland in Rockaway and Jamaica Bay. On hand to receive the award at the American Legion Hall in Broad Channel was Alex Zablocki, the Executive Director of the Conservancy. The award was presented

by Don Riepe, the Jamaica Bay Guardian; and Dan Mundy, the President of the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alex is a great leader, well organized, and has done so much for the community,â&#x20AC;? Riepe, Ja-

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maica Bay Guardian, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re happy to present him and his staff this award in recognition for all they do to make Rockaway and Jamaica Bay a better place to visit and enjoyâ&#x20AC;?.

In accepting the award, Zablocki said, "The Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy is honored to receive the Coastal Conservation Award from such a prestigious organization. In partnership with the American Littoral Society and governmental agencies, we continue to make progress in improving Jamaica Bay and Rockawayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important parkland and waterways.

This year alone, over 100,000 grasses were planted in Jamaica Bay. With the help of volunteers, we removed over 10 tons of trash from shorelines, and collected and recycled over 25,000 yards of fishing line. Our work builds off of successful efforts over the past decades by people like Don Riepe and Dan

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Mundy Sr. and Jr. to restore vital marsh islands in the bay, limit fill and the release of sewage in our waterways, and mobilize volunteers to clean shorelines of marine debris and plant our parks with native grasses and shrubs. We look forward to continuing this work in 2020.â&#x20AC;?

Over the last year, the Conservancy organized and conducted more than 15 shoreline cleanups and helped plant 104,000 plugs of marsh grass (Spartina) at Sunset Cove (Broad Channel), Black Wall marsh, Bayswater Point State Park and Bayswater Park in Jamaica Bay. This huge effort was done in partnership with several other organizations, most notably the American Littoral Society, Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, NYS Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, National Park Service, Bloomberg LP, the Natural Areas Conservancy, and the We Love You Founda-

tion.

The Conservancy also planted over 9,000 native shrubs and grasses at Frank M. Charles Memorial Park, Jamaica Bay Park, and Canarsie Pier to name a few. In addition, the Conservancy helped fund and support, in partnership with the Littoral Society, its Raptor Management Program for for ospreys and barn owls, a Fishing Line Collection and Recycling Program, and the Jamaica Bay Restoration Corps, a group of 15 students who worked for eight weeks in the summer to restore Jamaica Bay shorelines.

The event took place last Sunday at the American Legion Hall in Broad Channel and is held annually.

Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the American Littoral Society for their first cleanup of the new year in Rockaway Community Park on January 4, 2020 starting at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.jbrpc.org

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The Rockaway Times

By Kami-Leigh Agard

The most wonderful time of the year is here again—and with Santa sightings, holiday gatherings, live music and more!—here’s our weekly round-up of where to add some Rockaway sparkle to your holiday season, and the best part—no cover charge!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

etto…Vic LaMura of Breezy Grass on mandolin…Guy Nevirs of Big Squid on piano…and Rockaway Theater Company female vocalist Nicole Mangano. Get ready for a sweet night of solid rhythms, floating leads, and melodies you won’t forget.

375 Beach 92nd Street

Friday, December 20 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

You don’t have to go to New Orleans to get a taste of a MarThursday, December 19 di Gras Christmas! Just head to 6 p.m.

Drop into The Dropout at Kennedy’s in Breezy and party Riis and treat yourself to a with the Mardi Gras Band!

406 Bayside, Breezy Point squidalicious music feast with Squid Trio! Plus the off-seaFriday, December 20 son spot features fabulous 9 p.m. food and drinks, flat screens Be merry at the BayHouse as showing football, hockey, basketball and more, all within a Full Disclosure unfurls a holheated dining room featuring iday-riffic three sets of classic breathtaking views of the At- and alternative rock, today’s hits and holiday tunes all night lantic.

Riis Park Beach Bazaar, Bay 9 long! So, come get your party on!

500 Bayside Drive, Breezy Friday, December 20 Point 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Head to Bungie for anothSaturday, December 21 er fabulous Friday Acoustic Starting at 3 p.m.!

Night with Mike & Miley playToday, folks—RBQ is smoking your favorite 60s and 70s ing…again, and not just beclassic rock. cause of their barbecue! From 377 Beach 92nd Street 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Mike and Miley hosts a classic rock party, Friday, December 20 playing your favorites from the 8 p.m.

It’s the weekend! So, why not 60s and 70s. Then, Rising Tide, set sail toward the Belle Har- featuring vocalist Brianne Rogbor Yacht and hail Squid Trio ers and Elijah Quinn on guitar, as they jam the uptown nau- brings on some sizzling acoustical spot with up-tempo jazz, tic heat.

97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd funk and NOLA. 533 Beach 126th Street Saturday, December 21 8 p.m.

Friday, December 20 Festively ring in the season 8 p.m.

Calling all classic rock lov- with Mixed Bag at the Bayers! Head to RBQ ‘cause The House as they entertain you Jack of Clubs is back rockin’ and your crew with a mix of your favorite Deep Purple, rock classics and holiday tunes.

