Rockaway Times 4-20-23

Eternal Peace

Msgr. Geraghty Laid to Rest

See Page 14

Draft Dreams

Christian Izien: A Future NFL Star?

See Page 6

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Local Coach Leads Baruch Volleyball to Championship

On Friday, April 15, Alex Moule, Rockaway local and first year Head Coach of the Baruch College Men's Volleyball team, led the team to victory against the undefeated Hunter Hawks! Baruch played all season with a winning spirit, strong strategy and incredible teamwork. We are so excited

to congratulate Alex on this huge victory. Alex is a local entrepreneur and will be reopening Oddfellows Ice Cream at the Beach 97th Street concession this summer. You'll also catch him on the Rockaway Beach Volleyball courts wearing his Baruch merch! Congratulations!

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023

Safety Improvements Coming to Shore Front

The

Contact The Elected

Congressman Gregory Meeks

67-12 Rockaway Beach Boulevard

Arverne, NY 11692

Phone: (347) 230-4032

Jeanne Ferriola and Sean McVeigh PUBLISHER

Safety improvements are coming to Shore Front Parkway. The NYC Department of Transportation has announced that improve-

ments between Beach 77th and Beach 81st are set to begin this month. According to the DOT, their plan will enhance pedestrian safety, improve accessibility, add pedestrian crossings and improve connections. The plan, being implemented throughout April, will add connections across Shore Front from Beach 77th to Beach 81st Streets. The median and curb at Beach 77th will be extended to shorten pedestrian crossings. The median cut-through at Beach 81st will be moved to align with and standardize the intersection. And finally, pedestrian refuge islands will be built between the eastbound lane and bike lane at both intersections.

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato 9516 Rockaway Beach Blvd Rockaway Beach, NY 11693

Email: amatos@nyassembly.gov 718-945-9550

City Councilwoman

Selvena Brooks-Powers

1931 Mott Avenue, Suite 410 Far Rockaway, NY 11691 • 718-471-7014

City Councilwoman Joann Ariola

114-12 Beach Channel Drive, suite #1 Rockaway Park, NY 11694

Email: joannariola32@gmail.com 718-318-6411

State Senator James Sanders Jr.

1931 Mott Avenue – Suite 305 Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Email: sanders@nysenate.gov 718-327-7017

Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson

19-31 Mott Avenue, Suite 301 Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Email: Andersonk@nyassembly.gov 718-327-1845

Katie McFadden MANAGING EDITOR

Mary Ellen Olsen MANAGER

Monica Clifford BILLING/ LEGALS

Tom McVeigh and Fred Marino SALES

Kevin Boyle FOUNDER/PUBLISHER EMERITUS

The Rockaway Times

114-04 Beach Channel Drive Rockaway Park, NY 11694

Phone: 718-634-3030

www.rockawaytimes.com

Email: news@rockawaytimes.com, mail@rockawaytimes.com

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McVeighing In

By Sean McVeigh

My Personal Inferno

Much of what we imagine when we think of Hell today comes from Dante’s “Divine Comedy.” For those of you who don’t know, “Divine Comedy” is a poem (although not how we would think of a poem today) that chronicles Dante’s journey through the afterlife, taking the reader on a journey through Hell, Purgatory and Heaven.

The first part of this epic poem is called Inferno, which is Italian for Hell. Dante begins his journey here, accompanied by his guide, the Roman poet Virgil. Togeth-

er they explore Hell and, as described by Dante, it’s nine circles. The circles represent various levels of evil as seen by Dante and culminate at the center of the nine circles which is where Satan himself dwells. Within each circle, Dante encounters people who have committed a sin in their lives and now are receiving some form of poetic justice. For example, at one point, the pair comes across fortune-tellers who are forced to walk with their heads on backwards as punishment, unable to see what is before them.

He didn’t just write a list though on what he thought were the gravest of sins. Nope, he wrote a couple hundred-page POEMS on the matter. He went into excruciating detail about each sin, the type of person who commits that sin and then what exactly was going to happen to that person when they arrived in Hell. I am a big fan of his work…

Well, the other day I found myself in the ninth circle. In the deepest parts of Hell, faced with the greatest evil one can imagine: People using speaker phone in public.

When I take a phone call in public, the other end of the line will know very quickly. I answer in a hushed voice and immediately let them know I can’t talk too much because I am in public. I almost shame the caller for having the nerve to not know I was going to be in public when they called. Even if I am not in public, perhaps just with some friends and I get a call, I will have to leave the room to answer it. There is just something private and intimate about a phone call. To make matters worse, very

rarely are these calls routine. The speaker phone conversations I am forced to overhear always seem to involve the airing of grievances with names and vivid details all included.

Right up there with the public speaker phone user is the playing music without headphones person. We all know this person. They are usually found sitting next to you while on the subway. I think this person is slightly different. Where the former is unaware that what they are doing is insane, I believe the latter is well aware. In this case, it is pure apathy. They know that what they are doing is uncomfortable for everyone else around them, they just do not care.

Personally, I think these people should be studied in a lab. They possess the perfect balance between lack of self-awareness and unabridged indifference. A little research and some well-deserved experimentation and we might be able to create the perfect monster.

It’s a real shame that Dante is not around to tell us his thoughts on the matter…

Rockaway Football Star Has NFL Draft Dreams

By Katie McFadden

was a great school with academics, and I was taking steps to learn high school football and become a better player and once I reached that at Prep, I realized the best opportunity for me was to expand my network as far as being a recruit for college. I transferred to Jersey because I felt I could do that better there,” he said. But Izien was missing home. “It was too far from home, and I wanted to be around my family,” he said. So in his senior year, he transferred to Erasmus Hall in Brooklyn. “Erasmus was known for producing Division I athletes and had connections to colleges, so it was a win-win for me,” Izien said.

Rockaway could have its next NFL star. Arverne resident Christian Izien has declared for the 2023 National Football League draft and by next week, he’ll find out if he’ll reach his dream of playing with the pros.

The NFL draft will take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29, and 22-yearold Izien will be in Rockaway, watching along with those who’ve supported him throughout his football career, to find out if he’s among the 2023 picks for one of the NFL’s 32 football teams. Izien says he’s “feeling optimistic” about getting drafted.

After all, the lifelong Rockaway resident has spent his young life working up to this moment. The defensive back started playing at just six years old. While attending Peninsula Preparatory Academy, he joined the Rosedale Jets football team based in Jamaica, Queens. He then followed football through high school, even transferring to different schools that would give him the best opportunities in his football career. That meant starting out at St. Francis Prep. In his sophomore year, he transferred to Pope John XXIII Regional High School, located in Sparta, New Jersey, and lived with a host family in the area. “Prep

That final move in high school, along with his undeniable skills on the field, led him to being recruited by top football colleges, including Syracuse, the University of Connecticut, Purdue and Rutgers in New Jersey, where he ultimately went on a full scholarship.

“It was everything I needed as far as the academics, the campus and football go. They’re the best in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference,” he said.

In his freshman year as a Scarlet Knight, Izien only played in four games for the season, but his coaches saw his potential. “As a freshman, I wasn’t playing as much as I thought I should, but I had to wait my turn and learn what I could. In my second year, I came in and played in all twelve games and I was learning the game more and becoming a more complete football player. My career progressed in my four and a half years at Rutgers. It was great.” In his senior season, Izien started in all twelve games, totaling 84 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. During his time at Rutgers, Izien received All Big Ten recognition for three years straight.

Due to Covid interrupting play time, Izien was eligible to play another year for Rutgers, but he had other plans. In November, Izien declared for the 2023 NFL draft.

“I forfeited my last year to pursue my career for the NFL draft,” he said. “Since I’ve been young, I’ve wanted to play for the NFL.” And

he’s been preparing for the moment ever since.

Izien has been training in Tampa and last month, had a successful Pro Day. At Pro Day, scouts from all 32 NFL teams come out to watch prospects put their skills to the test. Izien had an impressive performance, including running the 40-yard in 4.41 seconds, the fastest time of the day, plus he did 20 reps on the bench press and had a vertical jump of 41.5 inches. “It was a really good showing for me,” Izien said. His performance at Pro Day and his career at Rutgers make him a desirable prospect for the NFL draft.

How is Izien feeling about his chances? “There’s a lot of high hopes around it and I’m really optimistic about getting drafted,” he said. Izien says his personal favorite team is the NY Giants, as he even grew up going to Giants tickertape parades after their Super Bowl wins, but as for his preference of where he’ll wind up, Izien says he’ll be happy with any team. “I’m not going to be picky,” he said. “To even get the opportunity to be on a team anywhere is a blessing.”

Izien is eagerly anticipating draft day. “It’s surreal with it being less than two weeks away. It’s a dream come true,” he said. He’ll be watching the draft with some of those who have sup -

ported him most, including his dad, Christian Izien, and his mom, Michelle Matthews. “My parents sacrificed a bunch to put me in the position I’m in, sending me to these schools and trusting other family to take care of me and helping me pursue my career. It’s been a journey,” Izien said.

Izien says he also credits his many coaches throughout his career for helping him get to this point, including Danny Lambert, a Rockaway native who coached him at Erasmus Hall. “He went to bat for me during recruiting in my senior year and he helped me get the opportunity I did have,” Izien said.

If he does become an NFL pro, Izien says he won’t forget about Rockaway. Much like his fellow Far Rockaway football star Foley Fatukasi, who went on to play for the NFL but returns for the annual Rock the Block event, Izien says he’ll be back. “I have some plans for Rockaway,” he said.

Inspiring youth is one of Izien’s missions. “I hope my story motivates kids below me and around me. If you can stay focused on your dreams and don’t let anything get in the way, those dreams are possible,” Izien said. “I hope I can reach kids and give them the motivation they need to keep taking those steps in their journey. Just never give up.”

Izien had a successful career as a Scarlet Knight

Izien when he played for the Rosedale Jets.

Disney Dreams Come True for the Tans

Around the holidays, Eugene Brennan once again hosted Stockings for a Cause, and with participation from local bars and restaurants and donations from customers, Brennan was able to gift the Tan family with not only a $35,000 check, but a fully paid dream trip to Disney World.

What better way to create memories than at the Happiest Place on Earth? The Tan family finally got their Disney trip.