500 Bayside, Breezy Point Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin and more classics!

Saturday, December 21 97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

What better way to rock your Friday, December 20 Saturday night than with Lex 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Get a jumpstart on your Grey and The Urban Pioneers Christmas merry-making with at Thai Rock? As you lustily infolk band, The BEasy Band at dulge in Thai food, Lex Grey Thai Rock featuring singer/ will have you levitating in their songwriter Michael Bened- soulful fusions of old school LIVE MUSIC:

Page 37

blues, golden soul and classic as he whizzes past, feel free to rock. stop him and his crew to take 375 Beach 92nd Street a pic! For more info, visit Facebook event page: 6th ANNUAL Monday, December 23 Santa Sleigh RUN 6 p.m.

(Locations vary).

With Christmas officially just OTHER FESTIVE MUSES two days away, head to BunAROUND TOWN galow Bar for the 5th Annual Bobby Butler & Jenna Christmas Sing A Long holiday bash!

Thursday, December 19 Don’t forget the mistletoe!

4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

377 Beach 92nd Street Today! In the spirit of giving, RISE/Rockaway Waterfront AlSundays liance is hosting a festive Pa5 p.m. to 8 p.m. jama/Coat Drive for children It’s all about that jazz with ages 4 to 12, topped off with The Mike Severino Trio Sunday an afternoon of fun with muJazz Sessions at Whits End. sic and food. Registration re97-02 Rockaway Beach Blvd quired. Also, please note gender preference, size and age of SPECIAL MENTION — child. Parent(s) and child must ROGERS 100TH BIRTHDAY be present to attend the event.

BASH! To register, visit: eventbrite. com and search: Pajama/Coat Saturday, December 21 Drive.

Kicking off at 2 p.m.!

58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd Rockaway’s oldest Irish pub—Rogers—celebrates its Sunday, December 22 whopping 100-year anniver1 p.m. to 5 p.m. sary with an all-day epic enJoin the Ladies of Business tertainment lineup: 2 p.m. Rockaway Beach for their anBrooklyn Bards, 5 p.m. Walter nual holiday fundraiser and Ensor and by 8 p.m., you’ll be boozy potluck brunch, celerocking like a rockstar with the brating their 2019 successes Rock’s off-the-hook hometown and goals for a fabulous 2020. band, Wine with Sue! So come, All happening at the Rockaway whet your whistle and toast, Retreat House. Business own“Slainte,” to Rogers! ers—If you are interested in 203 Beach 116th Street donating a raffle item, email: galit@ladiesofbusinessrockaMORE SANTA SIGHTINGS! way.org Baby, it’s cold outside, but 164 Beach 91st Street who can resist another chance to see Santa before the big day?

Sunday, December 22 3:45 p.m.

Friday, December 20 Hanukkah begins tonight!

10:45 a.m.

Gather around with neighThe 6th Annual Santa Sleigh bors for the Community HaRun hosted by Makemymoth- nukkah Menorah Lighting on erproud sidles off this Satur- Beach 116th Street! There will day! The sleigh rides from east be music, singing and plenty to west, sliding off first from of goodies like hot chocolate, First Baptist Church (1510 Red- jelly donuts, chocolate gelt, fern Ave), then making stops and community spirit to go at the Child Center of NY loca- around! All are welcome to tions on Beach 40th and Beach join by the menorah on the 56th Streets, and then rides median near Rockaway Beach uptown to Beach 116th Street. Blvd.

Beach 116th and Rockaway Look for dancing elves, singing Santa helpers and the red-suit- Beach Blvd. ed man himself! Bring your Got info. on local live music kids for a pic with Santa, live music, candy and prizes! If you and art? Email: editor@rockasee Santa’s sleigh on the street waytimes.com

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Page 38

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

The Rockaway Times

Rockaway Christmas Memories - 1940s

By Jean McKenna

Jean (Caligiuri) McKenna recalls simple memories from a simple time of the Rockaway Beach she knew as a child growing up in the 1940s.

Here is a tinsel-windowed view into joyous Decembers past, of a Rockaway neighborhood that now exists only in memory, but once bore resemblance to a wonderland in the wide eyes of a young girl at Christmas.

Christmastime was exciting for me as a Rockaway youngster in the early 1940s. In our home on Beach 84th Street, we did not have a large, live tree, but I was very content with our little artificial tree. The week before Christmas, Papa would give me the key to the basement storage room. I remember, at eight years old or so, going downstairs and opening a door,

which led into a dark musty room. There were shelves loaded with dusty books and old papers. Excitedly, I found the tree, the ornaments, and the artificial green and red berry holly wreaths that had been waiting the whole year to readorn our windows. They were carefully wrapped in brown paper and held together by string.

I ran up the old wooden stairs so fast, anxious to begin decorating the tree and windows!

Quickly, I arranged the small tree on a stand and placed it on a table. It was about 18 inches high, no lights, no tinsel, with only just about 12 shiny balls.

Then I placed a wreath on each of the five windows in the living room. It was beginning to look like Christmas, and I was happy! Nothing magical, but for a little girl, I was proud of my little colorful tree and the job I had done alone!