U.S. Navy Veteran Teddy Tan was diagnosed with a terminal neurological disorder after serving this country for 30 years. Thanks to the money raised through Stockings, Tan, his wife and his two sons were able to take the trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Monday, April 24, will mark one year since the loss of FF Timmy Klein. Hard to believe it has been one year already. We know Rockaway will never forget Timmy, his sacrifice and everything he stood for. Next week, on Sunday, April 30, the Timmy Klein Foundation will be hosting the first annual TK Country Fest at the Rockaway Hotel to celebrate Timmy’s life and thank all those who have shown their support. For tickets, visit: FFTimmyKleinFoundation.com. *****

This Saturday is Earth Day. We are blessed to live in the greatest place on Earth.

Today, April 20, this section’s name takes on new meaning for some…

It is not too late but it sure is getting close. The Rockaway Times Summer

Guide advertising space is filling up fast! Don’t miss the boat because, unlike the Ferry, you will not have another chance until next year to get your business in the hands of thousands of people from one end of the peninsula to the other and beyond. Want in? Shoot us an email, give us a call 718-634-3030, or contact us through Facebook or Instagram.

*****

“This above all: to thine own self be true.” It sounds like Paddy Tubz, along with NYC Parks, is working on something pretty cool for this summer with Shakespeare on the Beach! Auditions will be held in June with the performances to take place in late August. Stay tuned for more information! *****

Come out and support the Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Sunday, April 23, as they host the 1st Annual Walk For Autism on the boardwalk and Beach 96th Street. Registration is at 10 a.m. and the walk will begin

at 11 a.m. You can sign up online at www.rockawaybeachautismfamilies. org. *****

There was a ceremonial groundbreaking in December and now there's actual groundbreaking for the new middle school being built by Peninsula Prep at Arverne by the Sea. Pile driving started this week for the school that is expected to be completed in June 2024. The school will serve some 350 students. *****

Join the Rockaway Film Festival in celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, and kick off their outdoor movie season with a shoreline clean up at the Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary located at 60-3 De Costa Ave. in Far Rockaway. This will be followed by a free screening and expanded cinema performance at the Arverne Cinema.

This Sunday, April 23, New York’s finest from our local 100th and the 101st Precincts will be facing off in a softball game vs. local kids from Rockaway. The game will start at 4 p.m. and will be taking place at Bayswater Park on Beach 32nd Street. For addition-

al information regarding the game, please contact PO Boamah (victor. boamah@nypd.org) of the 100th Precinct.

Congrats to Mara Valentino on her retirement! She recently sold Mara’s Ice Cream Parlor, but don’t fret. The new owners will keep serving up scoops.

The Belle Harbor Property Owners Association’s 35th Annual Beach Clean Up will be Saturday, May 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at the Beach 134th Street sea wall. Help get the beaches ready for the season! Bring your own rakes! *****

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos for this year’s Rockaway Times Photo Contest. We received several hundred submissions! Our nine sage and prudent judges are sifting through those submissions and will soon have a top 30. Their task is not an easy one. The number of high-quality photos this year was incredible. Those top 30 will then have their photos put on posters and placed along the boardwalk and at the ferry landing.

ALMA Corporation PR Campaign Misleading Rockaway Community

On behalf of the 2000+ residents living at Surfside, the residents of our neighboring Dayton Towers, and the community at large we need to respond to Alma Realty Corporation's ad that appeared in the Rockaway Times two weeks ago. Alma Realty Corporation's PR campaign is misrepresenting the true intention of the development proposal involving the Surfside property. Since Alma has been facing opposition from the residents, our neighbors and the community, Alma is funding a PR campaign to manipulate the community to obtain "buy-in" for their proposal by providing smaller snapshots of their plan misrepresenting the real magnitude of Alma's goal.

The proposal that was presented to SHAFT in December, as depicted by rendering #2 and # 3, will engulf the current Surfside property and the neighborhood shown in rendering #1 with 2000 more housing units, a hotel, parking garages, a commercial corridor by bulldozing over the quality of life of the current residents of Surfside and neighborhood.

Alma has been in the Rockaway community for almost 20 years and now they want to paint a picture that they care. They want you to believe that they are proud and excited for Rockaway. Where was their caring over the years for the Surfside residents? For the record Alma Realty Corporation obtained Surfside due to bankruptcy. To date Surfside residents continue to report chronic issues that interrupt heat, hot water in addition to dangerous elevator malfunctions. In addition, driving along Shore Front Parkway, Surfside has always appeared esthetically substandard to all the other high rise buildings. Public record reveals Alma has taken loans against the buildings at Surfside for millions of dollars over several years. The rent roll totals approximately $12 million a year. Instead of Alma reinvesting this money back into the property, SHAFT and our elected officials were forced to hold Alma Realty Corporation accountable for fixing chronic Safety and Health issues, and general maintenance. Alma continues to respond with mere "bandaids" especially for the aging boilers and elevators.

Where is their effort to be proud and excited for the Surfside property they bought and the residents who live here? Instead they are investing in a PR campaign.

Where is their effort to be proud and excited for the Surfside property they bought and the residents who live here?

Their own architect's rendering here shows the true size of the monstrosity they want to build on the Surfside property. Do not allow them to pull the wool over your eyes.

Luv Cleaning Picks Up the Pieces After Garage Fire

By Katie McFadden

Local cleaning company Luv Cleaning is facing one of their biggest cleanups yet, and this one is personal. After suffering from a garage fire that destroyed most of the company’s equipment, Luvinia Monge and her crew are hard at work trying to pick up the pieces and forge ahead.

On Thursday, April 13, a fire broke out in the garage of a home near Beach 125th and Newport Avenue. The FDNY received the call at 9:37 p.m. and responded with 12 units and 60 fire personnel to control the blaze. By 10:13 p.m., the fire was out. Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the blaze, and it was contained to the garage.

Unfortunately, the garage belongs to Monge, who used it to store all of the equipment for her cleaning business, Luv Cleaning. Monge and her family were home when the fire broke out in the garage that serves as the homebase for her business and a hangout space for her four children. “We don’t know what started it. It could’ve been from one of the electronics, the TV or soundbar. I was in the garage 20 minutes prior, and it just went up so quickly. Everything happened so fast. I’m grateful that the construction we did inside was done right because it kept the fire contained. There was a lot of smoke and people were smelling it all over Rockaway. I felt so bad,” she said. It was the second hardship of the day for Luv Cleaning. Earlier in the day, someone had sideswiped her business van on Beach 129th Street, almost a year after her van was damaged after being hit while parked on Newport Avenue.

In the fire on Thursday, many items were lost including a TV, a vacuum, Swiffer sticks, cloths, ladders, cleaning supplies, paper files, and even a plaque Monge had of her first article in The Rockaway Times.

Most importantly, no one was harmed, though Monge says she and her family have experienced massive headaches from the smell of the aftermath. But after the initial shock of the headache of the fire impacting her business, there’s been no time to sit back and wait. After all, Luv Cleaning has calls to answer.

Despite the tough day on Thursday, Monge maintains a positive attitude. “I’m not gonna get upset about it. I’m gonna look at it as a blessing. From a point of faith, when everything hits you at once, it means you’re close to your blessing. That’s the only time bad things come because you’re getting a blessing, and that’s how I look at it,” she said.

She remains grateful to the firefighters who acted quickly to put out the fire, and even thanked them by bringing them a fruit platter the next day. She’s also thankful to her Rockaway neighbors who have checked in and offered support. And she’s grateful for her clients who have remained understanding through Luv Cleaning’s hardship after she had to cancel cleaning jobs on Friday.

“If you’re gonna have a business and run a business, the best place to have it is Rockaway. I cannot tell you how many clients and people have reached out with support and prayers. I didn’t cry a tear through this whole situation, but the response had made me a mush. It’s been really overwhelming,” she said.

And with that support, Monge knows she has to keep going. “You gotta keep moving forward. We have a lot of people counting on us,” she said. That’s why over the weekend, Monge and her crew got right to work, trying to replace some of the supplies that were lost so they would

be ready to fulfill their jobs starting Monday, April 17. “We were all out this weekend, at Home Depot, buying supplies to get back to work. We got enough to get some of the jobs up and running. I can’t miss a beat, I gotta keep going. My clients need me and we made promises to be there. We have clients having birthday parties and other events, and another client who had their whole house gutted and she’s pregnant and due in a month and I gotta get there,” Monge said. “I promised we would deliver and I’m not gonna go back on my word.”

Monge has been in the cleaning business for eight years and formally started Luv Cleaning in 2018. Her business offers residential cleaning, maintenance, deep cleaning, personal organization, construction cleanup, and even commercial cleaning for clients such as Kenne-

dy’s, Callie’s, Claudette’s, Nurture U Wellness, Baya Bar and others. “There’s nothing we don’t do,” Monge said. Luv Cleaning charges by the hour and does whatever they can in the time allotted from windows to lamps to floors and more.

As she awaits adjusters to inspect her damaged garage before she can rebuild, Monge says the best way to help her out is to simply let Luv Cleaning do what they do best. To book a cleaning job with Luv Cleaning, reach out to business manager Janette Torres at 352-444-9698 or owner, Luvinia Monge at 917-8173570, or by email at luvcleaning4u@ gmail.com

In the meantime, Luv Cleaning is back in action and ready to meet all of Rockaway’s cleaning needs. “You gotta just keep moving,” she said. “You can’t let something like this take you down.”

FRIDAY

MOTHERS

APRIL 20

This Week in History

Erika Farrell was born. Raymond Scott was born.

1912 - The Boston Red Sox played their first game at Fenway Park. They beat the N.Y. Highlanders (who in 1913 would become known as the Yankees) by the score of 7-6.

2008 - Danica Patrick won the Indy Japan 300, becoming the first woman to win an IndyCar race.

APRIL 21

Sharon Fein Feldman was born. JP Stathis was born.

1980 - Rosie Ruiz was the first woman to cross the finish line at the Boston Marathon. She was later disqualified for cheating.

1997 - The ashes of Timothy Leary, Gene Roddenberry, and 22 others blasted into space for the first space funerals.

APRIL 22

Michael Donohue was born. Sean McLernon was born. Richard Tirado was born.

1864 - Congress authorized the inscription "In God We Trust" on coins minted as U.S. currency.

1970 - The first Earth Day was observed.

APRIL 23

Mairead Fitzgerald was born. Victoria Mahon was born. Mike O’Neil was born.

1954 - Hank Aaron hit the first of his 755 home runs.

1985 - Coca-Cola announced that it was changing its formula and introduced New Coke.

APRIL 24

Dee Roberts was born. Amy Mahon was born.

1898 - Spain declared war on the U.S.

APRIL 25

Eugene Brennan was born. Ashlee Ferriola was born.

1928 - The first seeing eye dog was presented to Morris S. Frank.

1945 - Delegates met in San Francisco to organize the United Nations.

APRIL 26

1865 - John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln’s assassin, was surrounded by federal troops in a barn in Virginia. He was shot and killed, either by the soldiers or by his own hand. 1986 - The worst nuclear power plant accident in history occurred at Chernobyl, near Kiev, U.S.S.R.

Happy Retirement, Fabry!

On Saturday, April 15, Rogers was packed for Wine With Sue bass player John Fabry’s last show with the band.

After 20 years and 556 shows with Wine With Sue, Fabry decided now was the time to move on toward retirement. Fabry had been playing with the band since June 14, 2003, when he took over as bass player at The Rugby Clubhouse Sevens tournament after party.

Rogers was standing room only as Rockaway turned out for Fabry’s sendoff. The band rocked out all night, including with a special performance by Fabry’s daughter, Alannah, and he was presented with a cake to celebrate his retirement.

Despite the bittersweet loss of their bass player, Wine With Sue, now approaching their 29th year as a band, will forge ahead and keep the music going.

Nonprofit Seeks Nominations For Well-Deserving Special Needs Parents & Schools

By Kami-Leigh Agard

It takes a special parent to raise a special child, and for the sixth year, local nonprofit, Perfect Piece of the Puzzle (PPoP), is calling on the community to nominate well-deserving parents to be awarded at the organization’s 2023 "You Deserve..." Awards Brunch, happening this year on Saturday, June 17 at The Rockaway Hotel. Also, this will be the first year PPoP is broadening their awardees pool to include schools, who go extra miles to make sure their special-abled students succeed. To top it off, this year’s awards brunch will feature as its keynote speaker, Jason Arday, an autistic British renowned sociologist, who was unable to read or write until the age of 18, yet is now the youngest Black professor ever appointed at England’s University of Cambridge.

In 2016, PPoP was founded by Arverne resident, Trisha Bermudez, mother of a now 10-year-old boy, who

was born with a rare genetic disorder, causing concerns for life-long health issues and severe developmental delays. From doctors, daycare, recreational centers, and schools for her

son, Bermudez knocked on all doors and pounded the pavement to get all the help her son would need to live a fulfilling life. However, frustrated by the dearth of resources, especially in Rockaway, Bermudez founded PPoP to bridge the gap between services and the families who need them. And as a passionate parent advocate, Bermudez said the idea for the organization’s “You Deserve…” Awards Brunch was inspired by her own journey as a parent and others she witnessed in the special-needs advocacy trenches.

Bermudez said, “I want to honor parents that take care of their special-needs children on a day-to-day basis; making sure that they're advocated for and pushing for the best chances for them, whether it be in school or within society. So, the brunch is aimed at rightfully recognizing these parents, who put themselves last by sacrificing their own needs, even something as simple as going to a doctor’s appointment is put on the back burner. Like many parents, I always put my son, Matt, first. As caregivers, our main focus is always our kids and taking care of them, yet never making sure that we’re okay. However, if we’re not okay, our kids won’t be okay. So, this award ceremony is to show parents, we see you. We hear you. We recognize you. You deserve to be seen. You deserve to be heard. You deserve to be celebrated. And this why

our awards brunch is called “You Deserve…”

As for why this year, PPoP is opening nominations to also include schools, Bermudez explained, “During Covid with my son’s remote learning, I started to realize that our schools don’t get recognized for the hard work they invest in our kids. I wanted to put schools in the mix because they are also advocating and pushing for our kids and want the best for them. And there's some really awesome schools out there that don't really get the recognition they deserve. Also, the teachers need to be celebrated too, letting them know that their hard work is being seen and heard.” For example, one local school PPoP has recognized is Waterside Children's Studio School for their Nest Program. The NYC Department of Education’s Nest Program serves students with autism in a classroom with general education students, under the supervision and teaching of one special education teacher and one general education teacher.

In addition, as April is Autism Awareness Month, in conjunction with Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers and the Rockaway YMCA, PPop is hosting an autism sensory event on Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will feature sight, sound and touch activities with a ball pit, live music, face painting, fitness and wellness, and snacks at the Rockaway YMCA (207 Beach 73rd Street). RSVPs must be received by April 24 via email: lmorgan@council. nyc.gov or phone: (718) 527-4356.

For Bermudez, herself heavily accoladed with a plethora of awards for her special-needs advocacy work, even being dubbed, “Queens Person of the Week” by NY1, PPoP’s awards brunch is all about truly giving all caregivers of special-needs individuals the flowers they deserve. “I want these individuals and schools to be appreciated and seen,” Bermudez said.

If you would like to nominate a well-deserving parent of a special-needs child or a school, send in your nominations by visiting PPoP’s website: https://www.perfectpop. org/brunch and for more information, email: info@perfectpop.org

By Katie McFadden

A Sendoff for a Man of God

days he joined “Marty” on the golf course. “Around this time on a Friday, usually Marty, together with priest friends, would be teeing it up. And what a day it would be of joy because the weather is beautiful and God is good and gives us on this day of his very own, a beautiful day that is marked truly by our faith and the fact that this good man, this good priest, this good friend, this good person is with God, and that’s a great joy for all of us,” Bishop Dunne said.

It was a funeral fit for a man of God. Monsignor Martin Geraghty has been laid to rest. On Friday, April 14, friends, family and fellow clergy members all gathered at St. Francis de Sales for the funeral Mass for the former SFDS pastor.

The church was packed on Friday morning as all came to

Bishop Dunne reflected on the highlights of Msgr. Geraghty’s life and career. He spoke of the churches where he served, including St. Francis and St. Robert Bellarmine, among others. He spoke of Msgr. Geraghty’s time as a teacher at Cathedral College in Douglaston, but also his knack for being a good student. He spoke of Marty as a great athlete, and someone who embraced his

day, and isn’t that a particular blessing, when you think about dying and rising, the very moment that Jesus himself rose from the dead—a great sign of God’s love,” Bishop Dunne said.

pay their final respects to Msgr. Geraghty at the church where he served as a pastor for 18 years, up until 2006. As a man of the people, Msgr. Geraghty made many friends in his career, but Bishop John Dunne was given the honor of eulogizing the late monsignor. The sun was shining, and the weather couldn’t be more perfect on Friday, as Bishop Dunne was reminded of the beautiful

Irish culture. He also spoke of his loving family, who was at his side as he passed away peacefully, coincidentally on Easter Sunday, April 9, after a long illness.

“This Sunday, Easter Sunday, after Marty had lingered for a couple of years with his health failing, suddenly things went a little faster, and as Alice and the family were able to be with him, he went with God on Easter Sun -

Most importantly, the bishop spoke of Msgr. Geraghty's faith, his love of God as a priest for 59 years and his love of people. “ Marty was truly a person of deep faith and it was in that deep faith that he was a person of great joy, too, because he knew he was loved by God. He knew it all the time. And it just kept coming for the forefront in the manner of which he took the gifts that God had given to him and used them to the best of his ability as an expression of being close to God, being one who follows the Lord Jesus," Bishop Dunne said. “He was always about the goodness of people. He loved people. He was filled with a sense of welcome. He had a reverence for every life. In everything that he was about, it was in that sense of being someone from the Lord to others, to bring the Lord to others.

“Marty struck me, all of the time, as someone who loved the priesthood. He would be able to be spoken of as a priest’s priest. He stood out. He loved the word of God,” Bishop Dunne said.

Following the Mass, the casket bearing Msgr. Geraghty was carried out of the church by members of the NYPD, as he had served as Chaplain to the NYPD Emerald Society. As he was led out of the church, bagpipes filled the air as a sea of fellow priests in white robes said their goodbyes and Msgr. Geraghty was brought to his final resting place at St. Peters Cemetery in Staten Island.

Photos provided by St. Francis de Sales Church.

Rockaway Track Club Spring Half Marathon & 5K Run a Huge Success

By Charmaine McVeigh

The new amphitheater on Beach 94th Street was the venue for the start of the Rockaway Track Club Spring Half and 5K on Saturday, April 15. Over 200 runners competed in the two events with near perfect weather and a great time was had by spectators and competitors alike.

In the 5K, the top three male finishers were Ronald Dorsett (18:21), Yacine Mehtar-Tani (20:36) and Paolo Capuzi (21:47). The top three female finishers were Palnicia Mendez (26:58), Sarah Lucas (27:14) and Mae Woods (28:25).

In the half marathon, the top male

finishers were Jeff Propert (1:18:24), Francisco Martinez (1:21:06) and Padrig Davies (1:22:23). The top female finishers were Kaitlyn Dibello (1:26:07), Alex Gilgore (1:38:49) and Penelope Maher (1:41:45).

It should be noted that this was 12-year-old Penelope’s first half marathon, and she crushed it! She finished third overall, winning several age groups. She and her father traveled from Summit, New Jersey to run the half and we look forward to seeing them again.

Runners from all over the tri-state came to the event as well as competitors from Ireland, England, Germany, Scotland, Jamaica and Trinidad.

Special kudos to local favorite Steve Gifford who finished his 5,000th half marathon in top form and Father James Rodriguez of St. Rose of Lima who finished the half marathon in style.

Next up, on Saturday, May 13 is the Rose Gurry Mother’s Day 5K, 1 mile walk to benefit rockaway special ath-

letes, and half marathon. Rose Gurry has been an avid supporter of Rockaway running for over half a century and an original volunteer and contributor to Rockaway Special Athletes since its beginning in 1996. All proceeds for this event will go to support all our special athletes.