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As the saying goes: Little things mean a lot! Mama always made sure I had a nice new outfit for Christmas Day, but there were no gifts under the tree or exchanging gifts with the family. Christmas, at that time, instead meant attending mass at St. Rose, celebrating the birth of Christ and joy filling the air with gathered friends and family, visiting each other’s houses and parlors, and singing carols in the street along rows of turn-of-the-century houses from Beach 81st to Beach 87th Street.

Decorating for the season were the boulevard mom and pop store windows decked with holly and playing Christmas music on the Crosley radio, especially Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas,” which was an ode to many soldiers, including my two brothers, yearning for home at the holidays as they

served in World War II. Around December 20, my school, P.S. 44 (across from the police station and firehouse), would hold its annual Christmas play, where I was chosen in third grade to be in “Merry Christmas.” Covered in red and green, I posed as a tree surrounded by classmate “angels.”

My one line was to close the play with arms outstretched, heartily bellowing to the assembly of parents, teachers, and children, “A Very Merry Christmas to All!” All the while, through the stirring air of anticipation, were the sounds and scents of Mama’s cooking and baking, which she began a few days before. I remember Mama being up late making raviolis. I would call down, “Ma, what are you doing, it’s 11 o’clock!” And Continued on page 41

The Rockaway Times

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 39

Jogging and Jingling at the Annual Santa Shuffle They were huffing and puffing and ho-ho-hoing as they jingled and jogged along the boardwalk. The sight of a sea of Santas wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the result of too much eggnog. It was the Santa Shuffle!

Dozens of locals and visitors donned the big red suit to get into the spirit with this annual fun run presented by Rockapulco Runs on Saturday, December 14.

On the foggy, but warm morn-

ing, Santa Clauses of all ages made their way from Beach 116th to Beach 126th, down to Beach 97th and back to Beach 116th, before gathering back at Rockaway Gliders gym to enjoy a well-deserved Rockapulco Gold beer and other goodies.

A good time was had by all, especially by spectators who got some great shots of the action.

Photos by Paul Lurrie, Michael Makotinsky and Katie McFadden.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

Page 40

The Rockaway Times

LOCAL COLOR:

READERS SEND IN THEIR PIX We might be a little biased but we think some of the best photographers in the world live in Rockaway. Here are some shots that readers shared with us this week. Send your photos (limit to 2 per week) to mail@rockawaytimes.com and we’ll do our best to print them (space permitting). We do receive more than we can print.

By Joe Harrison

By Marek Piechocki

By Roseanne Schnoll

By Tom Murphy

By John Olsen

By Sandra J. Smith

from

The Rockaway Times ·

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

The Rockaway Times

ROCKAWAY CHRISTMAS Continued from Page 38 sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d reply, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I make raviolis for tomorrow.â&#x20AC;?

How hard she worked, such a selfless woman! Her labors yielded among other things, honey balls topped with red and green sprinkles, and dough wreaths fried in olive oil, topped with honey and raisins.

Mama spent hours baking and the smell of olive oil permeated the house. For Christmas Eve, we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the traditional 12 fish, as is the custom of many Italians. I remember it was simpleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a large bowl of spaghetti with anchovies, Italian bread and wine. My uncle Dave Caligiuri, (once honorary â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mayor of Rockawayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;), came over to join us. I could still hear Papa greeting him on the dimly lit wooden porch, the air really feeling like a silent night, where all was calm!

Although perfectly content with these unfussy treasured Christmases, I did eventually experience the fun of exchang-

ing gifts for the first time with my schoolmate chum, Jeannie Vega. I gave her a 10-cent white lace trimmed hanky and a 15cent bottle of nail polish, which I bought in Whelanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Drugstore on the corner of Beach 84th Street. She gave me â&#x20AC;&#x153;Evening in Parisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; perfume. I felt so bad because my gift to her was only 25 cents, and hers to me was a whole $1.00 She told me not to feel bad, her father had given her the money; so, I felt better. And in the later 1940s, after the war, I began to receive gifts under the small tree for the first time.

My brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new wife, Catherine, started the tradition of gift-giving in my family by giving me a full-length paisley print housecoat and black kid gloves! Wow!, I thought, â&#x20AC;&#x153;So this is the magic of Christmas!â&#x20AC;? I was 14 and felt like a movie star as I pranced around the house wearing it. And kid gloves! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why, only rich people wore kid gloves.â&#x20AC;?

The excitement and glamour of those now long-gone gifts gave me at that time, a youthful

Page 41

exuberance for the holidays and its worldly thrills. But the lasting present and memory that remains with me is of Mama in her kitchen, toiling away selflessly on Christmas Eve, giving the only gifts she had, her time and love, that I may be happy.

Like the greatest of gifts, born in Bethlehem, Mamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love was simple and unconditional, and taught me the everlasting gift of giving oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self unconditionally.

As for my motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honey balls, they are sold in the su-

permarket in the shape of a tree and when I buy them, I am instantly transported back to the Christmas of my childhood in Rockaway, where happiness and goodness came from the simple spirit of the times. As the world fought to preserve peace and goodwill, the gift of hope and the timeless message of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love prevailed then, as it does today, still echoing from the halls of old P.S. 44.

A very Merry Christmas to all.

"Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; John 16:33

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The Rockaway Times

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