Thank You, Msgr. Geraghty

Dear Editor:

Back in '88, my friend Jimmy and I were shooting hoops in the schoolyard at night. A new St. Francis De Sales priest appeared and seemed surprised to find two adults shooting around in the dark. (He was new to Rockaway!)

After an intro and quick chat, the priest started to leave when Jimmy asked, "Hey Father, wanna take a shot?" To our surprise, he banked home a 12-footer from the left side. (No, he did not call ‘bank.’)  We offered him a follow, but in his first act of wisdom at St. Francis, Father Martin Geraghty declined. He left the court perfect.

Many of us would benefit from his wisdom in the 18 years that followed. I, for one, am the sort who rarely asks for help, but when my family saw its most difficult times, Father/Monsignor Geraghty was a person I sought out for guidance. We all benefited from his wisdom and compassion when our neighborhood met the terrible challenges of 2001. It was so hard to say goodbye when the Diocese transferred him in 2006.

In 2009, Monsignor Geraghty returned to St. Francis to preside over my father’s funeral. After speaking of my Dad’s endless community service, his final words to my Dad were, “Jack: Take a rest.” To that I say, “Marty: Take a rest.” Well done, good and faithful servant! And thank you.

Paul King

Shame on Antisemitism

Dear Editor:

I read the Rockaway Times, April 13, 2023 article, “Antisemitism Bookends the Peninsula Over Passover Weekend”, including Mr.

Gitter’s report with dismay.

Author, Ursula Hegi, describes life in a small German town during the WWII era through the eyes of a disabled young woman in her book, “Stones From the River.” She witnessed three categories in response to the arrival of Hitler’s propaganda youth to her town.

There were those neighbors who swallowed the propaganda hook, line and sinker. They were willing to view their Jewish neighbors who they grew up with, lived with, and shared a common tranquil existence, as newfound enemies of the Aryan nation.

The second group were opposed to the national movement to demonize and eventually eliminate Jews and other undesirables from Germany and the rest of Europe. The message from Hitler and his emissaries was appalling, but they were unwilling and afraid to stand up for their fellow citizens.

The last group were those heroes who chose to be righteous and protected their Jewish friends and neighbors.

The prevalence of antisemitism in our small and geographically isolated community may come as a surprise to some but it’s real and disturbing. Teens like those Mr. Gitter encountered are victims of their parents’ biases which grows into a feeding frenzy of hate and bigotry, especially when fueled by alcohol. A true shame for a community that shared disasters, loss and a common effort requiring resiliency and bravery. The anti-Semitic sentiment that exists is not the backbone of our community. Bravery, tolerance, empathy and compassion is.

In which of Ursula Hegi’s group do we want our children to be part of? The group that lurks in darkness and exemplifies cowardice or the one that represents the best of humanity and our country?

The ‘museum’ Yad Vashem (in Israel) celebrates those bravest souls of humanity and serves as an example and a beacon. God bless America.

John H.

Untrue Claim

Dear Editor:

I'm a long-time reader and big fan of The Rockaway Times, but I

have to call out an overt untruth printed in the letter section of the April 13, 2023 edition. In the letter "GB Syndrome," submitted by Joseph Mugivan, the writer suggests that Polio is not caused by a virus but is caused by exposure to DDT used in pesticides. This is blatantly untrue and is easily refuted. There is no scientific evidence that Polio is linked to exposure to DDT. Polio is in fact, caused by a single stranded RNA virus and is transmitted by oral contact with bodily secretions or fecal material from an infected person. Most cases are asymptomatic and live in the digestive system. Only 1% of polio virus infections enter the nervous system and become poliomyelitis. The vaccine for polio was introduced in 1955 and is directly credited with the disease being brought under control in America. The idea that FDR had GB Syndrome and not Polio is speculation at best and also can't be proved.

I realize that this letter was submitted by a reader, but it is demonstrably incorrect and warranted at least a footnote from the

editor stating there is no scientific evidence of his assertion.  C'mon RT, keep it real!

Matt Charles

Mail Fraud Confirmed

Dear Editor:

(In reference to Dan Guarino’s check washing fraud article in the March 30 edition of The Rockaway Times) I sent two birthday cards and one letter to a loan company. All three had checks. No one ever received them. I sent a birthday card on March 5 and an Easter card on April 4. No one received them. Both had checks. I could not afford to put stop payments on all. Luckily, I write checks with pen that can’t be washed. So far, none of the original checks were cashed. I didn’t know what to blame: the mailbox on Newport Ave. and Beach 120th Street or the Rockaway Park Post Office. My daughter-in-law lives upstairs and has had two checks that were never received. I called the main Post Office and they said they will investigate. Still waiting.

Georgianna Terra

Facts You Probably D on’t Need

 Hippos are not native to South America but after Pablo Escobar's four pet hippos were allowed to remain unfettered on his estate following his death in 1993, the population exploded. With no natural predators in the area, the hippo population had risen to over 100 by 2019.

 There is an inland island in Canada that is larger in area than the lake in which it is situated.

 In 2004, Yale students disguised themselves as a Harvard pep-squad and pranked Harvard fans into holding up placards as a crowd that together spelled "WE SUCK" at their own game.

 North America beavers can-

not breed with European beavers.

 According to one study, Norway is ranked as the country least likely to be affected by climate change, and Chad is the most vulnerable.

 Domestic sheep have evolved to require humans to shear them. Their wool never sheds unlike their wild counterparts.

 The TV show "Scrubs" used a real phone number on an episode that went to a prepaid cell phone. As a joke, the cast would then take turns answering it when someone called.

Facts by Sean McVeigh, factologist.

Sean Fitzgerald

Direct 917-860-6701

Coastalfitz@gmail.com

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Office: 718-318-5030

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COMING SOON COMING SOON

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Walking distance to stores and bay. Finished yard Offered at $640,000

COMING SOON

Rockaway Park Brick Legal Two Family Offered at $1,125,000

Rockaway Park Apartment

Oceanfront 2 bedroom rental Great Building. $3,100

OFFER ACCEPTED

Neponsit – Three bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, large open eat in kitchen w/ fp, living room, finished basement, attached one car garage, pvt pkg and landscaped grounds $1.3M

Brand New on the Market - Mint Belle Harbor Beach Block 60x100 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with an open layout, living room, kitchen, great room plus den. Two driveways, 2 car garage, inground heated pool! This property has gorgeous ocean views $2.1M

Belle Harbor – Legal 2 on 60x100 lot

Mint one bedroom apt w top 2 floors 6 bed and 4 baths Needs work! $1.3M

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Building on Beach 116th Street with storefront. Think out of the box – Movie Theatre, Roller Rink. Create something great for the neighborhood!!! $2.8M

Belle Shores – Oceanfront duplex condo with open layout with galley kitchen, one large bedroom (can be made into 2), 2 baths plus large top floor terrace $799K

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Call for details

OCEAN VIEWS GALORE / NEPONSIT BEACH BLOCK

Move right in! Great room w/ wbfp, EIK plus den, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, finished basement, in-ground & heated pool & spa, long private driveway, 1 car garage. $2.6M Apartments for

PHOTO SHY

Neponsit Best Block EVER!

IN CONTRACT

This charming home features a tremendous front porch for entertaining, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, full unfinished basement. Two car garage, plus parking for 5 cars. Call for appointment. $1.5M

Legal Two Family Beach 124th Street

Belle Harbor - Unique two family on a beach block with spectacular ocean views. Six rooms, 2 baths with terrace over 6 rooms with 2 baths and front porch. Full basement with washer/dryer, large long driveway and garage. $1.249M

SUMMER RENTAL SUMMER RENTAL

House for RentBeach block $25,000 p/mo

Beautiful renovated Studio

July & August $5,500

BH Upper - Six rooms, 2 bathrooms in a two family house.

July & August $11,000

Belle Harbor - One bedroom apt. July & August $6,000

Six rooms, two baths with dynamic oceanviews. Available May - September $30,000

Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, with front porch, oceanviews, use of backyard.

May - September $35,000

Belle Harbor - legal three family. Every apt is occupied. Large front porch on a beach block. First floor, 2 bedrooms, 2nd and 3rd floors one bedroom apt each. Long private driveway for 5 cars. Great for an investor. Call to take a look. $1.089M

Rockaway Beach - Beach 90th Street. Newly Renovated. Direct Ocean views. One and one half bedrooms.

Belle Harbor - Beautiful two bedrooms, brand new kitchen and bathroom. Available 5/1 includes seasonal parking. (plus utilities). Mint condition

Belle Harbor - 6 rooms, two baths with w&d

Rockaway Beach - One bedroom, beach block with laundry and parking

Belle Harbor - Beach block, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, two large terraces, w/d, parking. Fully furnished.

Rockaway Beach - 3 rooms behind a store.

Rockaway Park - Beach block, two bedrooms, fully furnished with parking, wi , utilities included.

HOUSE FOR RENT

Belle Harbor -Six rooms, large living room/dining room, two full bathrooms, family room, plus w/d, use of backyard Year round parking for two cars $4,200

OPEN HOUSE - BEACH BLOCK 80'X100'

SPECTACULAR MOTHER DAUGHTER - BEACH BLOCK BEAUTY! This Stately BEACH BLOCK 6BR, 5.5 bath home was recently renovated and has over 3,400 sq. ft. of delightful living space. All the rooms are bright and spacious with high ceilings, recessed lighting, 2 wood burning fireplaces, gorgeous wood floors and 2 large balconies with ocean views. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and can accommodate a large swimming pool for entertaining all your family and friends. $1,950,000

ROCKAWAY PARK - 60'x100' - R7A - C1-3 Exciting opportunity to own and develop this iconic property on Beach 116th St. $3,995,000

ROCKAWAY PARK - FREE BUILD OUT! Large office space with a private parking lot! Approximately 4,400 sq ft. $11,000

ROCKAWAY PARK - 40'x100' - R7A - C1-3 Renovate or develop a new building, choice is yours! Condo's? Apartments? $2,800,000

Lic. Broker-Owner: Lisa Jackson Lic. Associate Brokers: Barbara Ferguson • Nia Casilla • Colleen Brady • Tracy Czik Lic. RE Agents: Joseph Magiera • Zachary Plattner • Carol Feintisch Samantha Benanti • Jack Brandes • Nicole Switzer

B. 146: 7BR, 7BA, jacuzzi, doublewide driveway & outdoor shower (LJ) $55,000

B. 123: Modern 2BR, 1Bath with loft, futon in LR, shared deck, yard & laundry (TC) $29,000

B. 140: Beach Block CHC with 5BR, 4BA, full bsmt pool (BF) $25,000

B. 123: Stylish studio, EIK, shared yard, bsmt & laundry (TC) $19,000

B. 141: Gorgeous 5BR, 3.5BA house rental with 2 decks, long private drive. (LJ) $7,000

ABTS: 2BR, 1BA duplex, private ocean view rooftop deck and home office (BF) $3,000

B. 118: Beach block 2BR, 1BA apt with all utilities included and shared W&D (CF) $3,000

B. 134: 2BR, 1.5BA apt with finished basement, W&D and private driveway (JM) $3,000

B. 125: Top flr 3BR, 2BA, HW floors and terrace with city views (LJ)

B. 91: 2BR, 1.5BA newly renovated duplex apt with SS appliances and W&D (CF) $2,450

B. 96: Corner 1BR, 1BA, views of Jamacia Bay and shared laundry (CF) $2,426

ABTS: Oceanfront 2BR, 2BA apt with W&D and ocean views (SB) . . . .

B. 122: Beach block furnished 2BR, 1BA shared yard and storage shed (BF)

B. 141: High End 5BR, 3.5BA home with 2 outdoor decks and private drive. (LJ) $16,500

B. 120th: Renovated 5BR, 4 bath with a front porch and decked yard (CB) $14,000

B. 117: 2BR, 1BA seasonal or long term rental in multi family. Includes all utilities (TC) $3,500

B. 117: First floor 2BR, 1BA in multi family home (TC) $3,250

B. 121: Penthouse 1BR, 1BA co-op, HW floors. Board Approval. (BF) $2,200

B. 121: 1BR, 1BA co-op, oceanfront building, HW floors, Board approval. (BF) $2,000

Brooklyn: Spacious and bright 1BR, 1BA apt in Georgetown (TC) $1,900

Brooklyn: 1BR, 1.5BA condo Bergen Beach with SS appliances (TC) $1,900

B. 96: 1BR, 1BA apt in elevator building with parking available (CF) $1,813

B. 74: 1BR, 1BA tons of natural light and HW floors (SB) $1,800

B. 125: Second floor 1BR, 1BA rental with HW floors (TC)

B. 118: Studio co-op with sleeping cove and views of the water (NS)

B. 93: Charming 1BR, 1BA HW floors and W/D in building (SB)

Broker-Owner: Lisa Jackson Lic. Associate Brokers: Barbara Ferguson

Colleen Brady

Associate Real Estate Broker

Rebuilding

the Rock aways -

See this fully gut renovated 2 family Townhome with �nished basement

Hurricane Forecast is not very favorable this year! Everyone needs to get a flood policy!

Ten (10) rooms, �ve (5) bedrooms, four (4) full bathrooms. Completely new, and affordable. Minutes to all amenities, shops, beach, bus & ferr y. Only $809,000.

FHA & VA Welcome Call for your appointment.

Summer Rentals: Call Susan 347-260-3891

• B130’s - 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, use of indent parking

• B130’s – Studio, use of yard and parking

• Rockaway Park -2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

• Belle Harbor summer house rental

OCEANFRONT CONDO

OPEN HOUSE:

Seavon Condo | 118-14 Ocean Prom., Unit 4A Sunday, April 23rd | 12:00pm -1:30pm

Enjoy living at the beach in this

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Call Susan 347-260-3891

BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT STUDIO COOP

SOLD $225,000

Call Bronagh 718-877-6324

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Rockaway Park - Oceanfront two bedroom, two bathroom condo with indoor deeded parking spot. $675K CALL SUSAN 347-260-3891

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APARTMENTS

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$1,100 - $1,400

Beach 120’s – two bedroom, oceanfront w/terrace, no pets, pay electric. Available May 1st

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Belle Harbor Charming ONE FAMILY. Three floors of living space, includes; 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, large living room with wood burning fireplace, formal dining room, eat in kitchen, hardwood floors, semi finished basement, garage, deck and yard.

Asking $975,000. Call Susan 347-260- 3891

Beach Block Legal Two Owner apartment, 2 or 3 bedrooms, renovated kitchen, large living room and dining room, semi finished basement with half bath. Rental apartment: 2 bedrooms, large living room with terrace, and bonus space on top floor, 3 extra rooms. $965,000 Call Kate 917-680-8051

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Rockaway Community to Remember the Holocaust on April 23

On Sunday evening, April 23, the Rockaway community will gather for a Holocaust Remembrance program in commemoration of Yom HaShoah in the Temple Beth-El Sanctuary at 201 Beach 121st Street.

Over 80 years ago, the Holocaust began, and education remains one of the vital components in dealing with hate and bias. Accordingly, the topic of the evening will be, “Antisemitism - Are Schools Doing Their Job.”

The famous author, Dr. Eli Wiesel, said, “Let us be a voice, not an echo. Let us not be bystanders but let us step forward and speak out.” In this spirit, we ask you to spread the word to your neighbors, children and grandchildren, to join the community April 23 for an evening of memory, hope and unity.

The evening will feature a very

moving candle lighting ceremony, clergy remarks and a youth cantata. Three keynote speakers will highlight the program as they relate their recent encounters with antisemitism. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the event begins at 7 p.m.

The event is co-sponsored by West End Temple, Temple Beth-El of Rockaway Park, Rockaway Jewish Community, Jewish War Veterans and is held in accordance with the National Days of Remembrance as designated by Congress. All are welcome. Masks are optional.

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As a trained sound healer, I get many questions about how it all works. Very often, clients come curiously into a session with little to no understanding of what sound healing even is, and they end up having an undeniably real and visceral healing experience. Pleasantly surprised and a bit perplexed, they start to wonder: “What was that and how is it possible?” In today’s article, I unveil the tip of the iceberg as to why and how sound healing with a trained practitioner can be so medicinal.

Ancient mystics and present-day quantum physicists agree that

everything in our universe is in a state of vibration. Just because we cannot hear a sound does not mean that it doesn’t exist. To back this up, let's take the example of dolphins. Dolphins can receive and produce frequencies greater than 180,000hz, which is 10x the maximum hearing level of humans. While humans are unable to hear full dolphin conversations because they are outside of our audible range, cutting edge technology has proven that these conversations are in fact taking place.

So, everything, from the tiny atom to the massive planet, is vibration.

THE CASH BUYER

By Robin Shapiro

SUMMER EFFECTS

Cash buyers should be CHERISHED. The cash buyer avoids roadblocks which afflict transactions when the buyer has difficulty obtaining a mortgage. There can be a problem with the Certificate of Occupancy: In Rockaway, there are homes which do not have C of O’s because they were built before C of O’s were necessary. This shouldn’t present a problem to the mortgage company – but issues with this can arise. Was there construction done without proper permits? Are there building department “violations?”

The summer season has mixed effects on the Rockaway real estate market. On the one hand, we are a beachfront community and the draw of the summer activities does bring people here for: beaches, swimming, cycling, running, surfing, organized teams for kids and adults (although the pandemic may crimp some of these this year; thankfully the “end” is in sight). On the other hand, some sellers are reluctant to sell during the summer because they enjoy the aforementioned activities and don’t want to give them up so fast!

federal taxes were paid, last 12 months bank statements, last few months brokerage statements, last two years tax returns and W-2s, check stubs, CPA certification statement, etc.

It can be harder to sell real estate during the summer due to vacations by buyers and sellers alike. Summer activities can also occupy people instead of allowing them to focus on the home sale process.

The spring season has been generally good for our real estate market. There has been action across the board in all price categories with an emphasis on the range below $1 million (approx). Prices have firmed up within the framework of recent comparable sales and in some cases are creeping higher. Inventory levels remain very low. Call me, Love, Robin. 718-490-9463

Cash buyers avoid paperwork snafus that can haunt buyers with even the best credit. Mortgage banks can ask for hard to source documents: proof that

The human body is its own complex vibratory system. Bones, tissues, organs, and the other various parts each have their own specific resonant frequencies (native songs, if you will). I invite you to think of the body as an orchestra, where each bodily system makes up a section. When the body is balanced, it plays in harmony, and we say we are of “sound health.” However, when even one part of one section (of the body) is vibrating out of tune, the whole orchestra (body) is thrown off and we enter a state of “dis-ease.”

In terms of resonance, the human body falls into a category called “forced resonance.” This means that it responds to and is affected by the different frequencies that it is exposed to. Start to pay attention to how you feel in different environments. You may be surprised to notice how simply being in certain places or with certain people can affect your state of wellbeing.

Comparable sales don’t affect the deal for cash buyers because there’s no bank appraisal – no mortgage is needed! If the house doesn’t comp out, then the buyer can’t obtain a large enough mortgage. This may necessitate a renegotiation of the contract to a lower price. Alternatively, the buyer has to find additional funding. Sometimes the deal blows up with no penalty to either the buyer or the seller – except for the loss of time, effort, and some legal costs. Call me. Love, Robin..

body’s own resonant frequencies. For those unfamiliar with this term, “entrainment” is when strong vibrations of one object change those of another, leading the second object to synchronize with the first.

In my practice, I work predominantly with top tier singing bowls and the voice to bring my clients into balance and alignment.

Each bowl I use is very intentionally selected for its own natural vibration (a product of its composition [what crystals, earth minerals, and/or precious gemstones it is made of], note, and frequency). I do my best to keep my own body a clear and healthy vessel so that, combined with the powerful vibrations of the bowls, my clients’ bodies can synchronize with the pure, healing resonance I offer in a sound bath.

our future is on the ballot

Ranked choice voting is here!

Knowing this information is actually quite exciting and it is a big part of why sound baths can be so healing. Since our vibrating bodies respond to frequencies, we can use “entrainment” to rejuvenate and restore the

Nowyou can rank your favorite candidates and have a greater impact on our election. Learn more at: voting.nyc

The science behind sound goes much deeper, but I find even the tip of the iceberg to be fascinating. If this article got you curious too, I invite you to come check out a sound bath at Ocean Bliss Yoga, happening the third Wednesday of each month. Browse offerings on our website and reach out with any questions (917) 318-1168.

718-634-1737

718-843-3211

161-11 Crossbay Blvd

Howard Beach, NY 11414

PAW PRINTS byTerriEstes SUMMER SAFETY FOR YOUR DOG

Let’s face it, our dogs love summer fun just as much as we do. The chance to get out and frolic in the sun and surf, or hike in the park is every dog’s dream. But there are always a few things to take into consideration when planning your canine play day. For instance, if you plan on spending time at the beach with your dog, be sure to bring along plenty of fresh water and a bowl for your pup to drink from. Ingesting too much salt wa-

ter can be fatal to dogs. Another thing to consider is the temperature. Dogs can overheat quickly, especially in direct sunlight. Make sure you have access to a shady area if you are going on an extended outing with your dog. It is important to note that in Rockaway, dogs are only allowed on the beach from October 1 through May 1. Dogs must also be leashed at all times and the leash must not exceed six feet in length. In Breezy

Point, dogs are allowed on the beach in the summertime, before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m., but must be always leashed.

There are several dog parks in Rockaway Beach including the popular off-leash dog area located at Beach 86th Street and Shore Front Parkway. It is open yearround and offers plenty of space for dogs to run and play. There is also a website called BringFido that has a huge list of dog friendly hiking trails in New York. These kinds of activi-

ties can be so rewarding and fun for both owner and dog if proper planning takes place. Always avoid hot pavement, asphalt and sand. If it Is too hot for your bare feet, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Try and plan your canine activity in the cooler hours of the day. This will be more comfortable for you as well as your dog. Be responsible dog owners. We should be mindful of those around us and keep our dogs under control at all times. I know it is hard to believe, but not everyone finds Sparky as cuddly and irresistible as you do. However, if you do allow your dog off leash while hiking, there are some great GPS tracking collars on the market so, if your dog gets lost, he can be easily located. One more thing - please, always clean up after your pets!

Now, get out there and enjoy the fresh air with your four-legged friends!

FUN ANIMAL FACT:

The Emperor Penguin is the largest of the penguins and one of the largest birds in the world. An adult can measure up to four feet tall and weigh 100 lbs.

Grand Opening of Labyrinth By The Sea Set for May 6

On Saturday, May 6, thousands of people will participate in the fifteenth annual World Labyrinth Day as a moving meditation for peace, and Rockaway will be celebrating with the official grand opening of the Labyrinth By The Sea!

The labyrinth walk is an ancient symbolic tool for healing and wholeness. To experience the benefits of the labyrinth, follow the path walking slowly towards the center, release concerns and let go. Stand quietly in the center seeking a peaceful space within. Retracing your steps out, be open to receive new insights, peace and healing.  Labyrinths are found throughout the world with the oldest dating back thousands of years. In contemporary use, labyrinths provide an opportunity for personal reflection, spiritual practice and the reduction of stress, and associated mental/emotional and physical ailments.

This month, Rockaway took its place in history as Labyrinth By

The Sea opened in the beautifully restored NYC Parks facility along Shore Front Parkway. Dr. Nancy Gahles, founder of Health & Harmony Wellness Education, a holistic family practice in Rockaway and Spirit of Love, the Rockaway Sangha, a community spiritual center, is the visionary creator of the Labyrinth By The Sea in Rockaway. “The journey of walking the labyrinth offers possibilities for healing and self-care that are unique to the experience of the individual. There is no right or wrong way. There is only YOUR way,” she said. “When you travel on the path, something happens. You come to a place where your thoughts arise, awareness manifests and self- realized actions follow.”

Her dedication to finding a place where the community can gather for healing and building resilience within the natural environment of the beach was galvanized into action with the help of Robby Schwach, City Council Community

Liaison and Portia Dyrenforth, NYC Parks Dept.

“Persistence and you never fail!”, Dr. Nancy says, as a decade later, she joyfully announces the grand opening of Labyrinth By The Sea in conjunction with World Labyrinth Day on Saturday May 6 at 1 p.m. on Shore Front Parkway and Beach 93rd Street in Rockaway Beach.

World Labyrinth Day is an international event held on the first Saturday each May. Participants from all over the world will “Walk as One at 1” by walking a labyrinth at 1 p.m. local time to create a rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one time zone to the next around the globe. “This is climate change in action”, Dr. Nancy exclaims.

Labyrinth walkers may choose to participate in the Big Connection 3.0 research project, the first global humanity research experiment utilizing the labyrinth and asking the question, “What is the impact of walking the labyrinth collectively with heart centered intention and

the impact that it has for ourselves and our planet?” Here is information on participating in Labyrinth Activism research https://www. legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Organizations, healers, healthcare institutions, educators, spiritual and religious communities who have an interest in discovering how the gifts of the labyrinth may benefit their people are invited to set up a table at the event with educational materials.

For more information, contact Nancy Gahles at: nancygahles@ gmail.com

Snacks McVeigh

Denim Day

On Saturday, April 22, head to the Hammel Playground on Beach 84th Street and Rockaway Beach Blvd. for Denim Day, a day of solidarity against sexual assault and domestic violence. There will be speakers, performances, a self-defense seminar, Zumba, Yoga, food, music, puppetry and more. After party at The Rose Den.

Floyd Bennett Field Hike

On Sunday, April 23 at 10 a.m., head to the Ryan Visitor Center (1 Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn). Spend your morning on an energetic hike with a Park Ranger and investigate the natural and cultural history of Floyd Bennett Field's North side. Break for a lunch at Hangar B and then explore the South side.

I-Spy Spring at Bayswater Park

On Sunday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., head to Bayswater State Point Park (14-79 Point Breeze Place) and celebrate Earth Day with JBRPC on a guided nature walk at with urban ecol-

ogist Marielle Anzelone. All attendees will leave with a free copy of JBRPC’s Common Plants and Pollinators of Jamaica Bay and Rockaway: A Field Guide, and new skills to identify the plants and animals who live around us!

Walk for Autism

On Sunday, April 23, Rockaway Beach Autism Families is hosting the first Autism walk. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 11 a.m. on the boardwalk at Beach 96th Street. Sign up early at: www.rockawaybeachautismfamilies.org

Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance

On Sunday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m., head to Temple Beth-El Sanctuary (201 Beach 121st Street) for a Holocaust Remembrance program with the theme: “Antisemitism: Are Schools Doing Their Job?” There will also be a candle lighting ceremony, clergy remarks and a youth cantata. All are welcome.

100th Precinct Community Council

On Wednesday, April 26 at 7 p.m., the 100th Precinct Community Council will hold its next monthly meeting on Zoom. Email vp100pctcc@gmail.com for access info.

Morning Moves at RISE

On Mondays at 11 a.m., head to the RISE Center (58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd.) to join Ann Fosteris’ Fitness to You class. Masks required inside RISE.

JASA Weekly Yoga

On Mondays at 11 a.m. and Fridays at 11:30 a.m., adults 60+ are welcome to JASA Rockaway Park Older Adult Center (106-20 Shore Front Parkway) for weekly Yoga with Cynthia. Open to Adults 60 +. To register, call: 718-634-3044.

JASA Weekly Arts

On Thursdays at 10 a.m., adults 60+ are welcome to JASA Rockaway Park Older Adult Center (106-20 Shore Front Parkway) for weekly painting/arts and crafts.

Let your creativity be free! To RSVP and for more details, call: 718-634-3044.

Hangar B Tour

On Sundays through May 28, at 10 a.m., head to Hangar B at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn to join a Park Ranger for a tour of Hangar B and the aircraft inside, which are part of Floyd Bennett Field’s aviation history.

Core on the Floor

On Mondays from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., head to the RISE Center (58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd.) for a free core and lower body class with Ann Fosteris of Fitness to You. All are welcome! Bring a mat. Masks required inside RISE.

Chair Movement Class

On Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., head to Temple Beth-El (201 Beach 121st Street) and breathe, balance, move and stretch in this chair yoga class led by Christine Walker. Donation based. Got events? Send an email to katie@ rockawaytimes.com with details for consideration to be listed.

LEGAL NOTICES

SILVER YOUNG HOLDINGS LLC Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 03/18/2023. Office in Queens Co. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 136-20 38th Avenue, Suite 3A-1, Flushing, NY 11354 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Linmar’s Educational Tutoring Center LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/7/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 223-36 106th Ave., Queens Village, NY 11429. General Purpose.

Notice of Formation of GM FF II, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/3/23. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 42-15 235th St, Douglaston, NY 11363. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of Clique Studios NYC LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on August 2, 2022 Office location: Queens County, NY. SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 144-15 243rd Street, Rosedale NY 11422. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

JUNOMRJ PROPERTIES LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/23/2023. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Yury Tsadyk, 6846 Juno Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of PEEK A BOO EI LLC, Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/22/2022. Office location: Queens, NY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 141-28 71st Avenue, Flushing NY 11367. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of JRPP LLC, Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY) on 4/3/2023. Office location: Queens, NY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to JRPP LLC, 8302 Cornish Ave Apt 3D, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of RemoteAir Hvac LLC, Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on March 15, 2023. Office location: Queens, NY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to RemoteAir LLC, 3110 75th St, East Elmhurst, NY 11370. Any lawful purpose.

14-20 130 STREET LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/30/23. 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, 55 Bregman Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Zhong Geng LLC, Arts of Org.filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/14/2023.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 47-45 189th St., Flushing, NY 11358. General Purpose

144 Sheridan Ave LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 10/27/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Dragisa Fljankovic, 156-51 78th St., Howard Beach, NY 11414. General Purpose

Notice of Formation of ALPHABET GROUP LLC Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 06/21/2022. Office location: QUEENS County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 13211 101ST AVE, FL 2, SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, NY, UNITED STATES, 11419 Purpose: Any lawful activity.

LEGAL NOTICES

Be Rockaway Enterprises LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/04/2016. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 114-04 Beach Channel Dr., Rockaway Park, NY 11694 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

1566 LGP, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/5/2023.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 3636 Main St., Flushing, NY 11354. General Purpose

DIVISION OF BRIDGES INVITATION FOR BIDS

Marine When and Where Structural Repairs and Other Miscellaneous Work in Five Boroughs Contract No. HBCY106

NYCPIN: 84123MBBR555

EPIN: 84123B0002

84123B0002-84123MBBR555 – Marine When and Where Structural Repairs and Other Miscellaneous Work in Five Boroughs: This Competitive Sealed Bid is released through PASSPort, New York City’s online procurement portal. Responses to this Bid must be submitted via PASSPort. To access the Competitive Sealed Bid, vendors should visit the PASSPort public Portal at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/mocs/systems/about-go-to-passport.page and click on the “Search Funding Opportunities in PASSPort”. D oing so will take one to the public portal of all procurements in the P ASSPort system.

T o locate the Competitive Sealed Bid, insert the EPIN, 84123B0002, into the Keyword search field. In order to respond to the Competitive Sealed Bid, vendors must createan account within the PASSPort system if they have not already done so.

A pre-bid conference via ZOOM is scheduled for 04/27/23 at 10:00 am. Those wishing to attend must email the authorized agency contact for a link.

The deadline for the submission of questions is 05/03/23 by 4:00 pm.

The bid due date submission via P ASSPort is 05/16/23 by 11:00 am.

This procurement is subject to M/WBE participation goals. The MBE goal is 2% and WBE goal is 2% for this project.

Any inquiries concerning this Competitive Sealed Bid should be directed by email, under the subject line “Marine When and Where Structural Repairs and Other Miscellaneous Work ” to the email address of the Authorized Agency Contact, Navneet Kumar, at nkumar@dot.nyc.gov

Eric Adams, Mayor Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our very dear friend John Reidy who passed away at the VA hospital in Manhattan, after a brief illness. John was a kind and gentle soul who loved animals, old movies and reading. He will be sorely missed by all his friends in Rockaway, especially his buddies at the Harbor Light. John’s wishes were that there would be no wake or funeral service for him. Please just say a prayer for him, may he Rest In Peace. We love you John xoxo

Public Notice

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has received a Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) application from EC F1 Parcel, L.L.C. for a site known as 51-17 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, site ID #C241271. This site is located in Queens within the County of Queens, and is located at 51-17 Rockaway Beach Boulevard. Comments regarding this application must be submitted no later than May 19, 2023. Access the application and other relevant documents online through the DECinfo Locator: https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C241271/. The documents also are available at the document repository located at Queen Public Library-Far Rockaway, 1003 Beach 20th Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 and Queens Community Board 14, 1931 Mott Avenue, Rm. 311, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. Information regarding the site and how to submit comments can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/60058.html or send comments to Javier Perez-Maldonado, Project Manager, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-7016; Javier.perez-maldonado@dec.ny.gov; or call 518-402-8172.

To have information such as this notice sent right to your email, sign up with county email listservs available at www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/61092.html.

El Departamento de Conservación Ambiental (DEC) del Estado de Nueva York ha recibido una Solicitud del Programa de limpieza de terrenos baldíos (BCP) de EC F1 Parcel, L.L.C. para un sitio conocido como 51-17 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, sitio ID #C241271. Este sitio está ubicado en Queens dentro del condado de Queens, y está ubicado en 51-17 Rockaway Beach Bulevar. Los comentarios sobre esta solicitud deben enviarse a más tardar en mayo. 19, 2023. Acceda a la solicitud y otros documentos relevantes en línea a través del Localizador de DECinfo: https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/DecDocs/C241271/. Los documentos también están disponibles en el depósito de documentos ubicado en Queen Public Library-Far Rockaway, 1003 Beach 20th Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 y Queens Community Junta 14, 1931 Mott Avenue, Rm. 311, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. Información sobre el sitio y cómo enviar comentarios se pueden encontrar en http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/60058.html o enviar comentarios a Javier Perez- Maldonado, Gerente de Proyecto, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-7016; javier.perez-maldonado@dec.ny.gov; o llame al 518-402-8172. Para recibir información como este aviso directamente en su correo electrónico, regístrese en County listas de correo electrónico disponibles en www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/61092.html.

Ask the DOC Coffee

By Peter Galvin, MD

Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world, yet little is known about its acute health effects. There has always been an assumed relationship between (caffeinated) coffee consumption and cardiac ectopy. The word ectopy refers to “extra” heartbeats. A normal human heart beats at a set rate with the same time interval between each beat. That set interval is required because the heart’s internal pacemaker (the SA node) must electrically reset itself before the next beat can be generated. This resetting process is called repolarization and can be traced on an EKG. When an “extra” or premature beat

occurs before the next regularly scheduled beat, that scheduled beat does not occur because the heart does not have enough time to reset or repolarize. Therefore, the time interval between the premature beat and the next regular beat is longer than normal, causing the heart to overfill with blood, making that next regular beat stronger than normal. This stronger beat is often felt by the individual in the form of a thump or flutter. Premature beats can either have an atrial source (PAC, or premature atrial contraction) or ventricular (PVC, or premature ventricular contraction). It has long been thought that PACs may be a predictor or risk factor for atrial fibrillation, and PVCs for heart failure.

In many observational studies, coffee consumption has been associated with lower rates of dia-

betes and (early) death, a finding that is often attributed to the possibility that caffeine stimulates increased physical activity. Coffee may also suppress effective sleep, but objective measurements of this relationship in natural environments (i.e., not in a sleep lab) are scarce. Recently, results of the CRAVE (Coffee and Real-time Atrial and Ventricular Ectopy) trial, done at the UCSF Medical School, were published. Participants were randomized into two groups – one that consumed caffeinated coffee, and one that avoided it. All participants wore continuous recording EKG patches (Zio XT Patch or iRhythm) for the duration of the study. The study results found that among the healthy adult volunteers the consumption of caffeinated coffee did not result in more daily PACs. Daily coffee consumption was associated, however, with increased recorded daily steps taken, fewer minutes of sleep per night, and more daily PVCs (among those who consumed more than one cup of coffee per day).

Cardiac ectopy is a nearly universal human phenomenon, and, as mentioned above, PACs are a predictor of atrial fibrillation and PVCs heart failure. Studies, including this one, have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation than non-coffee drinkers, a finding that has been attributed to the anti-inflammatory and antivagal (vagus nerve) effects of coffee, as evidence supports the roles of both inflammation and vagal tone as harbingers of atrial arrythmias. Also, as other studies have shown, consumption of more than one cup of coffee per day is linked to increased rates of PVCs, a fact that has yet to be fully explained. Finally, study after study has shown that coffee drinkers have lower rates of diabetes and live longer, facts also not yet fully understood. So, it’s a safe bet that one cup of coffee per day will have a beneficial effect on most people. Please direct questions and comments to editor@rockawaytimes.com

Life With Our “Artistic” Child

By Kami-Leigh Agard

The Autism ‘Puzzle’

April is Global Autism Month and one emblem you’ll likely see blazoned everywhere is the puzzle piece. After reading many blogs and listening to opinions about the puzzle symbol, I became curious as to its origin and why so many people vehemently loathe it. For example, an autistic woman said, “I hate the puzzle piece with every fiber of my being because it makes me feel that I don’t belong.”

Here’s a little history. In 1963, the puzzle piece was first adopted in London, England as the logo of the National Autistic Society. At the time, the organization stated, “The puzzle piece is so effective because it tells us something about autism: our children are handicapped by a puzzling condition that isolates them from normal human contact and therefore they do not ‘fit in.’”

Then, three decades later, in 1999, the Autism Society of America adopted the puzzle piece ribbon as a symbol of autism awareness. They stated, “The puzzle piece reflects the complexity of the autism spectrum. The different colors and shapes represent the diversity of the people and families living with the condition.”

The most recognized use of the puzzle piece is through one of the largest, immensely funded organizations, Autism Speaks. Since its founding in 2005, they have used the blue puzzle piece as their logo

on advertising campaigns with the National Basketball Association, and in their well-promoted Autism nationwide walks. Note that numerous autistic individuals and their families shun Autism Speaks because of their negative viewpoints about autism. For example, their “I am Autism” advertising campaign promulgated that autism “robs children of their dreams,” and that autistic children “live behind a wall.” Some people also question Autism Speaks for promoting the color blue as the color of Autism Awareness Month. As one autistic self-advocate blogger stated, “Blue implies that autism only appears in males or that males are more autistic than females.”

After many evolutions in design and meaning over the years, today, the puzzle piece has been co-opted by numerous autism advocacy organizations, including the local organization I founded, Rockaway Beach Autism Families. Our logo has the puzzle piece embedded with an ocean wave, a nod to our ocean-side home, Rockaway Beach.

As a mother of a 14-year-old on the spectrum, and my many exchanges with autistic individuals and their families, in my humble opinion—autism is a puzzle.

For example, Grace Moroney, an exceptionally intelligent and talented local 22-year-old on the spectrum, further opened my eyes to the vastness of the spec-

trum and why it’s indeed a puzzle. Recently, she shared the following with me: “I just found out that I was autistic last year. Though I always knew I felt different, and now I know why, it still was a shock. I know I’m intelligent. When it comes to schoolwork, I’m great, but as for socializing with other kids, I’ve always had trouble making friends. Sometimes, autistic people get misdiagnosed, and they end up getting subscribed medicine for schizophrenia or clinical depression. However, as I learned more about autism, I discovered that a lot of famous people are autistic, such as Tim Burton and Einstein. Autism shouldn't be something people should be ashamed of or be judged by. It's a part of you. We just see and react to the world differently. This is why I believe both autism awareness and acceptance are important.”

In a Time Magazine op-ed, Jeffrey Lurie, chairman and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles, hit the nail on the head with this: “What

do football, political polarization and autism have in common? They all illuminate aspects of the human condition, explaining who we are, where we are headed and the hurdles along the way.”

As human beings, so-called neurotypical or not, we are all puzzles, oftentimes, struggling to understand why we are who we are.

I look forward to when more of the puzzle pieces start interlocking so individuals like Grace and my daughter discover more about themselves. While I don’t agree with the notion that the last puzzle piece should be the “cure” for autism, I overall embrace the symbol because it manifests the autistic community's “artistic” wonders.

This Sunday, April 23 at 11 a.m., join Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Beach 96th Street and the boardwalk for Rockaway’s first-ever oceanside Walk for Autism. To register and for more info, visit: www.rockawaybeachautismfamilies.org or Facebook event page: “Rockaway Beach Autism Families Walk for Autism.”

Baked Dijon Crusted Salmon

By Sharon Feldman

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 pounds of coho salmon (or sockeye or king, your preference) (can be individual filets)

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (you can use avocado)

• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine the parsley, mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper and mix.

Place the salmon on a parchment lined baking sheet. Coat the top of the salmon with the herbed mustard mix.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Bake the salmon (depending on thickness) 1820 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

By Kami-Leigh Agard

Spring your Rockaway Good Times crawl with our weekly entertainment roundup below! Here’s a tip—this Sunday, come out to Rockaway’s first-ever Walk for Autism on the boardwalk with Rockaway Beach Autism Families, plus after-party at RBQ!

LIVE MUSIC

THURSDAY, April 20 7 p.m.

It’s almost Friday! So, why be moody when you can shake your booty, belting out songs with live karaoke band, Dan and Rich, at Tap That!

111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

THURSDAY, April 20 7 p.m.

Fun fact! April is considered to be the month of new beginnings because the zodiac cycle restarts from this very month. So, calling all April birthday peeps! Dance to new beginnings with the New York Dippers and DJ Baroque at the Rose Den.

174 Beach 116th Street

FRIDAY, April 21 5 p.m.

Magic Bones is back at The Sugar Bowl with their scorching lineup of classic rock, country, Motown, soul, old-school hiphop medleys and more!

15 Bedford Ave, Breezy Point

FRIDAY, April 21 7 p.m.

Don’t worry, ‘beer’ happy, as the RockA-Wades brew your favorite rock classics at The BayHouse.

500 Bayside Drive, Breezy Point

FRIDAY, April 21 7 p.m.

Gear up for an evening of self-poured brews and WLIR radio-era tunes with The Knobs jammin’ your alternative rock favorites at Tap That.

111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

FRIDAY, April 21

8 p.m.

Rockaway’s new hot spot, The Rose Den, serves up a special treat with local music legend, John Simonelli, accompanied by Patsy.

174 Beach 116th Street

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023

ROCKAWAY GOOD TIMES

FRIDAY, April 21 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

These girls are on fire! Don’t miss Breezy’s Pointers tonight at Bar Marseille!

190 Beach 69th Street

FRIDAY, April 21 9 p.m.

Winston McBoogie swaggers into Rogers with his boogalicious rock/Motown lineup.

203 Beach 116th Street

SATURDAY, April 22

5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Don’t miss Patti Blue and The Boyz as they make their debut at The Rose Den!

174 Beach 116th Street

SATURDAY, April 22 7 p.m.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled night of bay views, food, and tunes with a side of laughs, spring your Saturday night at The BayHouse with rock and roll townies, Mixed Bag.

500 Bayside Drive, Breezy Point

SATURDAY, April 22 7 p.m.

Fire up your Saturday night at Tap That with guitar duo, Aerial Acoustics’ sizzling lineup of classic rock, pop, progressive covers, plus originals.

111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

SATURDAY, April 22 8 p.m. to Midnight Head midtown to boulevard barbecue spot, RBQ, as Harry McDonald’s Locals Rule band whips in with their classic rock jams.

97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

SATURDAY, April 22 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Hell or High Water is back at Rogers driving your Saturday night fun into Sunday morning with good ol’ fashioned rock and roll, chased with a bluesy swamp vibe.

203 Beach 116th Street

SUNDAY, April 23 4 p.m.

Make the Rock-A-Wades’ sing-a-long jam at Rogers your soundtrack, bidding adieu to another memorable Rockaway weekend!

203 Beach 116th Street

ONGOING

Wine WEDNESDAYS

8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Bask in an evening of rhythmic storytelling with Ireland’s Cork-born renowned folk songsmith, Niall Connolly at Sayra’s.

91-11 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Selfie SATURDAYS

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Savor West Indian Island vibes at Dred Surfer’s, “Caribbean Soiree,” every Saturday, featuring seafood and drink specials, plus, reggae vibrations by Eyez A Bleed. Rain or shine. Free entry.

16-27 Seagirt Blvd, Far Rockaway (Beach 17th Concession)

SPECIAL MENTIONS

BELLE HARBOR YACHT CLUB PRESENTS COMEDY NIGHT

FRIDAY, April 21

9 p.m.

The Belle Harbor Yacht has had folks laughing since 2005 with their comedy shows, and tonight’s show will be even more epic, featuring sidesplitting laughs with stand-up comedians Jimmy Q, Alli Breen and Joe DeVito. These famous comedians have appeared on HBO, Comedy Central and more! Tickets are $25 for BHYC members/ $30 for guests of members. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Email: suzysmart@verizon.net or call: (347) 260-3891. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts promptly at 9 p.m.

533 Beach 126th Street

ROCKAWAY FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES EARTH DAY SATURDAY, April 22 6 p.m. / 8 p.m.

The Rockaway Film Festival celebrates Earth Day with mushrooms in mind. At 6 p.m., the Arverne Cinema serves up mushroom burgers, and local artist collective, Buena Onda, presents, “Our Fruiting Bodies,” an interactive community performance. Plus, Arverne-based designer, Tori Deetz, features her ceramic planters for growing mushrooms at home, and Rockaway’s Wilderness Yard showcases their wild-harvested mushroom tinctures. Then at 8 p.m., Optipus—a collaboration of projection-performers, helmed by filmmaker, Bradley Eros, presents, "Mushroom Archive,” an expanded cinema performance with live visuals and original music. Following the half-hour performance,

is Louie Schwartzberg’s “Fantastic Fungi,” a film detailing in scintillating closeups and stunning timelapses how mushrooms could end up saving the world. Free admission. For tickets and more info., visit: rockawayfilmfestival.org

72-02 Gouverneur Ave., Queens, NY 11692

ROCKAWAY TIKI BAR’S TWOYEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY

SATURDAY, April 22 2 p.m.

Come celebrate two years of Tiki in Rockaway with a pig roast, cocktails, giveaways and live performances by sizzling pin-up jazz singers and tap dancers, The Satin Dollz, plus—Patsy & The Heavyset!

67-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

RTC PRESENTS A ‘MOSTLY MOTOWN’ NIGHT WITH THE RHAPSODY PLAYERS

SATURDAY, April 22 — 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, April 23 — 3 p.m.

This weekend, don’t miss renowned vocal group, The Rhapsody Players, as they bring Motown to Rockaway! Gear up for a nonstop, powerhouse night of all the hits with these eight accomplished vocalists and six-piece band. Tickets are $20, cash only at the door. Seating is first-come, firstserve, but you can make reservations by emailing the Rockaway Theatre Company at: rockawaytheatre@verizon.net.

Post Theater Bldg. T4, Fort Tilden

RBAF AUTISM WALK & AFTER-PARTY

SUNDAY, APRIL 23 11 a.m. / 2 p.m.

Make history with Rockaway Beach Autism Families (RBAF) at Rockaway’s first-ever Walk for Autism on the boardwalk! There’ll be giveaways and t-shirts for sale. Walk kicks off at Beach 96th Street and the boardwalk and ends at Beach 126th. Register in person on the day of the Walk, between 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. or online at www.rockawaybeachautismfamilies. org. Then from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., join RBAF’s post-walk after-party at RBQ (97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.), featuring live music with The Poorhouse, Chris Solo, DJ Daryl and more! For more info, visit: Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook or Instagram.

Got info on local live music, arts and more? Email: editor@rockawaytimes.com

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.

Tommy Share

Kevin Quinn

Linda Anthonijsz

Robert Baratto

Tedd Havlicek

Brenda Burns

Marek Piechocki

Mark Eidinger

MORE 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.

Linda Anthonijsz

John Dougherty

Andrew Stangel Jonathan Roberts

Bianca Neuweiler Andrzej Zbrog

Mark Anaya

Update On Becky Lynch,

CM Punk & Nick Aldis

Hey fans, welcome to another week of pro wrestling news! Let's dive right into it!

WWE Superstar Becky Lynch, who recently suffered an injury to her foot, is now entering into her last year of her three-year contract with the WWE. But reports are saying that she has yet to enter into any negotiations for a new contract. Becky is also known to be represented by the CAA Talent Agency, one of the biggest talent

agencies in Hollywood, and there might be aspirations of her doing movies. This is a developing story, and we will provide more updates as they become available.

Shifting over to the ever-developing story of CM Punk, recently, news that Punk has been in talks with AEW emerged. As per Fightful Select, CM Punk was reportedly scheduled to meet with AEW Superstar Chris Jericho, so they could work out their issues. In addition,

a meeting was also reportedly scheduled with AEW Owner Tony Khan, but we could not confirm if that meeting ever took place. It's been also reported that Warner Bros Discovery has been made fully aware of a potential CM Punk return to the company. So, like I said, this is an ever-developing story, and we will keep you posted.

ECW Legend Tommy Dreamer announced that he would be stepping away from pro wrestling during the IMPACT Rebellion telecast this past Sunday, April 16, 2023. Tommy Dreamer stated that his mother recently suffered a stroke, and she was unresponsive and would need his care. At this time, we do not know if Tommy will be returning. We wish Tommy Dreamer all the best.

IMPACT Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling have officially announced their second show together, taking place on August 20, 2023, in Philadelphia, PA, called "Multiverse United 2 - For Whom

the Bell Toll." The event will be held at the 2300 Arena, which is the old ECW Arena. An All-Star Junior Heavyweight Festival will take place, which will feature junior heavyweights from across the United States. More details about this event will be coming soon.

The Question of the Week comes from Alex R. in Broad Channel, and he asked, "Do you happen to know what happened with former NWA Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis?" Yes, I do Alex. Actually, Nick Aldis made his return to IMPACT Wrestling on April 17, 2023. He did commentary on the World Championship Match between Steve Maclin and Kushida. The match was to crown a new IMPACT World Champion, as the title has been relinquished by Josh Alexander due to an injury. Steve Maclin won the match, and afterwards Nick Aldis confronted him, setting up for a future match between them. Thanks for the great question, Alex!

If you have a question or comment, please send it to eavil183@ yahoo.com, have a great weekend!